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Residents of Camagüey reported absolute neglect by the authorities regarding the case of a 35-year-old young man, a psychiatric patient in crisis with a history of violence.
The residents of Avenida de los Mártires fear for their safety and claim to have received no response despite multiple calls to the authorities since Thursday, when Ernesto Peguelo Curbelo left the provincial psychiatric hospital.
According to a post by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, residents reported that Ernesto is currently out of control, exhibiting violent and intimidating behaviors, and refuses to continue the medical treatment prescribed to him after his discharge from the provincial psychiatric hospital.
Three years ago, during a similar incident, the man attacked a neighbor with a sharp object —his own cousin—which resulted in his hospitalization.
Residents claim to have made multiple calls to the Police, the Ministry of Public Health, and other institutions since the afternoon of Thursday the 18th, without receiving any concrete response.
They allege that they have only received excuses, evasions, and a completely indifferent attitude from the local authorities.
Residents directly hold the highest authorities of Camagüey accountable for any harm they may suffer.
The community emphasizes that Ernesto's medical history is not new to the authorities. His reintegration into the home was authorized under the strict condition that he would remain in treatment, which is clearly not being adhered to.
However, no emergency protocol or medical response has been activated despite the risk it poses.
"If I had shouted 'Freedom!' or 'Down with communism!', patrols and repression would have appeared immediately. But when it's to protect us from real danger, the silence is total," Tan expressed.
Neighbors report feeling unprotected, vulnerable, and abandoned by the institutions that should ensure their safety. “The community is terrified and tired of being ignored,” concludes the post that has circulated on social media, demanding urgent intervention before a tragedy occurs again.
Months ago, a psychiatric patient with mental health issues set a house on fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but there was significant material damage.
These incidents highlight the severe shortage of medication for treating mental illnesses in Cuba, putting patients and their families at risk. The lack of essential medication has led to extreme situations and violent episodes.
So far, there have been no effective measures implemented by the Cuban government to address the mental health crisis. Families are often forced to resort to makeshift solutions and seek help on social media due to the lack of an official support channel and the inefficiency of the authorities.
FAQ about the security situation and psychiatric care in Camagüey
Why do the residents of Camagüey feel unprotected in the case of Ernesto Peguelo Curbelo?
Neighbors feel unprotected because despite their multiple calls to the Police and the Ministry of Public Health, they have not received an adequate response to the dangerous situation posed by Ernesto Peguelo Curbelo, a psychiatric patient in crisis with a history of violence. The lack of action from the authorities has generated fear and distrust in the community.
What is Ernesto Peguelo Curbelo's history of violence?
Ernesto Peguelo Curbelo has a history of violence that includes an incident in which he assaulted his cousin with a sharp object, which resulted in his psychiatric hospitalization three years ago. Currently, he refuses to follow the prescribed medical treatment, increasing the risk to those around him.
What problems do psychiatric patients in Cuba face due to the lack of medications?
The lack of essential medications to treat mental illnesses in Cuba leaves patients in a situation of extreme vulnerability, without adequate treatments for severe disorders. This contributes to the deterioration of their mental health and increases the risk of crisis episodes that can pose a danger to themselves and to the community.
How has the wave of thefts and insecurity affected the residents of Camagüey?
The rising wave of thefts and assaults has created an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among the residents of Camagüey. Authorities have been criticized for their lack of effective action to address these issues, leaving the community feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
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