A video posted by activist Noly Blak, renowned for his efforts in aiding vulnerable individuals in Holguín, has stirred public outrage. It reveals a mother using her infant to solicit money on the streets of this eastern Cuban city.
Blak highlighted that numerous people have urged him to assist a woman seen in a viral photo begging with her baby. She is often seated on the ground in a busy area of Holguín. However, the activist stated he is all too familiar with this case.
Before committing to any donations, Noly rigorously verifies the circumstances and true needs of those who might receive help, ensuring he doesn't fall prey to deceit.
In this scenario, he recounted, the woman begs with her small child while her husband and brother, "well-dressed," watch from nearby, waiting for the money that sympathetic passersby hand over.
Exposing the Misuse of Child Vulnerability
"Everyone has helped that woman, but since they're from Báguano, not many know them well. She uses her child to gain sympathy, leaving him under the sun and exposed on the streets. Afterwards, she demands hospital admission for the child, persisting even if doctors refuse. The child is kept dirty and in the sun for hours, vulnerable to illness," the activist pointed out.
"I don't harm anyone, but I can't stand the shamelessness," Noly Blak insisted, noting that this case has already received extensive aid in Holguín. Others have corroborated his claims, sparking a heated debate on the boundaries of charity and the exploitation of children's vulnerability for personal gain.
Community Support Versus Manipulation
In response to the video, a child educator in Holguín recalled the same woman previously receiving assistance. "This mother, now begging in Holguín, had already been supported in Báguano. She was given a house and even daycare for her older daughter. So, what more is she seeking now?"
Blak's denunciation comes shortly after another case highlighted the altruistic nature of his initiative. Over three million Cuban pesos were raised for a young mother from Cacocum, Holguín, who lost everything to Hurricane Melissa.
The recipient, a mother of four, touched thousands when interviewed by Blak, saying, "I don't want anything, all I want is food for the children." Her home in Peralta was devastated by floods, with no assistance from the State.
The fundraising, solely organized by citizens both within and outside of Cuba, prompted a flood of gratitude and concern for the young mother's safety, given the substantial amount collected.
The efforts of Noly Blak and other independent activists have filled the void left by state institutions, driving citizen-led campaigns that showcase the strength of Cuban solidarity against official apathy.
In contrast, cases like the woman exploiting her child for begging highlight the ethical dilemmas faced in a society where extreme poverty and desperation intertwine with eroding values and the manipulation of others' suffering.
Understanding the Ethical Dilemmas in Cuban Society
Why is Noly Blak cautious about providing aid?
Noly Blak ensures that he thoroughly investigates the real conditions and needs of individuals before providing aid to avoid being deceived or manipulated.
What sparked the debate around the use of child vulnerability in Holguín?
The debate was sparked by a video showing a mother using her child to beg for money, raising ethical questions about exploiting child vulnerability for personal gain.
How did the community respond to the young mother affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The community rallied together, raising over three million Cuban pesos to support the young mother who lost everything, showcasing a collective spirit of solidarity.