In an inspiring act of solidarity, a couple from Artemisa extended a helping hand to vulnerable members of their community by providing free meals. Amidst the chaos left in the wake of Hurricane Rafael, which left nearly half of the province's residents without electricity, this entrepreneurial couple stepped up to support their less fortunate neighbors.
Rey Alberto Echeverría García and Iliana Peraza Hernández, who reside in the municipality of San Cristóbal, prepared meals for a total of 150 low-income residents in the Modesto Serrano community. "We are facing complex circumstances, without electricity, and there are people who lack the means to cook or acquire food. We had been planning to do this for a while, and we finally managed to make it happen," Iliana shared with the local newspaper El Artemiseño.
Community Effort
Dinorah Linares Pacheco, the local district delegate, disclosed that several neighbors assisted the couple in preparing the meals. "We identified those in need of help through the CDR, and I consider this a significant gesture of humanity," she stated. Among those who benefited were nine individuals receiving support through the Family Attention System, who were provided with lunch and dinner.
The heartfelt gesture of this couple stands in stark contrast to the regime's response, which, despite the severe crisis the population faces, fails to offer any "aid" free of charge. Following cyclones, when people are left without electricity or gas to cook, the government typically sells some food rations and boasts of doing so at "modest prices."
Public Reaction and Criticism
This selfless act by the entrepreneurial couple was highlighted by the state-run portal Cubadebate, where many internet users criticized the government's approach to Hurricane Rafael's victims. "Our private sector... The same ones our prime minister constantly demonizes, yet they are the first to step up without hesitation and without endless meetings," commented a resident from Havana.
"The government should be ashamed that someone else has such a beautiful gesture while they forget their people are starving," remarked a woman from Villa Clara. "Can we propose them to replace some of our leaders?" inquired a citizen from Camagüey. "They are doing what the government should be doing; kudos to them for having a heart," said a lawyer.
"My question is: do you think it should be the private sector's responsibility to feed people who have neither electricity nor food? (...) It's a beautiful action, but in times of disaster, that should be the government's duty," questioned a concerned mother.