A grandmother and her grandson are living in extreme poverty in the municipality of Gibara, in the province of Holguín, after she took custody of the minor following his mother's hospitalization for psychiatric issues and subsequent removal from custody after a serious incident.
The story was shared by the Cuban dancer, choreographer, and activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, known as Noly Blak, who published the testimony this Tuesday on his Facebook profile, through a video recorded at the scene.
In the images, recorded inside a makeshift home made of fragile materials, the activist interviews the child's grandmother, who recounts the difficult situation they are facing.
The child's mother tried to set fire to the mattress where the little boy was sleeping: "It was the father who managed to save him; the room was filled with smoke. The neighbor, who is the child's aunt, helped put out the fire on the mattress," the woman recounted.
According to the explanation, the mother suffers from mental imbalances and has attempted to take her own life several times.
She is currently in a specialized medical care center. "She doesn't have a bad heart," said the grandmother, without providing further details about the incident or the child's mother.
The activist highlighted the harsh conditions in which the child and his grandmother live: an unprotected roof and an outdoor kitchen.
"When it rains, I have to wait for it to stop before I can cook," the woman explained.
"The only thing I need is a small place where at least I don't get wet. It's hard to live in a place where you can't sleep and have to stay sitting all night," she added.
Noly Blak announced that she will channel assistance for the family, but warned that she will not provide cash to the adults in the household.
"If the money isn't enough for a house, at least I'll buy what I can. But in the hands of adults, I won't put in a single peso," he stated.
For those wishing to contribute, the activist shared account numbers in CUP and MLC, as well as their WhatsApp contact, +5353082732, stating that every donation must be accompanied by a screenshot to ensure transparency.
The Cuban activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak has played a key role in multiple solidarity initiatives to support people in vulnerable situations in Cuba.
On one occasion, he led a campaign to
Moreover, he not only organized the assistance but also directly supervised the process to ensure that the resources reached their destination.
Similarly, their actions were crucial in changing the life of a child who lived in extreme poverty. Thanks to the support facilitated by their activism, the child received a new home as part of a citizen response driven by the spread of their story.
Severe poverty among the elderly has also been a focal point for Cuban activists. An older woman, facing food insecurity and lacking dignified living conditions, recounted how she suffered from dizziness due to lack of food while living alone and vulnerable.
Cases like this have been shared to channel donations and raise awareness about the reality faced by many citizens.
Likewise, other families with special needs, such as a couple with physical disabilities, have required support due to the inadequacy of state assistance.
In a community in Holguín, the story of two people who survived thanks to the occasional help from acquaintances and neighbors became public. This visibility was crucial in activating networks of solidarity that could offer them more sustainable solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Social and Economic Crisis in Cuba
What is the situation of the grandmother and her grandson in Holguín?
The grandmother and her grandson live in extreme precarious conditions in an improvised dwelling in Gibara, Holguín. The grandmother took charge of the child after his mother was hospitalized due to psychiatric issues and was removed from custody. They live under a roof without protection and with an outdoor kitchen, which complicates their daily life, especially during the rainy season.
What actions has the activist Noly Blak taken to help this family?
Noly Blak has announced that it will provide support for the family, but will not give cash to the adults in the household. Instead, they commit to purchasing what is necessary to improve the living conditions of the child and their grandmother. They have shared account numbers to receive donations and ensure transparency in the management of the funds.
What other cases of extreme poverty and lack of resources have been reported in Cuba?
There are multiple cases of extreme poverty and lack of resources in Cuba. An example is a mother in Holguín who lives with her ill child in inhumane conditions, without electricity and without access to adequate food. Another case is a mother in Banes who needs to build a cell in her home to protect her other child due to the lack of medications for her child with a mental illness. These situations reflect a broader social and economic crisis in the country.
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