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The precariousness of funeral services in Cuba was once again highlighted following a citizen's complaint in Manzanillo, Granma province, where relatives of the deceased had to carry the coffin manually and load it onto a cargo truck due to the delay of the hearse.
The incident was reported on Facebook by Bernardo Osmar Chávez, who explained that his cousin passed away due to a massive heart attack and that the burial was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. However, the hearse did not arrive until 4:15 p.m., which forced the family and friends to improvise with a truck.
"After a long wait, the car finally arrives at 4:15 p.m., and what a car it is!" Chávez wrote, accompanied by images showing several men lifting the coffin to place it in the vehicle.
The images of the improvised transfer sparked a wave of outrage on social media, where many users condemned the inadequacy of the funeral service and the disrespect shown towards the deceased and their families. Some pointed out that the crisis has reached an extreme level and that responsibility can no longer be evaded. "I don't even know whose fault it is anymore, but this has gone too far," commented one user, reflecting the confusion of those who see no solutions.
Other messages highlighted the additional pain that such situations bring to families. "What sadness envelops the Cuban people. It is no longer enough to feel the sorrow of losing a loved one; we must also endure the pain of how we have to watch them go," lamented another individual. The comments also questioned the government's management, emphasizing the disparity in the quality of services between the capital and the provinces. "How is it possible to buy fleets of vehicles for tourism that get wrecked and damaged while there is nothing available to purchase a vehicle for funeral services in the provinces? Because this does not happen in Havana."
The country's economic crisis and government policies were also highlighted by other internet users. "Enough blaming the blockade. The lack of respect for the Cuban people has crossed the line. It's sad to see how the leaders of this country enrich themselves at the expense of this people's suffering," expressed one commentator, while another, in a more radical tone, stated: "It would be better for the dead to be buried in their own backyard."
In a second post, in response to one of the many comments he received, Chávez expanded his denunciation and questioned the priorities of the Cuban government regarding vehicle acquisitions: "I don't know which agency is responsible for purchasing cars for tourism or other vehicles, but whatever it is, it should consider the need to buy other essential vehicles in the country, such as ambulances and hearse cars," he stated, suggesting that amid the crisis, resources should be allocated to essential services rather than focusing on sectors like tourism.
His comment reflects a concern shared by many Cubans, who see how the deterioration of basic services impacts even respect and dignity in the toughest moments.
A recurring problem in Cuba
The crisis in funeral services in Cuba is not new. In Imías, Guantánamo, relatives of a deceased child had to transport him in a hammock due to the lack of a hearse. The image of this makeshift funeral procession went viral on social media, sparking a strong debate about the precariousness of these services on the island.
Local authorities stated that alternative funeral services were available, but the family chose to transport the body on their own. However, the incident once again highlighted the severe shortcomings in the funeral sector, particularly in rural communities.
Another case occurred in San Agustín, Havana, where a funeral had to be conducted without a hearse, forcing the relatives to carry the casket by hand.
Banes celebrates the arrival of a second-hand hearse
While in Manzanillo and other provinces burials rely on improvisation, in Banes, Holguín, the residents celebrated the arrival of a second-hand hearse.
According to a statement from the broadcaster Radio Banes, the vehicle will provide a “more dignified” service after years of crisis during which tractors or even garbage trucks were used to transport coffins.
However, for many Cubans, the arrival of a single hearse in a community does not solve the structural problem of funeral services deterioration in Cuba, where families must face losses under increasingly undignified conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Funeral Services Crisis in Cuba
Why are cargo trucks used to transport coffins in Cuba?
In Cuba, the lack of proper funeral cars has led families to use cargo trucks to transport coffins. This situation arises from the deterioration of the funeral vehicle fleet and the lack of resources to acquire new ones, forcing families to seek improvised solutions to bury their loved ones.
How does the funeral services crisis affect families in Cuba?
The funeral service crisis in Cuba adds additional pain to families already facing the loss of a loved one. Families are forced to carry coffins on foot or use makeshift means, such as trucks or even horse-drawn carts, which generates outrage and suffering during times of mourning. Furthermore, the lack of basic resources like coffins and the deterioration of cemeteries contribute to the feeling of neglect and disrespect towards the deceased.
What measures have been taken to improve funeral services in Cuba?
In some cases, second-hand vehicles have been acquired to improve funeral services in certain areas, such as in Banes, Holguín. However, these measures are insufficient to address the widespread crisis in the country. The lack of resources and poor management continue to affect the quality of funeral services, leaving many communities without adequate solutions.
What do Cuban citizens think about the government's performance in this area?
Many Cubans criticize the government's management, accusing it of prioritizing sectors such as tourism over basic needs like funeral services. The outrage is evident on social media, where there are complaints about the lack of respect for the Cuban people and questioning the distribution of resources in the country. The general perception is that the government is not adequately responding to the needs of its citizens in critical times.
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