In a quarry lost among the hills of Matanzas, some Cubans continue to extract stone by hand under the sun, as if we were in the 19th century.
It is not a documentary about ancient history, but rather images of Cuba in 2025. This is what the Cuban YouTuber JSant TV showcased in his recent video titled "The Most Stunning Place I've Seen in Cuba," where he reveals a stark portrait of exploitation, state neglect, and technological backwardness.
In this forgotten part of the country, there are no excavators or electric saws. The stones are cut with rudimentary tools, while the State ignores the inhumane conditions of those who support the most humble structures of the country with their sweat.
Breaking stones by hand: a legacy of backwardness and neglect
The quarry, specialized in limestone extraction, continues to operate using manual techniques that date back to the 19th century. Workers, without protection or proper equipment, cut blocks using hand saws and iron wedges. All of this is done without job security, without insurance, without machinery, and without hope.
The stone extracted there, using manual labor, is used to build modest homes in Matanzas, a city that is also struggling with the construction material crisis affecting the entire country. Meanwhile, official speeches continue to talk about "productive transformation" and "economic sovereignty."
Abandonment, isolation, and total precariousness
There is no public transportation connecting the quarry with urban centers. The only way to get there is by paying 3,000 Cuban pesos to private transporters, which is more than a minimum salary on the Island.
There is also no mobile coverage or basic services. It is a territory completely disconnected, both physically and symbolically, from the present.
The lack of state investment is not by chance. While the government prioritizes tourism and dollarized sectors, it leaves thousands of Cubans who still work with pre-industrial methods to fend for themselves.
In addition to its economic value, this quarry holds paleontological wealth that has been overlooked by the authorities. Marine fossils, Megalodon teeth, and prehistoric shells have been found there, evidence that this area was underwater thousands of years ago.
However, there is no signage, no study, nor protection for the site. Nothing indicates that we are in the presence of a location of scientific interest.
Over the years, the quarry has been excavated more than 10 meters deep, irreversibly altering the landscape without any kind of environmental regulation. And it will continue to deepen, not for development, but out of necessity.
This is the kind of reality that Cubans know well, but which the regime prefers to keep out of sight. A reality where the workforce is exploited to the fullest, without rights or tools, and where progress seems reserved only for the tourist showcases.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of the Matanzas quarry and Cuban reality
How does the quarry in Matanzas operate, and what is its current condition?
The quarry in Matanzas operates using manual methods from the 19th century, where workers cut limestone without modern machinery, adequate protection, or labor guarantees. This state of precariousness is a reflection of state neglect and technological backwardness in the region.
Why is the Matanzas quarry a site of scientific interest?
Besides its economic value, the quarry holds paleontological riches with discoveries such as marine fossils and Megalodon teeth, evidence that the area was underwater thousands of years ago. However, it lacks signage, study, or official protection.
How does the lack of infrastructure and basic services affect the quarry workers?
The workers at the Matanzas quarry do not have access to public transportation or basic services, which isolates them and forces them to depend on private transporters at high costs. This disconnection exacerbates their labor and social precariousness.
What is the economic and social situation in Matanzas and Cuba in general?
The situation in Matanzas and in Cuba is critical, with issues related to shortages of construction materials, food, and basic services such as electricity and water. The economic crisis impacts the quality of life of the population, exacerbated by a governmental management that prioritizes sectors like tourism over the basic needs of its citizens.
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