WHILE the elections in Venezuela are of some interest, it is also interesting to see developments in Communist Cuba, where the average monthly salary is a paltry $20 per month.
Raul Castro (Fidel’s successor), is giving Cubans the freedom to travel outside of Cuba. They will now be legally entitled to travel to the USA, where countless thousands have made their way illegally but were nonetheless welcomed.
There are also moves to allow private business and free market reforms. Raul Castro is also courting the USA by declaring that friendly relations would be in the interests of both countries – political speak for undoubted improvements in Cuban life.
Hopefully these are the first tentative moves for Cubans to enjoy the benefits of a democratic, free market society which will improve just about every aspect of their lives.
IAN CUMMINGS Gibson Close Abingdon
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