An officer from the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) at José Martí International Airport returned nearly 70,000 Cuban pesos and a gold chain, items that a passenger had lost in the airport terminal. According to the state-run newspaper Tribuna de La Habana, these belongings were discovered by First Sub-Officer Fabián Hernández Milán during routine duties in one of the terminal’s transit areas.
State media portrayed the incident as a demonstration of "honesty and discipline" within the police force, amidst ongoing criticisms regarding the slow response of Cuban officers to the surge in thefts plaguing the nation. However, this overlooks the fact that returning lost items is a fundamental duty of law enforcement.
After proper verification, the money and jewelry were returned to the owner, who publicly expressed gratitude for the action taken by the authorities. This incident occurs against the backdrop of a severe economic crisis in Cuba, where shortages and inflation have driven up prices of essential goods, eroding the population's purchasing power.
The return of such a significant amount of money and a valuable piece of jewelry did not go unnoticed among airport travelers and staff. The PNR emphasized that such actions reflect the "principles" guiding their duty to safeguard the nation’s strategic facilities, such as airports.
Nonetheless, social media users have reacted with skepticism, pointing out that cases of corruption and theft within other state-run institutions are often concealed or downplayed. The passenger involved was able to recover all his belongings, while authorities reiterated their call for vigilance and for promptly reporting any lost items in airport terminals.
In previous months, a worker in Varadero returned a bag containing 30,000 dollars, stating that there is no justification for taking what doesn't belong to one, even amid Cuba’s economic hardships. She emphasized that she instills these values in her 13-year-old son, highlighting the importance of honesty in daily life.
The Cuban government has utilized state media to spotlight these acts of integrity, aiming to enhance the public image of its workers and police forces while countering criticism of the regime's management. Recently, cadets from the Military Technical Institute returned a backpack containing over 5,000 euros and 3,000 dollars in Havana, and a “gacela” driver returned a lost wallet to its owner.
Key Incidents of Integrity Amidst Cuba's Economic Struggles
What did the police officer at Havana Airport return to the passenger?
The officer returned nearly 70,000 Cuban pesos and a gold chain that had been lost by a passenger in the airport terminal.
How did state media portray the officer's actions?
State media presented it as an example of "honesty and discipline" within the police force, despite criticisms about the slow response to thefts in the country.
Why is the return of the money and jewelry significant?
The return is notable due to Cuba's severe economic crisis, where inflation and shortages have significantly impacted the cost of living and purchasing power.