The residents of Seboruco, a town in the Mayarí municipality of Holguín province, took to the streets in a peaceful protest to condemn the Cuban government's neglect after enduring more than three weeks without electricity or potable water.
Independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada shared a video on his Facebook profile highlighting the community's grievances. These statements were made in front of government officials who visited the area.
"We've been without electricity and clean water for 23 days, relying on contaminated reservoir water and hauling water from rivers. The power line is just meters away, yet nothing has been done. No one has come to inspect or address our plight," residents lamented.
The community, which includes sick children and elderly individuals, is struggling without basic necessities. "We're tired of complaining and calling for help, but no one responds. We don't know what else to do or whom to turn to," one resident stated.
Despite persistent complaints, locals report receiving no attention from local authorities. Officials visit and hold meetings but leave without providing solutions.
Furthermore, political leaders demand that residents refrain from recording them with their phones. Franklin, an official responsible for citizen relations, threatened a resident for filming their protest: "You can't record me because it's illegal."
Seboruco has been in a dire state since Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba on October 28, 2025. Three weeks post-storm, the community remains without electricity, running water, or government aid.
"We are surviving as best we can. There are sick children and elderly people who can't endure this any longer," residents expressed. "We have a delegate who does nothing. When we called him, he said, 'Take to the streets,'" another resident shared.
As the regime remains silent on the humanitarian crisis in eastern Cuba, desperation grows in rural areas where prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and unsanitary conditions have become a daily struggle.
Understanding the Crisis in Seboruco
Why are the residents of Seboruco protesting?
The residents are protesting due to the lack of electricity and potable water for over 23 days, as well as the government's inaction in addressing their basic needs.
What challenges is the Seboruco community facing?
The community is dealing with power outages, lack of clean water, illness among children and the elderly, and general neglect from local authorities.
How has the government responded to the Seboruco crisis?
Government officials have visited and held meetings without providing any tangible solutions, and they have discouraged residents from recording their interactions.