Cubans react to Raul Castro's 'reforms' - 30 Apr 2008

Al Jazeera's Mariana Sanchez reports from Havana on the easing of some restrictions by Raul Castro in a series of reform packages for Cuba.

Investment and private enterprise was till recently "unthinkable" in communist Cuba until the lifting of some restrictions was announced by Castro.

The younger generation of Cubans are more hopeful for a prosperous country, one in which they can afford luxury goods.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• mariana
• sanchez
• al
• jazeera
• english
• cuba
• reform
• havana

[OurFadedGarden]

Don't do it, Cuba. Capitalism is taking a dump.

[giasroom]

I have always wanted to go to Cuba. Maybe someday. I think Cuba will once again be a great place to travel to for Americans. I only hope Cubans want us there.  What are the restriction on owning businesses there? I have seen many things I would love to import from Cuba too. Oh I hope some day.

[LeftEdit]

this report is utter bullshit people - find out the truth , this video is not the truth about Cuba.

[BozalliCopter]

unfair that this vid seems to compare Cuba's wealth situation to western nations like USA and Britain, when Cuba was in such a bad situation before Fidel's movement.

[xxxdieselyyy2]

I can recall from my own country. When we were Socialistic in 1970s, I made only 500 bucks but school was free. Now I make 20,000 bucks but school costs 30,000 bucks :P

[xxxdieselyyy2]

TO ALL YOUNG CUBANS OUT THERE........if u wanna know what "liberalization" does 2 u, take a look @ India aftr 1991. We have 1 of the the highest GDP growth rates in the world but our MPI or Multidimensional Poverty Index has worsened CONSIDERABLY. Today, parts of our country w/ 8-9 pc GDP growth is considered at par w/ Sierra Leone.

With capitalist reforms, you will get to SEE development and pomp but never enjoy it for the 99 out of 100 cases. Stick w/ Fidel Cubans!

[allyrockful]

@martr164 sorry but all developed countries ,enjoy these benefits such as education and doctors,don't claim this as something special and extraordinary..only the undeveloped don't have literacy and doctors..it is not something t be jealoused of

[KNIGHT12]

im american but my grandparents are cuban and i would like to go see where i come but with that whole gay travel ban on cuba how can i go i heard you can fly from mexico or canada how does it work

[bronx7542]

As long as Fidel or Raul is in power, Cuba will have no future.The couple that got married. Well,let me tell you. Those poor Cuban had to go through a lot just to have a decent wedding. Life is not easy in Cuba.

[Denmarkpwns]

well, if usa wouldnt block cuban trades, cuba would be alot richer..

[UnknownGruunt]

Im american and cuban (born in america but have cuban blood) and i cant wait till they let americans go to cuba, it seems like there is no racial hate or any hate, but one thing is, is that when americans come, so do their thoughts and ways but i can only hope it isnt those kind of americans.

[ajgolfer1]

@martr164 is that what castro told you?