The plight of Juan, an elderly Cuban living in the town of La Gloria in Campechuela Municipality, Granma, serves as a grim testament to the harsh realities faced by many of Cuba's most vulnerable citizens.
Social media user Irma Broek exposed Juan's dire situation on Facebook, revealing that he lives in inhumane conditions: he sleeps on palm fronds in a shack that could collapse at any moment. The floor of his home is dirt, and he lacks basic furniture and utensils. His emaciated body is a clear sign of severe malnutrition, a consequence of almost nonexistent nutrition. Despite his dire circumstances, Juan has been systematically denied the support he deserves, with multiple requests for admission into a nursing home being rejected by the government, Broek noted.
"Where are the authorities? Isn't this man a case of vulnerability who needs social assistance?" she questioned.
Widespread Neglect of the Elderly
Juan's situation is not an isolated case. Numerous reports and personal accounts have surfaced, revealing similar stories across the island, where elderly individuals and those in extreme poverty survive in deplorable conditions.
Many internet users have reacted to the images, asserting that Cuba, once seen as a bastion of hope and social justice, has turned into a concentration camp for many of its inhabitants.
"It’s like those who were in Nazi concentration camps. Cuba is violating Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 'No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.' And then Mr. Canel says there's more democracy in Cuba than in the U.S., such audacity and cynicism," one user stated.
Another user highlighted, "The elderly and retirees in Cuba are mostly malnourished. Those who don't have a family member, friend, or neighbor to lend a hand are at risk of dying from malnutrition and disease. If they can't afford food, they certainly can't buy medicine or pay for transportation to hospitals—the abandonment is total."
According to the electoral observatory DatoWorld, Cuba is currently the poorest country in Latin America. In 2023, the country had a poverty rate of 72%, which has been steadily increasing. This alarming figure places Cuba at the forefront of Latin American countries in terms of poverty, with the exception of Haiti, which was not included in the survey.
Understanding the Plight of Cuba's Most Vulnerable
The following questions and answers aim to provide additional insights into the dire situation faced by vulnerable citizens in Cuba, particularly the elderly.
What are the living conditions of elderly people like Juan in Cuba?
Many elderly individuals in Cuba live in inhumane conditions, often lacking basic necessities such as food, furniture, and healthcare. Their homes are frequently in disrepair, and they suffer from severe malnutrition.
Why has the Cuban government denied support to vulnerable elderly citizens?
The Cuban government has systematically denied support to vulnerable elderly citizens like Juan. Reasons for this neglect are often not disclosed, but it reflects a broader pattern of inadequate social assistance and systemic failures.
How has the community reacted to Juan's situation?
The community has expressed outrage and sadness over Juan's situation. Many have taken to social media to criticize the government and highlight the broader issue of neglect and poverty in Cuba.
What does the poverty rate in Cuba indicate about the country's economic situation?
With a poverty rate of 72% in 2023, Cuba's economic situation is dire. This high level of poverty indicates systemic economic failures and highlights the urgent need for reform and international assistance.