Cuban elderly man dies after realizing his dream of returning to the island after living on the streets of Tampa

Melquíades Limonta assisted with humanitarian efforts in Tampa before returning to Cuba.


An elderly Cuban passed away from a heart attack in his homeland shortly after fulfilling his greatest wish: returning to the island after years of living in poverty in Tampa, United States.

The man, identified as Melquíades Limonta, was originally from Guantánamo and was sent to the U.S. in 1961. However, the circumstances of his life led him to confront a harsh reality, leaving him homeless and living on the streets of Tampa in recent years.

Despite his situation, Limonta never lost hope of returning to his country and reuniting with his three children: Giosvel, Carlos, and Marita.

In statements to the Cuban Roger Ramírez, who dedicates himself to helping several of his compatriots who are homeless in Tampa, he said that his desire to return to Cuba was to see his children and reunite with his sister Magaly.

Ramírez, upon confirming Melquiades' death, mentioned that he had been ill and emphasized that after bringing him in from the street and while awaiting all the bureaucratic procedures for his return to Cuba, he had been helping in his humanitarian work, "distributing food."

"My condolences to the entire family in Cuba of this gentleman, Melquiades Limonta, who earned the affection of many of us who knew him," he wrote. Meanwhile, in a touching video, the influencer shared heartfelt words for the elderly man, who fulfilled his wish to return to the "only place where he could die in peace."

Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of the Elderly in Cuba

What is the current situation of the elderly in Cuba?

The situation of the elderly in Cuba is critical, as many live in conditions of abandonment and extreme poverty. The economic crisis has exacerbated begging and the lack of social support for this vulnerable group, forcing them to search for food in the trash and survive on the streets without the necessary assistance.

Why is there an increase in begging among the elderly in Cuba?

The begging among the elderly in Cuba has increased due to the deep economic crisis the country is experiencing. The inflation, the scarcity of basic products, and the low retirement salaries have left many elderly individuals without enough resources to live with dignity, forcing them to seek sustenance in the streets.

What reactions have been generated by the deaths of elderly people in abandonment situations in Cuba?

The death of elderly individuals in a state of abandonment has sparked a wave of outrage and sadness on social media. Many Cubans criticize the government for its inability to care for its most vulnerable population and lament the reality of elderly people dying without support or dignity on the streets.

How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect the elderly population?

The economic crisis in Cuba severely affects the elderly population, leaving them in a state of extreme vulnerability. The lack of resources, medical and social care, combined with the migration of family members, exacerbates their situation, leaving them without the necessary support to survive.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.