CIEGO DE AVILA, January 8 (Léster Téllez Castro, APLA /
www.cubanet.org) Postal officials in Ciego de Ávila, central Cuba, told
retirees today that this month’s retirement pay is not being paid "by
order of the administration," and added that they had no idea when or how
the problem would be resolved.
Someone from postal zone No. 1, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed
that the territorial administration does not have enough funds to pay the
pensions.
"The Popular Power (local government) has not returned the money to the
bank and the post office has it invested in social assistance coupons."
The same situation holds true in other localities in Ciego de Ávila
province.
"For months we have been facing this situation. The officials in charge
don’t seem capable of finding true solutions," said one retiree who
hasn’t been paid.
Retirees face ever-increasing prices on the average retirement pay, which is
102 pesos a month, according to government figures. Beyond the meager rations
allowed under the subsidized quota system, sample food prices can reach 40 pesos
for a pound of beef in the black market, 15 pesos for a pound of lard in the
agricultural markets, and 10 pesos for a one-pound loaf of bread in a "liberated"
bakery.
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