For several days, the jeweler Mijaíl García from Ciego de Ávila, along with other locals, has been visiting some communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in the province of Santiago de Cuba, bringing donations and messages of encouragement to the affected.
In a video published this Thursday on Facebook, García showcased the case of José Enrique, a 55-year-old man who lives alone in the town of Nima Nima, in the municipality of Guamá, and whose home was completely destroyed by the cyclone.
“José Enrique is one of the most affected individuals in the town of Nima Nima. His entire house was destroyed. He lives alone and is 55 years old,” explained the jeweler as he handed over a television “on behalf of the people of Ciego de Ávila.”
In the images, the affected individual shows how he tries to raise walls with his own hands to have a roof over his head. García encouraged him with simple and supportive words:
"In addition to the donations we are making on the road, we came to give you this TV so you can use it when they restore the electricity."
The message that accompanied the post reflects the spirit of the initiative: “José Enrique, another resident who, like many others, lost everything. Today, thanks to the people of Avila, he will be able to watch television and, as a good neighbor, will allow his neighbors to watch it too.”
Noticing the precarious conditions in which the man lives, practically outdoors, García urged in his video that "more provinces and more people join in solidarity," reminding that there are still hundreds of families in Santiago who have not received adequate support.
The Avileño also shared another video from Nima Nima, where he visited Fernando, a fisherman who lost his home entirely.
"This is Fernando's house; as you can see, it’s still completely on the floor. We are from Ciego de Ávila, a brigade that came to try to provide a little support regarding Hurricane Melissa, and I come on behalf of the people of Avilés," said García as he handed over another television.
"I know this won't be very helpful right now, but keep it and use it when you can set up the little ranch," he added humbly.
In addition to televisions, the group of volunteers distributes clothing, food, and hygiene items among the most affected residents of Guamá.
The initiative has been recognized by many users on social media, who emphasize the importance of citizen assistance in light of the slow institutional response.
“We are doing what we can, with the little we have,” García wrote in another message, thanking those from Ciego de Ávila who have contributed with donations.
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