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A total of 431 people have already signed an open letter denouncing the serious environmental situation in Moa, Holguín, where toxic dust and industrial gases continue to impact the health of thousands of people.
The initiative, driven by the Cuban activist Yamilka Lafita Cancio, known on social media as Lara Crofs, demands concrete answers and urgent measures in response to what they describe as a public health emergency.
“Breathing should not be a privilege,” asserts the letter shared on Facebook, which has garnered voices both from within and outside of Cuba, and has been championed by the brave Cuban activist, who is very attuned to the issues affecting the population, especially children and the most disadvantaged.
The signatories are calling for an independent environmental investigation, free from ties to the Cuban regime, real mitigation measures such as the modernization of the industrial filtration system, transparency regarding air quality and respiratory diseases, and medical care for the affected families.
La carta recuerda que Moa ha sido por décadas un motor económico del país, pero mientras sus plantas procesadoras enriquecen a otros, sus habitantes conviven con ríos contaminados, barrios cubiertos de polvo y condiciones sanitarias cada vez más precarias.
"We do not want handouts or empty promises," the signatories insist.
"We demand respect, health, clean air, and justice," he emphasized.
In her most recent update, the activist called for continued sharing of the initiative to reach a thousand signatures and to further raise awareness of the issue.
“This is just the beginning of a mobilization that will not stop,” he wrote.
A few days ago, a Cuban residing in Moa, in the province of Holguín, reported the critical environmental situation caused by mining activity in the area.
Through journalist Mario J. Pentón, a person expressed the desperation experienced by the residents of that locality in eastern Cuba, regarding what they describe as "a black substance falling from the sky that is slowly making us sick."
"You clean the house and it gets dirty again in no time. What comes out of your throat is black. It's as if we were breathing poison," they recounted, requesting anonymity out of fear of retaliation.
One day later, the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Cuba confirmed that dust emissions are above legal limits at the Reduction Oven plant of the Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara Company, located in the municipality of Moa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pollution in Moa and the Open Letter of Denunciation
Why has an open letter been written against pollution in Moa?
The open letter denounces the serious environmental situation in Moa, caused by toxic dust and industrial gases that affect the health of the residents. It was initiated by activist Yamilka Lafita Cancio to demand concrete responses and urgent measures from the Cuban government due to what is seen as a public health emergency.
What are the main demands of the signatories of the letter?
The signatories demand an independent environmental investigation, the modernization of the industrial filter system, transparency regarding air quality and respiratory diseases, and medical care for affected families. They also call for respect, health, clean air, and justice.
What role does the nickel industry play in the pollution of Moa?
The nickel industry, particularly the Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara plant, is identified as the main source of toxic emissions in Moa. These emissions have polluted the air, water, and soil for over 40 years, seriously impacting the health of the local population.
What does the Cuban government say about the complaints of pollution in Moa?
The Cuban government has justified dust emissions above legal limits as a consequence of technical failures and planned shutdowns at the nickel plant. However, these explanations contrast with the perception of the residents of Moa, who suffer the consequences of pollution without clear solutions.
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