Urgent help is needed for three elderly siblings living in extreme poverty in Granma

Compassionate Cubans launched an urgent appeal for assistance for three elderly and disabled siblings, who are surviving in extreme poverty in the municipality of Jiguaní, Granma.

The report of the case was made from the Facebook profile “Jiguaní Denuncia Expediente,” with photos that document the dire situation faced by the siblings Leopoldo, Luisa, and Domingo, elderly retirees residing at 9 Abel Santa María Street, in the 10th of October neighborhood (Las Casitas).

The post made by a user identified as "Cuba Libre" lamented the "sad and very difficult" condition in which the three brothers find themselves, "retirees who contributed to this country," and warned that "they are slowly dying in extreme poverty".

According to the testimony, Domingo "works cleaning boots to survive," despite being retired, Leopoldo "has no strength," and Luisa has almost lost her sight.

The elderly sleep on boards and wires, propped up by blocks and stones, the text notes, because, apparently, for the government of Jiguaní it is “very difficult to provide them with a bed, even if it's made of green timber from the forest.”

It was also reported that the Public Health Department has been informed several times about the existence of a bedbug infestation, however, “supposedly they ‘never have’ fumigation and they don't care about the situation.”

"It is unfortunate what these elderly people are experiencing," emphasized the profile.

However, he acknowledged that Mrs. Luisa is cared for by a young woman designated by the authorities, who “attends to her well within her means, provides her with food, bathes her, and cleans her, but she doesn't have the money to buy her a bed, clothes, personal hygiene products, and so on.”

In contrast, his two brothers often have nothing to eat and have only consumed a piece of dry coconut dough throughout the entire day.

Some neighbors help them occasionally, to the extent of their abilities, the text noted.

Due to the "poor work" and lack of assistance from the local government, the whistleblower appealed to the solidarity of Cubans, asking them to donate items that the brothers need, such as beds, medications, food, and clothing, among others. Those who wish to help can contact the number 59201472, speaking with Jacqueline Ponce Mendoza.

In the comments, Ponce Mendoza herself testified about "everything that the elderly have gone through and are still suffering," and asserted that "no authority has paid the slightest attention to them, because supposedly the country has no resources to give them anything."

It was revealed that, following the complaints about the bedbug outbreak and a significant blockage in the bathroom, officials from Public Health and the Water and Sewer Department of the municipality have responded that they should "find a solution by their own means."

In response to the indifferent "solution" from the authorities, Ponce Mendoza stated that the elderly "live on a pension of 1,500 pesos, which we know is not enough for anything."

A report from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) on the state of social rights in Cuba, published in 2024, stated that 89% of Cuban families suffer from extreme poverty, one percentage point more than in 2023 and 13% more than the previous year.

Frequently asked questions about the situation of the elderly in Cuba