Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz recently paid a visit to a facility for homeless individuals in Ciego de Ávila, aiming to address public outcry stemming from controversial remarks made by Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó. Feitó had previously denied the presence of beggars in Cuba. During his tour, Marrero, accompanied by the local governor, emphasized the "humanistic and social justice" principles of the Revolution, highlighting the role of such institutions in helping individuals reintegrate into society.
This move by the Prime Minister is seen as an effort to bolster the government's narrative on social protection, amid growing public skepticism and criticism over deteriorating living conditions in Cuba. The visit came shortly after Feitó stirred controversy by claiming there are no beggars in Cuba and suggesting that those seen collecting trash or cleaning windshields do so voluntarily, seeking an "easy way of life."
Her comments were widely criticized on social media as a denial of the country's social crisis. Feitó also dismissed the existence of hunger and extreme poverty, contradicting reports from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, which states that over 80% of Cubans live in poverty.
Since then, state media has addressed the issue, and provincial authorities have moved to open centers for individuals with "wandering behavior." These facilities have been criticized by activists and citizens for their poor conditions, overcrowding, and operating under a system of forced confinement. Marrero's visit seemed to aim at presenting a contrasting image: that of a socially beneficial and reintegrative institution.
Following Feitó Cabrera's statements, the Cuban regime has reluctantly acknowledged the existence of begging, using the term "wanderers" as a euphemism. Although the regime claims to be "working" to improve the situation, the reality on Cuban streets tells a different story. Elderly individuals, the mentally ill, internal migrants, and homeless citizens roam colonial squares and central avenues without direction or institutional support. What was once an exception has now become the norm.
Key Questions on Cuba's Social Crisis
What prompted Prime Minister Manuel Marrero's visit to Ciego de Ávila?
Manuel Marrero's visit was prompted by the backlash from controversial statements made by Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó, who denied the existence of beggars in Cuba, leading to public criticism.
How did the public react to Marta Elena Feitó's statements?
The public reaction to Marta Elena Feitó's statements was largely negative, with many criticizing her for denying the social crisis and poverty faced by many Cubans.
What does the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights report about poverty in Cuba?
The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights reports that more than 80% of the Cuban population lives in poverty, contradicting official government statements.