A Cuban woman has come to the defense of her nephew, who faces potential fines from local inspectors and police for selling avocados on a street in Santiago de Cuba. "They won't let the youth live peacefully," she exclaims in a video shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook profile.
"Those who steal, they don't catch; those in gangs, they don't catch; but those sitting here, trying to make a living, because there's no livelihood in this country," she passionately declares, criticizing the police's inefficacy against serious crimes.
The video shows two female inspectors, one attempting to hide from the camera, alongside two police officers, filling out a ticket book. The young man refused to sign the fine, and a motorcyclist tried to calm him down as he became agitated by the authorities' actions.
Government Crackdown on Private Vendors
This incident is part of a broader government crackdown on private vendors, whom officials accuse of driving up prices in a country where shortages and food insecurity are worsening daily without any governmental resolution in sight.
In Santa Clara, for instance, inspectors take pride in shutting down businesses and collecting fines, while preventive work is neglected, and the primary focus remains on addressing problems exacerbated by poor governmental decisions.
These fines know no bounds and are even imposed on individuals with physical or mental disabilities. In Havana, two inspectors fined a disabled Cuban man and father of four 9,500 pesos for selling cigarettes at a bus stop.
Similarly, a police operation targeting street vendors selling agricultural products in Havana ended with fines issued to 42 of these vendors. According to the capital's government, these individuals were violating the terms of their work projects.
FAQs on Government Crackdown on Private Vendors in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide further insights into the government's actions against private vendors in Cuba and the resulting implications.
Why are private vendors being fined in Cuba?
The Cuban government accuses private vendors of driving up prices and contributing to shortages and food insecurity. This has led to increased inspections and fines against these vendors.
What are the criticisms against the government's actions?
Critics argue that the government is failing to address the root causes of the country's economic problems and is instead targeting individuals trying to make a living. Additionally, the fines are seen as excessive and unfair, particularly towards vulnerable populations.
How are local citizens reacting to these fines and inspections?
There has been significant public outcry, with many citizens defending those fined and criticizing the authorities for their focus on minor infractions while more serious crimes go unpunished.