Amid the widespread crisis on the island, a shocking video has surfaced showing several elderly individuals collecting powdered milk from a street in Santiago de Cuba. Bent over, they were seen scooping up the spilled milk with their hands and placing it into plastic bags, according to a brief video posted on Facebook by reporter Yosmany Mayeta.
Similar images of Cubans, including children, gathering up spilled oil, eggs, and other products that have accidentally fallen from distribution trucks have become more frequent in recent months. "It breaks my heart to see our elders doing this. The hunger and need are so great that they are forced to do it. How long has it been since the elderly have had a glass of milk? And what about the children who need it for their development and the pregnant women who are supposed to be guaranteed these essentials? LIES upon LIES is how we live here," commented one social media user.
It remains unclear how the milk ended up on the street. Currently, Santiago de Cuba is celebrating its carnival, during which several violent incidents have been reported. Additionally, images have emerged of people taking parts of public bathrooms installed for the carnival to improve their homes.
A video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook last Friday showed a man carrying away parts of a wooden public bathroom, allegedly to repair his house.
Impact of the Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
In light of the ongoing crisis in Santiago de Cuba, many questions have arisen about the severity of the situation and its impact on the local population. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
How widespread is the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is severe and affects large portions of the population, including vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.
What measures are being taken to address the food shortages?
There have been limited measures taken by the government, and many citizens feel that the essential needs of the population are not being met adequately.
Why are people collecting spilled products from the streets?
Due to the extreme food shortages, people are forced to collect whatever they can, even spilled products, to sustain themselves and their families.