A video shared on Facebook highlights the alarming condition of La Boca beach, located on the northern coast of Camagüey Province, littered with beer cans and other refuse left behind by beachgoers themselves.
"This is unbelievable, it pains me deeply. Look at the condition of La Boca beach in Camagüey, Cuba," remarks content creator Wilson Daniel in his video.
Clearly upset, he walks along the shoreline, capturing the piles of trash scattered across the sand. "People drink their beers and just leave them on the sand, they don't care. No one picks up anything, it's truly an eyesore."
The pollution extends beyond the beach surface. One commenter notes that the trash problem infiltrates the water as well. "The seabed is full of beer cans!"
A frequent visitor to the area adds that swimmers "drink in the water and leave the cans right there." Additionally, shards of glass can be found both on the sand and underwater.
A Debate Over Responsibility
The post sparked a debate over who should be accountable for the degradation of this public space. Some directly blame the visitors: "It's a shame such a beautiful place ends up like this because of people," wrote one user.
Others point fingers at the government: "The State is responsible, and maybe someone is being paid a salary but isn't doing the job of cleaning up the waste."
One commenter recalls that before the summer, the beach was well-kept thanks to an individual who took it upon themselves to maintain it, but the negligence of visitors has ultimately ruined it. Another voice sums up the situation starkly: "There's no order or social culture; everything is disgusting and in total disrepair in Cuba. It's infuriating."
Wider Implications Across Cuba
The situation at La Boca is not an isolated incident. The beaches of Mayabeque were described as critically impacted by litter this month, and Santa Lucía beach was reported with murky waters and dirty shores earlier in the year.
The decline of public spaces in Cuba is symptomatic of a structural waste management crisis, exacerbated by fuel shortages and the collapse of communal cleaning equipment. This is compounded by a lack of civic responsibility towards natural and even urban landscapes.
Understanding Cuba's Beach Pollution Crisis
What is the main cause of pollution at La Boca beach?
The primary cause of pollution at La Boca beach is the litter left by visitors, including beer cans and glass shards, which are not disposed of properly.
Who is responsible for cleaning the beaches in Cuba?
The responsibility for cleaning beaches in Cuba typically falls on the government, although some individuals have taken personal initiative to maintain cleanliness. However, a lack of resources and civic responsibility exacerbates the issue.
How does the pollution at La Boca beach compare to other beaches in Cuba?
The pollution at La Boca beach is part of a broader issue affecting many Cuban beaches, including those in Mayabeque and Santa Lucía, which are also experiencing significant waste problems.