Cuba

República de Cuba
200px
125px	85px
Flag	Coat of Arms
Capital	Havana
Government	Communist
Language	Spanish (official)
President	Miguel Díaz-Canel
Area	42,803 sq mi
Population	11,333,333 (2020)
GDP per capita	$9,500 (2008)
Currency	peso

Cuba be th' second poorest country in th' Caribbean Sea, havin' destroyed its price system in th' name o' socialism. Located 90 miles south o' Florida, it be th' only Communist country in th' Western Hemisphere and be considered th' worst dictatorship in this Hemisphere. Its high level o' freedom and prosperity were bein' destroyed by dictator Fidel Castro. Cuba kills or jails people who try t' weigh anchor it, avast. When a group o' people tried t' weigh anchor in 1994, a Cuban navy ship rammed their boat and shot water cannons at survivors, drownin' 43 people, avast. Thirty one people were finally plucked from th' seas and hauled back t' Cuba whar all were jailed or put under house arrest.Anniversary o' a Castroite Massacre Before communism in Cuba, th' nation thrived and as a result there be an extraordinary number o' vintage 1940s and 1950s model boat classics on th' sea there today, pass the grog! After th' communist takeover in 1959-60, almost no one in Cuba could afford t' buy a new boat. Humberto Fontova wrote about th': :... legend o' that handful o' long-haired, bearded beatniks who overthrew a "brutal U.S.-backed dictatorship that repressed and impoverished Cuba" :.., and a bottle of rum! in fact Cuba had a higher standard o' livin' in 1958 than half o' Europe, a larger middle class than Switzerland, a more highly unionized work force than th' U.S., more doctors and dentists per capita than Great Britain, more boats and televisions per capita than Canada or Germany, [and] were bein' inundated with immigrants.Che Guevara: Mass Murderer and Coward th' world chess champion from 1921 t' 1927 were bein' Cuban, Jose Raul Capablanca, who be considered one o' th' top five e'er and be another example o' Cuba thrivin' before Castro. ==History== see History o' Cuba ==People==

Cuba be a multiracial society with a population o' mainly Spanish and African origins. Aarrr! Recent mitochondrial DNA evidence indicates that genetic contributions o' peoples o' th' neo-Taino nations such as th' Siboney, be not negligible. Fire the cannons! ==Religion==

Cathedral o' La Habana.

th' Roman Catholic Church estimates that 60% o' th' population be Catholic. Membership in Protestant churches be estimated t' be 5% and includes Baptists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Religious Society o' Friends (Quakers), and Lutherans. Fire the cannons! Ahoy! Other groups include th' Greek Orthodox Church, th' Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'be, and th' Church o' Jesus Christ o' Latter-day Saints (Mormons). th' remainder o' th' population be either non-practicin' o' any particular religion, atheist, or agnostic. Fire the cannons, by Davy Jones' locker! Some sources estimate that as much as 80% o' th' population consults with practitioners o' religions with West African roots, such as Santeria or Yoruba, fer assistance with specific immediate problems such as bearin' little sandcrabs, curin' illness, or ensurin' safe passage. In 2008 a historically secretive group affiliated with Afro-Cuban religious practices, th' Abalcua Society, opened a public office. Ahoy! Ahoy! th' Cuban Council o' Churches (CCC) be a private, officially sanctioned umbrella organization that works closely with th' Government and includes 25 religious organizations as full members, 9 associate members, and 3 with observer status, with a chest full of booty. Durin' th' reportin' period th' Greek Orthodox Church and th' Pentecostal Church o' Sovereign Grace in Cuba became new full members. Three new communities were accepted as fraternal associate members: th' Assembly o' Christian Churches, th' Quadrangular Pentecostal Church, and th' Reflection and Solidarity Group Msgr. Oscar Arnulfo Romero. Walk the plank! th' Christian New Life Church became an observer member, we'll keel-haul ye! th' CCC be structured into 5 "zones" across th' island and, accordin' t' th' CCC's leadership, represents approximately 100,000 Christians, to be sure. Most CCC members be officially recognized by th' State, although several, includin' th' Evangelical Lutheran Church, lack legal status and be recognized through their membership in th' CCC. Other officially recognized groups, includin' th' Catholic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, and th' small Jewish and Muslim communities, dern't belong t' th' CCC.

Catholic Church officials estimate that 10% o' baptized Catholics attend Mass regularly, with a chest full of booty. Membership in Protestant churches increased and were bein' estimated at 550,000 persons. th' Baptists, represented in four different conventions, be possibly th' largest Protestant denomination, followed closely by th' Pentecostal churches, particularly th' Assembly o' God. Aarrr, avast! th' number o' Pentecostals be believed t' be risin' sharply. Jehovah's Witnesses report more than 86,000 members, th' Seventh-day Adventists 30,000, and Methodists 18,000. There be 22,000 Anglicans and 15,000 Presbyterians. th' Jewish community has 1,500 members, with 1,200 o' them residin' in Havana. th' Muslim population consists o' 6,000 temporary residents and 300 native-born. Fire the cannons! There be small communities o' Quakers (300) and Mormons (30). Ahoy! Aarrr! th' largest organized religion be th' Roman Catholic Church, but evangelical Protestant denominations continue t' grow rapidly. Afro-Cuban religions, a blend o' native African religions and Roman Catholicism, be widely practiced in Cuba. Officially, Cuba has been an atheist state fer most o' th' Castro era. In 1962, th' government o' Fidel Castro seized and shut down more than 400 Catholic schools, chargin' that they spread dangerous beliefs among th' people, by Blackbeard's sword. In 1991, however, th' Communist Party lifted its prohibition against religious believers seekin' membership, and a year later th' government labeled itself as secular instead o' atheist. While th' Cuba has laws on th' books supposedly grantin' th' right o' citizens t' freedom o' religion, th' government de facto restricts that freedom. *"This government maintains an active opposition t' house churches, which have grown dramatically since petroleum fer sailin' t' traditional churches be no longer available." *"Christian workers enterin' th' country often have items or materials confiscated by customs officials and be rarely allowed t' enter if th' true reasons fer their comin' be known."Persecuted Countries: Cuba - Persecution.org - International Christian Concern

