Holguín community celebrates the arrival of a hearse: "More dignity in services"

The arrival of a hearse in Banes, Holguín, is seen as an improvement in funeral services. It is a second-hand vehicle, but it is regarded as a step forward after years of crisis and makeshift solutions with inadequate transportation.

Hearse in BanesPhoto © Facebook Radio Banes

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The municipality of Banes, in the province of Holguín, received a this Thursday. The arrival of the vehicle has been celebrated by residents as a significant improvement in the funeral services in the area.

A statement from the local broadcaster Radio Banes indicates that the acquisition of the vehicle will ensure a dignified transportation for the deceased, addressing a need that the community has faced for years.

"This vehicle was acquired with the aim of enhancing the quality and dignity of the services offered to families during such difficult times. With this improvement, we seek to more efficiently address the needs of our community and provide a service that reflects the respect each of our loved ones deserves," said the official media.

Facebook Radio Banes

The reactions on social media were immediate. Many users expressed their gratitude for the arrival of the hearse and shared their hope that it will be kept in good condition.

"Thank God. Now we can give a dignified and honorable farewell to our loved ones," commented an internet user. Others pointed out that it is a used vehicle that will likely require maintenance in order to provide services regularly.

The recent history of the funeral crisis in Banes

The arrival of this vehicle comes after years of crisis in the transportation of the deceased in Holguín. In 2023, the authorities of Banes improvised a funeral vehicle using a tractor that towed the rear section of a van-type truck, where the coffin was placed.

The invention, shared on social media by internet user Leandro Pupo Garcés, sparked outrage among many Cubans. "The creativity of those who create nothing," "This can't be, I feel so sorry for them if they have reached such an extreme," were some of the comments on social media.

In some towns, such as Buenaventura, garbage carts have been used for burials, a situation that reflects the severity of the crisis in funeral services in the eastern part of the country.

The arrival of the new hearse represents a small improvement in a situation marked by scarcity and improvised solutions. However, for many residents of Holguín, it is still insufficient given the lack of resources and the deterioration of public services in the province.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Funeral Services Crisis in Cuba

Why is the arrival of a hearse in Banes, Holguín important?

The arrival of a hearse in Banes, Holguín, is significant because it represents a notable improvement in funeral services in the municipality, which has faced serious shortages in the transportation of the deceased for years, forcing families to resort to improvised and undignified measures for burials.

How has the funeral car crisis affected Cuban families?

The crisis of hearses in Cuba has affected families by forcing them to seek makeshift alternatives to transport their deceased loved ones, such as the use of electric tricycles, trucks, and even transportation on foot. This situation has caused outrage and frustration due to the lack of a dignified and appropriate service.

What are the causes of the crisis in funeral services in Cuba?

The causes of the crisis in funeral services in Cuba include the fuel shortage, the deterioration of the vehicle fleet, the lack of maintenance and spare parts for funeral cars, and ineffective management by the responsible authorities, which has led to situations of precariousness and neglect in the system.

What measures have been taken in Cuba to address the funeral transport crisis?

In Cuba, measures such as the acquisition of electric tricycles for use as hearses have been adopted in an effort to reduce fuel consumption. However, these solutions have been criticized for their lack of dignity and effectiveness, and have not succeeded in adequately addressing the crisis.

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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.