In the early hours today, burglars broke into the Maternal Home in Santa Marta, located in Cárdenas, Matanzas province, and made off with solar panel batteries. Inside, five pregnant women and a nurse were left helpless as the crime unfolded, reported citizen journalist Christian Arbolaez on Facebook.
The theft took place around 2:00 AM. The criminals accessed the building's roof, dismantled the metal box protecting the batteries, broke the padlock, and took the equipment.
Despite hearing the intruders' every move, the expectant mothers and the nurse were unable to act; the facility lacked both a security guard and any means to call for help.
In a further attempt, the thieves tried to break through the home's door. However, noticing flashlights being turned on from within, they eventually abandoned their efforts and fled.
Emotional Distress Among Expectant Mothers
The incident left an immediate emotional impact on the pregnant residents. Several became highly agitated, and some experienced elevated blood pressure due to the stress and anxiety during those tense moments.
It took law enforcement nearly nine hours to respond. Although the robbery occurred at 2:00 AM, officers only arrived at the scene around 11:00 AM.
Public Outrage Over Delayed Police Response
The delay caused outrage among locals, who compared it to the heavy security presence in Cárdenas on the same day, marking the fifth anniversary of the social uprising on July 11, 2021.
Arbolaez noted, "Five patrols in front of a banner saying 'Long Live July 11,' military trucks all over the city, yet it took almost 10 hours for them to reach the maternal home."
Pattern of Energy Infrastructure Theft in Cuba
This incident is not isolated. Just three days prior, unidentified individuals stole solar panels from the Maternal Home in Cárdenas, leaving the metal frames empty on the roof.
In that instance, too, the police had not responded by the time the report was filed. On July 5, four solar panels were taken from a water distribution point in Holguín, highlighting a widespread pattern of energy infrastructure theft throughout the island.
Such equipment has become a frequent target for criminals in Cuba due to the severe electricity crisis, which has led to blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily.
In the absence of reliable state-provided electricity, critical facilities like maternal homes have turned to photovoltaic systems as backups, increasing the value of batteries and panels on the black market.
Vulnerable Maternal Centers Reflect Health System Neglect
Maternal homes, managed by the Ministry of Public Health, are crucial parts of the public health system, offering shelter to pregnant women at risk until childbirth.
The fact that such centers can spend the night without security or communication highlights the neglect of Cuba's healthcare infrastructure.
Arbolaez questioned, "How can a maternal home remain unguarded overnight, leaving pregnant women exposed to such danger?" He summed up the situation: "What was stolen wasn't just some batteries. It was the peace of mind of five women who only wanted to spend the night in a place that should have been safe."
Understanding the Consequences of Energy Theft in Cuba
Why are solar panel batteries targeted by thieves in Cuba?
Solar panel batteries are frequently targeted because of the ongoing electricity crisis in Cuba, leading to prolonged power outages. These batteries have become valuable on the black market as many rely on them for backup power.
What is the role of maternal homes in Cuba's healthcare system?
Maternal homes in Cuba provide shelter and care for pregnant women who are at risk or vulnerable, ensuring they receive necessary support and monitoring until they give birth.