The leadership of Camagüey's Provincial Communal Services Company has claimed it is working with "full receptiveness" to organize and improve the city's cemetery.
This announcement on Facebook regarding the supposed "transformation" of the burial ground quickly sparked public outcry, exposing years of neglect, severe irregularities, and critical deterioration amidst an ongoing funeral and health crisis.
“Are they shameless?” one user commented.
Another was more blunt: “Full receptiveness? More like full embarrassment. This situation has worsened over the years.”
Critics highlighted numerous inescapable issues such as unpunished grave desecrations, thefts of marble and bronze, urban violations, the misuse of administrative spaces, and illegal sales of vaults for 30,000 pesos.
Additionally, the vandalism of tombs belonging to veteran fighters, threats against staff attempting to safeguard heritage, a deplorable exhumation room, and the lack of digital funeral records compound the problem.
Many believe there is no fundamental guarantee of order, respect, or institutional oversight.
These grievances emerge after weeks of public anger over images showing coffins stacked in corridors, open vaults, and exposed human remains.
Videos and pictures shared by locals depicted a shortage of burial space: “The dead are rotting there, uncovered... four bodies in each hole.”
Others warned of health risks: “Once those bodies start releasing gases, it will be a disaster.”
The cemetery's decline is not a new issue. Previous complaints have mentioned stolen headstones, overgrown weeds, destroyed vaults, and exposed remains.
The situation worsens amid a national funeral crisis, marked by the breakdown of the provincial crematorium, hospital collapses, and reports of bodies being transported in trucks due to a lack of hearses.
For many citizens, the cemetery's condition epitomizes the widespread institutional collapse. As one user summed up: “There is no peace for the living or the dead in this country.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Camagüey Cemetery Crisis
What are the main issues facing the Camagüey cemetery?
The cemetery faces numerous problems, including grave desecrations, thefts of marble and bronze, urban violations, misuse of spaces, and illegal vault sales. Additionally, there are issues with vandalism, threats to staff, poor exhumation conditions, and lack of digital records.
How has the public reacted to the condition of the cemetery?
The public has reacted with outrage and criticism, highlighting years of neglect and mismanagement. The reaction was fueled by disturbing images and reports of stacked coffins, exposed remains, and health risks.
What does the cemetery crisis indicate about the broader situation in Cuba?
The state of the cemetery is seen as a reflection of the broader institutional collapse in Cuba, showcasing systemic issues in public services and governance.