Norma Betancourt Villalón, a 78-year-old Cuban mother, has been living in a state of constant worry for the past five years, having lost all contact with her son, Alfredo Tait Betancourt, who resides in the United States. In an emotional interview with opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer in Santiago de Cuba, Norma shared her heartache.
"My son left Cuba in 1983, 42 years ago. He graduated as an engineer in Havana," she recounted. "He married a Mexican woman, and they lived in Las Vegas. Later, they spent some time in Colombia, and the last I knew, he was in Boston. Since then, we haven't heard a thing."
Norma explained that Alfredo used to keep in touch regularly with her and his sister, even providing financial support. However, all communication ceased five years ago. Norma, alongside her 76-year-old husband, frequently visits Ferrer's home for food assistance. Her greatest sorrow is the absence of news about Alfredo. "The last we knew, he was in Boston. We have no idea if he's okay," she lamented.
The Plight of Cuban Families Separated by Migration
Norma's story is one of many where Cuban families have been torn apart by emigration, often going years without hearing from their loved ones. Despite her age and circumstances, Norma holds onto hope that she will hear from her son once more.
In a public plea, José Daniel Ferrer urged anyone with information about Alfredo Tait Betancourt to come forward, hoping to reunite this mother with her son. Ferrer experiences the struggles of elderly Cubans firsthand at his home in Altamira, Santiago de Cuba, where he provides food to hundreds of people, many of whom are elderly and alone after their children emigrated.
FAQs About Cuban Families and Emigration
Why do many Cuban families lose contact with loved ones abroad?
Many Cuban families lose contact due to limited communication resources, political barriers, and the vast distances separating them, making it challenging to maintain regular contact.
What efforts are being made to help Cuban families reconnect?
Efforts include public appeals by activists like José Daniel Ferrer, who use their platforms to gather information and help reunite families, as well as community support networks that provide resources to those in need.