For six years, residents of a building in the San Pedrito neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba have been pleading for action to resolve the severe unsanitary conditions caused by a neighbor’s apartment. According to shared images, the home is overwhelmed with garbage, dirty clothes, bottles, cardboard, tires, and other refuse.
The issue was spotlighted by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook page, featuring photographs of apartment 5, building 37 on Alba Street, located between Jesús María and Yarine, and close to the José Martí Polyclinic. One of the pictures reveals a man lying amid the clutter.
A Troubling Past and Present
Neighbors and former colleagues identify the occupant as Iván Reyna, who once worked as a dentist at the Frank País Polyclinic before falling ill. "Iván Reyna was an excellent dentist," commented someone who claimed to know him, noting his lack of close family: his mother is deceased, and he has a child living in Mella.
A former neighbor echoed these sentiments, saying, "He was a great dentist and my neighbor when I lived in San Pedrito. He isn't aggressive. Illnesses happen, and anyone can suffer from mental health issues."
The Impact on the Community
Commenters related the situation to what is known as Diogenes Syndrome, a behavioral disorder marked by severe social withdrawal, self-neglect, and compulsive hoarding of items or waste. "It's called Diogenes Syndrome. Watching someone deteriorate like this is heartbreaking," noted a social media user.
However, the problem has expanded beyond a single residence. The building's residents are dealing with rats, cockroaches, and other pests emerging from the apartment into neighboring homes, along with a persistent stench that permeates even closed doors and windows. "We have to keep everything shut 24/7, yet the smell still gets in," shared one of those affected.
Authorities' Inaction
The building is home to young children, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals. Neighbors are hesitant to take matters into their own hands, fearing that Iván might react violently to any unprofessional intervention.
Residents claim that local Party and Government authorities in District 1 José Martí, as well as area health institutions, have long been aware of the situation but have failed to implement an effective solution. Their demand is straightforward: "We are not asking for his house to be taken away. But one cannot live in such a trash heap, and neither should we continue suffering from these conditions."
The complaint has sparked a wave of comments exposing that the issue is not unique to San Pedrito. Similar situations have been reported elsewhere in Santiago de Cuba: in Altamira, opposite the Water Office; in the 13 de Agosto building; and on G de Mármol Street. "It's common throughout Santiago de Cuba," summarized another commenter.
This scenario unfolds amidst a severe mental health crisis in Cuba, with only one psychiatric hospital serving the entire province of Santiago and an ongoing shortage of medications.
Residents are calling for a coordinated response involving the General Directorate of Health of Santiago de Cuba, Social Work, and municipal authorities to ensure Iván receives a professional mental health evaluation and appropriate care.
The pressing question after six years of complaints remains: What are authorities waiting for to take action?
Understanding the Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
What is Diogenes Syndrome?
Diogenes Syndrome is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme self-neglect, social withdrawal, and compulsive hoarding of items or waste.
How are the residents affected by the situation in San Pedrito?
The residents are dealing with infestations of rats and cockroaches, as well as a pervasive foul odor that infiltrates their homes despite keeping doors and windows shut.
What are the residents demanding from the authorities?
Residents are demanding a coordinated intervention by health and municipal authorities to provide Iván with a mental health evaluation and necessary care, without removing him from his home.