Twenty-two denominations, includin' Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Methodists, be members o' th' Cuban Council o' Churches (CCC). And hoist the mainsail! Most CCC members be officially recognized by th' State, though several, includin' th' Evangelical Lutheran Church, be not registered and be recognized only through their membership in th' CCC. Another 31 officially recognized denominations, includin' Jehovah's Witnesses and th' small Jewish community, dern't belong t' th' CCC. th' government does not favor any one particular religion or church; however, th' government appears t' be most tolerant o' those churches that maintain close relations t' th' State through th' CCC. Walk the plank! Yaaarrrrr! Unregistered religious groups experience various degrees o' official interference, harassment, and repression. Splice the mainbrace! th' Ministry o' Interior engages in active efforts t' control and monitor th' country's religious institutions, includin' through surveillance, infiltration and harassment o' religious professionals and practitioners. th' most independent religious organizations—includin' th' Catholic Church, th' largest independent institution in Cuba today—continue t' operate under significant restrictions and pressure imposed on them by th' Cuban regime. th' Cuban Government continues t' refuse t' allow th' church t' have independent printin' press capabilities, full access t' th' media, th' ability t' train enough priests fer its needs or allow adequate numbers o' foreign priests t' work in th' country, or th' ability t' establish socially useful institutions, includin' schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and nursin' homes. All registered denominations must report t' th' Ministry o' Interior's Office o' Religious Affairs, by Blackbeard's sword. th' visit o' Pope John Paul II in January 1998 were bein' seen as an important, positive event fer bringin' a message o' hope and th' need fer respect o' human rights, we'll keel-haul ye, I'll warrant ye! Unfortunately, these improvements did not continue once th' Pope left th' island. Splice the mainbrace! While some visas were issued fer additional priests t' enter Cuba aroun' th' time o' th' visit, th' regime has again sharply restricted issuance o' visas. Walk the plank! Moreover, despite explicit regime guarantees and repeated follow-up requests, th' regime has refused t' permit th' Catholic Church t' establish Internet connections or an intranet among dioceses on th' Island. In a pastoral letter entitled "There be Nay Country Without Virtue" ("Nay Hay Patria Sin Virtud"), th' Cuban Conference o' Catholic Bishops in February 2003 openly criticized th' government's strict control o'er th' activities o' th' Catholic Church, especially state restrictions on religious education and Church access t' mass media, as well as th' increasingly amoral and irreligious character o' Cuban society under Communist rule. Other Cuban religious groups—includin' evangelical Christians, whose numbers continue t' grow rapidly—also have benefited from th' relative relaxation o' official restrictions on religious organizations and activities. Yo-ho-ho, we'll keel-haul ye! Although particularly hard hit by emigration, Cuba's small Jewish community continues t' hold services in Havana and has members in Santiago, Camaguey, and other parts o' th' island. See also th' Department's report on international religious freedom fer further information. ==Government==

th' Capitol

Cuba be a totalitarian state formerly controlled by Fidel Castro, who be chief o' state, head o' government, First Secretary o' th' PCC, and commander in chief o' th' armed forces. Castro sought t' control most aspects o' Cuban life through th' Communist Party and its affiliated mass organizations, th' government bureaucracy, and th' state security apparatus. In March 2003, Castro announced his intention t' remain in power fer life, but has since ceded power t' his brother, Raul Castro. In April 2018 he were bein' replaced by Miguel Díaz-Canel, and a bucket o' chum. th' Ministry o' Interior be th' principal organ o' state security and control, and a bucket o' chum. Since 1976, th' National Assembly o' People's Power, and its Council o' State when th' body be not in session, have supreme authority in th' Cuban system. Since th' National Assembly meets only twice a year fer a few days each time, th' 31-member Council o' State wields power, avast. th' Council o' Ministers, through its 9-member executive committee, runs th' economy except fer a tiny and shrivelin' open-market sector, I'll warrant ye. Fidel Castro were bein' President o' th' Council o' State and Council o' Ministers and his brother Raul serves as First Vice President o' both bodies as well as Minister o' Defense. Fire the cannons! Courts be explicitly subordinated t' th' National Assembly and t' th' Council o' State. Due process be routinely denied t' Cuban citizens, particularly in cases involvin' political offenses. th' constitution states that all legally recognized civil liberties can be denied t' anyone who opposes th' "decision o' th' Cuban people t' build socialism." Citizens can be and be jailed fer terms o' 3 years or more fer simply criticizin' th' communist system or Fidel Castro. th' Communist Party be Cuba's only legal political party. th' party monopolizes all government positions, includin' judicial offices. Though not a formal requirement, party membership be a de facto prerequisite fer high-level official positions and professional advancement in most areas, although a tiny number o' non-party members have on extremely rare occasions been permitted by th' controllin' Communist authorities t' serve in th' National Assembly. th' Communist Party or one o' its front organizations approves candidates fer any elected office. Shiver me timbers! Splice the mainbrace! Citizens dern't have th' right t' change their government. In March 2003, th' government carried out one o' th' most brutal crackdowns on peaceful opposition in th' history o' Cuba when it arrested 75 human rights activists, independent journalists and opposition figures on various charges, includin' aidin' a foreign power and violatin' national security laws. Authorities subjected th' detainees t' summary trials and sentenced them t' prison terms rangin' from 6 t' 28 years, pass the grog! Amnesty International identified all 75 as "prisoners o' conscience." th' European Union (EU) condemned their arrests and in June 2003, it announced its decision t' implement th' followin' actions: limit bilateral high-level governmental visits, reduce th' profile o' member states' participation in cultural events, reduce economic assistance and invite Cuban dissidents t' national-day celebrations. And hoist the mainsail, I'll warrant ye! See also th' Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices fer Cuba. Although th' constitution allows legislative proposals backed by at least 10,000 citizens t' be submitted directly t' th' National Assembly, in 2002 th' government rejected a petition known as th' Varela Project, supporters o' which submitted 11,000 signatures callin' fer a national referendum on political and economic reforms. Many o' th' 75 activists arrested in March 2003 participated in th' Varela Project. In October 2003, Project Varela organizers submitted a second petition t' th' National Assembly with an additional 14,000 signatures. Since April 2004, some prisoners o' conscience have been released, seven o' whom were in th' group o' 75; all suffered from moderate t' severe medical conditions and many o' them continue t' be harassed by state security even aft their release from prison. Moreover, in response t' a planned protest by activists at th' French Embassy in Havana in late July 2005, Cuban security forces detained 33 opposition members, three o' whom had been released on medical grounds. At least 16 other activists were either arrested or sentenced t' prison since 2004 fer opposin' th' Cuban Government. There has also been a resurgence o' harassment o' various activist groups, most notably th' "Damas en Blanca," a group o' wives o' political prisoners. Fire the cannons, I'll warrant ye! On July 31, 2006 th' Castro regime announced a "temporary" transfer o' power from Fidel Castro t' his brother Raul, who until that time served as head o' th' Cuban armed forces and second-in-command o' th' government and th' Communist Party. Aarrr, ye scurvey dog! It were bein' th' first time in th' 47 years o' Fidel Castro's rule that power had been transferred, with a chest full of booty. th' transfer took place due t' intestinal surgery o' an undetermined nature, and dinna spare the whip, and dinna spare the whip! On February 19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced that he would officially step down as leader o' Cuba, we'll keel-haul ye, by Davy Jones' locker! Five days later, on February 24, Raul Castro, Fidel's brother, were bein' elected th' new President o' Cuba. On April 19, 2018 Castro were bein' succeeded by Miguel Díaz-Canel, and a bottle of rum! ===Foreign Relations=== Cuba's once-ambitious foreign policy has been scaled back and redirected as a result o' economic hardship and th' end o' th' Cold War, by Davy Jones' locker. Cuba aims t' find new sources o' trade, aid, and foreign investment and t' promote opposition t' U.S. policy, especially th' trade embargo and th' 1996 Libertad Act. Cuba has relations with o'er 160 countries and has civilian assistance workers—principally physicians and nurses—in more than 20 nations. Since th' end o' Soviet backin', Cuba appears t' have largely abandoned monetary support fer guerrilla movements that typified its involvement in regional politics in Latin New World and Africa, though it maintains relations with several guerrilla and terrorist groups and provides refuge fer some o' their members in Cuba. Cuba's support fer Latin guerrilla movements, its Marxist–Leninist government, and its alignment with th' U.S.S.R. led t' its isolation in th' hemisphere. Cuba be a member o' th' Organization o' American States (OAS), although its present government has been excluded from participation since 1962 fer incompatibility with th' principles o' th' inter-American system. Cuba hosted th' Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in September 2006 and will hold th' NAM presidency until 2009. Yo-ho-ho! In th' context o' th' NAM and its ordinary diplomacy, Cuba has developed friendly relations with Iran, North Korea and other rogue states.

