Castro laments `irritating inequalities'
HAVANA --
(AP) -- Fidel Castro leveled his harshest criticism of Cuban society
since falling ill, saying Wednesday that a flood of foreign currency has
created ''irritating inequalities'' within the communist system.
In an essay published in state newspapers, the 80-year-old Castro wrote
''we are not a consumer society,'' but bemoaned some Cubans who use
foreign currency sent from relatives abroad to set up illegal sources of
profit. This while they continue to enjoy ration cards, free housing and
healthcare and other social services.
''Not everyone receives convertible currency from abroad, something
which is not illegal but which at times creates irritating inequalities
and privileges in a country that does its utmost to supply vital
services free of charge to the entire population,'' Castro wrote in the
treatise titled Self-criticism of Cuba.
''The real and visible lack of equality and the lack of pertinent
information gives way to critical opinions, especially in the neediest
sectors,'' he wrote in the treatise, which was the latest in a string of
''Reflections of the Commander In Chief'' Castro has begun penning every
few days.
The U.S. dollar was widely used in Cuba until 2004, when the government
took steps to remove it from circulation and promote the convertible
peso -- which now trades at an official rate 8 percent higher than the
American greenback. The moves sought to strengthen the island's regular
peso, which is used for state salaries and most government goods and
services but worth about 25 times less than a convertible peso.
Castro singled out ''the juicy profits'' some Cubans earn running
unlicensed taxi services, which include fleets of classic American cars.
Cuban officials concede the island's decrepit and overcrowded
transportation system is on the point of collapse, but few here are
allowed to buy new or used vehicles and can only own hulking U.S.
jalopies built before Castro's 1959 revolution.
Using scarce gasoline for profit ''can compromise the independence and
life of Cuba. We cannot fool around with that!'' Castro wrote.
Recuperating in an undisclosed location, Castro has not been seen in
public since announcing last July 31 that emergency intestinal surgery
had forced him to cede power to a provisional government headed by his
75-year-old brother, Raúl.
Castro's ''Reflections'' have suggested he is in little hurry to resume
power.
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