Changes

Cuba kills or jails people who try to leave it. When a group of people tried to leave in 1994, a Cuban navy ship rammed their boat and shot water cannons at survivors, drowning 43 people.<ref>

Cuba kills or jails people who try to leave it. When a group of people tried to leave in 1994, a Cuban navy ship rammed their boat and shot water cannons at survivors, drowning 43 people.<ref>

Thirty one people were finally plucked from the seas and hauled back to Cuba where all were jailed or put under house arrest.[https://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/anniversary_of_a_castroite_mas.html Anniversary of a Castroite Massacre]</ref>

Thirty one people were finally plucked from the seas and hauled back to Cuba where all were jailed or put under house arrest.[https://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/anniversary_of_a_castroite_mas.html Anniversary of a Castroite Massacre]</ref>

[[Humberto Fontova]] wrote about the:

[[Humberto Fontova]] wrote about the:

Although the constitution allows legislative proposals backed by at least 10,000 citizens to be submitted directly to the National Assembly, in 2002 the government rejected a petition known as the Varela Project, supporters of which submitted 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. Many of the 75 activists arrested in March 2003 participated in the Varela Project. In October 2003, Project Varela organizers submitted a second petition to the National Assembly with an additional 14,000 signatures. Since April 2004, some prisoners of conscience have been released, seven of whom were in the group of 75; all suffered from moderate to severe medical conditions and many of them continue to be harassed by state security even after their release from prison. Moreover, in response to a planned protest by activists at the French Embassy in Havana in late July 2005, Cuban security forces detained 33 opposition members, three of whom had been released on medical grounds. At least 16 other activists were either arrested or sentenced to prison since 2004 for opposing the Cuban Government. There has also been a resurgence of harassment of various activist groups, most notably the "Damas en Blanca," a group of wives of political prisoners.  

Although the constitution allows legislative proposals backed by at least 10,000 citizens to be submitted directly to the National Assembly, in 2002 the government rejected a petition known as the Varela Project, supporters of which submitted 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. Many of the 75 activists arrested in March 2003 participated in the Varela Project. In October 2003, Project Varela organizers submitted a second petition to the National Assembly with an additional 14,000 signatures. Since April 2004, some prisoners of conscience have been released, seven of whom were in the group of 75; all suffered from moderate to severe medical conditions and many of them continue to be harassed by state security even after their release from prison. Moreover, in response to a planned protest by activists at the French Embassy in Havana in late July 2005, Cuban security forces detained 33 opposition members, three of whom had been released on medical grounds. At least 16 other activists were either arrested or sentenced to prison since 2004 for opposing the Cuban Government. There has also been a resurgence of harassment of various activist groups, most notably the "Damas en Blanca," a group of wives of political prisoners.  

On July 31, 2006 the Castro regime announced a "temporary" transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul, who until that time served as head of the Cuban armed forces and second-in-command of the government and the Communist Party. It was the first time in the 47 years of Fidel Castro's rule that power had been transferred. The transfer took place due to intestinal surgery of an undetermined nature.

On July 31, 2006, the Castro regime announced a "temporary" transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul, who until that time served as head of the Cuban armed forces and second-in-command of the government and the Communist Party. It was the first time in the 47 years of Fidel Castro's rule that power had been transferred. The transfer took place due to intestinal surgery of an undetermined nature.

On February 19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced that he would officially step down as leader of Cuba. Five days later, on February 24, Raul Castro, Fidel's brother, was elected the new President of Cuba. On April 19, 2018 Castro was succeeded by Miguel Díaz-Canel.

On February 19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced that he would officially step down as leader of Cuba. Five days later, on February 24, Raul Castro, Fidel's brother, was elected the new President of Cuba. On April 19, 2018, Castro was succeeded by Miguel Díaz-Canel.

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

Even after Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized the dictator, as in the example of a Christian leader who was arrested in March 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison, a few months after his young children were arrested.<ref>Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/22/cuba-christian-leader-receives-3-year-prison-sentence-for-anti-castro-comments/ Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence for Anti-Castro Comments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref>

Even after Castro's death, people still faced serious persecution if they criticized the dictator, as in the example of a Christian leader who was arrested in March 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison, a few months after his young children were arrested.<ref>Martel, Frances (March 22, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/22/cuba-christian-leader-receives-3-year-prison-sentence-for-anti-castro-comments/ Cuba: Christian Leader Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence for Anti-Castro Comments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref>

===2021 Liberdad movement===

===2021 Libertad movement===

[[File:Biden and Diaz-Canal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Biden]] (left) Diaz-Canal (right)<ref>https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba_diaz_canel_castro_sucesion/20962.html</ref>]]

[[File:Biden and Diaz-Canal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Biden]] (left) Diaz-Canal (right)<ref>[https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba_diaz_canel_castro_sucesion/20962.html Global Post hace una 'radiografía'de Díaz-Canel] Mar 29, 2013, martinoticias.com.</ref>]]

