Cuban Intellectual Relates Elderly Women's Discontent in Havana

What Happened

Cuban intellectual Cesáreo Navas Morlanes shared a poignant reflection on Facebook about a conversation he overheard between two elderly women in Havana. The women expressed deep dissatisfaction with the country's political leadership and economic hardship.

One woman, looking at a political poster featuring Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Miguel Díaz-Canel, reportedly said, "Those three citizens up there, they finished us, they screwed us." Navas used the more neutral term "citizens" to refer to the leaders, explaining it was a way to avoid police questioning.

Where and When

The incident took place on August 29, 2026, near the Institute of Hygiene on Infanta Street in Havana, Cuba.

Navas observed the two elderly women resting on the sidewalk. The visual cue of a political poster across the street, depicting the three prominent figures, sparked their conversation.

The atmosphere, as described indirectly by the women's words, conveyed a sense of deep despair and frustration with their current circumstances.

Why It's Important

This account offers a glimpse into the sentiment among ordinary Cubans, particularly the elderly, regarding the nation's ongoing challenges. It highlights a perceived disconnect between the leadership and the populace.

The elderly, often living on fixed incomes, are significantly impacted by Cuba's economic situation. Navas interprets their words as a public expression of discontent from a group feeling abandoned and defrauded by the system.

What the Parties Say

The primary voices in this narrative are the two unnamed elderly women whose sentiments are reported by Cesáreo Navas. Their reported statement, "Nos jodieron" (They screwed us), conveys a direct accusation towards the political leadership.

Cesáreo Navas, acting as the narrator, interprets these words as a broader expression of public rejection towards those in power. He also directly criticizes Marino Murillo Jorge, linking him to the negative economic impacts, especially the "Ordenamiento Monetario," on the elderly.

There is no official statement from the Cuban government or the individuals mentioned in response to Navas's Facebook post.

What Comes Next

Navas's reflection suggests that such sentiments, though perhaps whispered, are present and growing within Cuba. The account serves as an indicator of ongoing public dissatisfaction.

It highlights the need to observe how these feelings might translate into broader public discourse or action. The situation for retirees and elderly citizens in Cuba remains a critical point of focus for understanding the country's social dynamics.