An elderly Cuban man fainted this Saturday on a street in Santiago de Cuba, reportedly due to hunger, according to local reporter Yosmany Mayeta. A follower of the independent reporter's page shared sensitive images showing the elderly man collapsed on the sidewalk of Los Tejados Street in the mentioned province, while neighbors assisted him with coffee and bread.
After reviving him and helping him to his feet, the residents offered him water, coffee, and a piece of bread. This scene is not isolated. In April, a similar incident occurred in the same city when an elderly man fainted on the street, an event that has become increasingly common as Cuba's economic crisis worsens.
Recurring Incidents Highlight Economic Crisis
On that occasion, the man collapsed in the small plaza of the Altamira neighborhood around 11:00 am and was helped by passersby and workers from a nearby store, who prepared a glass of sugar water for him, allowing him to regain some strength before being taken to a hospital. The sight of elderly individuals collapsing on Cuban streets is a painful reflection of the extreme vulnerability of this population amid the current crisis.
In March, Eleutelio Simón Bueno, a 90-year-old man, collapsed during a long wait under the sun in a line to collect his pension at a bank in the city. Another elderly man also died after fainting from hunger and hitting his head on the curb. The alarming situation of elderly individuals in Santiago de Cuba highlights their lack of protection.
A few years ago, in the same Altamira neighborhood, there was a humanitarian dining hall for the elderly and disabled, supported by the organization Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU) and its leader José Daniel Ferrer García, who is currently imprisoned. However, that initiative was shut down by the regime, leaving thousands of vulnerable people without a vital source of food and care.
Understanding the Crisis Affecting the Elderly in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide insight into the ongoing crisis affecting the elderly population in Cuba, particularly in Santiago de Cuba.
What caused the elderly man to faint on the streets of Santiago de Cuba?
The elderly man reportedly fainted due to hunger, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis in Cuba.
How did the neighbors assist the elderly man?
The neighbors helped the elderly man by reviving him and offering him water, coffee, and a piece of bread.
Are such incidents common in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, similar incidents have been reported in Santiago de Cuba, particularly as the country's economic situation continues to deteriorate.
What happened to the humanitarian dining hall supported by UNPACU?
The humanitarian dining hall was shut down by the regime, leaving many vulnerable elderly and disabled individuals without essential support.