Amid a presidential visit to El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba, a young local boldly addressed Miguel Díaz-Canel, criticizing the absence of government officials and organized assistance for their community, stating bluntly, "We've been left alone."
A video shared by Omar Sayut Taquechel captures the young man's heartfelt plea, emphasizing that the area houses "children" and "over 2,000 people," and urging for the reality of their plight to be acknowledged.
He explained that residents were forced to self-organize to meet basic needs, describing situations where "houses with children" and "families from four or five houses" were left without aid. Despite this, he insisted he should not be responsible for going "house to house" to document shortages, saying, "I'm not part of [the distribution]."
The young man reported that evacuees, including those in his own home, have been neglected, and noted that the local delegate "has not come by." He stated, “I want you to know this, to be aware,” directly addressing Díaz-Canel.
His account also highlighted the lack of accessible roads to the area, with “five children” living in his household, as he pleaded not to be silenced.
Community Efforts Undermined by Lack of Official SupportDespite grassroots efforts, he pointed out the absence of effective leadership, asking, “Where is the strength? Who inspires the people?”
Additionally, he mentioned doctors working under precarious conditions due to dengue, and questioned why children have been waiting “four days on the roadside” without response.
His demands underscored the institutional neglect in Guamuta and the delay in addressing the needs of vulnerable families, calling for information and leadership to coordinate aid.
“I live in Guamuta, no one has come up there,” he reiterated to those present, emphasizing that his plea was to raise awareness about the ongoing situation.
The direct confrontation with the president, captured on video, underscores the frustration of citizens who have resorted to self-management to meet basic needs while awaiting official interventions.
The scene concluded with his earnest request to be heard: “Mr. President, may I speak… I’m going to tell the truth here, plain and simple.”
Key Issues in El Cobre's Community Under Diaz-Canel
What was the young man's main criticism during his encounter with Díaz-Canel?
His main criticism was the lack of government presence and organized assistance for the community, which he described as being "left alone."
How have the residents of El Cobre been coping with the lack of official support?
Residents have had to self-organize to address basic needs, as they have not received adequate support from the authorities.
What specific challenges did the young man highlight regarding the community's situation?
He highlighted the challenges of inaccessible roads, neglected evacuees, children waiting without help, and medical professionals working under difficult conditions due to dengue.