Vandalism against the park in El Vedado: "We all suffer from negligence, indiscipline, and apathy."

A park bench located at the corner of 3rd Street and Paseo in El Vedado was found this Friday with two of its legs ripped off and lying face down on the grass, a victim of the latest act in the wave of vandalism sweeping the city.

The images were shared by the internet user Enrique Durán Luis in the Facebook group "El Vedado de Hoy," accompanied by a strong call to attention: "It is a regrettable wound in its anatomy. And also for all of El Vedado. The crisis should not be an excuse for mistreatment and neglect."

Durán recalled that just a few days ago, the authorities painted all the benches in the 13 parks that stretch from 3rd Street to Zapata, a beautification project that is now being met with acts of systematic destruction.

"It is not the first time this has happened, nor are they the only Havana parks with such wounds," he wrote.

According to the neighbor, the old benches—longer and able to accommodate whole families—were replaced years ago by smaller versions.

But these two at 3rd and Paseo had been brought together again for community enjoyment, until indiscipline and apathy reduced them to piles of wooden rubble.

In the comments section, several users echoed the local frustration:

"There is no law or order in Cuba," summed up an internet user candidly, highlighting the lack of authority.

"And what was the police doing?" a woman asked, recalling the former presence of patrols on the street. "That kind of vandalism doesn't happen in two minutes."

Another neighbor lamented, "When I was young, nobody would think of doing such a thing. Where are we headed?"

"Crime has taken over: buses, parks, assaults... what is being done?" a third person questioned.

Those voices reflect the growing discontent: "I don't understand these idiots who only harm the ordinary Cuban. Those at the top don't go to the park," added a woman from Havana.

The case of the mutilated bank at 3rd and Paseo is not an exception.

Users of the social network pointed out other critical issues in the city.

Between G and 5th, in the area where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located, the marble benches have been broken despite the presence of guards and cameras, with no one intervening.

In Lennon Park, nearly all the benches have been destroyed or even stolen, and at G and Malecón, not a single intact marble bench remains.

Far from El Vedado, in Buttari Park of the Lawton district, in the municipality of Diez de Octubre, they had to permanently remove a fence and rebuild it with masonry, because every day the peerless fence and benches were being damaged.

Beyond the material, the wound to the social fabric

For Durán and many residents, the harm extends beyond the lost wood or metal. The worst part is the damage to the spirit of the city, its intangible values, and its history.

"Vandalism and neglect, indiscipline and indifference, are suffered and paid for by those of us who enjoy their benefits," he emphasized.

"Economic hardships should not be at odds with responsibility and discipline. The pain of these parks should be felt by everyone," he added.

The call to the authorities is clear: without effective patrolling or exemplary sanctions, vandalism will continue to erode the urban heritage and, along with it, the spirit of the inhabitants of Havana.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vandalism and Urban Deterioration in Havana