A group of compassionate Cubans has come together to distribute at least 1.3 million pesos to numerous families in San Antonio del Sur, in the province of Guantánamo. This area was severely impacted by Hurricane Oscar last October. Luis ViralInfluencer Suárez shared a video on the Facebook group "Aquí con el héroe en Sancti Spíritus y en toda Cuba, ayuda y amor!" where he detailed the distribution of funds, noting that each of the 65 affected families received 20,000 pesos, equivalent to about 4,320 USD.
One post highlighted a recipient whose home was devastated by a river overflow in Macambo, San Antonio del Sur. In another shared reel, Pablo Ávila, a member of the supportive group, was seen explaining to a beneficiary how they managed to gather the donations. "We collected some money to help those who faced hardships," Ávila stated, explaining the aim of their initiative.
Community Efforts and Challenges
Initially, the group aimed to assist 65 households. Nonetheless, they could only reach 60 families as some homes were completely destroyed, necessitating double donations in certain cases. "This is more than I had," expressed one grateful recipient. Another video captured Ávila delivering funds to a single mother, who, through tears, expressed her gratitude. "They just brought rice cookers, and I didn't have a dime to buy one. Thank you so much," she said.
Widespread Solidarity in Guantánamo
Following Hurricane Oscar's impact in Guantánamo, there have been numerous acts of solidarity from Cubans to support those in need. Among the notable figures is Geomanis Faure Ramírez, dubbed the "hombre-taller," who travels daily to San Antonio del Sur to repair mattresses for affected families free of charge.
Joining this noble effort are brothers Víctor Manuel Hernández Escalona and Juan Antonio Bello Escalona. Since October 22, they have been actively involved in aiding the recovery in this Guantánamo municipality. "We are from Camagüey and deliver mattresses and other essentials to homes across Las Tunas, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and beyond," Hernández Escalona shared. "Though I've never been to Maisí, I continue from Baracoa to Imías, San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, Palma Soriano, Bayamo, and back to Camagüey, familiar with all provinces and municipalities in the East."
Through Facebook, the brothers are promoting solidarity by crafting mattresses for those in dire need. They solicit assistance to identify individuals who would benefit from such donations, ensuring their efforts reach the most vulnerable.