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Evolution in the revolutionary Cuba
Cuba, the home of living icon Fidél. The revolution ended more than 50 years ago, but at many places on the island it still looks like time stood still since than. The people rave about Ché, signs of the ‘Commandante’ everywhere. Cuban’s are driving American relics from pre-Castro time. And Havana is full of treasure buildings from the 16th century.
But hot cloths and the cool cash from abroad bring you back to reality. The state tried to maintain its communist ideology but it is at the same time attempting to edge into the capitalist world market.
Cuba has the 2-currency system, Pesos for the locals and CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) for the tourists and visitors. This system is helping to create two societies in Cuba: one with CUC and the other without. This system was introduced to keep the resistance against the Americans, so that the Dollar would not control the economy. But hundreds of millions of Dollars are send by relatives from abroad. This and the flourishing tourism are brightening the Cuban’s life. Generally the people are depending on the rationed-food stores. Every person can buy at cheap prices food at the government stores. But the choice is limited and very often out of stock. For Cuban’s with no hard currency, who cannot buy the extra groceries at the well-stocked CUC-only stores, the rationing is the worst thing about Cuba these days.
Farmers in the countryside are usually a bit better of than the city dwellers. But also they face the problem of the government-controlled market. Often farmers are standing beside the road and try to sell some excess crop for a little extra.
Even for people who vigorously support the Communist system, putting food on the table is a constant challenge.But the government’s focus on free education and heath care makes it one of the best in the world.
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| © All photograph right reserved by Naymuzzaman Prince. |
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