The parishes of San Antonio María Claret and Santa Rosa de Lima, located in the municipalities of San Antonio del Sur and Imías in the province of Guantánamo, continue to operate emergency meal centers. This initiative is aimed at assisting the most vulnerable individuals affected by Hurricane Oscar in Cuba's eastern region.
Community Efforts in Response to Government Inaction
Cáritas, an international Catholic Church organization dedicated to charitable and social action, announced on Facebook that these efforts primarily focus on helping the elderly requiring care, individuals with disabilities, children, and others in dire situations. These services are conducted in the homes of community leaders and members who, with great commitment, prepare meals using large pots over coal or wood fires due to the Cuban government's failure to restore normalcy in these areas.
Nourishing Meals for Those in Need
The meals provided include dishes like a hearty creole stew, ajiaco, or the well-known "charangón," a mix of root vegetables, meats, vegetable soups, noodles, and other ingredients. This menu is thoughtfully crafted to ensure that the meals are simple, nutritious, and easy to prepare, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the necessary sustenance during these challenging times faced by the people of these Guantanamo municipalities.
Acts of Solidarity and Dedication
"Volunteers from Cáritas in affected parishes, some of whom have also been impacted by the disaster, generously donate their time, efforts, love, and more in this benevolent endeavor," stated the organization in a video shared on YouTube. Cáritas also highlighted a story of solidarity and support for the victims, focusing on sisters from the Imías area in the Diocese of Guantánamo-Baracoa. These young women had to use a crane to transport donations across a collapsed bridge to assist those most affected by Hurricane Oscar.