The 76 year old Raul Castro after taking over the reins of Cuba from his legendary brother Fidel Castro, in his inaugural speech, after being formally chosen as president last month, promised to ease some of the restrictions on daily life in a matter of weeks. As a primary step to his promise, the government is planning to lift the ban on wide range of consumer electrical appliances.
Lifting the ban after 1990 means the people of Cuba are permitted to own DVD players, computers, etc. The ban was clamped during the time of Soviet Union disintegration which led the country to severe energy crisis. Until now, only foreigners and companies have been able to buy computers and related items in Cuba.
Constructive support from oil-rich Venezuela to resolve the energy crisis of Cuba since 2006 has encouraged the government to lift the ban. The paradigm shift in governance was felt even during Raul Castro’s short stint while his brother underwent an abdominal surgery. It should not be forgotten, the senior Castro was a vehement critic of capitalist consumer society. Here on, people would be able to use video machines, rice cookers, micro-waves, car alarms, as well as 19-inch and 24-inch TV sets. This opening up will certainly help people of Cuba, especially the young generation to evaluate the changes happened to the world since globalization. However, consumers will have to wait till the end of 2009 to use air conditioners and heaters, by then the country is expected to overcome the low power supplies.
Although, it appears that the new president is intended to improve access to imported consumer goods, but so far there is no word on easing curbs on internet access or legalizing communications equipment, such as mobile phones. Political proximity to China is expected to prompt Cuba to induct Chinese pattern for its economic growth. If that takes shape, even curbs on internet access and other communications tools will be lifted.