A homeless Cuban man identified as Ricardo was found dead early Tuesday morning in a doorway on Central Street in the city of Artemisa, reported the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) this Thursday.
According to a Facebook post, the entity detailed that the man usually slept in the doorway of the state-run unit Copa Roja located on Central Street in Artemisa, and was found dead on Tuesday morning.
"He was stiff when I called him; it seems he died in the early morning," another homeless person who also spends nights there told ICLEP. "I don't know who to notify; he never mentioned having any family," added the man, who had befriended the deceased. The source had no further details of the incident.
Several Cubans commented on the post, condemning the state's neglect of the elderly and vulnerable groups. "This is the state of neglect for the elderly. Recently, an elderly woman died in a hospital, completely unattended by the hospital entity," said one user.
In March, another homeless man was found dead on a street corner in the city of Holguín, and his body remained at the scene for hours after the discovery, according to witness reports.
Government's Response to the Crisis
The day before, the Cuban regime announced a plan to remove "homeless individuals" from the streets, a problem that has notably increased due to the government's recent failed economic policies. In streets filled with mentally ill, elderly, disabled individuals, and alcoholics, the phenomenon is a reality that the Miguel Díaz-Canel administration cannot hide. Consequently, the Council of Ministers approved in May the updated policy for their care, after 10 years of its institution.
The updated regulation reaffirms the "responsibility of the Municipal Administration Councils in the prevention, care, control, monitoring, and decision-making" regarding individuals exhibiting "homeless behavior," explained the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera.
Homelessness in Cuba is a reality that the government can no longer conceal as it did in the past. The year-over-year numbers 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, as reported by the official newspaper Trabajadores last April.
FAQs on Homelessness in Cuba
Given the current state of homelessness in Cuba and the government's recent policies, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What caused the increase in homelessness in Cuba?
The increase in homelessness in Cuba is largely attributed to the government's failed economic policies, which have exacerbated poverty and left many vulnerable groups without adequate support.
What is the Cuban government's plan to address homelessness?
The Cuban government has announced a plan to remove homeless individuals from the streets, with updated policies emphasizing the responsibility of Municipal Administration Councils in prevention, care, control, monitoring, and decision-making for those exhibiting homeless behavior.
How many homeless individuals have been recorded in Cuba between 2014 and 2023?
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Cuba recorded 3,690 homeless individuals between 2014 and 2023.