A heart-wrenching incident on Monday night in Central Havana has left locals and social media users in shock. The tragic event unfolded near the bustling intersection of Reina and Belascoaín, right outside the Doña Alicia restaurant.
According to numerous accounts shared on Facebook, a young boy nicknamed "El Bote" was reportedly hit by a car while he was allegedly soliciting money at the restaurant's entrance. The first report of the tragedy came from a Facebook user named Saúl Manuel, who posted, "They say a car just ran over one of the children asking for money outside the Doña Alicia Restaurant at Reina and Belascoaín, Central Havana. Witnesses sadly report that he has passed away, and he was around 11 or 12 years old."
The accident is said to have occurred around 7:30 p.m., as noted by an alleged witness, Boris Agustín Osorio. Many expressed their sorrow in online posts, confirming the boy, frequently seen in the area seeking alms, was between 11 and 12 years old.
Jean Carlos Amore, reflecting on the tragedy, wrote, "The deceased child was from my neighborhood, we all knew him. He was called ‘El Bote’." Others, like Yassiel Vigo and Víctor Manuel González, mentioned frequently seeing him near the traffic lights at the Hospital Hermanos Amejeiras, seeking assistance from passersby and drivers.
A Facebook user named Carmencita La Currita, who claimed to be close to the family, commented on the child's troubled background. "He lived in neglect and carelessness... and sadly, this child paid the price for mistakes that weren't his. Children are supposed to be protected by their guardians, who should ensure their well-being. But it seems his mother struggles with drugs and alcohol. She never saw anything wrong with her child being on the streets. She even attempted suicide... but was stopped," she stated.
Posts indicate the boy lived in Campanario between Sitios and Peñalver, in the Los Sitios neighborhood. Neighbors reported that his wake would be held at his home, his mother was emotionally distraught, and he had a brother who was incarcerated. However, these details have not been verified by this publication.
Although there have been no official reports, the incident has sparked outrage over the societal conditions that lead children to roam the streets in search of money. "The question is, why was that child begging every day? Where were his parents? What are the authorities doing about this sad reality?" pondered Facebook user Juan Rafael Méndez.
The news has ignited a public debate on child neglect and the inaction of institutions responsible for the welfare of minors. The grief of a community has intertwined with the outcry over a social issue that many believe occurs daily without effective solutions.
As of this writing, neither the state-run media nor the authorities have released an official statement on the accident or the child's death.
Critical Questions on Child Neglect and Safety in Cuba
What are the main causes of child neglect in Cuba?
Child neglect in Cuba can be attributed to various factors, including poverty, lack of parental guidance due to substance abuse, and insufficient social services to support vulnerable families.
How can the Cuban government address the issue of street children?
To address the issue of street children, the Cuban government could enhance social welfare programs, improve access to education and healthcare, and implement community-based support systems to assist families in need.
What role do social media users play in highlighting social issues in Cuba?
Social media users in Cuba play a crucial role in raising awareness about social issues by sharing firsthand accounts, fostering public discussions, and pressuring authorities to take action.