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FROM
CUBA
Assault
on the riquimbilis
HAVANA, Cuba, October (www.cubanet.org) - Today
may be the last day Leonardo, 42, can drive his
"ruquimbili" out on the streets to support
his family; police have started a campaign to
eradicate these three-wheeled motorized vehicles
from the streets.
These contraptions made from parts of old Soviet-era
Lada automobiles and World War II vintage Ural
motorcycles are used to transport anything from
household moves to passengers and provide an alternative
to the ever-dwindling fleet of government-provided
transportation.
Even the managers of government-run cafeterias
avail themselves of the riquimbilis' services
when pressed for transportation.
Ever since the vehicles started showing up on
Cuban streets, the government has been after them,
imposing fines on their owners of up to 1,500
pesos or actually confiscating the machines.
Now the government is concentrating its efforts.
Leonardo calls it "a tense moment due to
possible confiscations." His riquimbilis
is his only means of supporting his family.
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