'The violence is getting out of hand': Crime grips Cuba's streets
Oct 7, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Will Grant, BBC correspondent specializing in Cuba, provides a keen analysis of the island's deteriorating safety and rising crime rates. He reveals how economic struggles, blackouts, and food shortages are fueling a mass exodus. The dialogue examines the stark contrast between government assurances and public fears regarding safety. Personal stories illustrate the impact of gang violence on everyday Cubans, painting a grim picture of life amid escalating challenges and a changing societal landscape.
Cuba's soaring crime rates and rising gang violence reflect deep-rooted socio-economic issues, causing widespread fear among its citizens.
Severe economic hardships, including food shortages and blackouts, are driving many Cubans to seek better opportunities abroad, exacerbating public unrest.
Deep dives
Rising Crime and Public Perception in Cuba
Cuba has witnessed a concerning rise in crime, leading citizens to voice their frustrations over safety issues. Once touted by Fidel Castro as the safest country in the world, the current reality paints a different picture as violence, particularly gang-related crimes, has escalated. Many Cubans report feeling unsafe, with instances of common criminality becoming more prevalent, especially during economically challenging times, such as the holiday season. The perception of safety has deteriorated, causing distrust in the authorities and raising questions about the government's ability to maintain public order.
Economic Hardships Fueling Desperation
Cuba's dire economic situation is a major catalyst for the rise in crime, as citizens struggle to meet basic needs amid food shortages and power outages. The country faces significant economic challenges, including the long-standing U.S. embargo and internal mismanagement, which have left many Cubans in a constant state of survival. Young people, in particular, feel increasingly disillusioned with the prospects of their future on the island, prompting many to seek opportunities abroad. The result is a growing sense of desperation that can lead individuals to engage in criminal activities as they try to make ends meet.
The Impact of Gang Violence
Gang-related violence has emerged as a serious issue in Cuba, with tragic incidents affecting families. One such case involves the murder of Jan Franco, a young music producer, which highlights the alarming trend of youth being drawn into violent conflicts. Survivors like Samantha Gonzalez express their grief and fear for their families, reflecting the palpable threat that violence poses to everyday life. Alongside an increase in gang activities, drugs are also becoming more accessible, contributing to the overall climate of unrest and danger among the youth.
The late leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, famously called Cuba “the safest country in the world”. But more and more Cubans are starting to speak out about crime on their streets.
And increased violence isn’t the only problem it is facing. Blackouts, food shortages and a lack of water are all fuelling a mass exodus from the country.
On this episode, Caitríona Perry speaks to our Cuba correspondent Will Grant about what its rising crime rate reveals about life on this struggling island.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineers: Ricardo McCarthy and Gareth Jones
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode