Cuba For Cubans
Finally, some sign of change on the horizon for Cubans; their government relenting sufficiently to cut them a little opportunity to achieve a pale imitation of lifestyle parity with the international tourists who flock to the island for sun and sand. Cubans will finally be permitted to enjoy - those that can afford it - the opportunity to stay at hotels and beaches where formerly only foreigners were permitted.The only Cubans allowed there were those employed as hotel maids, cooks and baggage handlers. They could look, but not touch; work but not enjoy. The sensual pleasures available to high-paying tourists from abroad denied home-bred Cubans. Understandable as a general measure in a country so reliant on the tourist dollar, and where most ordinary Cubans could not, in any event, afford such luxuries.
Now, a new edict has been promulgated. Ordinary Cubans may now avail themselves of the kinds of consumer products previously not available. Such as DVD players, microwaves, cellphones, computers motorbikes. That is, those who can afford them. This is a make-do society, people driving vehicles held together with tape and wire. Now kitchen appliances, flat-screen television and other goodies will become available at the economy improves.
But this is also a proud culture whose traditions have continued to enrich their pride in self. They have learned to be self-sufficient, while the state has provided them with the opportunity to achieve education at an elevated academic level, where infinitely greater numbers of doctors of medicine are graduated than the island requires - so Cuba's barefoot doctors go abroad to other impoverished nations, to aid them.
Subsistence farmers are now being encouraged to plant coffee, tobacco and food crops on arable, but fallow state-owned land. Cuba's state-owned television broadcaster now plans to launch a new channel highlighting foreign content to provide variety for Cuban viewers. Who knows, perhaps Cubans will even soon see a free press.
Cuba's nemesis, the United States, views these changes askance. The U.S. commerce secretary stated censoriously "It's sad that after 50 years of suffering and 50 years living with shortages and 50 years living with repression, Cubans now have the right to buy a rice cooker".
There's no shortage of cynicism and hypocrisy in that condemnation of emerging reforms for Cubans. The harsh dictatorial system of governance aside, what other country has had to live in the shadow of a sternly condemnatory neighbour, under crippling economic straits thanks to the imposition of an unfair trade embargo?
Cuba has done well for itself, despite its hardships. Its people is determined to endure, to look with hope for the future. Slowly but steadily Cuba will lift itself into a new economic position, accepting the necessity of market reform, just as China has.
Its social achievements will remain intact, and if a U.S. administration comes on board that has the guts to shrug off the hard-right direction of Cuban exiles in Florida, an opening of dialogue between the two countries, and a lifting of the embargo would help immeasurably in leading Cuba into its future.
Labels: Political Realities, Traditions, World News
posted by Pieface @ Friday, April 04, 2008
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