Reports have emerged of a young boy discovered rummaging through a garbage bin in Santiago de Cuba on a recent Sunday, in a desperate attempt to find something to eat. This troubling scene was documented by local activist Yasser Sosa Tamayo on social media. He shared that the boy, who appears to have mental health issues, resides in the Micro 8 neighborhood with his father, a man struggling with alcoholism.
Identified as Jesús, the child was seen by numerous passersby who chose to ignore him while he searched through the trash for sustenance. Sosa expressed his deep dismay over the incident, highlighting it as a stark depiction of the societal insensitivity plaguing the community. “All I could do was embrace him, lead him away from that foul-smelling corner, and do what I could with what I had,” he wrote, sharing an image of the boy holding a couple of pieces of bread.
The activist lamented, “I can only pen these melancholic words while reflecting on how heartless we humans have become,” expressing astonishment at the apathy of those who didn’t stop to help. Sosa's account sheds light on a broader issue of neglect and lack of support for Cuba's most vulnerable populations.
Broader Social Issues Highlighted
The image of the boy scavenging for food sparked outrage among those who encountered the story online. Many criticized the Cuban regime for failing to address such dire circumstances, while others praised Sosa for his compassionate act. Sosa, also known for his writing, has increased his humanitarian efforts in recent months to aid the needy in Santiago de Cuba.
In June, UNICEF released a report that included Cuba in its assessment of child nutrition. The report revealed that 9% of Cuban children suffer from severe food poverty, having access to only two out of eight essential food groups necessary for a healthy life. Among these children, the majority rely heavily on breast milk and dairy products, along with a starchy staple such as rice, corn, or wheat. Only 10% consume fruits and vegetables, and less than 5% receive protein from sources like eggs, meat, poultry, and fish.
Escalating Food Crisis in Cuba
A recent USDA report disclosed that 4.2 million Cubans, or 37.8% of the population, experienced food insecurity in 2023. The decline in Cuba's agricultural production over the past seven years, coupled with an increased dependence on imported goods, has exacerbated the island's food crisis. Contributing factors include decreased trade, falling tourism revenues, and a reduction in foreign remittances, leading to nearly 40% of the Cuban populace facing food insecurity, according to a study by the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS).