Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz made a notable appearance in Pinar del Río on Monday, visiting a facility designated for individuals labeled as having a "wandering behavior"—a term coined by the regime for the homeless, who have become a common sight in the nation’s streets and parks.
According to the government's official account on social media platform X, Marrero, following his participation in the national ceremony marking the start of the school year, proceeded to the provincial capital to visit sites of "economic and social" interest. His first stop was at the Center for Attention to People with Wandering Behavior, which accommodates up to 20 individuals. Here, the prime minister reiterated the supposed "humanitarian nature" of these transitional facilities.
This visit is part of a series of official tours Marrero has embarked on in recent months, visiting similar institutions in Ciego de Ávila and Matanzas. These visits follow a scandal involving former Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, who in July denied the presence of homeless people in Cuba, leading to her resignation after widespread criticism.
Since then, the government has attempted to project a narrative of social concern and care, with tours of newly opened or renovated centers. However, accounts from citizens and everyday street scenes reveal a starkly different reality, with elderly, mentally ill individuals, and entire families surviving amidst trash and institutional apathy.
Homelessness: A Problem That Can't Be Hidden
Although the official narrative continues to refer to "vulnerable people" or "wanderers," Marrero recently acknowledged it as "a real issue we have" and vowed to provide "appropriate treatment" for each case. Despite these claims, many Cubans view these visits as mere performances.
In Matanzas, for example, the sudden appearance of electricity in neighborhoods plagued by blackouts coincided with the prime minister's visit, reinforcing the belief that each official tour is more about window dressing than solving problems.
The Cuban government maintains that these centers aim to "reintegrate" the homeless into society, but activists and citizens describe them as compulsory detention spaces, lacking in fundamental solutions. Meanwhile, independent reports estimate that over 80% of Cubans live in poverty, fueling marginalization and increasing the number of homeless individuals.
Understanding Cuba's Homelessness and Government Response
What prompted Manuel Marrero's visits to homeless centers?
The visits are part of a series of tours following a scandal where former Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera denied the existence of homelessness in Cuba, leading to her resignation.
How do citizens view the government's approach to homelessness?
Many citizens see the government's tours and initiatives as performative, intended more for appearances than to address the root causes of homelessness.
What are the conditions like in Cuba's homeless centers?
Activists and citizens describe these centers as poorly equipped and lacking in comprehensive solutions, often viewed as compulsory detention rather than true rehabilitation.