Widespread outrage has erupted among Facebook users following a report about the shortage of glass panels for caskets in Santiago de Cuba, amid the severe crisis affecting funeral services across the country. The report by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada features a revealing image that, along with the comments, exposes the myriad deficiencies in Cuba.
Mayeta cited several independent media outlets in his post to amplify the situation, although critiques of the regime are rampant among his followers. "This is nothing new; they’ve been removing the glass panels after the body is taken away for a long time," one of the many reactions read.
Another user expressed their frustration, "This country has become a disgrace. Not only do we survive on donations, but we can't even tell our deceased to rest in peace," while another sarcastically echoed a government slogan: "Cuba is progressing, indeed, but from bad to worse, as nothing works."
Just a few days ago, the same journalist reported a distressing incident in Santiago de Cuba when a coffin fell from a hearse and was left in the middle of a busy avenue. While unusual, the incident is not isolated and underscores the dire economic situation in the country, which has also impacted funeral services. These services are plagued by a lack of vehicles, fuel shortages, insufficient materials for coffin production, and a scarcity of flowers for wreaths.
"Not only is the life of a Cuban one of the hardest, most unjust in the world, but today I’ll tell you about the ordeal you face if a loved one dies, at least in Santiago de Cuba," stated Yamilka González last year on the Facebook group "Revolico Santiago de Cuba." She described her experiences, noting that "the coffin is made of flimsy cardboard, without glass. They give you a dirty glass panel that’s reused from one deceased to another, putting it in dirty and opaque."
She also recounted that "the funeral home is full of flies, they don’t use air conditioning to save electricity, and there's intense heat and a terrible stench in the filthy bathrooms." She further lamented that "Santiago residents lost the right to be buried in Santa Ifigenia after they installed the stone. They send you to El Caney, Juan González, Icaco, and many other places to get you out of the city."
Additionally, she mentioned, "you have to save a significant amount of money for when a family member dies. For instance, to secure a spot in Santa Ifigenia, you must pay 4,000 pesos to the corrupt funeral home employees. Death has become a business."
Similarly, in 2023, a Cuban woman named Rosy Rodríguez from Holguín managed to acquire a casket to bury her mother after requesting help on Facebook. She posted the appeal because there were no caskets available in her city for the deceased.
Understanding the Funeral Service Crisis in Cuba
This section provides additional insights into the questions and concerns people might have about the ongoing funeral service crisis in Cuba.
Why is there a shortage of glass panels for caskets in Santiago de Cuba?
The shortage is primarily due to the severe economic crisis affecting the country, which has led to a lack of materials needed for funeral services, including glass panels for caskets.
What other issues are affecting funeral services in Cuba?
Funeral services in Cuba are being impacted by a lack of vehicles, fuel shortages, insufficient materials for coffin production, and a scarcity of flowers for wreaths.
How are Cuban citizens reacting to this crisis?
Cubans are expressing widespread outrage and frustration on social media, criticizing the government for the dire state of funeral services and the overall economic situation.