In the past few couple of months, since Raul Castro came to power a number of reforms have been announced in Cuba. First it was the authorization from Raul himself of allowing the policies of the government to be criticized. Then the purchase and ownership of computers and media players was authorized and decriminalized. Then it was announced that Cubans would be allowed to buy other electric and electronic goods.
Last week it was cell phones that were authorized, and just yesterday the announcement came that Cubans would be allowed entry into tourist resorts. Although it has not been published in the national press, it came as an announcement at the hotels themselves. The announcement called for the lifting of “prohibiciones obsoletas”, or obsolete prohibitions.
Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of clouds in these silver linings. Each one of these changes has come by decree from above , no public discourse, and in some cases no public announcements. And although Cubans now have access to more things, they can only do so using convertible currency, of which most Cubans only make the equivalent of $15-20 a month. Seeing as cell phones and service are so far retailing for $240 in Cuba, they will be out of reach for a while. But these are changes!
Friends tell me that more changes are anticipated, including access to the internet, independent book stores, and maybe even exit visas. Meaning Cubans may soon be allowed to travel outside the island. It seems that Raul is bent on dismantling the system that his brother built up a little bit at a time.
Like I said, strange happenings in my island. I can almost see myself back there in a few years.
Update: Just heard from a friend in Havana a decree was also sent to rental car companies indicating that rental cars are also to be made available to Cubans, something that was also prohibited.