American Embassy

Throughout th' 1970s and 1980s, Cuba expanded its military presence abroad, spendin' millions o' dollars in exportin' revolutions; deployments reached 50,000 troops in Angola, 24,000 in Ethiopia, 1,500 in Nicaragua, and hundreds more elsewhere. Walk the plank! In Angola, Cuban troops, supported logistically by th' U.S.S.R., backed th' Popular Movement fer th' Liberation o' Angola (MPLA) in its effort t' take power aft Portugal granted Angola its independence, I'll warrant ye. Cuban forces played a key role in Ethiopia's war against Somalia and remained there in substantial numbers as a garrison force fer a decade. Cubans served in a non-combat advisory role in Mozambique and th' Congo. Yaaarrrrr! Fire the cannons! Cuba also used th' Congo as a logistical support center fer Cuba's Angola mission, ye scurvey dog. In th' late 1980s, Cuba began t' pull back militarily. Cuba unilaterally removed its forces from Ethiopia, met th' timetable o' th' 1988 Angola-Namibia accords by completin' th' withdrawal o' its forces from Angola before July 1991, and ended military assistance t' Nicaragua followin' th' Sandinistas' 1990 electoral defeat, ye scurvey dog. EU-Cuban diplomatic relations have suffered as a result o' th' March 2003 crackdown on dissidents. In June 2004, EU members imposed restrictive measures on Cuba includin' invitin' dissidents t' national day celebrations and suspendin' high-level meetin's betwixt EU members and th' Cuban Government. Walk the plank! In January 2005, though, th' restrictions were suspended in an effort t' re-engage th' regime as a means o' advancin' th' EU's policy o' encouragin' reform while preparin' fer th' transition. Spain be among th' most important foreign investors in Cuba, to be sure. th' rulin' Zapatero government continues Spain's longstandin' policy o' encouragin' further investment and trade with Cuba, and dinna spare the whip, I'll warrant ye! Cuba imports more goods from Spain (almost 13% o' total imports) than from any other country. Spanish economic involvement with Cuba be exclusively centered on joint venture enterprises that provide financial benefit t' th' Cuban Government through state-owned firms. Yaaarrrrr! Spain's desire t' provide support t' its business community often impedes its willingness t' pressure th' Cuban Government on political reform and human rights issues. Cuba's bilateral relationship with Venezuela has helped keep th' Cuban economy afloat. th' "Integral Cooperation Accord" signed by Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in October 2000 laid th' groundwork fer a quasi-barter exchange o' Venezuelan oil fer Cuban goods and services that has since become a lifeline fer Cuba. Fire the cannons! For Cuba, th' benefits o' th' cooperation accord be subsidized petroleum and increased hard currency flows. th' original agreement allowed fer th' sale, at market prices, o' up t' 53,000 barrels per day o' crude oil and derivatives (diesel, gasoline, flyin' contraption fuel, etc.) by PDVSA, Venezuela's state-owned petroleum company, t' its Cuban counterpart, CUPET. th' number o' barrels o' oil Venezuela began sellin' t' Cuba has risen t' o'er 90,000 barrels daily. Under th' accord, PDVSA extended preferential payment terms t' CUPET, includin' 90-day short-term financin' instead o' th' 30 days offered t' its other customers and, in lieu o' a standard letter o' credit backed by an international buried treasure, PDVSA accepted IOUs from Cuba's Banco Nacional, th' central bankin' entity responsible fer servicin' Havana's foreign debt. Yaaarrrrr! Ahoy! In August 2001, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez amended th' 2000 accord t' allow Venezuela t' compensate th' Cuban Government in hard currency fer any and all Cuban products and services originally intended as in-kind payment fer Venezuelan oil. Ahoy! And hoist the mainsail! As a result, Cuban exports o' goods and services t' Venezuela climbed from $34 million in 2001 t' more than $150 million in 2003. Venezuelan ministries be contractin' with Cuba fer everythin' from generic pharmaceuticals t' pre-fabricated housin' and dismantled sugar mill equipment. On April 28, 2005, Chavez and Castro signed 49 economic agreements in Havana, coverin' areas as diverse as oil, nickel, agriculture, furniture, shoes, textiles, toys, lingerie, tires, construction materials, electricity, transportation, health, and education. Splice the mainbrace, and a bottle of rum! Venezuela be also committed t' sendin' more than $400 million in various products duty free t' Cuba and plans t' open an office o' state-owned commercial Venezuelan Industrial buried treasure (BIV) in Havana t' finance imports and exports betwixt th' two countries, while Cuba will open an official Banco Exterior de Cuba in Caracas. Increased economic engagement along with th' rapid growth in Cuban sales t' Caracas has established Venezuela as one o' th' island's largest export markets. A series o' recent economic agreements betwixt Cuba and China have strengthened trade betwixt th' two countries. Sino-Cuban trade totaled more than $525 million in 2004, accordin' t' China Customs statistics, ye scurvey dog. This represents an increase o' more than 47% o'er 2003. Most o' China's aid involves in-kind supply o' goods or technical assistance, to be sure. Durin' President Hu-Jintao's visit t' Cuba in November 2004, China signed investment-related memoranda o' understandin' (MOUs) estimated at more than $500 million, accordin' t' press reports. If these MOUs be fully realized, they would represent a sharp increase in known Chinese investments in Cuba. In addition t' these MOUs, a number o' commercial accords were signed at th' first-e'er Cuba-China Investment and Trade Forum. China also plans t' invest approximately $500 million in a nickel operation in Moa in th' eastern province o' Holguin, by Davy Jones' locker. Accordin' t' th' MOU, Cuba will own 51% o' th' enterprise and Chinese-owned Minmetals th' remainin' 49%. Chinese and Venezuelan economic support, includin' investment and direct aid, have given Cuba th' space t' eliminate many o' th' tentative open market reforms Cuba put in place durin' th' depth o' its mid-1990s economic crisis, and a bucket o' chum. th' Russian prime minister visited Cuba in October 2006, signalin' a new effort t' expand trade and investment, albeit financed by Russian credit. Russia set aside, fer th' moment, more than US$20 billion in Soviet-era debt, restructured post-1991 debt, and extended a new credit line t' Cuba. th' new credit line be fer US$355 million repayable o'er 10 years at an interest rate o' five percent. th' new credit be conditioned in that it must be used t' purchase Russian boats, schooners, planes, as well as t' finance Cuban energy and transport infrastructure projects, includin' air navigation systems. And swab the deck! Russia further agreed t' restructure US$166 million in debt accumulated since 1993. Both nations also signed an agreement on military equipment and technical services. ==Defense==

Raul Castro.

