The Cuban regime will open a Provincial Center for Social Protection in Villa Clara to house about 60 individuals identified by the authorities as exhibiting “vagrant behaviors,” amidst a growing controversy over the official denial of the existence of homelessness in Cuba.
The first secretary of the Communist Party in Villa Clara, Susely Morfa González, described the center as “a work of infinite love” aimed at providing shelter and care for homeless individuals.
The space, as he stated on his social media, "will be a home where no one will be left destitute."
The opening of the center, however, comes just a few days after the former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, denied the existence of homeless individuals in the country.
During a parliamentary session, the official referred to the so-called "beggars" as individuals who have chosen a "easy lifestyle" and who, in reality, she said, are "disguised" to obtain money without formally working.
Comments on Susely Morfa's post criticized the attempt to create the illusion that the regime provides solutions when the conditions producing beggary in Cuba are not being addressed.
Dozens of internet users reported that this place doesn't even begin to alleviate the crisis.
"They put public bathrooms and food on the corners and solve more, because 60 is not even 1% of the population in a critical situation but well, you’re not going to accept that, are you?" wrote a person.
So far, it has not been specified whether the individuals housed in the center will be able to stay there indefinitely or how they will be admitted.
A few days ago, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, in a controversial statement, even mocked those who rummage through the trash, popularly known as "divers," accusing them of being illegal recyclers or violators of self-employment laws.
"That is not true either," she stated regarding the claim that these people search for food in dumpsters. "These are patterns they are trying to impose on us."
These statements stand in stark contrast to data from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), which asserts that 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty.
Additionally, international reports place Cuba as the poorest country in Latin America, with a poverty rate of 72%, and the most miserable in the world according to the annual index by economist Steve H. Hanke.
In February of this year, Minister Feitó Cabrera had
The creation of this center, although celebrated by the authorities as a step in social protection, has been perceived by citizens and independent observers as a contradiction between the official discourse and the reality visible in the streets of Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Provincial Social Protection Center in Villa Clara and the Issue of Begging in Cuba
What is the Provincial Center for Social Protection in Villa Clara?
The Provincial Center for Social Protection in Villa Clara is a facility created by the Cuban regime to house approximately 60 individuals identified as "vagrants." This center has been described by Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Villa Clara, as "a work of infinite love" intended to provide shelter and care for homeless individuals.
Why is the creation of this center for the homeless controversial?
The creation of the center is controversial because it contrasts with the statements of the former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, who denied the existence of beggars in Cuba and described the homeless as people who have found an "easy way of life." Additionally, critics point out that the center does not address the structural causes of begging in the country, which limits its effectiveness.
How has the public reacted to the opening of the center and the minister's statements?
The population has reacted with indignation and criticism, both to the opening of the center and to the statements made by the minister. Many citizens believe that the government is attempting to gloss over the reality of poverty in Cuba without providing real solutions. Social media has been flooded with responses that illustrate the visible poverty in the country, contradicting official claims.
What measures is the Cuban government taking regarding the issue of begging?
The Cuban government has announced the creation of centers like the one in Villa Clara to house people experiencing homelessness. However, these measures have been criticized for not addressing the underlying causes of poverty and homelessness. Additionally, the official narrative has been contradictory, with high-ranking officials denying the existence of beggars while others acknowledge the issue.
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