A Cuban grandmother in the municipality of Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, faces a daily struggle to care for her
In a partially constructed home, mostly without electricity for the majority of the day and with no means to cook other than firewood, this woman has raised the child since he was just a few months old, after being abandoned by his mother.
The minor is 11 years old, suffers from a severe bone disease that has required at least nine surgical operations on his legs. Despite his situation, the State has not provided him with a wheelchair, nor any other resource that would allow him to lead a more dignified life or move with autonomy.
The case, recently brought to light by the Cuban content creator Noly Blak, has shocked thousands of people both on the island and abroad.
During her visit to this family, Noly learned that the grandmother was preparing some boiled sweet potatoes for lunch, cooked over firewood in some worn-out pots, the only available tools. They have been without gas for cooking for five months and experience power outages of up to 20 hours each day.
"The only thing I'm asking for is a rice cooker so I can cook for the child," the woman expressed, whose family also includes her husband, her son (the child's father), and a great-grandmother in a dependent situation, all living in conditions of high vulnerability.
Meanwhile, in the National Assembly, figures like Manuel Marrero and Miguel Díaz-Canel insist on repeating that in Cuba “no one is abandoned.” A phrase that sounds like a mockery in the face of the harsh reality experienced by this farming family, completely forgotten by the institutions.
The story has mobilized Cubans, who have begun to organize donations in order to alleviate, even if only slightly, the harsh daily life of this family.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Social and Economic Crisis in Cuba
What is the situation of the grandmother in Santiago de Cuba and her sick grandson?
The grandmother in Santiago de Cuba faces a daily struggle to care for her sick grandson, who suffers from a severe bone disease. The family lives in extreme precarious conditions, without electricity for much of the day and cooking with firewood. The grandmother has requested a rice cooker to be able to cook for the child. Despite the critical situation, the state has not provided the necessary resources, such as a wheelchair for the child.
How has the Cuban government responded to these situations of hardship?
The Cuban government, led by figures such as Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero, claims that in Cuba "no one is left behind." However, the reality shows that many families live in conditions of high vulnerability and lack state support. Government statements stand in stark contrast to the neglect faced by many families, such as that of the grandmother in Santiago de Cuba, which has sparked widespread criticism.
What role do activists and solidarity networks play in Cuba?
In the midst of the social and economic crisis that Cuba is experiencing, activists and solidarity networks have played a crucial role in highlighting cases of extreme need and mobilizing resources. Activists like Noly Blak have successfully organized donations and support for vulnerable families, demonstrating a commitment to social causes beyond digital visibility. These actions have been essential in alleviating, even if only minimally, the harsh daily lives of many people.
What challenges do Cuban families face today?
Cuban families face multiple challenges in their daily lives, including food shortages, blackouts, and lack of access to basic services. Often, they must resort to alternative methods, such as cooking with firewood, due to the lack of electricity and gas. Furthermore, inflation and the lack of access to essential products worsen the situation, especially for the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and people with disabilities.
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