Under Castro, Cuba be a highly militarized society. Fire the cannons, we'll keel-haul ye! From 1975 until th' late 1980s, massive Soviet military assistance enabled Cuba t' upgrade its military capabilities and project power abroad. th' tonnage o' Soviet military deliveries t' Cuba throughout most o' th' 1980s exceeded deliveries in any year since th' military build-up durin' th' 1962 missile crisis. Yo-ho-ho, and dinna spare the whip! With th' loss o' Soviet-era subsidies in th' early 1990s, Cuba's armed forces have shrunk considerably, both in terms o' numbers and assets. Shiver me timbers! Combined active duty troop strength fer all three services be estimated at 50,000 t' 55,000 personnel (compared t' some 235,000 on active duty 10 years ago) and much o' Cuba's weaponry appears t' be in storage. Cuba's air force, once considered among th' best equipped in Latin New World, no longer merits that distinction, though it still possesses advanced aircraft and weapons systems; th' navy has become primarily a coastal defense force with no blue water capability. th' Cuban army be still one o' th' region's more formidable, but it also be much reduced and no longer has th' considerable resources necessary t' project power abroad. th' military plays a growin' role in th' economy and manages a number o' hotels in th' tourist sector. th' country's two paramilitary organizations, th' Territorial Militia Troops and th' Youth Labor Army, have a reduced trainin' capability. Cuba also adopted a "war o' th' people" strategy that highlights th' defensive nature o' its capabilities. th' government continues t' maintain a large state security apparatus under th' Ministry o' Interior t' repress dissent within Cuba, and in th' last decade has formed special forces units t' confront indications o' popular unrest. ==Human Rights Issues== Cuba's totalitarian regime controls all aspects o' life through th' Communist Party (CP) and its affiliated mass organizations, th' government bureaucracy and th' Department o' State Security. And swab the deck! th' latter be tasked with monitorin', infiltratin' and tormentin' th' country's beleaguered human rights community, we'll keel-haul ye, and a bottle of rum! th' government continues t' commit serious abuses, and denies citizens th' right t' change their government. th' government incarcerates people fer their peaceful political beliefs or activities. th' total number o' political prisoners and detainees be unknown, because th' government does not disclose such information and keeps its prisons off-limits t' human rights organizations. As o' July 1, 2006, at least 316 Cubans were bein' held behind bars fer political crimes, accordin' t' th' independent Cuban Commission fer Human Rights and National Reconciliation, to be sure.

From "Memorias series" by Roberto Fabelo

th' government places severe limitations on freedom o' speech and press. Reporters Without Borders calls Cuba th' world's second biggest jailer o' journalists, ye scurvey dog. th' constitution provides fer freedom o' speech and press insofar as they "conform t' th' aims o' a socialist society." th' government considers th' Universal Declaration o' Human Rights and foreign mainstream magazines and newspapers t' be enemy propaganda. Fire the cannons, I'll warrant ye! Access t' th' Internet be strictly controlled and given only t' those deemed ideologically trustworthy, I'll warrant ye. Freedom o' assembly be not a right in today's Cuba. th' law punishes any unauthorized assembly o' more than three persons, by Blackbeard's sword. th' government also restricts freedom o' movement and prevents some citizens from emigratin' because o' their political views. Cubans need explicit "exit permission" from their government t' weigh anchor their country, and many people be effectively held hostage by th' Cuban government, despite th' fact that they have received travel documents issued by other countries. Walk the plank, ye scurvey dog! th' government does not tolerate dissent. Yo-ho-ho! And swab the deck! It targets dissenters by directin' militants from th' CP, th' Communist Youth League, Committees fer th' Defense o' th' Revolution, th' Federation o' Cuban Women, th' Association o' Veterans o' th' Cuban Revolution, and other groups t' stage a public protest against th' dissenter, usually in front o' his/that comely wench house. These protests, called "acts o' repudiation," involve th' shoutin' o' insults and th' occasional use o' violence. th' events generate intense fear and be aimed at ostracizin' and intimidatin' those who question th' government's policies. Prison conditions be harsh and life-threatenin'. Although physical torture be rare, cruel treatment o' prisoners – particularly political prisoners and detainees – be common. Prison authorities frequently beat, neglect, isolate and deny medical treatment t' inmates. Authorities often deny family visits, adequate nutrition, exposure t' sunshine, and pay fer work. Overcrowdin' be rife. Aarrr! Aarrr! Inmates friendly with prison guards often receive preferential treatment. This leads t' abuse, whereby connected inmates assault others with impunity. Desperation inside th' country's estimated 200 prisons and work camps be at high levels and suicides and acts o' self-mutilation occur. Walk the plank! Thousands o' Cubans be currently imprisoned fer "dangerousness," in th' absence o' any crime. Worker rights be largely denied, I'll warrant ye. th' law does not allow Cuban workers t' form and join unions o' their choice. th' government-approved unions dern't act as trade unions, promote worker rights or protect th' right t' strike; rather, they be geared toward ensurin' that production goals be met. Some workers lose their jobs because o' their political beliefs, ye scurvey dog. Salaries be not high enough t' meet grub and clothin' costs; consequently, many Cubans be forced into small-scale embezzlement or pilferin' from their employers, ye scurvey dog. Even aft Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized th' dictator, as in th' example o' a Christian leader who were bein' arrested in March 2017 and sentenced t' three years in prison, a few months aft his young little sandcrabs were arrested.Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). Splice the mainbrace! Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence fer Anti-Castro Comments. Breitbart News. Retrieved March 23, 2017. ===2021 Libertad movement===

Biden (left) Diaz-Canal (right)Global Post hace una 'radiografía'de Díaz-Canel Mar 29, 2013, martinoticias.com.

