A heart-wrenching video shared by journalist Mario Vallejo reveals the burial of a Cuban citizen using a horse-drawn cart, a stark illustration of the severe crisis engulfing Cuba's funeral industry. Vallejo did not specify the town where this occurred, but he emphasized that the grieving family had to rent the transportation at their own expense to conduct the burial.
"This video was just sent to me from Cuba. It's unbelievable," Vallejo stated in a social media post. "The message with it read: 'Mario, the officials have cars while we, in our sorrow, are forced to rent carts to bury our loved ones. Our Cuba is a disgrace.'" The journalist's words resonate with widespread frustration in the country.
Funeral Services Collapse Under Economic Strain
The lack of fuel and the breakdown of funeral vehicle fleets, due to the shortage of spare parts, have crippled funeral services in numerous areas across the island. This dire situation has compelled families to shoulder the financial burdens of funerals in an improvised manner, from renting transportation to organizing the burial, often making it a financially unsustainable burden.
Just last September, a similar incident shocked the public. A family in Mayabeque had to carry a coffin two kilometers to the San Antonio Cemetery because the body was decomposing at the funeral home, and no vehicles were available. This is not an isolated case; it has become a common practice in several provinces.
Horse-Drawn Carts: A Throwback to the 18th Century
Horse-drawn carts, initially designed for transporting people, are now being adapted for funeral purposes, evoking scenes reminiscent of the 18th century. Families negotiate prices with the owners of these carts, which, despite their rudimentary nature, have emerged as a viable alternative amidst the inefficiency of state institutions.
This issue underscores the decay of public services in Cuba, where resource scarcity and poor management have impacted even the most sorrowful moments, such as bidding farewell to a loved one. The affected families' frustration is mounting against a government that remains indifferent to ensuring basic services, while high-ranking officials continue to enjoy privileges.
A Final Farewell Marred by Institutional Neglect
For Cubans, the last goodbye to their family members has transformed into an experience defined by scarcity and institutional neglect. The growing discontent among those affected highlights the stark inequality, as the government fails to address the fundamental needs of its people.