An image depicting the poverty and scarcity in Cuba has sparked widespread concern after being shared on social media. The photograph, posted by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, shows a man transporting a small girl in a box placed on the back of a bicycle in Santiago de Cuba.
“This unfortunate image, where a reckless father carries his daughter in a box on the back of a bicycle, is deeply troubling,” commented the journalist, noting that the photo was taken on the busy Avenida Patria in Santiago de Cuba.
Mayeta further stated, “Exposing your child to such a danger is not a sign of love,” a message that, along with the image, triggered a heated debate among followers.
Public Reactions
One concerned citizen, Héctor Aponte Ávila, commented, “People don't think, and because they don't think, bad things happen. Then they regret it. The level of unconsciousness is too high.”
Another user, Mar Pérez, expressed empathy: “This is lamentable. The desperation, hunger, and misery our brothers and sisters face prevent them from considering the consequences of their actions. That father probably doesn't even have enough to feed his daughter, let alone afford proper transportation. Public transportation is practically non-existent. We shouldn't judge without walking in their shoes.”
Additionally, Beatriz Barrios added to the discussion: “Reckless parents endanger their children's lives. A few days ago, I saw a mother carrying her 2-year-old daughter standing in front of her on a scooter. I was horrified. Any bump or sudden stop could cause that little girl to fall off.”
Transport Crisis in Cuba
The Cuban government has acknowledged the severe transport crisis in the country. During the last session of the Cuban Parliament in July, it was revealed that more than half of the provincial routes are out of service.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transport, reported that as of the end of April, 52% of the routes operated by provincial transport companies were halted, according to the state-run newspaper Granma. The situation is particularly dire in the provinces of Camagüey, Granma, Villa Clara, Ciego de Ávila, Holguín, Matanzas, and Artemisa.
The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has also acknowledged the disastrous state of transportation in Cuba, attributing it to the broader global crisis. In his YouTube program "Desde la Presidencia," he stated that the transport sector is experiencing its "worst moments in recent years."
In June, images circulated on social media showing dozens of Cubans waiting up to five days on the waiting list at the Havana bus terminal, further illustrating the gravity of the situation.
FAQs on Cuba's Transport Crisis and Public Reactions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the transport issues in Cuba and the public's reaction to the recent incident in Santiago de Cuba.
What sparked the recent public concern in Santiago de Cuba?
A photograph showing a man transporting his daughter in a box on the back of a bicycle was shared on social media, highlighting issues of poverty and recklessness.
How did people react to the image on social media?
The image triggered a heated debate, with some criticizing the father's recklessness and others empathizing with his desperate situation.
What is the current state of transportation in Cuba?
More than half of the provincial transport routes are out of service, with the situation being particularly severe in several key provinces.
What has the Cuban government said about the transport crisis?
Government officials, including the Minister of Transport and Miguel Díaz-Canel, have acknowledged the severe transport issues, attributing them in part to a global crisis.