Social media users have reacted with strong criticism, mockery, and expressions of fatigue regarding a meeting led by Miguel Díaz-Canel to review essential services in Havana, as the city grapples with severe issues related to garbage, dengue, and chikungunya.
Reports from Tribuna de La Habana, the Agencia Cubana de Noticias (ACN), and other state-run media about the latest check-in meeting chaired by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel provoked a flood of indignation from Cubans. Many questioned the lack of results and the continuous "meeting culture" of the authorities.
The gathering, held at the Palacio de las Convenciones, tackled subjects such as solid waste collection, urban cleanliness, and the epidemiological situation in the capital. According to official reports, "progress in crucial areas was noted, while other tasks remain pending," with the president urging to "do more with what is available."
However, the reactions from users reflected widespread dissatisfaction over the absence of tangible solutions. In the comments on the official publications, numerous users expressed frustration over recurring issues without visible progress: "The same old story," "So many people there while the country remains in ruins," or "66 years of meetings without solving anything," were among the frequent responses.
Others mocked the resource expenditure on meetings that, they argued, do not result in real changes: "Meetings, snacks, air conditioning, and lights on, while the people face power cuts."
There were also urgent calls to action regarding deteriorating health conditions: "Please fumigate, every house has sick people," one person wrote, while another complained that "previously, fumigation lasted three consecutive days per block, now they don't even show up."
The critiques extended beyond inefficiency in handling garbage and diseases to the official narrative as well. "It's all lies, in Regla they fumigated once fifteen days ago and that's it," another person commented, referring to TV reports about supposedly regular fumigations.
Posts on ACN and Tribuna's Facebook pages were filled with expressions of frustration, distrust, and exhaustion: "In Cuba, a state meeting is needed even to collect garbage," "The country is full of mosquitoes, trash, and diseases, yet they keep talking," or "We're dying, and nothing happens."
Sanitary Crisis and Institutional Neglect
These social media reactions arise amid a critical situation in the capital. Piles of garbage remain for days on the streets across many municipalities, worsening dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. Residents report irregular or non-existent fumigation, while reports of sick people and communities sunk in unsanitary conditions multiply.
In recent days, various videos shared on social media have highlighted the severity of the health crisis in Havana, where piles of trash accumulate for days, and citizens report institutional neglect and epidemic risks.
The environmental crisis is compounded by dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from health authorities. Activist Yamilka Lafita Cancio, known as Lara Crofs, addressed an open letter to Díaz-Canel and the Minister of Health, demanding explanations for the rising chikungunya cases, warning that "the disease is spiraling out of control, and the government remains silent."
Meanwhile, public discontent has deepened due to recent incidents involving the president. During a visit to Santiago de Cuba, Díaz-Canel responded to a victim who lost her bed to Hurricane Melissa by saying, "I don't have one to give you now," sparking criticism for his lack of empathy.
Days earlier, his remarks during an event at the Palacio de la Revolución also caused controversy. On that occasion, the leader stated that "principles are non-negotiable," which led to a wave of reactions on social media, with many reminding him that "principles can't be eaten" and that people live amidst hunger and deprivation.
While authorities claim that "much more can be done with what's available," the images of garbage, disease, and neglect in Havana neighborhoods starkly contrast with the official narrative of progress.
The prevailing sentiment among Cubans, judging by the digital response, is one of exhaustion and hopelessness towards a government that appears to hold meetings more than it takes action.
Public Outcry and Government Inaction
What issues did the meeting in Havana address?
The meeting addressed topics such as solid waste collection, urban cleanliness, and the epidemiological situation in Havana.
How have residents reacted to the government's handling of the crisis?
Residents have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction, criticizing the lack of tangible solutions and mocking the waste of resources on meetings that don't result in real changes.
What actions are being demanded by the citizens?
Citizens are urgently calling for effective fumigation and concrete actions to address the health and sanitation crisis in Havana.
What has been the response to Díaz-Canel's recent remarks?
Díaz-Canel's recent remarks have sparked criticism and controversy, particularly over his perceived lack of empathy and comments on non-negotiable principles amidst widespread deprivation.