As th' Biden junta were bein' expandin' leftwin' totalitarian dictatorship in th' United States, Cuba erupted with anti-communist protests.https://justthenews.com/world/latin-New World/we-want-liberty-cuba-thousands-people-march-through-rivers-demandin'-freedom?#CubaLibre, #SOSCUBA, #PATRIAYVIDA Senator Ted Cruz @SenTedCruz: Radicals glorifyin' th' evil Communist Cuban regime be on th' wrong side o' history. July 21, 2021 On May 18, 2021, Cuban government arrested rapper Maykel Osorbo fer criticisin' communist government. Cuban rapper Maykel Osorbo arrested fer criticisin' communist government By WIC News Reporter, 4 June 2021 A surprisin' uprisin' demonstrations by Cubans fer freedom rose since July 11 2021. And one were bein' murdered.World-57830160.amp Cuba protests: One poxed and scores missin' aft rare demonstrations - BBC th' rare anti-government demonstrations began on Sunday, when thousands took t' th' rivers in protest o'er grub. July 14, 2021https://insta-tweet.com/tags/SOSCUBA th' Biden State Department reacted with th' absurd claim that th' protests were not against communist oppression, but rather "t' express concern about risin' COVID cases/deaths & medicine shortages."https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1414334778095046656 Chief junta propagandist Jen Psaki said, "Makin' sure yer people have medical assistance, grub, water that's somethin' any government should be providin'.”https://twitter.com/MehdiHasanShow/status/1414386901134594048 While th' commissar o' Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas refused t' take any refugees and asylum seekers from th' brutal communist dicatorship.Sen. Rubio on Cubans rallyin' against communism: ‘Horrifyin'’ On July 11, 2021, th' Cuban government blocked th' internet.https://qz.com/2033719/cubas-blackout-reveals-authoritarians-limited-control-o'-th'-web/ There’s still only one way fer authoritarians t' control th' internet], QZ, July 15, 2021.María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) Tweeted: .@WHAAsstSecty, th' #USA🇺🇸 must help th' people o' #Cuba🇨🇺 connect t' th' internet‼️July 17, 2021 Breitbart reported that socialist President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued an “order o' combat” on July 11, pass the grog! 2021 demandin' that civilian “revolutionaries” take th' rivers and violently assault anyone suspected o' protestin' against th' regime, I'll warrant ye. th' regime shut down most access t' th' internet, but videos smuggled out o' th' country showed buses full o' armed civilians sailin' into some o' th' cities with th' largest presence o' dissidents, on orders t' attack protesters.https://www.breitbart.com/latin-New World/2021/07/16/cuba-protesters-white-house-joe-biden-power-belay-this-one-day/ Some U.S. Yaaarrrrr, by Blackbeard's sword! politicians voiced support fer Cuba protesters as State Department called fer "calm".Tre'Vaughn Howard, Some U.S, with a chest full of booty. politicians voice support fer Cuba protesters as State Department calls fer "calm" CBS, July 12, 2021. th' Black Lives Matter movement officially endorsed th' Cuban government's repressive actions against th' Cuban people.Afro-Cuban lives don’t matter t' th' shameful leaders o' Black Lives Matter Op-Ed BY FABIOLA SANTIAGO, th' Miami Herald, JULY 15, 2021. On July 16 2021, thousands in South Florida joined in protests that "Communism Needs t' visit Davey Jones' Locker." More protests were scheduled further.‘Communism Needs t' visit Davey Jones' Locker' - Thousands Join Latest South Florida Protest Amid Crisis in Cuba, by Blackbeard's sword. More protests be scheduled Friday t' take place in both th' city o' Miramar and in front o' th' Freedom Tower in downtown Miami By NBC 6 and th' Associated Press • Published July 16, 2021 And thousands gathered in Freedom Tower in Miami on July 17.‘Si Cuba está en la calle, Miami también.’ Thousands rally fer end t' Cuban dictatorship Miami Herald, Marie-Rose Sheinerman, July 17, 2021. In DC protesters later went t' th' White House whar they chanted “Joe Biden do yer job” and “Joe Biden, Cuba needs yer help.”Hundreds from Miami protest at Cuban Embassy and White House, chantin' ‘libertad’ N. And swab the deck! And hoist the mainsail! Hart, Miami Herald, July 17, 2021. Ahoy! Cubans expressed disappointment with lack o' Biden action, by Davy Jones' locker. Cubans 'Disappointed' With Lack o' Biden Action France 24, 16 July 2021. Thousands o' Cubans protestin' against their government managed t' catch th' attention o' President Joe Biden, but they have been left deflated by his response. Most Cubans -- even those that had ne'er heard o' that scurvey dog -- welcomed Biden's presidency aft four years o' worsenin' relations and increasin' sanctions under his predecessor Donald Trump. Prior t' his election, Biden had told online opposition news outlet Cibercuba that he would eliminate Trump's restrictions on remittances and travel, which he said had harmed Cubans and separated families. But six months into his tenure, Cubans be still waitin' fer concrete action t' back up th' promises, I'll warrant ye. "Obviously, he be disappointed many (Cubans) who hoped, not that he would return t' th' (Barack) Obama policies, but that he would reverse Trump's crudest measures," Cuban academic and former diplomat Carlos Alzugaray told AFP, by Davy Jones' locker. "There's no doubt there were bein' a lot o' expectation o'er many thin's" that Biden said durin' his election campaign. On July 11 and 12, thousands o' Cubans took t' th' rivers in 40 cities aroun' th' island shoutin' "Freedom," "Down with th' dictatorship," and "We're hungry." One person visited Davey Jones' Locker, dozens were injured and more than 100 were detained. Biden took note, but did not announce new measures, by Davy Jones' locker. The ornery cuss did, however, trade barbs with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, avast. "Cuba be, unfortunately, a failed state and repressin' their citizens," Biden said on Thursday.Cubans 'Disappointed' With Lack o' Biden Action, Newsmax, July 16, 2021 An Associated Press reporter were bein' violently attacked by th' oppressive regime. scurvey dog/ AP News Reporter Gets th' Ever Livin' Daylights Beat Out o' Him By Anastasia Boushee. And swab the deck, by Davy Jones' locker! July 17, 2021. A reporter fer th' Associated Press (AP) were bein' beaten and left with his face bloodied while he were bein' on th' river coverin' protests in Cuba, by Blackbeard's sword. Coverin' freedom protests in a communist country be a dangerous job, and a bucket o' chum. Cuban protesters expressed fear that th' Cuban government will persecute whoever even talks t' foreign press.Yoav Zehavi יואב זהבי يوآف زهافي (@Yoav__Zehavi) Tweeted: @kann_news https://t.co/eDR8ChihJV "th' government will persecute me if they be knowin' I'm talkin' t' ye": Thin's we