Related videos:
The economic crisis in Cuba claimed a new victim this Thursday.
A 69-year-old man died in broad daylight in Camagüey while pedaling a bicycle taxi under the intense sun, according to a report by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) on social media.
The scene, as ordinary as it is heartbreaking, illustrates the tragic reality of thousands of Cuban retirees forced to continue working in order to survive.
"Today, around 10:30 am, a 69-year-old man died while doing strenuous work. According to the police, he had come from the provincial hospital and collapsed in the street after traveling about 2 kilometers under the sun," reported the OCDH.
The agency accompanied the publication with a pixelated image to protect the identity of the deceased, in which the body can be seen still on the seat of the tricycle, slumped forward, surrounded by a police patrol and several witnesses.
"It is painful that, instead of resting, a retiree has to keep striving just to put a plate of food on their table," adds the text shared on Facebook.
The incident has caused outrage among citizens, who quickly took to the comments to express their anger.
"Thanks to the dignified pensions that the dictatorship provides to those who have worked for decades for miserable salaries," wrote a user.
Another one joked: "Now, with the increase in pensions, my dad and mom will be able to share a boiled egg."
The average pension in Cuba is not enough to cover even a fraction of the real cost of living. While prices for basic goods have skyrocketed in recent years, pensions barely come close to meeting minimum needs.
Many elderly individuals, sick or weakened by age, are forced to continue working as street vendors, cleaners, or—in this case—bicitaxi drivers, under extreme physical conditions and without proper nutrition.
Este tipo de tragedias no son nuevas, pero cada vez son más frecuentes. El deterioro de las condiciones de vida, unido al colapso del sistema de seguridad social, convierte la vejez en una etapa de lucha constante por la subsistencia.
Images of elderly people rummaging through garbage or selling small goods on the street have become part of the everyday landscape of any Cuban city.
"I'm sure they hadn't had breakfast or slept well. How long do we, the Cubans, have to endure this? How long, damned communists," commented an émigré moved by the case.
The Cuban regime continues to promote a narrative of resistance and dignity, while ignoring the devastating reality of an aging and impoverished population that survives thanks to the daily and silent sacrifices of those who should be enjoying their retirement.
This death, like many others, was not an inevitable accident: it was a direct consequence of a system that has failed its most vulnerable citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic and Social Crisis in Cuba
Why do retirees in Cuba continue to work under extreme conditions?
Retirees in Cuba are forced to continue working due to the insufficient pensions they receive from the state. The average pension does not even cover a fraction of the actual cost of living, which compels many seniors to take on strenuous jobs to make ends meet. This issue has worsened with the rise in prices of basic goods and the collapse of the social security system.
What is the current situation of social security in Cuba?
Social security in Cuba is in a state of collapse, with a system unable to provide the necessary support for retirees. The minimum pensions are approximately 1,500 pesos per month, equivalent to about five dollars at the informal exchange rate, which is insufficient to meet basic needs. This has led many elderly individuals to work under precarious conditions to supplement their income.
How has the economic crisis affected the Cuban population in general?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to a significant increase in extreme poverty. According to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty, which translates into difficulties accessing food, medicine, and other essential goods. This situation particularly affects the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children.
What comments has the situation of retirees generated on social media?
The situation of retirees has ignited great indignation on social media, where many users express their frustration and anger. Critical comments highlight the lack of responsibility from the Cuban government and the systematic neglect of its most vulnerable citizens. Social networks become a platform to denounce the precarious reality facing the elderly in Cuba.
Filed under: