Ray Sanchez | Direct from Havana
7:33 AM EDT, April 7, 2008
Havana, Cuba
Two tourism workers were on a smoke break in Old Havana Sunday when one
of them mentioned that he was desperate to leave the country with his
family.
"What are you talking about?" asked the other worker, a 40-something
restaurant employee named Ruben. "How can you leave now? This is just
getting good. Everyday new changes are being announced."
The other worker, in his 30s, laughed.
"You have to be kidding," he said. "We've been waiting too long for this
But Cuba is changing in small ways. In the weeks since Raul Castro
formally took over the presidency from his older brother Fidel, the new
government has quietly enacted a series of reforms unimaginable under
the ailing revolutionary.
It is now legal for Cubans to buy cellular phones, computers and DVD
players. They may now rent cars and stay at hotels previously reserved
for foreigners. Farmers are being allowed to cultivate state land that
is not being used to grow certain cash crops. Special stores are opening
where farmers can buy the equipment needed for their work.
"Don't you want to see what happens next?" Ruben was asking his
coworker. "You might just be able to get on a plane next month and leave
if you want. You never know."
The capital is buzzing with expectations of change. There is talk of
lifting restrictions on foreign travel. Some Cubans think the government
may strengthen the near-worthless peso in which state workers are paid.
Others insist that people will soon be allowed to sell and own their homes.
"Big changes are coming," Ruben said. "You watch."
His coworker laughed as he lit another cigarette.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/cuba/sfl-0407havanadaily,0,2259539.column
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