The theft of acclaimed Cuban actor Néstor Jiménez's motorcycle has sparked a wave of support among his colleagues and fans, who are now organizing a public fundraiser to help replace his stolen vehicle.
The initiative was led by cultural promoter and baritone Ulises Aquino Guerra, the founder of El Cabildo Cultural Center in Miramar. He took to Facebook to call on the actor's friends and fans, stating, "Néstor Jiménez's means of transportation has been stolen. More than that, they've taken what enabled him to earn a living and continue his craft."
The unfortunate incident occurred just hours after the national premiere of Neurótica Anónima, the latest film by Jorge Perugorría featuring Jiménez, which was held at the Yara Cinema in Havana. Casting director Libia Batista Mora was the first to break the news.
Aquino Guerra emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, "It's incredibly challenging for an actor of his age, who depends on his work, to gather the funds needed to purchase another vehicle."
Those wishing to contribute can visit El Cabildo, located on 4th Street between 7th and 9th in Miramar, and make their donations to the barman known as "Guarasi." A record of donors will be kept without revealing the amounts, so Jiménez can know who participated in this effort.
The call for support has gained traction on social media. Activist Lara Crofs shared her own plea for solidarity, recalling the evening she met Jiménez at one of El Cabildo's Sunday gatherings. "I was left with a wonderful impression of this man, and it saddens me deeply to hear about his motorcycle being stolen. Anyone who can help, I would be very grateful," she posted on Facebook.
As of now, the exact circumstances of the theft and the location where the motorcycle was stolen remain unknown. It is also unclear whether the actor has filed a police report.
Recently, actor and theater director Alejandro Palomino reported an attempted burglary at his home during the early hours of Friday while his family was asleep. Additionally, troubadour Ray Fernández, known as "Ray Tun Tun," reported being assaulted in El Vedado, resulting in lost teeth and facial fractures.
In July, actor Luis Alberto García Novoa publicly warned about the surge in crime and criticized the Ministry of the Interior for prioritizing political repression over public safety.
The Public Insecurity Report from the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) for the first half of this year recorded 985 crimes between January and June, compared to 1,319 during the same period in 2025. The OCAC highlights that this 25.3% decrease is unreliable due to severe limitations in reporting from Cuba.
"These statistics represent an underreporting based solely on incidents that become public, and in 2026, the prolonged blackouts, connectivity issues, and the decline of the information ecosystem have diminished the ability to document them," the report states.
Understanding Crime and Safety Concerns in Cuba
What sparked the fundraising initiative for Néstor Jiménez?
The fundraising initiative was sparked by the theft of Néstor Jiménez's motorcycle, which is crucial for his daily life and work, prompting colleagues and fans to support him.
Who is leading the effort to support Néstor Jiménez?
The effort is being led by Ulises Aquino Guerra, a cultural promoter and baritone, who has organized a public call for donations on social media.
What measures are being taken to ensure transparency in the fundraising?
Donations are being collected at El Cabildo, with a barman named "Guarasi" keeping a record of contributors without disclosing the amounts, allowing Jiménez to see who participated.