Veterinarian’s Partner Sheds Light on His Whereabouts in Cuba

The partner of Cuban veterinarian Yasiel Adrián Quiñones Alfonso-Ponvert, aged 30, has disclosed through social media that he is alive and currently outside the province. "Quiñones finally reached out to me. He'll be away from the province for a while. He is alright. Thank you to everyone who participated in the search and remained vigilant," reportedly wrote his partner, identified as "Milessa," in a WhatsApp story that was shared among animal rights activists and veterinary colleagues.

This information was shared on Tuesday by the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba (BAC) in Havana via their official Facebook page. In their post, BAC Habana officially ended the active search for the veterinarian, citing the recent messages from what they described as "his current romantic partner," who is in direct contact with him. "Since this statement comes from the person closest to the doctor emotionally, and confirms direct contact with him [...], we are ending the search from our side, understanding that there is proof of life," the association stated.

In a subsequent post, BAC-Habana shared a screenshot of a comment by Chabely Quiñones, who identified herself as the veterinarian's "niece" and requested that the search be called off. "For those insisting on continuing the search. Here is the comment from his niece left on a journalist's post about the doctor's appearance. It's clear that everything should wrap up now. Thanks to everyone," BAC-Habana reiterated.

The message reveals a similar version, with the only difference being that the person BAC-Habana previously referred to as "current romantic partner" was called "ex-girlfriend." "I am his niece. He was never missing, he just chose to isolate himself without telling anyone about his whereabouts. However, he has communicated with his ex-girlfriend and told her he will be away from the province for a while, where there are plants and animals. But that's it. He is fine, in good health. No further information is provided beyond what we, the family, know. Thank you and regards," the text reads.

In the comments section of the post, several users expressed disappointment at the tone used by Quiñones Alfonso-Ponvert’s family member. Some even suggested that there was something "odd" about the story being told.

Since the report of Quiñones' disappearance, colleagues, activists, and citizens have come together in a vigorous social media campaign to try and locate him. Previous posts indicated he was last seen in Bejucal, located in the province of Mayabeque. Quiñones resides in Centro Habana and worked at Vetpro Veterinary Clinic, also providing services in the Carlos III area.

Testimonies from those close to him suggested he was experiencing a delicate emotional time. According to accounts, the veterinarian left farewell letters and handed his cell phone to his sister before disappearing, as a means to avoid being tracked. "He is going through a severe depressive state," warned activist Lara Crofs days earlier.

The situation caused significant concern among the veterinary community, animal advocates, and the general public, who amplified messages and calls for help on social media. Initially, BAC - Habana appealed for public assistance, asserting that the young man had saved countless animal lives and now needed help to save his own.

The case was also shared by others close to Quiñones, such as Luciano Sariol Rodríguez, who identified him as a member of the Logia Corazones Unidos and noted that he disappeared "after a nervous breakdown." Before confirming the contact between Quiñones and his partner, BAC-Habana had dismissed unconfirmed reports about his appearance, urging patience and prayer. "Such news would not be hidden under any circumstances," they expressed on Monday.

In their final message on Tuesday, BAC Habana thanked everyone who assisted during the search and reminded that any additional information regarding his personal, emotional, or professional situation would only be shared if he chooses to do so. "The solidarity and love shown these days have been immense and moving. The most important thing is that Dr. Quiñones is alive […]. In life, sometimes silence is also a way of asking for help," the organization concluded.