A 22-year-old Cuban man from the municipality of Alquízar in Artemisa province, who had been missing for several days, has been found. This was confirmed hours ago by his father, Jorge Luis Cruz González, in response to a concerned friend on social media.
In the comments section of the original post asking for help, Cruz González replied that his son had been found, although the original post has not been updated. On May 13, Jorge Luis Cruz turned to Facebook for assistance in locating his son, Jaiser Ardiel Cruz Rosabal.
"I've been told he's been seen in San Antonio de los Baños," Cruz González stated, providing a phone number for any information. Reports of missing Cubans have become increasingly frequent in recent months, as have the requests for help on social media against a backdrop of rising violence in the country.
Social Media's Role in Missing Person Cases
However, many Cubans have started to complain that once their loved ones are found safe, families often do not update their posts, leaving the public in the dark. “It's not fair because people care and get involved,” lamented one internet user in a group dedicated to sharing information about missing persons.
Two recent cases highlight this frustration. Recent posts seeking help for a Cuban woman named "Yeni" from Boyeros, Havana and another for Geannis Castillo Máximo, last seen at a bus station in Holguín, were deleted without any update on their status. It's assumed that they were found safe and wish to avoid public attention, but many believe it's ethical to inform the public without compromising privacy.
Unfortunately, the search for another young woman, Karildi Marín, a 24-year-old mother, has been ongoing for five months. She disappeared on the night of December 14, 2023, after attending a party in Cerro, and her family has heard nothing since. Similarly, Lali Paola Moliner, a three-year-old girl from Habana del Este, has been missing since March 3. Her mother’s body was found on the coast of Cojímar on March 4.
Another tragic case is that of Maydeleisis Rosales Rodríguez, a teenager who disappeared three years ago in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Persons in Cuba
Given the increasing number of missing persons in Cuba, many questions arise regarding how these cases are handled and what the public can do to help. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What should I do if a family member goes missing in Cuba?
If a family member goes missing in Cuba, it is crucial to report the disappearance to local authorities immediately. Additionally, leverage social media to spread the word and gather information from the community.
Why are so many Cubans turning to social media to find missing persons?
Social media has become a vital tool for many Cubans due to its wide reach and the speed at which information can be disseminated. It allows for immediate community involvement and can sometimes yield quicker results than traditional methods.
How can the public help in missing person cases in Cuba?
The public can help by sharing information on social media, staying vigilant for any signs of the missing person, and reporting any relevant information to the authorities or the family.
What are the ethical considerations when sharing information about missing persons?
While sharing information is crucial, it's important to respect the privacy of the missing person and their family. Once found, a brief update should be provided to alleviate public concern without disclosing sensitive details.