At the Popular Savings Bank in San José de las Lajas, monthly pension payout days create endless lines and tensions among customers. Prioritized retirees overwhelm services, leaving other users unattended amid fears of running out of cash. Concerns over power outages and cash shortages dominate the daily scene.
Lines form at 7 a.m. outside the Popular Savings Bank in San José de las Lajas, capital of Mayabeque province east of Havana. Retirees collecting monthly pensions of barely more than $6 USD flood the branch, creating chaos with a single line for all procedures.
Mayra, a customer, said: “The first problem is that it’s the same line for all procedures and, as expected, pensioners are the majority. I have no choice but to come back later.” A Commerce Company worker noted she can withdraw only 1,000 pesos a day (under $2 USD), but funds are prioritized for pensions, forcing purchases via Transfermóvil at 10-20% markups.
Mario, an accounting professor, complained: “There are only two tellers working... concentrating the work in a single area goes against all logic.” Yesenia waited an hour and a half for a loan, but only one commercial officer was available. The bank closes at noon, stranding many.
Fears of power cuts and cash shortages fuel frustration. Retirees return daily, enduring waits for essential funds.
