Dr. Perdomo, a recognized cardiologist and pediatrician in Guantánamo, stated on social media that after the storm on August 15, his mattress was destroyed, and he is living with his family in deplorable conditions without receiving any official assistance.
Through social media, the doctor himself, 60 years old, requested that his situation be made known. "Since the storm that struck Guantánamo on August 15, his mattress has been destroyed, and to this day he has not received any assistance," reported the user La Tijera on his page on Facebook.
The specialist, suffering from several chronic non-communicable diseases that have prevented him from carrying out a medical mission, publicly shared the situation he faces alongside his mother, aunt, and brother, all three of whom have some type of disability, in a house at risk of collapsing.
“We feel completely abandoned, we have not recovered,” expressed the doctor, quoted through the Facebook profile of Yordania Prevost, from the solidarity group Corazones Unidos, in the eastern region.
On social media, users have highlighted the paradox that a specialist of his caliber survives in poverty, while in other countries he would enjoy a dignified and secure life due to his work.
The complaint has sparked a citizens' campaign led by the group Corazones Unidos, which has called on the Cuban medical community both on and off the island to gather support and help Dr. Perdomo secure dignified housing.
The call requests contributions ranging from food, medicine, sanitation supplies, clothing, or footwear to financial donations of any amount, with the aim of alleviating the harsh conditions being faced.
Additionally, the card numbers in Cuban pesos and MLC were shared for those who wish to help.
The case of Dr. Perdomo highlights the harshness of institutional neglect, where a healthcare professional with decades of service is compelled to seek public assistance to live with at least a minimal degree of dignity.
A severe local storm hit the city of Guantánamo in the afternoon of August 5, resulting in multiple material damages, although there were no casualties or injuries.
According to a report from Radio Guantánamo, the weather phenomenon caused the fall of numerous trees, damage to roofs of homes with lightweight coverings, harm to electrical and telephone networks, as well as some collapses related to the failure of structures due to the impact of branches and trunks.
Local authorities toured the most affected areas, and the First Secretary of the Party in the province, Yoel Pérez García, ordered the formation of evaluation committees to assess the material damages, reported the official newspaper Venecremos.
On the same day, a severe local storm hit the town of Coquitos de Jaibo in Guantánamo, causing significant material damage.
Among the victims, one family completely lost the roof of their home, built over years of hard work, without having received any concrete assistance from the authorities so far.
According to the post on Facebook by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, the only thing the affected individuals have received so far is a symbolic visit from representatives of the People's Power, accompanied by phrases such as “you are not abandoned” and “we trust in recovery,” but with no real solutions: neither materials, nor mattresses, nor food, nor concrete promises for repairs.
The situation has generated frustration among neighbors and observers who are asking: Where are the resources that the State claims to have for emergencies? How many more families are still waiting for answers from past cyclones? Who is responsible for the vulnerability in which thousands of Cubans live?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis in Guantánamo and Official Abandonment
What is the situation of Dr. Perdomo in Guantánamo?
What impact did the storm on August 5 have in Guantánamo?
The storm on August 5 caused significant material damage, including fallen trees and damage to the roofs of homes, as well as electrical and telephone networks. No casualties were reported, but the impact on local infrastructure was considerable. Authorities conducted symbolic visits, but have not provided concrete solutions for those affected.
How has the community responded to Dr. Perdomo's situation?
The community, through the group Corazones Unidos, launched a solidarity campaign to gather support and secure a decent home for Dr. Perdomo. Contributions in food, medicine, and financial donations are being requested to improve the living conditions of the doctor and his family.
What do the cases of abandonment in Guantánamo reveal about the social assistance system in Cuba?
The cases of abandonment in Guantánamo, such as that of Dr. Perdomo and other vulnerable citizens, highlight the deficiencies and institutional neglect of the social assistance system in Cuba, where many families in critical situations do not receive the necessary support from the government.
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