Farmers in the popular council of Las Casimbas, in Calixto García municipality, Holguín, have decided to take matters into their own hands by patrolling the area to curb a growing wave of thefts, mainly of livestock.
In response to the insecurity, a coordinated community watch exercise took place this Thursday, involving the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), whose forces have failed to address the situation effectively. The initiative emerged as a response to the high number of crimes in the region. The farmers began patrolling on foot, bicycles, horses, and other means.
In an informational note, the digital page of the weekly Ahora gave a distinctly political slant to the complex situation: "Joel Queipo Ruíz, member of the Central Committee and first secretary of the Party in Holguín, expressed the commitment to defend the homeland and highlighted the success of a similar experience in the community of Las Brisas, in the municipal capital," it published.
However, the reality is that the farmers had to implement this initiative to protect their work and their families' food amid the ineffectiveness of the National Police.
In 2023, authorities in Holguín reported that more than 7,400 heads of livestock were lost in the area due to theft and illegal slaughter. But the strategy of community watch is not new. In November 2023, the Ministry of the Interior in the Villa Clara municipality of Placetas created the so-called "campesino patrols" to try to curb the increasing livestock theft in that region.
The "Fuerza del Pueblo" profile on Facebook, a spokesperson for the Minint, stated that actions are being taken "to strengthen revolutionary vigilance with campesino patrols and prevent any wrongdoing in the area."
In May, it was revealed that Las Tunas was the Cuban region with the highest incidence of livestock theft and slaughter (cows and horses). In the first four months of this year alone, 1,954 crimes related to the theft and slaughter of 3,480 heads of bovine and equine livestock were recorded.
According to the digital site Periódico 26, the violations have been detected in 341 agricultural sector units in the province.
Addressing Livestock Theft in Holguín
In light of the escalating livestock thefts in Holguín, several questions arise about the measures being taken and their effectiveness. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What prompted the farmers in Holguín to start patrolling their area?
The farmers began patrolling due to a significant increase in thefts, particularly of livestock, which the Ministry of the Interior has been unable to effectively address.
How effective has the Ministry of the Interior been in addressing livestock theft in Holguín?
The Ministry of the Interior has struggled to deal with the situation, leading the farmers to take matters into their own hands by forming patrols to protect their property.
What other regions in Cuba are experiencing high rates of livestock theft?
Besides Holguín, Las Tunas has also reported high rates of livestock theft and illegal slaughter, with significant numbers recorded in early 2023.
What measures have been taken in other regions to combat livestock theft?
In Placetas, Villa Clara, the Ministry of the Interior introduced "campesino patrols" in November 2023 to tackle the rising livestock theft problem.