Accessing cash through ATMs or bank tellers remains a serious issue for the residents of Santiago de Cuba, and the regime has yet to find an effective solution. At the bank located at the intersection of Garzón and Tercera Street, in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, people spend the night and early morning in line to access the limited cash available when the bank opens the next day.
A person, who preferred to remain anonymous, sent an image to the editorial team of CiberCuba showing the massive line formed at dawn this Wednesday next to the bank in Santiago de Cuba. "Most people don't even have hope of getting cash," the informant noted, explaining that many of those in line were elderly people waiting to collect their pension.
"It breaks my heart to see 80-year-olds sleeping on the street just to be able to withdraw cash from ATMs or banks. What the government is doing to this vulnerable group is criminal and abusive," the person said. "Every month it's the same thing, retirees trying to withdraw their pensions, and workers doing the same with their salaries. This is no way to live," the individual added.
The problem of accessing cash is neither new nor has it found a solution from the regime. Almost a year ago, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights warned about the issue of people accessing money in banks and ATMs in Santiago de Cuba.
Continuing Struggles with Cash Access
The organization noted in a video shared on the social network X, "Santiago de Cuba. From 6 PM, lines start forming in front of ATMs for the next day at 8 AM, hoping to get the little money the machines might dispense." Social media echoed the same situation last April: elderly people making long lines to access the limited cash deposited in banking institutions.
Despite the regime’s push for rapid and mandatory banking, in practice, the governmental measure is not adhered to in many state entities in Santiago de Cuba, harming residents who cannot access cash. According to the digital edition of the Sierra Maestra newspaper, a tour of dining establishments in the eastern city last March revealed numerous problems in the implementation of this government mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Access Issues in Santiago de Cuba
Addressing the ongoing challenges related to cash access in Santiago de Cuba, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into the situation.
Why are residents of Santiago de Cuba struggling to access cash?
The shortage of cash in ATMs and banks, along with the inefficiency of governmental measures, makes it difficult for residents to withdraw money, leading to long lines and overnight waits.
How is the elderly population affected by this issue?
Elderly individuals, often relying on pensions, are particularly vulnerable as they have to endure long lines and harsh conditions to access their funds.
What has the government done to address this issue?
The government has promoted rapid and mandatory banking, but the measure is not being effectively implemented in many state entities, exacerbating the problem.
Has there been any improvement in cash access in Santiago de Cuba?
Despite warnings and reports from various organizations, there has been no significant improvement in the situation, with residents continuing to face the same challenges.