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The visit of Miguel Díaz-Canel to Santiago de Cuba left more escorts than solutions, according to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who claims that despite the official deployment, the destruction remains intact and real aid is not reaching the population most affected by the hurricane Melissa.
The anticipated Thursday has passed, along with the hopes of many residents of the Cayo who were prepared to welcome the leader in Cayo Granma. As Mayeta reported on Facebook, there was “more security than population” in the area, but once the official event concluded, everything remained the same: destroyed houses, open roofs, and neighbors waiting for assistance that, they report, never arrives.
The images shared by the community confirm it. The blue roof of the dock—vital for the mobility of the residents—remains damaged. And another blue roof, belonging to the cousin of the son of the delegate-deputy Sandy Almeida, has already been repaired, even though this family “coincidentally” moved into that house three days before the hurricane. They also received a mattress, a pot, and a new roof.
“When there’s a will, there’s a way... but only for some”, summarizes Mayeta.
The Forgotten Cases: The Other Side of the Cay
Meanwhile, stories like that of Manuela ("Nela"), an elderly woman who lives alone, highlight the inequality in the distribution of resources. Her home lost its roof, just like during Hurricane Sandy, when they only placed patches with old, now rotting, sticks. After the most recent impact, she continues to wait, without any official response.
Another neighbor, retired Colonel Marcelo, has only been able to make progress thanks to a small business from Havana that has provided several roofs as a gesture of support. "The micro-entrepreneurs, those people truly deserve respect," said a resident, highlighting that it is private entrepreneurs and young people from the Military Service who have helped the most.
"Because, if it weren't for them, no one else has come," quotes Mayeta.
Promises that fly with the wind
Despite the presidential visit and the official speeches, the reality in the Cayo has not moved an inch: the roofs remain destroyed, the houses are still exposed to the sun and rain, state aid is not arriving, and promises continue to be empty words.
Mayeta argues that everything follows a well-known logic: "living off stories," filling out reports, and maintaining appearances before public opinion, while the people remain in ruins.
The "official image" that does not represent reality
The reporter also refuted the narrative presented by state media regarding the woman who warmly welcomed Díaz-Canel. According to Mayeta, Teresa, who was seen smiling and expressing gratitude in the official videos, has received multiple donations from a social aid group (Conducta): a refrigerator, a bed, electric pots, clothing, and more.
However, the neighbors claim that she has resold everything that has been given to her and continues to ask for assistance. Nevertheless, she was chosen as the "image of gratitude" during the official visit.
"The visit is over… and the story remains the same."
The general sentiment among the residents of the Cayo is one of weariness and disappointment. “The people are tired, but not blind,” warns Mayeta. After the presidential visit, the cameras left, the escorts departed, the entourage vanished… but the problems remain exactly where they were. “No real help, nothing.”
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