Alicia María Montes de Oca Pérez, affectionately known as La China, has been discovered alive after being missing for over a month in her hometown of Guantánamo. The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) announced the news on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the public's support in spreading the alert. However, they noted that her current health condition remains unknown.
Alicia disappeared on August 21st when she left her home in the morning and never returned. Her family, gripped by desperation, sought assistance through social media and community pages like Miguel Noticias. Her sister-in-law, Yailén Columbié, and her father, Carlos Montes de Oca Reyes, shared photographs and contact information in a bid to rally community support amidst their distress.
Challenges Facing Mental Health Patients in Cuba
The situation was particularly sensitive because Alicia suffers from mental health issues. Her family reported that her behavior had become increasingly aggressive in the days leading up to her disappearance. In Cuba, individuals with mental or nervous disorders face a severe lack of access to medication. Without proper treatment, their crises worsen, leaving them vulnerable to greater risks such as getting lost or experiencing violent episodes.
Many have highlighted on social media that this predicament is becoming more common in Cuba, where a shortage of medications has left countless families without viable treatment options. "The lack of medication is severely impacting this population, with crises occurring more frequently, and herbal teas just aren't a solution," lamented one user.
Rising Number of Disappearances in Cuba
While the discovery of Alicia brings relief to her loved ones, it also underscores the absence of official protocols for locating missing persons in Cuba. There is no immediate alert system or effective institutional channels. Instead, families bear the burden, turning to social media, WhatsApp groups, and civic solidarity to fill the void left by the authorities.
Activists have criticized the police for their typically slow response, lacking search plans and public coordination, which heightens the risk in cases like Alicia's. In a country plagued by violence and declining security, the government's inaction leaves the most vulnerable at the mercy of chance and community initiative.
As the regime focuses on its propaganda, Cuban families are left to contend with two parallel realities: growing street insecurity and the collapse of the mental health system, which should be providing treatment, monitoring, and protection.
Understanding Mental Health and Disappearances in Cuba
What happened to Alicia María Montes de Oca Pérez?
Alicia María Montes de Oca Pérez, known as La China, was found alive after being missing for over a month in Guantánamo. The current state of her health is still unclear.
How are mental health patients affected in Cuba?
In Cuba, patients with mental health issues often lack access to necessary medications, exacerbating their conditions and exposing them to risks like getting lost or experiencing violent incidents.
Why are disappearances a growing issue in Cuba?
The absence of official protocols and a swift response system for locating missing persons, combined with governmental inaction, has led to an increase in disappearances. Families often have to use social media and community networks to search for their loved ones.