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Grausel Gaínza Fuentes, a merchant from Baracoa, reported that he is facing excessive fines in 2024 due to harassment and persecution of self-employed workers in that area of the island.
In a post on Facebook, the profile "Francisco Luis Manzanet Ortiz" explains that despite having the patent and authorization to sell meat and vegetables in his community of Jamal, he has faced constant fines and intimidation from state officials, including comprehensive inspectors and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).
In 2024, Gaínza was fined over 50,000 pesos in total, a shocking figure considering that his business is one of the few in the area that supplies the population with essential products such as pork and some vegetables.
Residents of the municipality shared the case on social media and expressed their outrage over these sanctions, pointing out that the state store does not sufficiently supply the community, making Gaínza's service even more essential.
On January 10, 2025, the elderly man was fined again for a total of 2,500 pesos, this time following the intervention of inspectors and the PNR, who arrived at his sales booth and imposed the penalty.
This is not the first time this has happened this year: at the beginning of January, a fine of 8,000 pesos had already been imposed.
The community has responded with supportive comments towards Gaínza, who, to make matters worse, was a victim of a robbery in his home during which $150,000 pesos were stolen, as reported by a neighbor of the man.
The Cuban regime, instead of encouraging entrepreneurs, creates systems that generate abuse and repression, emphasized internet users.
In December of last year, for instance, the government announced that starting in January, it would "pay by results" to inspectors and fine collectors, amid the state's crackdown on private businesses.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced at the National Assembly of People's Power that a payment system was approved to assess the effectiveness of the work of inspectors and all employees of the fine collection offices.
This leads to inspectors abusing their power and refusing to respect licenses when applying sanctions, the post emphasizes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Police Harassment of Self-Employed Workers in Cuba
Why has Grausel Gaínza Fuentes been fined in Cuba?
Despite having the patent and authorization to sell meat and vegetables, Grausel Gaínza Fuentes has been subjected to constant fines and intimidation by officials of the Cuban State. In 2024, he accrued fines exceeding 50,000 pesos due to interventions by comprehensive inspectors and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).
How does the Cuban government's policy affect independent vendors?
The policy of the Cuban government, which includes the imposition of fines and forced sales, negatively impacts independent vendors by limiting their ability to operate legally and supply the population. These measures are justified under the pretext of controlling prices, but often result in constant harassment of self-employed workers.
What impact does the persecution of vendors have on the Baracoa community?
The persecution of sellers like Grausel Gaínza Fuentes has a significant impact on the Baracoa community, as it limits access to essential products such as pork and vegetables, especially in areas where state stores cannot adequately supply the population. Residents have expressed their outrage and support for Gaínza, viewing the measures as an abuse of power.
What is the justification of the Cuban regime for these measures against self-employed workers?
The Cuban regime justifies these measures on the premise of combating high prices and illegal activities, arguing the need to correct economic distortions and rejuvenate the economy. However, these actions are viewed by many as an attack on non-state economic forms and an attempt to maintain strict control over economic activity.
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