Cuba to make computers, microwaves, other goods available to consumers

[rayofreason]

Source: Seattle Times

WASHINGTON — Opening a crack in Cuba's closely controlled communist economy, the Cuban government reportedly will soon allow ordinary Cubans an unrestricted possibility to purchase items such as computers and microwave ovens.

The move is viewed as part of the long-awaited reforms promised by Raul Castro, who has criticized the island's "excess of prohibitions and regulations" when he took over Cuba's presidency from his brother Fidel on Feb. 24.

A government memo obtained by the Reuters news agency showed that restrictions on the sale of goods such as computers, DVD players and microwave ovens will be lifted.

Computers were reserved for foreigners and companies and Cubans with special government permission to buy them. Internet access remains tightly restricted to foreigners and specially designated Cubans. Permission for travelers to import some electronic goods such as DVD players was approved last May.

Read more: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004284031_cubabuy15.html

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Interesting. Every heard of the Law of Unintended Consequences?

[krispos42]

1. I've often thought the best way to destroy Cuban Communism...

was to simply flood them with Americana. Lift the trade embargoes and let American pop culture flow. Seeing hundreds of thousands of comfortable Americans with fat wallets and the latest techno-gadgets swarming their resorts and beaches should do wonders for forcing change.

[Kolesar]

3. There are a lot of impoverished former colonies in the Caribbean Sea

Haiti, Jamaica...I think Cuba's "problem" is bigger than just Communism and/or state control of the economy.

[ohio2007]

5. Won't happen until after the Cubans hold the state funeral of Fidel. nt

[ben_meyers]

2. Next they will allow private ownership of

personal water craft, but then there will be nobody left on the island.

[ohio2007]

4. This story is several days old

not LBN

[ensho]

6. they should leave microwaves off the list

nt

[ohio2007]

7. Seven Cuban soccer players defect ( Olympic team in Tampa Fla. )

Mar 14 - Seven members of Cuba's Under-23 soccer team defect in the United States, according to newspaper reports

With one player already suspended following a red card, Cuba coach Raul Gonzalez had only ten players available to him and his team began the match against Honduras with a one-man disadvantage and no substitutes.

Pavithra George reports.




http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=78164&videoChannel=1
Raul not exactly putting his best foot forward