A Canadian tourist, Crystal Jardine, reported a terrifying assault during her stay at the Blau hotel in Varadero, Cuba, bringing serious attention to safety concerns faced by tourists. The incident occurred on the night of March 3, 2025, merely two days into Jardine’s five-day vacation with her husband, which began on February 28.
While at the beach bar, Jardine was approached by a man who asked for a cigarette. After she provided it, a woman, presumably the man's partner, confronted Jardine aggressively, accusing her of flirting with him. "I firmly asked him to leave, and eventually, they did. About 30 minutes later, the man returned from the other side of the bar and, without provocation, punched me in the face. He also physically attacked my husband," Jardine recounted on Facebook, elaborating on how the situation escalated.
Disturbingly, hotel security did not intervene during the attack. The assailant, another Canadian guest, was allowed to return to his room after striking Jardine. "The hotel staff initially did not treat this situation with urgency. I managed to contact the Canadian Embassy, and it was only after I informed the reception about this that the matter seemed to be taken more seriously," Jardine explained.
After contacting local police multiple times, Jardine experienced disconnections whenever she mentioned the hotel's name. "The lack of transparency and support from both the hotel and local authorities is deeply concerning," she expressed, emphasizing her distress over the lack of accountability faced by the assailant. Following the assault, she attended an urgent care center for medical treatment for her injuries, which included a severely swollen eye.
At the hospital, Jardine informed the police she intended to press charges against her attacker, who was still on the hotel premises. Despite the initial promise that police would arrive by 9:00 AM the next morning, they failed to show up until later in the evening. "After a phone call, I was told that I would have to wait until the following day," she lamented, highlighting the frustrating delay in addressing her case.
As the days passed, Jardine found herself grappling with the repercussions of the assault. By March 21, 2025, she was still recovering from the black eye that the punch had left her with. She noted, "I don't have the name of the man; the resort won't give it to me. They did not provide me with an official report of the assault. The only information they gave me is that he was Canadian." This lack of information and transparency is not only a grievance for Jardine but also a matter of safety for future guests.
Sunwing Vacations, the company that arranged Jardine’s trip, confirmed the incident took place; however, the Blau hotel stated that the event is under investigation and has included witness statements. This action, albeit one of acknowledgment, has been viewed by Jardine as insufficient, especially considering the serious nature of the incident.
Legal expert Joseph Neuberger highlighted the limitations faced by Canadian citizens in such situations, clarifying that due to international law, Jardine cannot file any criminal charges against her assailant in Canada, as the jurisdiction lies within Cuba. He stated, "Once in Canada, your only recourse, if you knew the personal details, name, address, etc., of the individual, would be to initiate a civil action for assault." This presents a challenging scenario for Jardine, who is still unclear about her attacker's identity.
Despite the legal barriers, Jardine remains adamant about pursuing justice. "It's disgusting that someone could do this, knowing that he is Canadian and that he can do it too. This is all wrong. I want this man to be held accountable for what he did to me," she emphasized passionately. Her determination reflects a larger issue surrounding tourist safety in Cuba, an area fraught with numerous incidents of assault and theft, which has led to declining trust among visitors.
The safety concerns have been further exacerbated by reports of thefts and mishandled incidents that leave tourists reconsidering their travel plans. Jardine’s situation stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by foreign travelers in Cuba and calls for improved safety measures and accountability in the hospitality sector.
As the investigation into her assault continues, Jardine hopes that her story will not only bring her the justice she seeks but also prompt improvements in how such incidents are managed to protect other visitors in the future.
