Solar Panels Stolen from Maternal Home in Cárdenas

In the early hours of Wednesday, unidentified individuals removed the solar panels from the rooftop of the Maternal Home in Cárdenas, as reported by Facebook user Christian Arbolaez. The images he shared depicted empty metallic structures—supports and frames—left behind after the theft.

This facility is crucial for pregnant women needing specialized medical care, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies. The theft poses a significant threat to their well-being in a nation experiencing power outages lasting up to 22 hours daily.

At the time of the report, the police had yet to visit the scene to commence an investigation, heightening the frustration among citizens who followed the story on social media.

Public Reaction and Frustration

Comments on the post expressed a mix of disbelief and exasperation. A user commented, "Cárdenas is out of control." Another remarked, "The saddest part is nobody gets caught." A third user stated bluntly, "Nothing is going to stop this."

Several individuals questioned the absence of security personnel during the incident. One citizen suggested a firm solution: "Cárdenas should request indefinite reinforcement from the National Police, bring in more officers and patrols with fuel, and be tough on criminals."

One user compared the city's lawlessness to another country, saying, "Cárdenas is becoming like El Salvador without Bukele."

Crime Wave in Cárdenas

This theft is part of a broader crime wave hitting Cárdenas since early 2026, including murders, armed robberies, and daylight thefts.

In February, a blind retiree died after being assaulted in a bank queue. In April, three armed youths robbed a private ice cream factory. By May, a man was stabbed to death inside his home.

The theft of solar panels from essential facilities has become a widespread crime across Cuba. On July 5th, four panels were stolen from a water distribution point in Holguín, affecting thousands of people's water supply.

In May, four individuals attacked and tied up a guard at a pumping station in Guantánamo to steal 32 panels.

Government Response and Health Implications

The regime classifies these thefts as sabotage, punishable by seven to 30 years in prison under Decree 475 of May 2025, yet the incidents persist.

The healthcare context exacerbates the severity of the situation: Cuba's maternal-infant crisis is under international scrutiny, with the health system described as near collapse and a rising maternal mortality rate.

In May, the United Nations launched a $94 million emergency humanitarian appeal for Cuba, highlighting pregnant women as among the most vulnerable groups.

"What else needs to happen for effective measures to finally be taken regarding Cárdenas' situation?" Arbolaez questioned at the end of his post, echoing the sentiments of thousands of Cárdenas residents seeking answers.