América Lecusay Camejo, a 75-year-old Cuban woman residing in Camagüey, has devoted her life to caring for her 53-year-old daughter, Raiza, who has been bedridden due to cerebral palsy since birth.
The two live at the end of Calle H, number 4, between 13 and 15, in the Reparto Simoni neighborhood. They face severe shortages, lacking everything from food to basic necessities.
Moved by their plight, neighbors reached out to activist Guelmi Abdul, who highlighted their situation on Facebook in a bid to secure direct assistance for the mother and daughter.
Challenges Facing the Family
One pressing issue is the absence of a fan for Raiza. "She lies in bed enduring relentless heat without a fan to cool her, and lacks proper nutrition and other essential items. Despite these hardships, América keeps her home and her daughter spotless, showing unmatched dignity amidst profound scarcity," Abdul noted.
América’s older daughter, Yumara Hernández, a nurse by profession, does not live with them and is also responsible for her own children. Although she tries to support her mother and sister, her salary falls short, and banking restrictions exacerbate their troubles.
Bureaucratic Struggles and Community Support
Adding to their daily struggles, América's work records from her time in Santa Cruz del Sur, the family's previous residence, have disappeared, leaving her without a pension. With limited mobility, she must travel long distances to personally reclaim the years she devoted to her job.
Guelmi has emphasized that those who wish to assist América and Raiza can contact Yumara directly at +53 55382886. "Donations will not be accepted through intermediaries," she stressed.
As a show of solidarity, the activist announced that her group, along with Lena González Mendoza, will deliver a rechargeable fan and some financial support to Raiza.
The Broader Crisis in Cuba
The situation of América and her daughter Raiza underscores the growing dependence of vulnerable Cubans on the goodwill of family, friends, and neighbors, as the State fails to address economic and social challenges.
Social media has emerged as the primary avenue for solidarity among Cuban families in dire straits.
The food crisis particularly affects the elderly, the sick, and individuals with disabilities. The United Nations estimates that two million Cubans require humanitarian aid due to the breakdown of basic services amidst prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and collapsing infrastructure.
In May, the Food Monitor Program reported that 96.91% of the Cuban population lacked adequate food access, with 33.9% of households experiencing at least one member going to bed hungry in the month prior to the survey.
Thousands of older adults face a grim reality with insufficient pensions and a deteriorating social security system that leaves entire families without institutional support.
In March, the regime admitted that the budget is "not extensive" and cannot cater to all vulnerable citizens.
In response to the collapse, the government announced in June that both private and state enterprises would be compelled to fund the social assistance system, implicitly acknowledging that the State can no longer sustain it.
Key Questions about Cuba’s Social Crisis
What are the main challenges faced by América Lecusay Camejo?
América Lecusay Camejo faces severe shortages of food and basic necessities, lacks a pension due to lost work records, and must care for her bedridden daughter without adequate resources.
How is the Cuban community responding to these challenges?
Neighbors and activists are rallying to provide direct assistance, using social media to spread awareness and gather support for families like América’s who are in critical need.
What broader issues are affecting vulnerable populations in Cuba?
Vulnerable populations in Cuba are struggling with food shortages, inadequate social security, and a lack of institutional support, all exacerbated by a failing economy and infrastructure.