A 19-year-old Cuban woman identified as Lisneisi Pérez Barzaga died this Friday after jumping from the 12th floor of the 18-Story Building located in the Montecarlo neighborhood of the city of Camagüey.
The incident occurred in the afternoon and quickly mobilized local authorities.
Witnesses reported hearing screams and then a widespread commotion in the building and its surroundings.
"It's很 sad. No one knows what a person might be going through inside. The whole building is in shock," commented a neighbor who preferred to remain anonymous.
"She was a very hardworking and cheerful girl. (...) She was always helping others, very kind and affectionate; I don't know what could have happened," said another neighbor.
So far, no official details have been provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The outlet La Tijera on Facebook stated that the young woman was the mother of a small child.
This event adds to a series of recent incidents that have raised concerns in the community about mental health, support for young people, and the need to strengthen psychosocial support networks.
The latest figures on suicides in Cuba for the year 2022 indicate a rate of 12.9 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants, according to official data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
This figure represents a decrease compared to the previous year, 2021, when the rate was 16 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Despite this reduction, suicide remains one of the ten leading causes of death in the country. Compared to the global average of 9.49 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants and the average in the Americas of 7.3, the Cuban rate remains high.
In recent years, experts have pointed to a troubling increase in suicides among young people and adolescents, particularly in the age range of 12 to 35 years. Factors such as the economic crisis, the deterioration of living conditions, and the lack of access to adequate mental health services have been identified as possible causes of this phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide and Mental Health in Cuba
What happened to Lisneisi Pérez Barzaga in Camagüey?
Lisneisi Pérez Barzaga, a 19-year-old young woman, passed away after jumping from the 12th floor of a building in Camagüey. The incident took place in the 18-Story Building of the Montecarlo neighborhood, causing shock among the residents. So far, the exact circumstances of the event have not been clarified.
What is the situation regarding suicide in Cuba?
In Cuba, suicide is one of the ten leading causes of death, with a rate of 12.9 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Although this figure represents a decrease compared to previous years, it remains high in comparison to the global and regional average. Experts attribute this phenomenon to factors such as the economic crisis and the lack of access to adequate mental health services.
How does mental health affect young people in Cuba?
Young people in Cuba are facing a troubling increase in suicides, particularly among those aged 12 to 35 years. The deterioration of living conditions, lack of psychosocial support, and limited access to mental health services are factors contributing to this phenomenon, creating an urgent need to strengthen support networks for this demographic group.
What other infrastructure problems affect Cubans?
In Cuba, the housing collapse is a serious problem, with over 37% of the housing stock in "fair or poor" condition. The lack of investment and proper maintenance has led to deplorable living conditions, such as the recent concrete fallout in a building in Matanzas, which endangers the lives of residents and passersby.
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