A Cuban migrant residing in Guyana made a public plea for help on Monday through social media, reporting that he was evicted from his rental home, lost the money he had given the landlord, and found himself trapped inside the property, unable to exit on his own.
The individual, who goes by the username Nevyh on Facebook, posted a video explaining that he had been stuck inside the premises for over 24 hours, sleeping on the floor and relying on food provided by some neighbors.
"It's been more than twenty-four hours since the landlord evicted me. I had to sleep on the floor last night," he recounted.
Financial Loss and Entrapment
According to his account, the landlord, identified as Christopher, removed all of his belongings, took away his keys, and left the scene without returning the deposit and rent money he had paid. The Cuban migrant claims to have lost 90,000 Guyanese dollars for the deposit and 52,000 Guyanese dollars for the rent, totaling about 650 U.S. dollars.
"The man refuses to give me back my money. He took the car and left, and hasn't come back," he reported.
The situation worsened as he was unable to leave the property. "I haven't been able to get outside because the gate is locked with a padlock," he asserted.
Seeking Community Support
To avoid dragging his neighbors into the conflict with the landlord, he refrained from seeking their assistance. Instead, he used the video to call upon the Cuban community for support.
"If anyone knows of a place to rent in Coverden, Leonora, or anywhere else, and knows someone with a small truck to move my belongings, I would be grateful," he said.
His friends have loaned him money to rent another place, so he only needs to find a new location to relocate.
Allegations of Exploitation
The incident is part of a series of videos shared by Nevyh over the weekend. In one clip, the landlord justified the eviction by claiming the tenant hadn't paid for water and electricity services. The Cuban countered by displaying bank receipts that he said proved these payments.
He also accused the landlord of throwing his ebbó, a sacred Afro-Cuban religious object, onto the ground, describing it as one of the most distressing actions during the dispute.
Further, he accused the landlord of exploiting the plight of many vulnerable Cuban migrants. "He's a scam artist pretending to be a good person. He takes advantage of the fact that many Cubans are undocumented," he stated.
A Broader Issue of Vulnerability
This case sheds light on the precarious situation faced by many Cubans living in Guyana. In recent years, thousands from the island have moved to the country, drawn by the economic boom from the oil industry. However, many struggle with unstable immigration status, making it difficult to assert their rights in conflicts over employment or housing.
Recent weeks have seen other incidents highlighting this reality. On July 23, a fire in Georgetown left around 40 Cubans homeless when a building in Lacytown burned down. Months earlier, Guyanese authorities raided a property on Charlotte Street housing 77 Cuban nationals during a human trafficking investigation.
The migrant ended his plea with a warning to fellow Cubans to be extremely cautious when renting housing. "The landlord kept both the deposit and rent money. I hope others don't experience what I have," he concluded.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Migrants in Guyana
What are the main challenges for Cuban migrants in Guyana?
Cuban migrants in Guyana often face challenges such as unstable immigration status, exploitation by landlords, and difficulties in asserting their rights in employment or housing disputes.
How has the economic boom in Guyana affected Cuban migrants?
The economic boom in Guyana, driven by the oil industry, has attracted many Cuban migrants. However, despite the economic opportunities, many face precarious living conditions due to legal and social challenges.