The "Changes" in Cuba are a Scam

Diario Las Americas
Publicado el 04-03-2008
The "Changes" in Cuba are a Scam

It should be avoided that those who are not too knowledgeable about the
harsh reality of the economic and social life that the Cuban people suffer
as a result of a military and political dictatorship, interpret as a
supposed wellbeing or favorable change for the country certain measures set
into place by the present dictatorship – which is the same as before
–purportedly putting within reach of the people articles and services that
for half a century have been denied to them. Speaking in practical terms it
is clear, without going to the extremes of an in-depth analysis, that these
supposed benefits determined by new laws are not only a fantasy, but also a
calculated political scam. The scam consists in making locals and foreigners
alike think that there is a favorable change which, in practice is
non-existent.
The fact that merchandise that used to be off-limits is now available at
prices way beyond what the people can pay does not mean that these products
can be bought by the Cuban people. The same thing can be said about services
such as access to hotels and restaurants that used to be only for tourists.
The average monthly salary in Cuba is 408 pesos in local currency, the
equivalent of $17 U.S. dollars. The convertible Peso, which is the currency
needed to pay these articles and services costs $1.08 per unit. And with
that salary it is absolutely impossible – not just difficult – to buy
anything or to go to hotels and restaurants which now are said to be
"available" to a significant segment of the population.
Some Cubans who live in the island might be able to buy these articles if
their families who live in the United States and work under a system of free
market economy send them additional amounts of money. And the Cuban living
in the United States who sends money to the island for these purchases is
making the dictatorial state, that is the dictatorial government, wealthier
since it makes a profit with the currency exchange.
With that average monthly salary of 408 Cuban pesos, equivalent to US$17, it
is totally impossible that the new laws will bring any benefits to the
suffering Cuban people, except in those cases in which their families who
live in the U.S. send them significant amounts of dollars to make those
purchases.
Therefore, no one should think or believe that there are favorable changes
for the Cuban people under the regime of Raúl Castro, which is just a
prolongation of Fidel's.
 
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