An elderly man was seen scavenging for food in Santiago de Cuba this Wednesday, highlighting the worsening economic crisis and how vulnerable individuals are forced to find means for survival. The communicator Yosmany Mayeta shared the photographs on Facebook, noting that this is not the first time he has posted such content on social media. He mentioned that the pictures were taken in the José Martí Urban Center.
"With the difficult situation on the island, these unfortunate scenes are becoming a daily occurrence, where elderly people, most of them retirees, search through trash for food to survive," warned the independent journalist.
However, sometimes these individuals sift through waste with the hope of finding food scraps, which they then sell to pig farmers as an additional way to earn a living amid the crippling economic inflation.
The sad reality of elderly people in conditions of mendicancy, looking for food in the trash, is repeated in various Cuban cities. The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) denounced last April the increase in begging in the country and shared videos showing the rise of this issue.
The situation has become commonplace in the provinces of Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba, the non-governmental organization warned in a video published on the social network X.
Mendicancy in Cuba is a reality that the government can no longer hide as it did in the past. Year-on-year figures show significant increases in extreme poverty on the island.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), Cuba recorded 3,690 homeless individuals between 2014 and 2023, according to a report by the state-run newspaper Trabajadores published last April. This figure disguises the true number of those who, for various reasons, have had to resort to begging in front of churches or the few tourists who visit the Caribbean island each year.
Also unaccounted for are those who, due to high prices, food shortages, and low pension wages, have had to resort to "diving" in the trash in search of sustenance for their frail stomachs.
Understanding the Issue of Elderly Poverty in Cuba
To provide more context and understanding around the issue of elderly poverty in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What factors contribute to the rise of elderly poverty in Cuba?
The rise of elderly poverty in Cuba is mainly due to the severe economic crisis, high inflation, food shortages, and inadequate pension wages that fail to meet basic living needs.
How is the Cuban government addressing the issue of mendicancy?
The Cuban government has been criticized for not effectively addressing the issue of mendicancy. Despite official reports, many believe the government's efforts are insufficient to tackle the root causes of poverty and homelessness.
What role do independent journalists and NGOs play in highlighting these issues?
Independent journalists and NGOs play a crucial role in bringing attention to the plight of the vulnerable populations in Cuba. They document and report on these issues, providing visibility and pressuring the government to take action.