Cuban priest Alberto Reyes shared a remarkable act of kindness that helped him navigate a risky nighttime drive after his car's lights failed, thanks to an unknown motorcyclist who accompanied him for over 15 kilometers, lighting the way.
The priest from Esmeralda, Camagüey, recounted this touching event on Facebook on Saturday, reflecting on how his journey from several villages was interrupted the previous night by his vehicle's malfunction.
Faced with the breakdown, Reyes and his companions decided to continue using a flashlight, under conditions that he described as particularly challenging.
Unexpected Help on the Road
"With the aid of a flashlight, we pressed on, straining our eyes and taking every precaution possible," Reyes narrated.
When they were just over 15 kilometers from Esmeralda, a motorcycle approached from behind.
Initially, Reyes assumed the rider would simply overtake them, but instead, the motorcyclist positioned himself to the left and stayed with them the entire way, providing much-needed illumination until they reached Esmeralda.
The rider remained behind the car for the remainder of the trip, using his bike's light to help distinguish the road, departing only after the car reached its destination.
A Public Thank You
Reyes admitted he does not know the identity of the helpful stranger, prompting him to turn his post into a public thank you.
"I don't know who you are or where you're from, but whoever and wherever you are, THANK YOU, and may God bless you," he expressed.
This incident is particularly significant given the challenging road safety conditions in Cuba. In 2025, official statistics recorded 7,538 traffic accidents, resulting in 750 deaths and 6,718 injuries. Motorcycles, scooters, and pedestrians were involved in 63% of these incidents.
A Critical Voice in Cuba
Reyes is also known as one of the most outspoken critics of the Catholic Church in Cuba. In August, he addressed a message to the military, police, and State Security agents, asserting that "a people cannot be chained forever" and questioning the island's political system.
His critical stance has led to pressure from authorities. In January, Reyes and Father Castor José Álvarez were summoned by State Security in Camagüey.
Understanding Cuba's Road Safety Challenges
What was the nature of the act of kindness experienced by Father Alberto Reyes?
Father Alberto Reyes was aided by an anonymous motorcyclist who lit his way home after his car lights failed during a nighttime drive.
How does this event highlight road safety issues in Cuba?
The incident underscores the precarious nature of road safety in Cuba, where numerous accidents occur annually, involving a significant number of motorcycles and pedestrians.
Why is Father Alberto Reyes considered a critical voice in Cuba?
Father Reyes is known for his outspoken criticism of the Cuban political system, challenging the regime’s policies and advocating for change.