Under socialism, no one (except for the ruling elite) is immune to misery, but it is society’s most vulnerable, children and the elderly, who suffer the most.
Elderly man faints from hunger on a busy street in Holguin
“Help him, he’s a human being. That man is hungry and in need. The government doesn’t take care of people like him,” a woman shouted on Wednesday, pointing to an elderly man who had collapsed on Aguilera Street, one of the busiest streets in the city of Holguin.
“Thank goodness a car didn’t come by, otherwise…” remarked one of the men who was helping him.
On the opposite sidewalk, several people witnessed the unfortunate incident while waiting at a bus stop.
“He has a bruise,” someone commented, pointing to his head where a wound caused by the impact with the asphalt was visible.
A man who had just arrived recognized him as “Chino,” took him by the right arm, and attempted to help him up, but it was in vain. The elderly man did not regain consciousness.
In a small plastic cup, the newcomer placed two 10-peso bills, apparently given to the elderly man as alms.
“The government has to help these people. Look at how poor his hygiene is. He has a checkbook, but that doesn’t sustain anyone because life is very difficult, and he is alone. He lives in a boarding house,” said another person who seemed to know him.
“He has a home. He doesn’t drink rum, but I don’t know what happened to him,” added the man who was helping him. “But he has to have a social worker to help him,” the woman pointed out.
“He’s very weak. Of course, he’s lacking food,” another bystander remarked.
With assistance, the elderly man managed to sit on the sidewalk and lean against the wall, staining it with blood.
“Did you not have lunch today?” his acquaintance asked. “Just relax until the dizziness goes away,” someone else suggested.
In Cuba, nearly 20% of the population is 60 years old or older, an indicator that will continue to grow in the coming years, according to the island’s Ministry of Public Health.
Meanwhile, the pensions that retired people receive range from 1,578 to 1,733 pesos, a meager amount that does not cover the basic needs of the elderly. This is compounded by the rampant inflation caused by the implementation of the so-called “Task Ordering,” which has exponentially increased food prices.
But of course his life does not matter, certainly not to the regime, but also not to the usual suspects.