The Social Cost of Vandalism: Who Are We Throwing Stones At?

In recent days, the tranquility of several communities in Holguin province has been disrupted by an increase in acts of vandalism against institutions that belong to everyone. Banks, stores, schools, and clinics have woken up to find their windows broken. Their facades damaged, or, in the case of telephone infrastructure, victims of the theft of cables and materials.

According to the ETECSA Territorial Division in Holguin. 12 such incidents have been recorded, concentrated in the provincial capital and other municipalities such as Urbano Noris and Moa.

These acts, which some try to downplay as mere “pranks” or isolated acts of discontent. They have a profound impact that goes far beyond broken glass or cut cables. When a school is damaged, the environment where our children are educated is affected. When a clinic is stoned, a space designed for the health of the people is damaged. And when telephone lines or fiber optic cables are stolen. So entire communities are left without communication, isolated from an essential service in today’s world.

The question we must ask ourselves is: who are we really hurting?

It is essential to understand that the Cuban State is not an abstract and distant entity; the State is all of us. Its budget, particularly in the current complex economic context. Marked by the intensification of the imperialist blockade and the global scarcity of resources. It is planned to the limit to satisfy the most pressing needs of the population.

Every peso that the government in the province of Holguin has to allocate to replacing a broken window. Repairing a vandalized facade, or replacing stolen copper cable is a peso that is not invested in producing food. Maintaining the water system, buying medicine, or improving public transportation.

Governor Manuel Francisco Hernández Aguilera has been emphatic about the need to reduce expenses and prioritize production. In a scenario where every resource counts. Vandalism, therefore, is not just a crime. It is a civic act that we cannot allow because it diverts vital funds from social and development programs.

Often, those who break or steal public property don’t realize they are robbing or harming themselves. Every Cuban’s personal finances are intrinsically linked to the country’s economy. When the State has to divert resources to repair damage caused by crime. Its capacity to respond to the problems that affect us most at home—lines, breakdowns, and services—is diminished.

Furthermore, there is a direct and individual consequence. Investigations by internal affairs agencies in Holguin have identified several of these vandals. Also who now face legal proceedings and precautionary measures. What could have been a moment of thoughtlessness or the desire for quick profit. From selling stolen goods becomes a criminal record, legal problems, and a social stain that damages the life plans of the offender and their family.

We call upon the people of Holguin to fulfill their role as revolutionary vigilantes. To care for and defend the institutions that the Revolution has so painstakingly established in every neighborhood. Let us protect our children’s schools, our doctors’ offices. And the facilities that provide us with vital services. Let us promptly report any act or suspicion of vandalism.

Because ultimately, defending public property is nothing less than defending the future of our own families and the present of our community. The response to vandalism is unity, awareness, and resolve.

By: Daimy Peña Guillén

Radio Angulo
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