A marble bench in Lacret Park, located in Nueva Gerona on the Isle of Youth, was discovered with its seat torn from the supports and discarded on the grass. Photos released on Sunday sparked outrage over the vandalism and the apparent neglect of public spaces.
These images were posted on Facebook by Carapachibey Pinero, a page managed by broadcaster Ramón Leyva Morales, who described the incident as "another unscrupulous and vandalistic act." He inquired if anyone witnessed the event.
"What was once unthinkable has become commonplace in our country's standards of behavior and moral values!" stated Leyva Morales, highlighting the threat that the destruction of communal property poses to civic life.
Community Frustration and Criticism
In the comments, numerous individuals pointed out that the park is surrounded by state-run establishments that should, in their view, have security personnel present.
"The saddest part is that nobody seems to notice anything," lamented one local, while another questioned the inadequate laws and insufficient police oversight regarding such incidents.
Some residents linked the degradation of public areas to the ongoing power outages plaguing the island. "As long as these long blackouts continue, we’re likely to see more things like this. May God protect us all," one resident remarked.
Broader Impact Across the Island
The complaints extended beyond Lacret Park, with users reporting similar damages in Ahao Park, the Domino Park, and various locations along 41st Street. One citizen recalled a time when neighbors could enjoy the boulevard more peacefully, whereas now, she claims, it's difficult to sit there with children.
Another comment criticized the apparent focus on safeguarding currency stores on 39th Street over protecting public areas. These posts reflect the dissatisfaction of locals who denounce the decline of shared recreational places, though it remains unclear who vandalized the bench or if authorities have launched an investigation.
This incident is part of a wider trend of vandalism and damage to public assets reported across Cuba. In August, wooden planks were ripped from benches in Plaza de Marte, Santiago de Cuba, reappearing damaged in October shortly after repairs. The same month, a bronze star was stolen from the mausoleum of Major General Calixto García in Holguín, and in September, spray-painted graffiti defaced Ignacio Agramonte Park in Camagüey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the Isle of Youth, at the end of that month, all equipment from the seismological station, including solar panels, batteries, and a seismometer, was stolen.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory documented 2,833 confirmed crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase compared to 2024. Of these, 1,536 were thefts, representing a 479% rise from 2023.
Understanding the Rise in Public Vandalism in Cuba
What triggered the public outrage in Nueva Gerona?
The outrage was sparked by photos showing a marble bench in Lacret Park with its seat torn off, highlighting issues of vandalism and inadequate protection of public spaces.
How are residents reacting to the vandalism?
Residents are expressing frustration over the lack of security and ineffective law enforcement, linking the deterioration of public spaces to ongoing power outages.
What other vandalism incidents have occurred in Cuba recently?
Recent incidents include damage to benches in Santiago de Cuba, theft of a bronze star in Holguín, and graffiti in Camagüey, alongside equipment theft from a seismological station.
What do the statistics say about crime in Cuba?
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 crimes in 2025, showing a 115% rise from 2024, with thefts increasing by 479% from 2023.