A Cuban American family faced an unexpected setback after 24 years without visiting their relatives on the Island. They were stopped at a police checkpoint where two officers from the PNR discovered that the driver of the car they had hired for their journey to Matanzas and then to Santa Clara had an unpaid fine, unrelated to traffic violations.
The Cuban American tried to negotiate with the police to settle the fine, which was supposedly already paid but not reflected in the computer system. The officers refused, insisting that the only solution was to show proof of payment and continue the journey or find another driver, the first available one from the roadside where they were stopped. Otherwise, they would need to wait for another patrol to escort them to the nearest station to resolve the issue.
The police were unmoved by the Cuban American's pleas, who explained that after 20 hours without sleep, they just wanted to reach Matanzas and then Santa Clara. Furthermore, he expressed reluctance to ride with a stranger due to fears of being robbed or attacked during the trip.
Although the argument did not escalate, one of the checkpoint officers radioed in that the Cuban tourists were being "difficult," though a video of the incident shared on TikTok did not show such behavior. During the State Budget discussions for 2025, Finance and Prices Minister Vladimir Regueiro Alex emphasized that the "positive figures" for the 2024 fiscal deficit were due to "increased revenue generation from territories, municipalities, and provinces, and tax collection." This reportedly led to tax revenue exceeding expectations by over 25 billion pesos, according to the Presidency and Government of Cuba's website.
It appears that these road checkpoints serve as another government tool for revenue generation, a practice not commonly seen internationally unless involving traffic violations. In 2024, the Cuban government chose to enforce migration regulations to prevent at least 200 people in Sancti Spíritus from leaving the country (data updated to April of last year). These individuals allegedly reported lower incomes than they actually earned and did not comply with the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT) requirements.
As the governmental tax and political harassment intensifies, so do drug trafficking and violent crimes in Cuba, which are not pursued with the same vigor. This has led to rampant insecurity on the streets, particularly in Havana. The latest scheme in the Cuban regime's revenue drive involves the opening of a supermarket at 3rd and 70th in Playa, Havana, with exorbitant prices, where only dollars are accepted, and change is given in candies.
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Social Challenges
Why was the Cuban American family stopped at a police checkpoint?
The family was stopped because the driver of their hired car allegedly had an outstanding fine, unrelated to traffic violations.
What is the significance of the fiscal deficit figures mentioned by the Finance Minister?
The Finance Minister highlighted the fiscal deficit figures as a result of increased revenue generation from local territories and tax collection, which exceeded expectations by over 25 billion pesos.
How has the Cuban government responded to income discrepancies reported by individuals?
The Cuban government has enforced migration regulations to prevent individuals who allegedly underreported income from leaving the country, ensuring compliance with tax requirements.
What are the concerns regarding the new supermarket in Havana?
The new supermarket in Havana charges exorbitant prices, only accepts dollars, and gives change in candies, raising concerns about exploitative practices.