Pancho’s Barbershop, on Saint Julian Street, Güines, August 2002. Photo by Rafael Alfonso, Hialeah Gardens, Florida

Former Textilera Mayabeque (Mayabeque Textile Company) converted to a shoe factory, now idle, August 2002. Photo by Rafael Alfonso, Hialeah Gardens, Florida

Sale of Funeral Wreaths Is Suspended
Due to Government’s Tribute

By Miguel Galbán, Havana Press

Güines, December 12, 2002 (www.cubanet.org) - Relatives of three persons who died last Friday, December 6 in Güines, had to buy the flowers to make their wreaths, because the municipal flower shop suspended its services on orders from the local government.

This measure was due to the fact that the few flowers in existence at the shop were reserved to make wreaths used in an act on December 7th to pay homage to those Cubans who died in international wars sponsored by the Cuban regime in African countries during the 70’s and 80’s.

Private florists were engaged by the affected families to buy the necessary flowers to make the wreaths. “I had to buy 8 dozens of gladiolus and two of white lilies so they could make the wreath. On top of that, they charged me 10 pesos for labor. In total, I paid 70 pesos,” an irate Ángel Martínez, one of those affected, declared.

The great majority of flowers used in the making of funeral wreaths come from private gardens, because the State is not able to properly supply the florists for the making of such offerings, alleging they lack resources and agricultural items for the care of their own gardens.

The official price for a funeral wreath in State shops fluctuates between 25 and 50 pesos. But the same lacks quality if you compare them with those made by private florists.