The Consulate General of Spain in Havana has issued a statement addressed to the descendants who could not attend their nationality appointments, under the protection of the Democratic Memory Law, due to the damage caused by Hurricane Rafael.
The announcement seeks to guarantee the continuity of the processes and serve those who were affected by the weather event.
In a message published on social network X, the Consulate reported the following: “If you could not appear for your nationality appointment in Lonja between November 4 and 8 due to Hurricane Rafael, you will be attended to between November 11 and 15. If you cannot attend, respond to the email you will receive from the Consulate General”.
This message was spread after communicating that, despite the damage suffered by the hurricane, the Consulate would open its doors on November 8 both in the Trade Market and in the Velasco Palace.
However, it was specified that some services, such as legalization, will remain suspended due to damage to the area intended for the reception of documentation.
Important announcement from the Spanish Consulate regarding passport collection in Cuba
Likewise, a new date was notified for collecting passports from residents in the province. Those requested between 06-10-2024 and 10-01-2024 (included) must be picked up at honorary vice consulates of Santa Clara, Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba starting on 11-14-2024 (instead of 11-11-2024, due to the effects of Hurricane Rafael).
Users have expressed their concern in the Consulate’s publication. Comments such as those of Thalía Sánchez Erbella, who stated: “Please take into account the community family visa cases, I am desperate, I could not make it to the appointment today, all transportation was paralyzed,” reflect the situation of many affected.
The Consulate has insisted that applicants pending an appointment should check their email and stay tuned for official updates.
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**Interview with Maria Sanchez, Consul General of Spain in Havana**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Consul Sanchez. Can you provide us with an overview of the situation concerning Hurricane Rafael and its impact on your consulate’s services?
**Maria Sanchez:** Thank you for having me. Hurricane Rafael has posed significant challenges, particularly in the Lower and Middle Florida Keys, where we have seen tropical-storm-force winds affecting many residents. This also includes many of our citizens and their descendants who were set to attend their nationality appointments at our consulate.
**Interviewer:** What specific measures has the Consulate General taken to assist those affected by the hurricane?
**Maria Sanchez:** We have issued a statement to those who were unable to attend their appointments due to the storm. Under the protection of the Democratic Memory Law, we are committed to ensuring that their processes continue smoothly. We have rescheduled appointments that were missed between November 4 and 8 to new dates from November 11 to 15.
**Interviewer:** That sounds very considerate. What should individuals do if they still cannot attend their rescheduled appointments?
**Maria Sanchez:** If anyone cannot make it to their new appointment, we ask them to respond to the email they will receive from our consulate. We want to ensure everyone gets the assistance they need, even if they are facing difficulties in traveling.
**Interviewer:** How are you ensuring communication with those affected, especially during such a turbulent time?
**Maria Sanchez:** We are utilizing various communication channels, including social media like X, emails, and direct outreach to keep everyone informed. Our goal is to ensure that those impacted by Hurricane Rafael know they are not alone and that we are here to help them through this process.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Consul Sanchez. It’s crucial to have support during such challenging times.
**Maria Sanchez:** Thank you for allowing me to share our efforts. We are dedicated to serving our community, especially in times of crisis.
