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The Cuban doctor Naila Ayrado Rivero recounted on her social media the distressing experience she lived through with her son in Havana, amid the massive blackout that plunged the country into darkness.
The lack of street lighting, combined with the growing insecurity in the capital, turned what should have been a safe journey into a terrifying experience.
According to what he shared on his Facebook profile, the incident occurred on Avenida de los Presidentes (Calle G) in Vedado, while they were returning from charging their phones at a hospital due to the power outage in their home.
As they walked through the area, a man dressed in dark clothing and carrying a backpack suddenly appeared in their path: "I have never felt so much fear," the doctor wrote, describing the tension of the moment.
The stranger kept staring at them intently, which heightened their fear, and faced with the possibility of an assault, he shouted a complete Bible Psalm, causing the man to recoil.
"She probably saw the angels that were with me," she commented in her post, clearly showing the anguish she felt at that moment.
His instinct was to immediately distance himself with his son, picking up stones from the ground in case they needed to defend themselves: "We crossed the street and kept walking almost running, constantly looking back to see if anyone was following us. Luckily, no one did."
The doctor acknowledged that there was police presence at the intersection of Carlos III and Zapata, but questioned why the same does not happen in areas near hospitals where doctors, patients, and family members pass through.
"I understand that this intersection is dangerous due to vehicle traffic, but on the outskirts of the Fructuoso Rodríguez Hospital the presence of police patrols and public lighting is also urgent," he stated.
The lack of lighting on public streets is not a new issue in the area, as the doctor reported that, even before the massive blackout, G Street often remained dark due to the absence of lighting on the poles.
"Those hollow-trunked trees can provide cover to hide and surprise any unsuspecting passerby. There are no lights on the lampposts, and there's never a police officer nearby," he emphasized.
Beyond his personal experience, Rivero noted that this is a reality that affects hundreds of Havana residents, especially during times of energy crisis like the one the country is currently experiencing.
"This area provides access to several hospitals, and those of us who pass through here are mostly healthcare personnel, patients, and their companions. We cannot continue to be at the mercy of darkness and insecurity," she stated in her post.
Additionally, he urged authorities to take urgent measures regarding security. "We can no longer accommodate criminals to carry out their misdeeds. At the very least, they should have to work hard to catch their prey," he expressed with indignation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insecurity and Blackouts in Havana
Why is the lack of street lighting a problem in Havana?
The lack of public lighting in Havana is a serious problem because it increases insecurity on the streets and makes areas like Avenida de los Presidentes in Vedado dangerous for pedestrians, especially during widespread blackouts. This issue is not new and has been repeatedly reported by residents such as Dr. Naila Ayrado Rivero, who experienced a distressing situation due to the darkness in the streets.
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect public safety?
The energy crisis in Cuba directly impacts public safety by causing blackouts that leave entire cities, such as Havana, in darkness, creating situations of danger and insecurity. Blackouts not only hinder visibility for drivers and pedestrians, but also increase criminal activity, as evidenced by the assault on a child in San Miguel del Padrón and the account of Dr. Naila Ayrado Rivero.
What measures have been requested to improve security in hospital areas of Havana?
The presence of patrol officers and improvements in street lighting have been requested near hospitals in Havana to ensure the safety of doctors, patients, and their families. Dr. Naila Ayrado Rivero, reflecting on her experience of insecurity, called for the urgent need for these measures in areas such as the vicinity of the Fructuoso Rodríguez Hospital, where the lack of lighting and surveillance is critical.
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