The residents of the Kilo 12 neighborhood in the Cuban province of Sancti Spíritus experienced a scene straight out of a horror movie last Saturday when they discovered a human skull abandoned in the middle of the street.
This unsettling discovery not only caused alarm but also confirmed a dark rumor circulating within the community: the theft of human remains from the local cemetery. This disturbing trend was revealed in a report published by 14yMedio.
The digital outlet shared photos on Instagram and interviewed several people, who indicated that this is not the first time such incidents have occurred. “They are stealing the dead,” one resident stated, adding that the remains are stolen and then sold.
Grave Concerns Over Cemetery Conditions
This phenomenon, although chilling, seems to be linked to the lack of surveillance and maintenance, as well as the overcrowding of graves, making it nearly impossible to walk without stepping on one. The journalistic report shows that vegetation grows unchecked and trash accumulates in several corners. Even more troubling is the presence of destroyed coffins outside their graves, with funeral cloths scattered everywhere.
The condition of the cemetery did not improve even though the province hosted the celebrations for July 26. Additionally, citizen complaints have been varied. However, the issue is not exclusive to Sancti Spíritus and its surroundings. Cemeteries across Cuba face a crisis of resources and maintenance, which is no surprise.
According to a report published last year by the Instituto Cubano por la Libertad de Expresión y Prensa (Iclep), the administrator of the Kilo 12 cemetery, Victoria Fernández, declared that the available resources are insufficient, and the workforce is too scarce to carry out the necessary maintenance tasks.
Despite Cuban sanitary laws stipulating that the State must ensure the proper care of cemeteries and handle human remains with strict hygienic measures, the reality in the main cemeteries seems far removed from these requirements.
The crisis in these cemeteries reflects a deeper issue: the neglect of basic infrastructure and the lack of resources to keep essential services in good condition. Meanwhile, the communities near these cemeteries must deal with the psychological and social impact of living close to a dilapidated cemetery, where even the dead are not safe from desecration.
This scandal not only highlights the urgent need for resources and improvements in cemetery administration but also questions the State's ability to comply with its own regulations regarding public health and human dignity.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Cemeteries
This section provides answers to some common questions regarding the recent incidents in Cuban cemeteries and the broader implications of the crisis.
What caused the recent thefts in the Sancti Spíritus cemetery?
The thefts are attributed to the lack of surveillance, inadequate maintenance, and overcrowding of graves, making it easy for perpetrators to steal human remains.
Are these thefts a common occurrence in Cuba?
Yes, this is not an isolated incident. Cemeteries across Cuba are facing similar issues due to a shortage of resources and maintenance, leading to frequent thefts and desecration.
What steps are being taken to address the cemetery crisis in Cuba?
While there are laws in place requiring the State to maintain cemeteries, the lack of resources and workforce makes it challenging to enforce these regulations. Local administrators have expressed the need for more support to carry out necessary maintenance tasks.