An elderly man was discovered deceased on a public street in Santiago de Cuba this Wednesday. His body was covered with a sheet as authorities prepared to remove it from the scene.
Social communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on Facebook that neighbors identified the deceased as Calixto Lescay. The discovery took place on Prolongación de Calvario Street in the Veguita de Galo neighborhood.
According to testimonies collected by Mayeta, Lescay was a retiree who still worked as a messenger to supplement his income. A neighbor suggested that he may have fallen in the dark, hit his head, and was unable to get back up.
Images from the scene show the covered body, followed by the arrival of a vehicle with a coffin for transport.
Mayeta also noted that the elderly man had several children who, according to neighbors, visited him infrequently. Some family members arrived at his home after learning of his death.
The communicator referenced circulating rumors about potential disputes over the deceased's property, cautioning that there is no verifiable information to substantiate these claims as factual.
"Regarding possible property disputes or litigation, there is currently no verifiable information; thus, it would be irresponsible to present it as a confirmed fact," he emphasized.
This incident highlights the economic hardships faced by many retired Cubans: an elderly man who, despite receiving a pension, continued to work to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this grim reality is one shared by numerous senior citizens in Cuba.
In August 2025, also in Santiago de Cuba, another elderly man died on Avenida Patria, his body remaining for hours on the street while neighbors awaited the arrival of authorities.
More recently, at the beginning of 2026, an elderly man lay for hours in a street in the Sueño neighborhood, ill, disoriented, and unable to get up. Neighbors reported making repeated calls for help, only to be informed by the Integrated Medical Emergency System that no ambulances were available to respond.
In April, fishermen discovered the body of retiree Carlos Clavel Camejo in the Ciudamar area, five days after his family had reported his disappearance in Santiago de Cuba.
Understanding the Challenges of Elderly Care in Cuba
What are the economic challenges faced by Cuban retirees?
Many Cuban retirees struggle financially as pensions are insufficient to cover basic living expenses, forcing them to seek additional sources of income.
How frequent are cases of elderly neglect in Cuba?
Instances of elderly neglect are not uncommon, with reports of senior citizens left unattended, lacking proper care, and struggling to access emergency services.
What obstacles do emergency services face in Cuba?
Emergency services in Cuba often face logistical challenges, including a lack of available ambulances and the resources needed to respond to emergencies promptly.