The presenter and broadcaster Laritza Camacho has once again touched on a sensitive issue by addressing, in a recent post on Facebook, the serious and ongoing problem of waste management in Cuba, a crisis that goes beyond aesthetics and is directly linked to public health, the economy, and the structural deterioration of the country.
In an extensive, reflective, and deeply ironic post, Camacho compared the ecological solutions and recycling models implemented in other parts of the world with the unhealthy reality of Cuban streets, where —according to her— “mountains of trash” pile up while the State fails to articulate an effective response and does not allow private entrepreneurs to offer sustainable solutions.
Cuba could be an excellent exporter of waste… because I admit we have waste to export, but maybe there isn't money to process it. Of course, we also lack awareness,” he wrote.
Trash, health, and lack of medication: a lethal combination
Beyond the visual and environmental impact, the speaker emphasized the health risks of the current situation, in a context where Cuba is experiencing its worst public health crisis in decades, with a shortage of medications, lack of specialized personnel, and deteriorating infrastructure.
"Pestilence and rats, hepatitis and the viruses from decomposing organic matter," Camacho lists as immediate consequences of a neglected and contaminated urban environment.
In her post, she also makes a call to action with concrete proposals: to create micro, small, and medium enterprises for waste collection, establish basic sorting systems, implement community composters, and transform waste into job opportunities. "That mixed garbage generates neither income, civic awareness, nor any happiness," she lamented.
Direct criticism of the official discourse
True to her frontal style, Laritza Camacho sarcastically commented on the use of political propaganda in the face of everyday problems. “The bales shouldn’t say Homeland or Death... every piece of trash collected prevents deaths, diseases, and pests... in other words, they are good for the homeland,” she stated. She even proposed a slogan that—she said candidly—she wouldn’t mind if the problem were truly resolved: “Trash against the blockade!”
Camacho is no stranger to this type of complaint. On other occasions, she has addressed sensitive issues on social media such as scarcity, bureaucracy, and the neglect of public services, from a citizen's perspective that blends humor, advocacy, and proposals.
"Call on everyone, no matter their thoughts."
The publication concludes with an urgent appeal to the authorities and society at large to stop ignoring a problem that has gone unsolved for decades: “To the owners of the streets, I say it is URGENT (...) we shouldn't end up arguing over the garbage… that, at least in Cuba, is more than enough.”
In times when resources are scarce and neglect accumulates at every corner, Laritza Camacho's message resonates like an echo of the obvious: garbage is no longer just waste, it is a symptom.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Waste Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of waste management in Cuba?
Waste management in Cuba is in a critical situation, with trash accumulating in the streets, impacting public health, the economy, and the quality of life for its citizens. The lack of effective response from the government and the inability for private entrepreneurs to offer sustainable solutions exacerbate the issue.
What impact does the accumulation of garbage have on public health in Cuba?
The accumulation of garbage in Cuba poses a serious health risk, encouraging the proliferation of pests such as rats and flies, and increasing the spread of diseases like hepatitis. This situation is especially concerning in the context of a public health crisis, with shortages of medications and a lack of specialized personnel.
What proposals exist to solve the waste crisis in Cuba?
Laritza Camacho suggests several proposals to tackle the garbage crisis in Cuba, including the creation of microenterprises for waste collection, the implementation of basic sorting systems and community composting, and making use of waste as job opportunities. These measures aim to generate income, raise citizen awareness, and improve the quality of life.
How does the Cuban government respond to criticism regarding waste management?
The Cuban government has not articulated an effective response to the criticisms regarding waste management. Despite the ongoing complaints from the public, inefficiency and a lack of resources have prevented an effective solution to the problem, leaving citizens at the mercy of unsanitary and dangerous conditions.
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