This past Thursday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel made a stop at an elderly care facility in Manicaragua, located in the Villa Clara province. Official state media depicted this as part of his ongoing tour across various regions of the island. However, the images from this visit sparked a significant reaction online, primarily due to the stark contrast between the government entourage and the frail condition of the elderly residents.
Photos released by the Presidency capture Díaz-Canel greeting seniors seated on metal chairs, their frames noticeably thin and their cheekbones pronounced. Surrounding him, a retinue of Communist Party officials, healthcare professionals, and administrators are seen dressed in pristine shirts, well-fitted jeans, and appearing in robust health. Notably, Díaz-Canel sports a light blue shirt with the presidential logo and polished leather shoes, standing in sharp contrast to the struggling elderly in the facility.
Intended as a demonstration of care and empathy, this visit has been interpreted by many Cubans as a visual representation of the systemic inequality prevalent in Cuba. According to a report from the Presidency featured on Telecubanacán, the facility, established in 2010, provides specialized medical care and meals for its residents. Dr. Eleanay Santana, the director, outlined the operations of the center and emphasized that various organizations prioritize the allocation of essential resources.
During his visit, Díaz-Canel inquired with several residents about their well-being, the medical care they receive, and the progress of maintenance and repair work on the premises. However, the official narrative is at odds with the stark evidence presented by the images: signs of malnutrition, physical deterioration, and the apparent lack of vitality among the residents paint a picture that belies the official script.
This isn’t the first time a presidential visit to an elderly home has stirred controversy. In April, a similar visit in Las Tunas showcased positive resident testimonials through state media, while independent reports highlighted chronic shortages, unsanitary conditions, and medical neglect.
In a nation where inflation, medicine shortages, and a broken food system plague millions, state-supported elderly homes are among the most vulnerable institutions. The backdrop of Díaz-Canel's visit cannot be separated from the growing food crisis gripping the country. The "En Cuba Hay Hambre (2024)" report by the independent Food Monitor Program (FMP) reveals that one in four Cubans goes to bed without dinner. This study, based on surveys from 2,703 households across all provinces, revealed:
- 96.9% of respondents have lost access to food due to inflation.
- 72% have adopted poor or unhealthy diets.
- 29% eat only twice a day; 4% just once.
- 25% of households include at least one member with severe disabilities.
- 63% live with elderly individuals.
These statistics highlight that institutionalized seniors, like those Díaz-Canel visited in Manicaragua, are among the most vulnerable and hardest hit by hunger. The report further warns of worsening conditions: frequent blackouts (71%), lack of potable water (60%), and the necessity to spend up to five times the minimum wage on food. In Cuba, securing food has shifted from being a right to a daily struggle for survival.
Moreover, 64% of those surveyed blame the Cuban government for the food shortages, while only 8% attribute it to the U.S. embargo.
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis and Elderly Care
What sparked the controversy during Díaz-Canel's visit to the elderly home?
The controversy arose from the stark visual contrast between the well-dressed government entourage and the malnourished, frail condition of the elderly residents, highlighting systemic inequality.
How does the "En Cuba Hay Hambre (2024)" report relate to the elderly home visit?
The report underscores the widespread food insecurity in Cuba, revealing that seniors in institutional care, like those visited by Díaz-Canel, are among the most affected by the crisis.
What are the primary reasons for food shortages in Cuba according to the survey?
According to the survey, 64% of respondents blame the Cuban government for food shortages, while only 8% cite the U.S. embargo as the cause.