The city of Havana is reeling from the tragic discovery of a deceased newborn found on a street corner in the Santo Suárez neighborhood, situated in the 10 de Octubre municipality.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada revealed on Facebook this Tuesday that the infant's body was discovered at the intersection of Rabí and Correa streets, located in the southern part of the Cuban capital.
Local residents stumbled upon the infant near some garbage bins and promptly alerted law enforcement.
Cuban activist Adelth Bonne Gamboa, who also lives in the area, confirmed the incident and expressed his outrage on social media. "This afternoon, the lifeless body of a child was found in a dump. This occurred in Santo Suárez, my neighborhood, specifically at Rabí and Correa, just a block from the Coco y Rabí Polyclinic. This is no longer a city; it's a jungle. It's all horrific," he lamented.
Virginia Rodríguez, a local resident, commented on social media that the body belonged to a newborn baby, still with the umbilical cord attached, and it was discovered by children playing nearby.
The shocking event has left the community deeply affected, prompting a wave of sorrow and condemnation across social media platforms.
Residents and activists have pointed to the alarming institutional neglect surrounding childhood in Cuba, where the ongoing social, economic, and moral crises manifest in such harrowing incidents.
"The pain is immense. No one can fathom how such a defenseless being could meet this fate," wrote Mayeta.
In an update, Mayeta reported that as night fell, investigative teams arrived at the Santo Suárez neighborhood in the 10 de Octubre municipality to further examine the scene and gather evidence.
Currently, the identity of the mother remains unknown, but authorities might soon start reviewing recent pregnancies in that area of Havana to aid in identification and clarify the situation.
The community remains in shock and eagerly awaits answers about this incident that has shaken the Havana neighborhood, emphasized the journalist.
The discovery of the deceased newborn in Santo Suárez is not an isolated incident but part of a distressing pattern of similar occurrences, reflecting the severe social decay in Cuba.
Back in June, another infant was found dead inside a garbage bin at the intersection of Infanta and Santa Rosa in the Cerro municipality, wrapped in a plastic bag, according to citizen reports circulating on social media.
Images from that case sparked a surge of outrage and concern over child abandonment amid the lack of resources and support for women in vulnerable situations.
Just months earlier, another newborn was discovered dead inside a trash container in Pinar del Río, also wrapped in a nylon bag.
Understanding the Social Crisis in Cuba
What is the current social situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe social, economic, and moral crisis, leading to incidents such as child abandonment and neglect, as resources and support for vulnerable individuals are scarce.
How are authorities responding to these incidents?
Authorities are investigating these tragic incidents to identify those responsible and address the underlying issues contributing to such occurrences. They are also reviewing recent pregnancies in affected areas to aid in their investigations.