Inspectors in the province of Cienfuegos issued 590 fines for 630 violations discovered during a price control exercise. In this province, located in southern Cuba, 862 inspections were conducted, resulting in over twenty forced sales of agricultural and essential products, the closure of six non-state sector establishments, and the cancellation of 30 work projects, according to the official newspaper 5 de Septiembre.
Additionally, authorities in the province mentioned that they collected over a million pesos due to violations of Decree-Law 30, particularly in the municipalities of Aguada de Pasajeros, Rodas, Santa Isabel de las Lajas, and Cienfuegos.
The focus of these inspections was on the transportation, food service, and retail sectors, stated Alexander Brito Brito, coordinator of Programs and Objectives for the Provincial Government of People's Power. The official noted that during these operations, 56 complaints and five denunciations were filed, and penalties were imposed on individuals working illegally, including minors identified as self-employed workers.
Brito Brito highlighted that some businesses attempted to evade inspections by closing their operations during the inspection days. However, he also noted a positive trend in the increased acceptance and use of electronic payment channels among inspected economic actors, amidst the ongoing cash crisis on the island.
The government's crackdown on private businesses and other service establishments across the island has become increasingly evident, particularly following the enactment of Resolution 225/2024 by the Ministry of Finance and Prices last July. Between August 17 and 23 alone, the Ministry closed businesses and revoked work projects for 368 "non-state actors."
In just one week, the government ordered the closure of 171 establishments and the termination of 197 private entrepreneurial projects, along with 58 product seizures and 773 forced sales due to "detected violations." In the agricultural fairs of Santa Clara, fines have reached up to 15,000 Cuban pesos (CUP). In the municipality of Placetas, several vendors were compelled to conduct forced sales of their merchandise. Both territories are part of the province of Villa Clara.
Impact of Government Inspections on Private Businesses in Cuba
The recent wave of government inspections in Cuba has led to numerous forced sales and the closure of private businesses. Here are some common questions and answers related to these events.
What prompted the recent government inspections in Cienfuegos?
The inspections were part of a price control exercise aimed at ensuring compliance with Decree-Law 30, which focuses on regulating prices in various sectors.
How many businesses were affected by the inspections in Cienfuegos?
The inspections led to the forced sale of products from over twenty businesses, the closure of six establishments, and the cancellation of 30 work projects.
What sectors were primarily targeted during the inspections?
The primary focus was on the transportation, food service, and retail sectors.
How has the new Resolution 225/2024 affected private businesses in Cuba?
Since its enactment, the resolution has led to the closure of numerous businesses, the cancellation of work projects, and increased regulatory actions against private entrepreneurs.