Help Sought for Young Man Eating Off the Ground in Santiago de Cuba

A photo depicting a man eating food picked up from the ground on a street in Santiago de Cuba has sparked a wave of concern on social media. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada has issued an urgent plea to the authorities to address this situation and others like it in the city.

In a message shared on his Facebook profile, Mayeta Labrada highlighted the pressing need for intervention by party officials, government leaders, and the Provincial Health Directorate of Santiago de Cuba. "Rather than just reporting on this unfortunate incident, since we lack precise information about the man's identity or any mental disorders he might have, we urge the authorities to take action," the journalist stated.

Mayeta emphasized that many homeless individuals do have families, but due to mental illnesses or addiction problems, they end up wandering the streets, scavenging for food from trash or on the ground. "At first glance, the man appears well-dressed, albeit without shoes, and I was told he was eating from the street while crawling," he noted.

Urgent Appeal for Government Action

The journalist's request included a direct critique of city officials, holding them accountable for the lack of adequate healthcare and social assistance programs. "We call on the relevant leaders who refuse to fulfill their duties," he concluded.

This case has ignited a debate about the mounting social and economic crisis in Cuba, where a scarcity of resources and basic services has severely impacted the most vulnerable segments of the population. "Whether it's a child, man, or woman, there's no justification for the hunger being endured in Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba," an online user commented.

Another person mentioned being near the scene when the incident occurred. "He had the crackers in a plastic bag; he took them out himself, threw them on the ground, and began eating them. It's a young man with mental disorders," the witness pointed out.

Growing Economic Hardship and Vulnerability

This scenario is part of a broader social and economic crisis that has driven many citizens into extreme poverty and vulnerability. In recent months, several similar incidents have been reported in the region.

For instance, at the end of 2024, images circulated showing people gathering spilled beans from the ground in Santiago de Cuba. Among those collecting were adults and school-aged children, highlighting the desperation and food shortages in the area. Additionally, in November 2024, several individuals were seen picking up spilled tomato puree on a busy street in the city. Residents, regardless of health risks, bent down to retrieve the food and take it home.

Community Responses to the Crisis

Homelessness has also escalated in the city. In August 2024, there was a reported increase in the number of homeless people sleeping on the streets of this eastern Cuban city, including elderly individuals and those with mental health issues, without effective measures from the authorities to address this problem.

In response to the crisis, some activists and citizens have initiated solidarity efforts. For example, in December 2024, a community lunch benefited 200 vulnerable individuals in Santiago de Cuba, underlining the importance of solidarity in challenging times.

These events paint a disturbing picture of life in Santiago de Cuba, where food scarcity and the neglect of homeless individuals urgently demand intervention from both the authorities and society at large.