HAVANA, January 17 (Amarilis Cortina Rey, Cuba-Verdad) - Self employed workers in the town of Managua, in the outskirts of Havana, complain of constant harassment by government inspectors.
The inspectors visit almost daily, said sources that didn't want to be identified, adding: "At every hour, by surprise, and for any reason they want to fine you to the tune of 1000 to 1500 pesos."
"For example," said one of them, "I can tell you about those of us who have small cafeterias. We pay 100 pesos a month to the State. We have to show the inspectors the receipts from the dollar stores which are the only places where we can buy all our supplies, including even the
salt. We are not allowed to work with the products we buy with our ration book; we could be fined for that."
"Many who started working this way have turned in their licenses because they couldn't stand the pressure from the State," he added.
Yet, in spite of all the difficulties, many persevere, making it possible for passersby to find a cold drink or a 'bread and pasta,' something that was impossible before these independent entrepreneurs opened their little businesses. |