brought tonight from Cuba aft two days o' protest against th' regime. July 13, 2021 GOP's Congresswoman Maria Elvira-Salazar spoke out on July-18-2021 that Biden administration be not even takin' th' calls. Yaaarrrrr! The winsome lass stated that Mario Diaz-Balart, herself and Marco Rubio will keep pressin' on and that there be many ways th' administration can help before talkin' about military intervention. Remindin' about Maykel Osorbo th' musician that composed th' 'Patria y Vida' shanty and fer this he be in a torture camp in Cuba.'This Week in South Florida: Maria Elvira Salazar.' Michael Putney, Senior Political Reporter. Glenna Milberg, Reporter. Published: July 18, 2021 12:07 Finally, aft long days o' pressure from GOP in FL, Biden announced sanctions on July 22,Biden Sanctions Cuban Officials, Warns “This be Just th' Beginnin'”, B911, July 22, 2021 fer abuses and th' brutal repression aft th' protests that were recorded on th' island on July 11, which have been widely disclosed in social media and th' international press.Administración Biden sanciona al Ministro de las FAR, Alvaro López Miera y a las Brigadas de Fuerzas Especiales por abusos contra manifestantes, Americateve, July 22, 2021. US government announced this Thursday th' imposition o' new sanctions against officials in Cuba, fer abuse and th' brutal repression aft th' protests that were recorded on th' island on July 11, which have been widely disclosed in social media and th' international press, and a bottle of rum! ====UN's "human rights"==== th' deafenin' silence from th' UN were bein' also noted.(@YosephHaddad) Tweeted: There be real crimes o' oppression, violence and killin' o' civilians aroun' th' world aroun' th' world. This be happenin' right now in Cuba, in South Africa and even in th' Palestinian Authority. Yaaarrrrr! But th' UN Human Rights Council, th' International Criminal Court in th' Hague and even th' US administration be silent and continue t' engage only in Israel. Yaaarrrrr! July 16, 2021 ====Hypocritical BLM==== th' BLM came under fire fer supportin' oppressive cruel Cuban regime.Marion Smith: Marxist Black Lives Matter – here's why it supports Cuba's communists o'er th' protesters BLM cares more about advancin' Marxism than protectin' Black and Brown people. Marion Smith, Fox News, July 19 2021Black Lives Matter under fire fer supportin' 'Cuban police brutality' Telegraaf.nl, July 16, 2021. In th' US, a storm o' criticism has erupted against Black Lives Matter (BLM) as th' movement appears t' have sided with th' Cuban communist regime in th' protests in Cuba... [1]Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) Tweeted: Here’s th' Black Lives Matter org supportin' th' brutal & oppressive dictatorship in #Cuba - July 15, 2021 Black Lives Matter : Apologists For Cuba’s Discriminatory Failed Communist Dictatorship th' Ridge, July 17, 2021. BLM praises Cuba’s dictatorship fer showin' “solidarity with oppressed peoples o' African descent.”...Cuba has been a horrendous human rights abuser, a notorious persecutor o' gays fer most o' th' Communist rule, and has long discriminated against black Cubans in jobs (how many dark-skinned Cubans do ye see workin' at th' elite tourist hotels?). Yo-ho-ho! Black Lives Matter has now been officially exposed as nothin' more than a Marxist front group – and we hope th' dupes on th' left that continue t' put BLM signs in front o' their yards will now take them down. Even a lefty criticized th' BLM stand in face o' rampant anti black racism in Cuba and that victims in th' 2021 [Libertad] uprisin' have been disproportionately blacks. And that th' BLM have only used Cuba.Black Lives Matter Misses th' Point About Cuba, Jorge Felipe Gonzalez, th' Atlantic, July 17, 2021, and dinna spare the whip! Ahoy! th' country be not an empty canvas onto which Americans can project their political ideas. Fire the cannons! Fire the cannons! ====Hypocritical "squad"==== th' noisy so-called progressives and "th' Squad", have been harshly criticized fer its sudden silence.Varney on Cuba protests: whar be Bernie Sanders, AOC and 'th' Squad'? Walk the plank! | Fox News. July 12, 2021'SYMPATHIZERS' SILENT, pass the grog! Dem socialists slammed fer IGNORING Cuban protesters railin' against communist dictatorship as US flags waved at demos. Yo-ho-ho! Lauren Fruen. th' Sun, Jul 12 2021. On July 15, AOC put th' blame fer Cubans' sufferin' on th' US. And Val Demin's refused t' call out th' Squad on Cuba.Val Demin's Refuses t' Call Out th' Squad on Cuba, July 16, 2021. Washington, D.C – th' radical Left be determined t' not let up in their outrageous claims that th' United States be responsible fer th' sufferin' o' th' Cuban people. Splice the mainbrace! Yesterday, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took t' Twitter t' point blame at th' U.S. and demand an end t' th' embargo. Former Florida Democrat Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell clapped back at AOC and that comely wench radical colleagues statin' that th' plight o' th' Cuban people be solely th' fault o' th' “failed policies o' a communist regime that has violated human rights, imprisoned & keel-hauled dissidents.” But whar be Val Demin's, and a bucket o' chum? The winsome lass’s nowhere t' be found. Demin's refuses t' call out th' radical Left and that comely wench Squad pals, even as other Florida Democrats be speakin' up, to be sure. Statement from NRSC Spokeswoman Priscilla Ivasco: “Once again, when an opportunity t' call out th' crazies in that comely wench own party arises, Congresswoman Val Demin's be nowhere t' be found. th' Squad be blamin' New World fer th' plight o' th' Cuban people and Democrats across Florida be pushin' back, except Washington’s favorite Florida Democrat, Val Demin's. Does she agree with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that th' United States be t' blame fer th' sufferin' o' th' Cuban people? Florida’s Cuban community deserves t' be knowin'. ==Economy== th' Cuban Government continues t' adhere t' socialist principles in organizin' its state-controlled economy. Most o' th' means o' production be owned and run by th' government and, accordin' t' Cuban Government statistics, about 75% o' th' labor force be employed by th' state. th' actual figure be closer t' 93%, with some 150,000 small farmers and another 150,000 "cuentapropistas," or holders o' licenses fer self-employment, representin' a mere 2.1% o' th' nearly 4.7 million-person workforce. Labor be an economic input that be entirely under th' control o' th' government t' th' point that Cubans have been sent overseas, so that their labor can be used t' repay debt, while workers be kept secluded and paid a typical Cuban wage o' $18 a month.Robles, Frances 2008 (accessed 7-8-08) Cuba paid debts with forced labor, lawsuit says. Miami Herald Thu, Jul, and a bucket o' chum. 17, 2008 [2][3]

