The Municipal Government of Río Cauto in Granma took a strong stance this Wednesday against Cuban mother Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, following her protest in the community square last weekend. During her demonstration, Carrasco highlighted the dire hunger situation in Pueblo Viejo and her inability to feed her three children.
In a Facebook statement, the Local Administration deemed Carrasco's actions "unacceptable," claiming that her family was given a "temporary accommodation with walls of wood and zinc" to alleviate their housing conditions. The government's response emphasized that, according to Decree 25, which amends certain aspects of Cuba's Social Security Law 105, a family unit is considered vulnerable if there are no employable individuals, insufficient income, or a lack of obligated relatives to provide support.
The Municipal Government revealed that the Río Cauto Directorate of Labor and Social Security had reassessed Carrasco's family situation through home visits and discussions with community representatives. The official account stated that Carrasco was offered over five job opportunities, including roles as a general assistant at an educational institution and at the UEB Calisur. However, she declined all offers. Additionally, her partner was proposed a job in Guamo Viejo's UBPC and CCS as a guard and charcoal maker, which was also refused.
"In Cuba, no one is left helpless," concluded the statement from the Río Cauto Municipal Government. This response comes amidst growing economic hardships in several areas of the country and increasing public dissatisfaction during a severe crisis and heightened repression. The government's note fails to mention that after her protest, the 47-year-old mother was violently detained for protesting alone in the "Ángel Fría" square in Río Cauto.
Key Questions About Río Cauto's Response and Mayelín Carrasco's Protest
What prompted Mayelín Carrasco to protest in Río Cauto?
Mayelín Carrasco protested due to the severe hunger and lack of food for her three children in the Pueblo Viejo neighborhood.
How did the Río Cauto Government respond to Carrasco's protest?
The government criticized Carrasco, stating that her family had received temporary housing and job offers, which she and her partner declined.
What does Decree 25 entail regarding vulnerable families in Cuba?
Decree 25 outlines that families are considered vulnerable when there are no employable individuals, insufficient income, or lack of support from obligated relatives.
What was omitted from the government's statement about Carrasco's protest?
The statement did not mention that Carrasco was violently detained for protesting alone in the "Ángel Fría" square after her demonstration.