As the [[Biden junta]] was expanding [[leftwing]] [[totalitarian]] [[dictatorship]] in the United States, Cuba erupted with anti-communist protests.<ref>https://justthenews.com/world/latin-america/we-want-liberty-cuba-thousands-people-march-through-streets-demanding-freedom?</ref>

As the [[Biden junta]] was expanding [[leftwing]] [[totalitarian]] [[dictatorship]] in the United States, Cuba erupted with anti-communist protests.<ref>https://justthenews.com/world/latin-america/we-want-liberty-cuba-thousands-people-march-through-streets-demanding-freedom?</ref><ref>[https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/CubaLibre #CubaLibre], [https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/SOSCUBA?src=hashtag_click #SOSCUBA],  [https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/PATRIAYVIDA?src=hashtag_click #PATRIAYVIDA]</ref><ref>

Radicals glorifying the evil Communist Cuban regime are on the wrong side of history. [https://twitter.com/i/status/1417975172624265221 July 21, 2021]</ref>

A surprising uprising demonstrations by Cubans for freedom rose since July 10 2021. And one was murdered.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57830160.amp Cuba protests: One dead and scores missing after rare demonstrations - BBC]

 

A surprising uprising demonstrations by Cubans for freedom rose since July 11, 2021. And one was murdered.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57830160.amp Cuba protests: One dead and scores missing after rare demonstrations - BBC]

The rare anti-government demonstrations began on Sunday, when thousands took to the streets in protest over food.

The rare anti-government demonstrations began on Sunday, when thousands took to the streets in protest over food.

July 14, 2021</ref><ref>https://insta-tweet.com/tags/SOSCUBA</ref> The Biden State Department reacted with the absurd claim that the protests were not against communist oppression, but rather "to express concern about rising [[COVID]] cases/deaths & medicine shortages."<ref>https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1414334778095046656</ref>  Chief junta propagandist [[Jen Psaki]] said, "Making sure your people have medical assistance, food, water that's something any government should be providing.”<ref>https://twitter.com/MehdiHasanShow/status/1414386901134594048</ref> While the [[commissar]] of [[Homeland Security]] [[Alejandro Mayorkas]] refused to take any refugees and asylum seekers from the brutal communist dicatorship.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isfVQKwgjpI Sen. Rubio on Cubans rallying against communism: ‘Horrifying’]</ref>

July 14, 2021</ref><ref>https://insta-tweet.com/tags/SOSCUBA</ref> The Biden State Department reacted with the absurd claim that the protests were not against communist oppression, but rather "to express concern about rising [[COVID]] cases/deaths & medicine shortages."<ref>https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1414334778095046656</ref>  Chief junta propagandist [[Jen Psaki]] said, "Making sure your people have medical assistance, food, water that's something any government should be providing.”<ref>https://twitter.com/MehdiHasanShow/status/1414386901134594048</ref> While the [[commissar]] of [[Homeland Security]] [[Alejandro Mayorkas]] refused to take any refugees and asylum seekers from the brutal communist dicatorship.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isfVQKwgjpI Sen. Rubio on Cubans rallying against communism: ‘Horrifying’]</ref>

On July 11, 2021, the Cuban government blocked the internet.<ref>https://qz.com/2033719/cubas-blackout-reveals-authoritarians-limited-control-of-the-web/ There’s still only one way for authoritarians to control the internet], QZ, July 15, 2021.</ref><ref>María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) Tweeted:

On July 11, 2021, the Cuban government blocked the internet.<ref>[https://qz.com/2033719/cubas-blackout-reveals-authoritarians-limited-control-of-the-web/ There’s still only one way for authoritarians to control the internet], QZ, July 15, 2021.</ref><ref>María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) Tweeted:

.@WHAAsstSecty, the #USA🇺🇸 must help the people of #Cuba🇨🇺 connect to the internet‼️[https://mobile.twitter.com/MaElviraSalazar/status/1416542266655641601 July 17, 2021]</ref>

.@WHAAsstSecty, the #USA🇺🇸 must help the people of #Cuba🇨🇺 connect to the internet‼️ [https://mobile.twitter.com/MaElviraSalazar/status/1416542266655641601 July 17, 2021]</ref>

''[[Breitbart]]'' reported that socialist President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued an “order of combat” on July 11. 2021 demanding that civilian “[[revolution]]aries” take the streets and violently assault anyone suspected of protesting against the regime. The regime shut down most access to the [[internet]], but [[video]]s smuggled out of the country showed buses full of armed civilians driving into some of the cities with the largest presence of dissidents, on orders to attack protesters.<ref>https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2021/07/16/cuba-protesters-white-house-joe-biden-power-stop-this-one-day/</ref>

