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The independent gender observatory Alas Tensas demanded actions and responses this Friday regarding the disappearance six months ago of the retired teacher Esperanza Cabrera Melvin, 75 years old, last seen on December 19, 2024 in the municipality of Colón, Matanzas province.
According to the information shared on the platform on Facebook, that day Cabrera Melvin was at the Central René Fraga bus stop, from where he planned to travel to the nearby town of Maceo, located just a kilometer away.
However, the elderly woman never reached her destination, and since then, nothing has been heard from her.
The case has generated increasing concern and calls for justice from family members, neighbors, and activists, who accuse local authorities of failing to provide concrete answers or progress in the investigation.
"We do not forget her and demand answers from the authorities who have the duty to seek her," expressed Alas Tensas.
She remembered that Cabrera was wearing a green sweater, light blue jeans, a caramel-colored scarf on her head, black sandals, and she was carrying a purse with her mobile phone.
Since the moment of her disappearance, her family has tirelessly continued the search. However, the case has not received coverage in state media nor official statements that provide clarity on the investigative process.
In February, it became known that a man was arrested as the primary suspect in the alleged murder of the teacher. The suspected killer was identified as Yoandy Castro, originally from the town of Laberinto, who was arrested after threatening another person while intoxicated, stating: "It's good enough to beat you up like I did to Esperanza."
However, the fact has not been confirmed, as the alleged murderer had not confessed to the crime, nor had Esperanza's remains been found.
The relatives of Esperanza Cabrera have shared their contact numbers in the hope that someone might provide useful information: 54308730 / 56278141 / 58736470.
The disappearance of the teacher adds to a concerning trend of reports of missing persons in Cuba, many of which do not receive visibility or institutional responses.
Feminist and human rights collectives on the Island have reiterated the urgency for effective search protocols and greater political will to clarify these cases, especially when they involve older women, one of the most vulnerable groups.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Disappearance of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin in Matanzas
Who was Esperanza Cabrera Melvin and when did she disappear?
Esperanza Cabrera Melvin was a 75-year-old retired teacher who disappeared on December 19, 2024, in Matanzas, Cuba. She was last seen at the Central René Fraga bus stop, from where she intended to travel to the town of Maceo, but she never reached her destination.
What actions have been taken to find Esperanza Cabrera Melvin?
Since her disappearance, the family has been actively searching and has sought help through social media. Feminist and human rights groups have demanded the implementation of effective search protocols. However, the authorities have not provided any concrete information regarding the case.
What is known about the alleged person responsible for Esperanza's disappearance?
The main suspect in the murder of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin is Yoandy Castro, who was arrested after admitting while intoxicated that he had attacked Esperanza. However, authorities have not yet confirmed his involvement nor found Esperanza's body.
Why is the lack of response from the authorities in these cases concerning?
The lack of response from the authorities is concerning as it reflects ineffectiveness in protecting citizens and resolving cases of disappearances in Cuba. The absence of effective protocols and the lack of political will to address these cases leave families in a state of despair and helplessness.
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