Housing Officials Seize Apartment in Havana Under Dubious Circumstances

By Miguel Coyula

Manuel Fernández was once a resident in my building located in the Vedado neighborhood. He occupied a modest apartment in the garage area. Prior to 1959, his father served as the building's caretaker. Manuel pursued a degree in law and was rumored to have connections with the Cuban Committee for Human Rights (CCPDH), initiated by Ricardo Bofill, which gradually led to his alienation within the community.

His apartment door bore his name, elegantly inscribed with black ink on a wooden plaque. It was said that he possessed an impressive library. Manuel was a quiet individual and as his health declined, he was often seen leaving his apartment in shabby clothes, with trembling hands, heading to a church for meals. The plumbing issues in his apartment were so severe that he had to dispose of water in the garage drain.

Javier, his son, resided in Artemisa and visited sporadically. Neither father nor son had a phone, keeping their social interactions to a minimum. Occasionally, Javier would offer greetings in the hallway, expressing dissatisfaction with the political and social climate. Years ago, he had been a swimming champion and had lent his gold medal to my partner, Lynn Cruz, for a theatrical production.

One day, an overpowering stench overwhelmed the garage area. It was soon discovered that it emanated from Manuel's apartment. The police contacted Javier, and they removed his father's decomposing body. The odor lingered for days. Javier returned to occupy the apartment occasionally. Then, during the pandemic, he vanished for over a year.

A group from the Plaza Municipal Housing Department eventually arrived, attempting to break in, claiming the apartment was a state asset. Lynn confronted them, stating that someone lived there. A Housing worker insisted that Javier had died but couldn't provide any details. Lynn challenged them to return with police and a death certificate.

A week later, after being out filming, we returned to find Javier's door forced open. A neighbor had allowed Housing to enter the apartment. They reiterated that Javier was dead. The wooden plaque with “M. Fernández” was removed, and his valuable library books were tossed onto a truck, destination unknown.

Elena, an employee of the Plaza Municipal Housing Department, became the new tenant. She soon set up a table, potted plants, and a washing machine in the garage's common area. To prevent her dog from escaping, she attached a light yellow plastic cover to the lower section of the main garage gate. A tricycle motorcycle often blocked the shared transit area.

Days later, my mother encountered a woman searching for Javier. Upon learning of the situation, the woman called back, outraged, to reveal that Javier was alive. He had been caring for his blind mother in Artemisa and was now incarcerated. The woman promised to hire a lawyer and arrange transport to bring Javier’s mother to Housing to file a claim. We never heard what happened next.

Elena mentioned to a neighbor that she had recently learned of Javier's existence, claiming ignorance. The unlawful seizure of property has become more frequent, punishable by six months to two years of imprisonment. This incident highlights potential corruption, with Housing officials blatantly abusing their power. Nearly a year has passed.

Where is Javier Fernández now? Will he ever reclaim his apartment?