On Father's Day, the Santiago activist Yasser Sosa Tamayo shared an emotional message dedicated to Cuban fathers and grandfathers who, in his words, "have been forgotten among tin medals and broken promises."
Sosa, known in Santiago de Cuba for his solidarity work with vulnerable individuals, shared his reflection on Facebook, accompanied by a video showing him distributing food to elderly people on the streets, a practice he has maintained for months as a constant gesture of dignity and civic resistance.
"For the old folks of my village. For all those grandparents who, amid tin medals and broken promises, have remained sitting in the corner of oblivion," wrote the activist, visibly moved.
The message, both poetic and deeply political, encompasses parents imprisoned for their beliefs, forced emigrants, victims of the sea, and friends fighting from afar, including a special mention of his own grandfather, to whom he dedicates his tribute.
For those who are behind bars for defending their truth and that of many. For those who were left trying to cross the sea. For my grandfather up in heaven... may this be a tribute to all the fathers of my Cuba,” he emphasized.
Sosa, who has repeatedly denounced the neglectful conditions in which many elderly people live on the island, took the opportunity to shed light on the country's debt to those who gave their lives for a promise that never came.
In a context of deep economic and social crisis, where thousands of elderly Cubans survive on minimal pensions, without regular access to medication or a solid support network, Sosa's gesture is not only an act of compassion but also a form of protest.
"Life is tough for humans; what can we expect for the forgotten?" he commented in another recent post, referring to his community work.
While official media were filled with slogans and formal tributes, the message from this Santiago activist resonated as a stark reminder of the reality faced by thousands of parents in deep Cuba: abandonment, forced migration, and institutional silence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of the Elderly and Poverty in Cuba
What is the situation of the elderly in Cuba?
The elderly in Cuba face extreme poverty, surviving on minimal pensions and lacking regular access to medications and basic resources. The absence of a strong support network has left many in conditions of neglect and vulnerability.
What actions does Yasser Sosa Tamayo take to support those in need?
Yasser Sosa Tamayo is an activist dedicated to helping people in extreme poverty in Santiago de Cuba. He distributes clothing, shoes, and food to the most vulnerable, highlighting the harsh reality they face under the Cuban regime and promoting solidarity within the community.
How does the economic crisis affect the elderly in Cuba?
The economic crisis has left the elderly in Cuba in a state of extreme vulnerability. The lack of resources, medical and social care, along with the migration of family members, has forced many to live in conditions of begging and neglect.
What role does the community play in helping those in need in Cuba?
In Cuba, community solidarity has emerged as a necessary response to extreme poverty. Activists organize actions to provide support to those in need, delivering food and highlighting these issues, demonstrating that the community can make a significant difference.
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