A long line of people borders the corner of Carlos III and Belascoaín until they pass the portal of the imposing building located in that central point of Centro Habana. The reason for the tumult is not the purchase of frozen chicken or the much-sought-after cigarettes, but to acquire stamps for paperwork, a product that is increasingly non-existent in the Cuban Post Office.
“In recent days there has been a deficit of stamps for procedures in the Cuban Post Offices, due to the increase in the carrying out of procedures by citizens and state entities of the country,” begins by saying a note released by the Tax Administration Office (Onat) and the Correos de Cuba Business Group (Gecc).
Both entities classify the situation as “unforeseen” and blame the “increased demand” for the impact on the service. Although the text does not mention the reasons for the increased interest in these stamps, everything points to the massive exodus that the Island is experiencing and the need for migrants to have documents such as birth certificates or criminal records, among others, for their departure.
“My son arrived at the United States border a few months ago. He has already managed to enter and now he needs to prepare everything for when he has to appear before a judge for his asylum and they ask him for various documents”
“My son arrived at the United States border a few months ago. He has already managed to enter and now he needs to prepare everything for when he has to appear before a judge for his asylum and they ask him for various documents, including a birth certificate,” Juan told 14ymedio Carlos, a Havanan who this Tuesday went through the Post Office on Infanta and San Lázaro streets in search of stamps.
“They did not have any type. The employees were with their arms crossed but they did not put, as other times, a sign on the door clarifying that there were no stamps of 5 or 10 pesos, which are the most sought after,” he details. “In the few minutes that I was there, other people came asking for the same thing, but we all left empty-handed.”
In its official note, Correos de Cuba has called for calm, assuring that this week “existing reserves in the different territories have been circulated, in order to guarantee a balance between them” and that “a new impression of seals”.
To prevent hoarding and reselling of stamps, they have established strict rationing. “The sales limit allowed per person will be up to three units of stamps of the denominations of 10, 20, 40, 50, 125, 500 and 1,000 pesos. For stamps of 5 pesos the limit allowed per person will be 5 units” , they clarify.
But the measure has not managed to alleviate the despair of those who are against the clock in some process. “I have to present an exchange at a notary and I have not gotten the stamps,” commented this Tuesday one of the clients who was waiting outside the Correos de Carlos III and Belascoaín, where those of 20, 40 and 1,000 pesos were for sale. .
“They are going to close at 11 and do not open until 1:00 pm because they have to make the mandatory blackout to save electricity at that time,” the woman complained. “People are protesting because they say that without electricity it can also be dispatched, but the employees refuse, so I will have to stay until the afternoon, because I have to leave here no matter what or yes with the stamps.”
“They are going to close at 11 a.m. and do not open until 1:00 p.m. because they have to make the mandatory blackout to save electricity at that time”
Correos de Cuba assures that in December “the printing of another seven million stamps will begin, in order to stabilize sales in all units” and “the main post offices of each municipality” will have priority. But mistrust in state institutions runs deep.
Together with the General Customs of the Republic and the telecommunications company Etecsa, the Cuban Post Office is one of the entities worst valued by citizens. The frequent loss of letters, the violation of the privacy of the parcels, the delay in serving the public at their offices and other evils have made their official announcements hardly credible.
“The one for 500 costs 1,000 and the one for 5 costs 80,” a young man with a folder who hangs around a few meters from the Post Office in Central Havana explains briefly and in a low voice. “I’ve run out of 50, but tomorrow I’ll bring it again,” he added, given the interest of several clients who were considering whether to continue in line or opt for the informal market to get that tiny piece of paper with its holographic band and its watermark. against the light, essential to fulfill your dreams.
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