A Cuban teacher was brutally stabbed to death within the confines of the school where he worked in Guantánamo.
The tragic event unfolded on Tuesday night when Rolando Castelvil Riñat, the teacher in question, was on duty at the "José Marcelino Maceo Grajales" Pedagogical School. The horrific crime, marked by extreme violence, has sparked a wave of public outrage and calls for justice amid growing concerns over the safety of educational institutions.
According to the pro-government Facebook page “Guantánamo and Its Truth,” the incident occurred when the teacher noticed four young individuals, not affiliated with the school, trying to break into the premises. When Castelvil confronted them, an altercation ensued, tragically ending with one of the intruders stabbing him in the back with a sharp object, inflicting a fatal wound.
Emergency services rushed Castelvil to the Provincial Hospital, but he succumbed to the grievous injury hours later. The police have reported that, with the help of a witness, they have apprehended two primary suspects who are now facing legal proceedings.
While "Guantánamo and Its Truth" initially described Castelvil as a Physical Education teacher, journalist Miguel Reyes later clarified that he was, in fact, a History teacher, a claim supported by comments on social media.
“He was my History teacher at the same school five years ago; he never taught Physical Education,” one online user shared. Another added, “He was an honest man, a responsible father, and an excellent teacher.”
Details Emerge on the Tragic Incident
Crime journalist Niover Licea offered further insights on social media, providing a clearer picture of the events at "José Marcelino Maceo Grajales" Pedagogical School. According to his account, the violence erupted after an initial attempt by the group to enter the school grounds unlawfully. Castelvil, along with other on-duty teachers, confronted them and asked them to leave.
Minutes later, two of the individuals returned, leading to the fatal attack. Witnesses identified one of the assailants as a 19-year-old who stabbed the teacher with a sharpened metal file. The wound was devastating, piercing Castelvil’s kidney, gallbladder, and intestines.
Another teacher was reportedly injured while trying to defend himself, sustaining a hand injury. Castelvil underwent three surgeries and received 16 blood transfusions, but despite the medical team's efforts, the internal damage proved irreversible.
Family members confirmed to the source that police arrested the main perpetrators, including the 19-year-old responsible for the attack.
A Nationwide Call for Justice and Security Reform
Since the news broke, thousands have taken to social media to express grief and demand severe punishment for those responsible. “They should face the maximum penalty; enough of this violence,” one user urged. Another expressed, “They came prepared and with the intent to harm someone... their intention was clear.”
The public outcry has intensified calls for overhauling school security in Cuba. “Why is a teacher on duty at a workplace after hours?” questioned one citizen. “There’s no protection, no security. These night shifts in the dark are dangerous,” another educator lamented.
Many have indirectly blamed the government for the lack of protection for educational staff: “How long will teachers have to put their own safety at risk without guards, without light, without resources?”
The Broader Implications of a Teacher's Murder
Amid the flood of comments on Facebook and other platforms, recurring themes of justice, grief, condemnation, and a call for severe penalties are evident. Some even advocate for the reinstatement of the death penalty or a public trial for the attackers.
“Death penalty for these murderers; they deserve nothing less”; “Justice must be served; they should pay with their lives for the crime they committed”; “Our country is slipping away. Where is the security in our schools?”; “Justice for Roli. Let his death not go unpunished,” are just a few of the sentiments shared online.
“Today, violence has left a child without a father, a world in mourning. How much longer?” lamented another commenter.
The murder of Rolando Castelvil is not only a profound loss to the educational community; it has become emblematic of the vulnerability faced by many educators in Cuba. This tragedy highlights urgent concerns regarding the lack of basic safety measures to protect those working in educational settings, especially those in boarding schools, where staff must take on security duties without adequate resources.
In the midst of the violence that shakes Cuban society, the killing of a teacher at his workplace resonates deeply. Not only because of its brutality but also because it underscores, once again, that teaching—one of the noblest professions—has become a high-risk occupation in a country plagued by impunity and a lack of security.
Key Concerns About School Safety in Cuba
What led to the attack on Rolando Castelvil?
The attack occurred after Rolando Castelvil confronted four unauthorized youths attempting to break into the school where he worked. An altercation ensued, leading to one of the youths stabbing him fatally.
How has the community reacted to the teacher's murder?
The community has reacted with widespread grief and anger, demanding severe punishment for the perpetrators and calling for reforms to improve school security across Cuba.
What are the broader implications of this incident for Cuban schools?
This incident highlights the urgent need for better security measures in Cuban schools to protect educators and students, as well as the broader issue of violence and impunity in the country.