In recent years Cuban mothers have been the protagonists of several protests demanding better living conditions, in the face of the serious deterioration of the country's economy. Some have even made it to Miguel Díaz-Canel's house to voice their demands. Many of these complaints have spurred State Security to threaten them with imprisonment or lost custody of their children.
One of the last events occurred in Pinar del Río on May 17, when four mothers stood with their children in front of the provincial government building there to demand a solution to their housing problems.
Two of these mothers spoke to DIARIO DE CUBA about the desperate situations that prompted them to protest.
"The one on the 17th was my third protest in front of the government. The first was on November 24 last year, together with another mothers, in front of the Ministry of Public Health, in Havana. I have a six-year-old son with Child Cerebral Palsy and a "guarded prognosis," says Rosalba Castillo Barrios, a mother of three.
"I need a house, as I live crowded into a small room with my three children," explained Castillo Barrios, who resides in the Maica district in the city of Pinar del Río.
"Apart from housing, I've asked to be granted the opportunity to buying liquefied gas, as, with the blackouts, many days my sick son goes without food. The authorities always tell me that they don't 'respond to pressure,' and that I must understand 'the economic situation of the country,'" she added.
"What I don't understand is that in February they responded to five requests for liquefied gas, but not mine, because we aren't affected by hurricanes, they said, but my son has a rare disease, and needs a room just for him, because of his illnesses," she complained.
"In addition, they have given houses to numerous mothers at Km 2 in La Coloma, and in the El Calero area, and they always tell me that I have to wait," Castillo said.
On the 17th, Marisleydi Benítez Hernández, a 27-year-old teacher and single mother of three children, joined her protest.
"The first time I asked for a home I addressed the first secretary in Pinar del Partido (Communist Party of Cuba), Yamilé Cordero Ramos, who asked me what I'd ever done for the country, and why I'd had so many children. Then I went to see the Intendant, who told me that I had to pay 32,000 pesos for a plot of land, but I don't have that, as I barely have enough to feed my children. It's nothing but mistreatment and refusals from them," says Benitez Hernandez.
"The only solution offered by the government was a house in the town of Briones Montoto, but that's in a very remote place, way out in the countryside, and with nothing, not even water. I have an epileptic daughter and I can't live that far away," said the mother.
At this time Benítez Hernández is squatting on state-owned property dedicated to the inspection of vehicles, a situation that has resulted in constant threats that she will be sent to prison.
"The police tell me that they're going to prosecute me for usurpation of property, for having settled on state premises that were abandoned. They've even threatened to take my children away from me if I don't leave, but I don't intend to leave until they give me a home," says Benitez.
Rosalba Castillo reports that after having participated in the protest in front of the Ministry of Public Health last year, she received visits from State Security agents.
"These agents come and tell me that I must give the government some time, that I shouldn't post anything else on social media. My neighbors have informed me that Security agents are keeping an eye on me, as they've been asking about me on the block," the mother explained.
"I won't stop fighting for my son's rights, and I'll continue until my problems are resolved. It's the least I can do, despite all the threats and stonewalling."