An elderly homeless man in Santiago de Cuba has fallen victim to a theft that left him nearly immobile: his crutch, the only means he had to get around, was stolen.
The incident was brought to light by Yasser Sosa Tamayo, a dedicated activist known for his support of vulnerable elderly individuals.
"His crutch was stolen. Today he walked again," Sosa shared on Facebook, recounting the ordeal faced by Máximo, a man who suffered a stroke that left one side of his body paralyzed and who now lives on the streets.
Without his crutch, the elderly man found himself even more vulnerable, highlighting the harsh neglect faced by many seniors on the Island.
"They took away his balance. His movement. His dignity. A physically impaired man, living on the streets, reduced to the ground by the cruelty of someone who decided even his sole mobility aid was worth stealing," the activist lamented.
Sosa condemned the actions of "an unscrupulous and heartless individual" who stole Máximo's only means of mobility during the night.
This incident not only underscores the dire conditions in which many elderly survive but also reflects the social decay plaguing the country, where economic turmoil has deepened marginalization, leaving vulnerable individuals prey to indifference and crime.
A Ray of Hope Amidst Neglect
However, the story took a hopeful turn thanks to community solidarity. A supporter of Sosa's initiative generously funded a new crutch. The activist traveled to Abel Santamaría, Micro 3, to personally deliver the aid.
"Transportation is costly. The journey is long. Everything has a price. But it's more painful to watch a man crawl because someone stole the little he had," he wrote.
A video captured the moment Máximo received the new crutch. "When he pressed the new crutch against the cement, the sound was firm and solid. He took a step. Then another. He didn't walk alone. We all walked with him," Sosa expressed.
In addition to the crutch, the activist provided financial assistance for Máximo's food and care. "Regaining mobility doesn't solve hunger. Máximo still needs support."
A Broader Crisis of Neglect
Máximo's situation is far from unique. Amid Cuba's severe crisis, increasing numbers of elderly are forced to survive on the streets, lacking resources, effective assistance, and reliant on public charity for their basic needs.
The economic downturn and ineffective social policies have left countless seniors in dire conditions, while institutions fail to offer real solutions to those most in need.
In this context, grassroots efforts like Yasser Sosa's fill a gap that should be addressed by the state.
"This isn't charity. It's human responsibility," the activist emphasized, warning that Máximo's situation remains precarious: "Máximo still needs us."
The Struggles of the Elderly in Cuba
What happened to the elderly man in Santiago de Cuba?
The elderly man, Máximo, had his crutch stolen, leaving him nearly immobile and highlighting the neglect faced by many seniors in Cuba.
Who helped Máximo after the theft?
Yasser Sosa Tamayo, an activist known for assisting vulnerable seniors, along with a supporter of his initiative, helped Máximo by providing a new crutch and financial aid.
How does this incident reflect broader issues in Cuba?
The theft and Máximo's situation highlight the economic hardship and social neglect affecting many elderly in Cuba, exacerbated by ineffective social policies and economic crisis.