The Municipal Government of Río Cauto, in Granma, criticized Cuban mother Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez this Wednesday, who led a protest in her community square last weekend.
The woman reported that there was hunger in the neighborhood of Pueblo Viejo and that she had no food to feed her three children.
In a statement on Facebook, the Local Administration responded to Carrasco's remarks, considering her attitude to be "unacceptable." They stated that her family was provided with a "temporary shelter with walls made of wood and zinc" to improve their living conditions.
The government's response emphasizes that, in accordance with Decree 25, which modifies certain articles of Law 105 on Social Security in Cuba, a family unit is considered vulnerable when there are no employable individuals, when the income is insufficient, or when there are no relatives obligated to provide support.
The Municipal Government announced that the Labor and Social Security Directorate of Río Cauto had updated the family characterization of Mayelín Carrasco through home visits and exchanges with community stakeholders.
According to the official version, he was offered more than five job opportunities, including positions as a general assistant at an educational institution and at UEB Calisur; however, Carrasco declined all the offers.
It was also noted that his partner was offered a position at the UBPC and CCS of Guamo Viejo as a custodian and charcoal worker, but she also declined the offer.
"In Cuba, no one is left unassisted," concluded the statement from the Municipal Government of Río Cauto.
The response comes amid a growing discussion about economic difficulties in various regions of the country, and the dissatisfaction of the island's population amidst a deep crisis and an increase in repression.
The government's statement does not mention that after her protest, the 47-year-old mother was violently detained for protesting alone in the "Ángel Fría" square in the Granma municipality of Río Cauto.
Frequently Asked Questions about the protest by Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez in Río Cauto
Why did Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez protest in the square of Río Cauto?
Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez protested to denounce the lack of food in her community of Guamo Viejo and the hunger situation affecting her family, which consists of herself and her three children. Despite having received a wooden and zinc house as a "temporary accommodation," the food shortage and lack of state support drove her to take to the streets in protest.
What response did the Government of Río Cauto give to Mayelín Carrasco's protest?
The Government of Río Cauto deemed Mayelín Carrasco's protest as "unacceptable." They stated that several job opportunities had been offered to her and her partner, which they rejected. The administration emphasized that a temporary housing solution had been provided to improve their living conditions. However, there was no mention of the use of force during her detention.
How was Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez arrested following her protest?
Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez was violently detained by agents of the political police, who pulled her down from the stage at the Ángel Fría square in Río Cauto. Despite Carrasco's resistance and the supportive shouts from some neighbors, the agents ignored them and proceeded with her arrest.
What has been the community's reaction to Mayelín Carrasco's protest?
The protest by Mayelín Carrasco has sparked a wave of outrage and support on social media, where many have praised her bravery. However, during the protest, few neighbors actively joined her cause, although some shouted in her support when she was arrested. This lack of collective action reflects the fear and widespread repression in Cuban society.
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