In a heartfelt plea on social media, a mother from Baracoa expressed her outrage over the theft of her three-year-old daughter's rechargeable fan. This essential item has been crucial during the relentless power outages plaguing Guantánamo province, making sleep a luxury in many Cuban households.
Day Ng took to the Facebook group Revolico Baracoa Plus on Monday to share her ordeal. She recounted how an unknown individual entered her home on Calle 13 and stole the fan from her daughter's room while she was away.
Seeking assistance, the mother called on friends to help identify the thief and even offered a reward for the fan's return.
"Someone stole my daughter's fan. If any of my friends or acquaintances come across a similar fan, slightly used, please contact 58548867. I would be grateful and a reward will be given," she wrote, lamenting the erosion of values and the severe social decline affecting the nation.
In her message, Day Ng condemned the thief's callousness in taking an item crucial for a child during Baracoa's frequent blackouts.
"They don't think about how much a three-year-old needs this during an outage. They don't consider the sacrifices parents make for their child's comfort," she noted.
Day Ng warned that if the perpetrator is someone she knows, she will find out, entrusting her grievances to justice and faith.
"I only ask God to punish you severely, because only parents know the sacrifice it takes to get a fan like this, only for someone who doesn't work to come and steal it," she stated.
In the comments, she mentioned that the child's father was enraged, as the fan was something sacred belonging to his daughter.
Rising Crime Amidst Economic and Social Crisis
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of a profound economic and social crisis, which has led to a surge in thefts and insecurity across different regions of the country. Meanwhile, the regime fails to address the shortages of electricity, food, and essential services.
Reports of stolen essential goods have been flooding social media as authorities remain unresponsive.
Following the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, various provinces experienced a troubling surge in crime.
In Santiago de Cuba, the Electric Company warned of widespread thefts of cables and transformers in cyclone-hit areas, leaving entire communities without power at a critical time.
These incidents occurred shortly after the hurricane, exacerbating the existing social tensions.
In Granma province, at least five burglaries were reported, perpetrated by individuals exploiting the emergency situation to commit crimes.
Local authorities, led by the president of the Council of Defense, denounced these actions as intolerable and vowed to impose harsh penalties on those responsible.
Such crimes took place amidst widespread devastation and resource scarcity, as highlighted in official reports following the hurricane.
On the same day, in Santiago de Cuba, two men were apprehended while attempting to loot a severely affected community. The authorities' intervention prevented the theft, but the incident underscored the growing social desperation.
According to local testimonies, the combination of natural disasters and institutional neglect has created a fertile ground for criminal activity.
Baracoa's Power Outages and Rising Crime: FAQs
How are power outages affecting daily life in Baracoa?
Power outages have severely disrupted daily life in Baracoa, making it difficult for residents to sleep and manage household tasks. Essential appliances, like rechargeable fans, are critical for comfort during these blackouts.
What measures are being taken to address thefts amid the crisis?
Local authorities have promised severe penalties for those caught stealing, especially during emergencies. However, there is widespread criticism over the lack of effective solutions to prevent such crimes.
What role does social media play in addressing these issues?
Social media serves as a platform for residents to share their grievances and seek assistance, often leading to community-driven efforts to identify and address crimes when official responses are lacking.