A large gathering of motorcyclists, drivers, and local residents assembled outside the San Juan Methodist Church in Santiago de Cuba this past Sunday, joining in a prayer event aimed at seeking divine protection from the hazards of the roadways.
Pastor Darlon Bermúdez, who leads the congregation, shared photos from the event, which was held under the banner "AVIVADRIVER Service."
"Crowds of motorcyclists and drivers of all kinds of vehicles gathered in front of our Temple to call upon God for road safety, with many accepting Christ as their Sole Savior," Bermúdez noted. This gathering comes at a time when road accidents and assaults have been on the rise.
One photo depicted participants raising their helmets during the service, symbolizing the event's primary goal: to appeal for protection for those navigating the roads daily.
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, a communicator who documented the event, highlighted that it took place at the San Juan Methodist Temple on San Pedro Street, drawing motorcyclists, drivers, and local residents together.
Ongoing Calls for Safety
This isn't the first occasion Pastor Bermúdez and his congregation have dedicated a religious service to road travelers in Santiago. Back in May 2024, a significant number of motorcyclists gathered outside the same church seeking divine safeguarding.
During that event, Bermúdez led the initiative, offering blessings for vehicles and anointing motorcycles and helmets. The concern for the safety of those on motorcycles, scooters, and other vehicles has since become even more pronounced.
Rising Incidents and Crime
By 2025, Cuba reported 7,538 traffic accidents with 750 fatalities, compared to 634 deaths the previous year. Notably, motorcycles and scooters were implicated in 63% of these incidents.
Compounding these dangers is the decline in public safety. The independent Observatorio Cubano de Auditoría Ciudadana (OCAC) documented 2,833 crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024. Among these, 1,536 were thefts, with Santiago de Cuba ranking as the fourth-highest province for incidents, recording 323 cases.
One of the most severe incidents occurred in May when Ramón Orlando Martínez was stabbed and killed during a robbery of his electric tricycle on Avenida Las Américas, one of Santiago de Cuba's main roads. The vehicle was also his livelihood as a knife sharpener.
In another case in December 2025, a young man in Santiago's capital reported being violently attacked and robbed of his motorcycle near the Salao entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Road Safety and Crime in Cuba
Why are motorcyclists and drivers gathering at the church?
They are gathering to participate in a prayer service seeking divine protection from the dangers present on the roads.
What led to the increase in traffic incidents in Cuba?
Rising road accidents are attributed to increased traffic, poor road conditions, and a lack of adequate safety measures.
How high is the crime rate in Santiago de Cuba?
Santiago de Cuba is noted for a rising crime rate, ranking as the fourth-highest province in Cuba with documented cases of thefts and violent incidents.