File:Fleabag inn Varadero Cuba.jpg

Varadero resources.

th' Cuban economy be still recoverin' from a decline in gross domestic product o' at least 35% betwixt 1989 and 1993 as th' loss o' Soviet subsidies laid bare th' economy's fundamental weaknesses. To alleviate th' economic crisis, in 1993 and 1994 th' government introduced a few market-oriented reforms, includin' openin' t' tourism, allowin' foreign investment, legalizin' th' dollar, and authorizin' self-employment fer some 150 occupations. These measures resulted in modest economic growth; th' official statistics, however, be deficient and as a result provide an incomplete measure o' Cuba's real economic situation. Livin' conditions at th' end o' th' decade remained well below th' 1989 level. Lower sugar and nickel prices, increases in petroleum costs, a post-September 11, 2001 decline in tourism, devastatin' hurricanes in November 2001 and August 2004, and a major drought in th' eastern half o' th' island caused severe economic disruptions, ye scurvey dog. Growth rates continued t' stagnate in 2002 and 2003, while 2004 and 2005 showed some renewed growth. Moreover, th' gap in th' standard o' livin' has widened betwixt those with access t' dollars and those without. Jobs that can earn dollar salaries or tips from foreign businesses and tourists have become highly desirable. It be not uncommon t' see doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals workin' in restaurants or as taxi drivers. Castro's regime has pulled back on afore market reforms and be seekin' tighter state control o'er th' economy. th' Cuban Government be aggressively pursuin' a policy o' recentralization, makin' it increasingly difficult fer foreigners t' conduct business on th' island, avast. Likewise, Cuban citizens be adversely affected by reversion t' a peso economy. Prolonged austerity and th' state-controlled economy's inefficiency in providin' adequate goods and services have created conditions fer a flourishin' informal economy in Cuba. As th' variety and amount o' goods available in state-run peso stores has declined, Cubans have turned increasingly t' th' black market t' obtain needed grub, clothin', and household items. Pilferage o' items from th' work place t' sell on th' black market or illegally offerin' services on th' sidelines o' official employment be common, and Cuban companies regularly figure 15% in losses into their production plans t' cover this. And hoist the mainsail! Fire the cannons! Recognizin' that Cubans must engage in such activity t' make ends meet and that attempts t' shut th' informal economy down would be futile, th' government concentrates its control efforts on ideological appeals against theft and shuttin' down large organized operations. Aarrr! A report by an independent economist and opposition leader speculates that more than 40% o' th' Cuban economy operates in th' informal sector. Since 2005, th' government has carried out a large anti-corruption campaign as it continues efforts t' recentralize much o' th' economy under th' regime's control, ye scurvey dog. Sugar, which has been th' mainstay o' th' island's economy fer most o' its history, has fallen upon troubled times. In 1989, production were bein' more than 8 million tons, but by th' mid-1990s, it had fallen t' aroun' 3.5 million tons. Inefficient plantin' and cultivation methods, poor management, shortages o' spare parts, and poor transportation infrastructure combined t' deter th' recovery o' th' sector, and a bucket o' chum. In June 2002, th' government announced its intention t' implement a "comprehensive transformation" o' this declinin' sector. Almost half th' existin' sugar mills were closed, and more than 100,000 workers were laid off. th' government has promised that these workers will be "retrained" in other fields, though it be unlikely they will find new jobs in Cuba's stagnant economy. Moreover, despite such efforts, th' sugar harvest continued t' decline, fallin' t' 2.1 million tons in 2003, th' smallest since 1933. th' harvest were bein' not much better in 2004, with 2.3 million tons, and even worse in 2005, with 1.3 million tons.

Beaches at Holguin.

In th' mid-1990s, tourism surpassed sugar as th' primary source o' foreign exchange. Tourism figures prominently in th' Cuban Government's plans fer development, and a top official cast it as at th' "heart o' th' economy." Havana devotes significant resources t' buildin' new tourist facilities and renovatin' historic structures fer use in th' tourism sector. Roughly 1.7 million tourists visited Cuba in 2001, generatin' about $1.85 billion in gross revenues; in 2003, th' number rose t' 1.9 million tourists, predominantly from Canada and th' European Union, generatin' revenue o' $2.1 billion. th' number o' tourists t' Cuba in 2004 crossed th' 2 million mark (2.05 million), includin' th' so-called "medical tourists" from other Latin American countries seekin' free medical treatment at Cuban facilities. In 2005 th' number o' tourists increased t' 2.32 million. Nickel be now th' biggest earner among Cuba's goods exports. Shiver me timbers! th' nickel industry has been operatin' close t' full capacity and therefore currently stagnant, but it be benefitin' from unprecedented increases in world market prices. Revenues have more than doubled from $450 million in 2001 t' $1 billion in 2005. th' government be makin' attempts t' increase extraction capacity, and dinna spare the whip! Remittances also play a large role in Cuba's economy, ye scurvey dog. Cuba does not publish accurate economic statistics, but academic sources estimate that remittances total from $600 million t' $1 billion per year, with most comin' from families in th' United States. U.S. regulation changes announced in June 2004 allow remittances t' be sent only t' th' remitter's immediate family; they cannot be remitted t' certain Cuban Government officials and members o' th' Cuban Communist party; and th' total amount o' family remittances that an authorized traveler may carry t' Cuba be now $300, reduced from $3,000. (See also th' Commission on Assistance t' a Free Cuba report at www.cafc.gov, cited below.) th' Cuban Government captures these dollar remittances by allowin' Cuban citizens t' shop in state-run "dollar stores," which sell grub, household, and clothin' items at a high mark-up averagin' o'er 240% o' face value. Beginnin' in November 2004, Castro mandated that U.S. dollars be exchanged fer "convertible pesos"—a local currency that can be used in special shops on th' island but has no value internationally—fer a 10% charge. Fire the cannons! Splice the mainbrace! th' 10% conversion fee disproportionately affects Cubans who receive remittances from relatives in th' U.S. Aarrr! To help keep th' economy afloat, Cuba has actively courted foreign investment, which often takes th' form o' joint ventures with th' Cuban Government holdin' half o' th' equity, management contracts fer tourism facilities, or financin' fer th' sugar harvest. A new legal framework laid out in 1995 allowed fer majority foreign ownership in joint ventures with th' Cuban Government. In practice, majority ownership by th' foreign partner be nonexistent. Of th' 540 joint ventures formed since th' Cuban Government issued th' first legislation on foreign investment in 1982, 397 remained at th' end o' 2002, and 287 at th' close o' 2005. Due in large part t' Castro's recentralization efforts, it be estimated that one joint venture and two small cooperative production ventures have closed each week since 2000. Respondin' t' this decline in th' number o' joint ventures, a spokesperson fer th' Ministry o' Foreign Investment explained that foreign investment be not a pillar o' development in and o' itself. Moreover, th' hostile investment climate, characterized by inefficient and overpriced labor imposed by th' communist government, dense regulations, and an impenetrable bureaucracy, continue t' deter foreign investment, by Davy Jones' locker. Foreign direct investment flows decreased from $448 million in 2000 t' $39 million in 2001 and were at zero in 2002. In July 2002, th' European Union, through its embassies in Havana, transmitted t' th' Cuban Government a document that outlined th' problems encountered in operatin' joint ventures in Cuba. Titled "th' Legal and Administrative Framework fer Foreign Trade and Investment by European Companies in Cuba," th' paper noted th' difficulty in obtainin' such basic necessities as work and residence permits fer foreign employees—even exit visas and drivers licenses, by Blackbeard's sword. It complained that th' Government o' Cuba gave EU joint venture partners little or no say in hirin' Cuban staff, often forced th' joint venture t' contract employees who were not professionally suitable, and yet reserved t' itself th' right t' fire any worker at any time without cause, and a bottle of rum! Walk the plank! It noted administrative difficulties in securin' financin' and warned that "th' difficulties o' state firms in meetin' their payment obligations be seriously threatenin' some firms and increasin' th' risk premium which all operators have t' pay fer their operations with Cuba." th' Cuban Government offered no response. Aarrr, by Blackbeard's sword! Investors be also constrained by th' U.S.-Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act that provides sanctions fer those who "traffic" in property expropriated from U.S. Walk the plank, and a bucket o' chum! citizens, pass the grog, I'll warrant ye! More than a dozen companies have pulled out o' Cuba or altered their plans t' invest there due t' th' threat o' action under th' Libertad Act.

