The lack of funeral transport in Imías, Guantánamo, has caused outrage after the family of a child who passed away had to carry his body in an improvised hammock due to the absence of a funeral vehicle.
The event, which has circulated on social media, has sparked outrage and sadness among the population, highlighting the critical situation of the funeral service system in several provinces of the country.
On the social network Instagram, independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada also published a video showing family members walking with the child wrapped in a hammock.
The images have been described as a reflection of the deteriorating living conditions in Cuba, where even moments of greatest pain are marked by a lack of resources and institutional responses.
Authorities of Imías respond
Following the shock caused by the image of family members carrying the body of a deceased child in a hammock in Imías, Guantánamo, the Municipal Administration Council issued a press release offering its version of events.
According to Yaima Delgado, head of the Necrological Services Department in Imías, alternative funeral services and transportation had been coordinated, but the family chose to transport the casket on their own, as stated in the announcement on the Facebook page of the local weekly Venceremos.
Authorities indicated that they are continuing to investigate the causes and conditions that led the family to make this decision, in an effort to clarify the situation and prevent future irregularities in these essential services.
Despite the official response, the issue continues to spark debate on social media regarding the shortcomings of the funeral system in rural areas and the conditions many families must confront when dealing with the loss of their loved ones.
Outrage in San Agustín: relatives carry casket without a hearse
Similarly, the outlet Martí Noticias reported on social media the harsh conditions under which a burial took place in San Agustín, Havana, where family members were forced to carry the coffin by hand due to the lack of a funeral vehicle.
So far, the authorities have not made any statements about this incident, but the situation adds to a growing concern regarding the lack of resources and the deterioration of basic services in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Funeral System Crisis in Cuba
Why did the family of the child who passed away in Imías have to carry him in a hammock?
The family of the child who passed away in Imías transported him in a hammock due to the lack of a hearse, a situation that has generated outrage and reflects the deficiencies of the funeral system in Cuba.
What is the response of the authorities in Imías regarding the situation of the child's transfer?
The authorities of Imías issued a press release stating that alternative funeral services and transportation had been coordinated, but the family chose to transport the body on their own. Nonetheless, the investigation into the case is ongoing.
What does the funeral system crisis in Cuba reflect?
The crisis of the funeral system in Cuba reflects the precariousness of public services, with issues such as the scarcity of funeral transportation and materials for coffins, affecting even such solemn moments as funerals.
What similar situations to that of Imías have been reported in other provinces of Cuba?
Similar situations in other provinces include transporting coffins on foot and using makeshift means, such as horse-drawn carts, due to the lack of hearse vehicles. These situations have been reported in provinces such as Pinar del Río and Santiago de Cuba.
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