Dr. Perdomo, a well-known cardiologist and pediatrician in Guantánamo, has turned to social media to highlight his dire living conditions after a storm on August 15 destroyed his mattress. Despite his family's desperate situation, no official assistance has been extended to them. At 60 years old, the doctor took to Facebook to make his plight known. "Since the storm hit Guantánamo on August 15, my mattress was ruined, and we have yet to receive any help," relayed the Facebook user La Tijera on his page.
The doctor, who suffers from several chronic non-communicable diseases that have prevented him from participating in a medical mission, has shared his living conditions publicly. He resides with his mother, aunt, and brother, all of whom have disabilities, in a house that is on the verge of collapse. "We feel completely abandoned, we have not recovered," he lamented, as reported by Yordania Prevost from the solidarity group Corazones Unidos on Facebook, in the eastern region of Cuba.
Social media users have pointed out the irony of a specialist of his caliber living in such poverty, while in other countries, someone of his professional standing would enjoy a secure and dignified life. The revelation has sparked a citizen-driven campaign led by Corazones Unidos, calling upon the Cuban medical community both on the island and abroad to rally support and secure a decent home for Dr. Perdomo. The initiative seeks donations ranging from food, medicine, hygiene products, clothing, to financial contributions of any amount, all aimed at alleviating the harsh conditions he faces. Card numbers in both Cuban pesos and MLC were shared for those wishing to contribute.
Dr. Perdomo's case starkly illustrates the harsh reality of institutional neglect, where a healthcare professional with decades of service is compelled to seek public aid to maintain a minimum standard of living. A severe local storm struck the city of Guantánamo on the afternoon of August 5, causing significant material damage but thankfully no casualties or injuries. According to Radio Guantánamo, the storm uprooted numerous trees, damaged roofs with light coverings, and disrupted electrical and telephone networks, along with some structural collapses due to falling branches and trunks.
Local authorities surveyed the most affected areas, and the province's Party First Secretary, Yoel Pérez García, instructed the formation of evaluation committees to assess the material damages, as reported by the official newspaper Venecremos. On the same day, a severe storm hit the locality of Coquitos de Jaibo, Guantánamo, causing extensive material damage. Among the affected, one family lost their entire roof, painstakingly built over years, yet they have not received any tangible aid from the authorities.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada noted on Facebook that the only response the affected parties have received is a symbolic visit from representatives of the People's Power, accompanied by phrases like "you are not abandoned" and "we trust in the recovery," but lacking any real solutions: no materials, mattresses, food, or concrete promises of repairs. The situation has led to frustration among residents and observers, who question: Where are the resources the State claims to have for emergencies? How many more families are still waiting for answers from past cyclones? Who is accountable for the vulnerability in which thousands of Cubans live?
FAQs on the Plight of Dr. Perdomo and the Storm's Aftermath
What damages did the storm cause in Guantánamo?
The storm in Guantánamo caused significant material damage, including uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and disruptions to electrical and telephone networks. Some structural collapses occurred due to falling branches and trunks.
How has the community responded to Dr. Perdomo's situation?
The community, led by the group Corazones Unidos, has launched a campaign to gather support for Dr. Perdomo, seeking donations of food, medicine, hygiene products, clothing, and financial contributions to help improve his living conditions.
What criticisms have been made about the official response to the storm?
Critics have pointed out a lack of real solutions from the authorities, noting that affected families have only received symbolic visits without tangible aid or promises of repairs. Questions have been raised about the availability of resources for emergencies.