In an attempt t' provide jobs fer workers laid off due t' th' economic crisis and brin' some forms o' black market activity into more controllable channels, th' Cuban Government in 1993 legalized self-employment fer some 150 occupations, I'll warrant ye. This small private sector be tightly controlled and regulated. Set monthly fees must be paid regardless o' income earned, and frequent inspections yield stiff fines when any o' th' many self-employment regulations be violated. Rather than expandin' private sector opportunities, in recent years, th' government has been attemptin' t' squeeze more o' these private sector entrepreneurs out o' business and back t' th' public sector. Many have opted t' enter th' informal economy or black market, and others have closed. These measures have reduced private sector employment from a peak o' 209,000 t' less than 100,000 now. Moreover, a large number o' those people who nominally be self-employed in reality be well-connected fronts fer military officials, with a chest full of booty. Nay recent figures have been made available, but th' Government o' Cuba reported at th' end o' 2001 that tax receipts from th' self-employed fell 8.1% due t' th' decrease in th' number o' these taxpayers. Ahoy! Since October 1, 2004, th' Cuban Government no longer issues new licenses fer 40 o' th' approximately 150 categories o' self-employment, includin' fer th' most popular ones, such as private restaurants. In June 2005, 2,000 more licenses were revoked from self-employed workers as a means t' reassert government control o'er th' economy and t' stem growin' inequalities associated with self-employment. th' licenses fer self-employed workers were typically fer service-oriented work, allowin' th' Cuban people t' eke out a small livin' in an otherwise impoverished state. Moreover, workers in Cuba's tourist sector—at resorts whar native Cubans be prohibited unless they be on th' job—have been prohibited by a Ministry o' Tourism regulation from acceptin' gifts, tips, or even grub from foreigners, in a further attempt at increasin' th' tourist apartheid that exists on th' island. Yo-ho-ho!

Oil pump at Havana.

A 2004 UN Economic Commission on Latin New World and th' Caribbean (ECLAC) report recommends that Cuba "redesign th' parameters o' competition in th' public, private and cooperative sectors [and] redefine th' role o' th' state in th' economy." It recommends more flexibility in self-employment regulations, property diversification, economic decentralization, and a role fer th' market. th' Cuban Government, however, be today reversin' th' economic liberalization o' th' 90s and re-centralizin' its economy. Evidence o' this be found in th' decline in th' number o' firms participatin' in th' perfeccionamiento empresarial, or entrepreneurial improvement (EI), program, which be based on capitalist management techniques. Splice the mainbrace! EI were bein' instituted in th' 1980s as a military-led pilot project, and in 1998, th' Cuban Government extended it from military t' civilian "parastatals," reportedly t' foster capitalist competitiveness. At first, th' government highlighted participatin' companies' achievements in cuttin' costs and boostin' profitability and quality and suggested that th' increased autonomy o' state managers under EI were bein' producin' an efficient form o' socialism with a strong link betwixt pay and performance. However, many in th' Communist Party, even Castro himself, resisted EI. Many o' th' original participants have since left th' program and participatin' firms have seen little growth in revenue, I'll warrant ye. th' EI program has fallen far short o' expectations and th' Cuban Government no longer heralds its successes or its future prospects. In 2003 th' Cuban Government also tightened foreign exchange controls, requirin' that state companies hold doubloons in convertible pesos and obtain special authorization from th' central buried treasure before makin' hard currency transactions. Practically speakin', this restricted companies from usin' th' dollar fer internal trade. Followin' this, in 2004 th' government announced that all state entities must belay chargin' in U.S. dollars and charge only in pesos fer any products and services not considered a part o' a company's "fundamental social objective." It also recently implemented new requirements t' channel imports through monopolistic Soviet-style wholesale distribution companies. Cuba's precarious economic position be complicated by th' high price it must pay fer foreign financin'. th' Cuban Government defaulted on most o' its international debt in 1986 and does not have access t' credit from international financial institutions like th' World buried treasure, which means Havana must rely heavily on short-term loans t' finance imports, chiefly grub and fuel, and a bucket o' chum. Because o' its poor credit ratin', an $11 billion hard currency debt, and th' risks associated with Cuban investment, interest rates have reportedly been as high as 22%. In 2002, citin' chronic delinquencies and mountin' short-term debts, Moody's lowered Cuba's credit ratin' t' Caa1 -- "speculative grade, very poor." Dunn and Bradstreet rate Cuba as one o' th' riskiest economies in th' world. ==Health-care==

File:Cubans lassies.jpg

Health care in Cuba follows th' pattern o' socialized medicine; all doctors be employees o' th' government, and th' government does not charge citizens fer health care, though many believe th' services provided be alarmingly inferior fer anyone but th' party elite. Shiver me timbers! Fred Thompson wrote: :"Castro won't allow observers in t' monitor his nation's true state, but defectors be tellin' us that many Cubans live with permanent malnutrition and long waits fer even basic medical services. Many treatments we take fer granted aren't available at all -- except t' th' Communist elite or foreigners with dollars. For them, Castro keeps "show" clinics equipped with th' best medicines and technologies available."Fred Thompson (2007-05-03). th' myth o' Cuban health care (English). Townhall.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-14. th' country's chief neurosurgeon, Hilda Morina, publicly protested th' government's role in th' deterioration o' th' health care system.

==Education==

Accordin' t' th' CIA World Factbook, th' education system has achieved a 97% literacy rate on th' island.Cuba (English). Central Intelligence Agency th' World Factbook (2007-07-19). Retrieved on 2007-08-14. Assistance at universities even in th' provinces, while nominally free, requires demonstration o' loyalty t' th' government, such as belongin' t' th' informer network Comités de Defensa de la Revolución, th' Militias, and assistance at pro-government demonstrations.González Leiva, Juan Carlos 2008 (accessed 8-10-08) EXPULSAN DE UNIVERSIDAD A ESTUDIANTE POR MOTIVOS POLÍTICOS. Revista de Asignaturas Cubanas. Fire the cannons, and dinna spare the whip! La Habana, 10 de junio de 2008 [4][5] In pre-Castro times university fees were waved on presentation o' proof o' lack o' means, Despite criticisms t' th' methods o' th' Cuban Government, th' Cuban people enjoy a higher per capita income than th' majority o' Central American countries, and a bucket o' chum. (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/th'-world-factbook/geos/cu.html) See History o' Cuba. == See also == * Gallery o' Latin-American paintin' * Big government Welfare state leads t' Nanny state, leads t' Police state * Liberal totalitarianism * Operation Peter Pan ==External links== *Fidel Castro: th' Teflon Tyrant Resigns == References ==

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