''[[Breitbart]]'' reported that socialist President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued an “order of combat” on July 11. 2021 demanding that civilian “[[revolution]]aries” take the streets and violently assault anyone suspected of protesting against the regime. The regime shut down most access to the [[internet]], but [[video]]s smuggled out of the country showed buses full of armed civilians driving into some of the cities with the largest presence of dissidents, on orders to attack protesters.<ref>https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2021/07/16/cuba-protesters-white-house-joe-biden-power-stop-this-one-day/</ref>

Some U.S. politicians voiced support for Cuba protesters as State Department called for "calm".<ref>Tre'Vaughn Howard, [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cuba-protest-united-states-reactions/ Some U.S. politicians voice support for Cuba protesters as State Department calls for "calm"] CBS, July 12, 2021.</ref>  The [[Black Lives Matter]] movement officially endorsed the Cuban government's repressive actions against the Cuban people.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/fabiola-santiago/article252801738.html Afro-Cuban lives don’t matter to the shameful leaders of Black Lives Matter]'' Op-Ed BY FABIOLA SANTIAGO, ''The Miami Herald'', JULY 15, 2021.</ref>

Some U.S. politicians voiced support for Cuba protesters as State Department called for "calm".<ref>Tre'Vaughn Howard, [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cuba-protest-united-states-reactions/ Some U.S. politicians voice support for Cuba protesters as State Department calls for "calm"] CBS, July 12, 2021.</ref>  The [[Black Lives Matter]] movement officially endorsed the Cuban government's repressive actions against the Cuban people.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/fabiola-santiago/article252801738.html Afro-Cuban lives don’t matter to the shameful leaders of Black Lives Matter]'' Op-Ed BY FABIOLA SANTIAGO, ''The Miami Herald'', JULY 15, 2021.</ref>

On July 16 2021, thousands in South Florida joined in protests that "Communism Needs to Die." More protests were scheduled further.<ref>[https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-protest-amid-crisis-in-cuba/2496684/ ‘Communism Needs to Die' - Thousands Join Latest South Florida Protest Amid Crisis in Cuba. More protests are scheduled Friday to take place in both the city of Miramar and in front of the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami] By NBC 6 and The Associated Press • Published July 16, 2021</ref> And thousands gathered in Freedom Tower in [[Miami]] on July 17.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252842368.html ‘Si Cuba está en la calle, Miami también.’ Thousands rally for end to Cuban dictatorship] Miami Herald, Marie-Rose Sheinerman, July 17, 2021.</ref> In [[DC]] protesters later went to the White House where they chanted “Joe Biden do your job” and “Joe Biden, Cuba needs your help.”<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252855983.html Hundreds from Miami protest at Cuban Embassy and White House, chanting ‘libertad’] N. Hart, Miami Herald, July 17, 2021.</ref>

On July 16, 2021, thousands in South Florida joined in protests that "Communism Needs to Die." More protests were scheduled further.<ref>[https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-protest-amid-crisis-in-cuba/2496684/ ‘Communism Needs to Die' - Thousands Join Latest South Florida Protest Amid Crisis in Cuba. More protests are scheduled Friday to take place in both the city of Miramar and in front of the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami] By NBC 6 and The Associated Press • Published July 16, 2021</ref> And thousands gathered in Freedom Tower in [[Miami]] on July 17.<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252842368.html ‘Si Cuba está en la calle, Miami también.’ Thousands rally for end to Cuban dictatorship] Miami Herald, Marie-Rose Sheinerman, July 17, 2021.</ref> In [[DC]] protesters later went to the White House where they chanted “Joe Biden do your job” and “Joe Biden, Cuba needs your help.”<ref>[https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article252855983.html Hundreds from Miami protest at Cuban Embassy and White House, chanting ‘libertad’] N. Hart, Miami Herald, July 17, 2021.</ref>

Cubans expressed disappointment with lack of Biden action.

Cubans expressed disappointment with lack of Biden action.

Biden took note, but did not announce new measures. He did, however, trade barbs with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Biden took note, but did not announce new measures. He did, however, trade barbs with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

"Cuba is, unfortunately, a failed state and repressing their citizens," Biden said on Thursday.</blockquote></ref><ref>https://www.newsmax.com/politics/cuba/2021/07/16/id/1028930/</ref>

"Cuba is, unfortunately, a failed state and repressing their citizens," Biden said on Thursday.</blockquote></ref><ref>[https://www.newsmax.com/politics/cuba/2021/07/16/id/1028930/ Cubans 'Disappointed' With Lack of Biden Action], Newsmax, July 16, 2021</ref>

An [[Associated Press]] reporter was violently attacked by the oppressive regime.

An [[Associated Press]] reporter was violently attacked by the oppressive regime.

<ref>[https://trendingrightwing.com/ap-news-reporter-gets-the-ever-living-daylights-beat-out-of-him/ AP News Reporter Gets the Ever Living Daylights Beat Out of Him] By Anastasia Boushee. July 17, 2021.

<ref>[https://trendingrightwing.com/ap-news-reporter-gets-the-ever-living-daylights-beat-out-of-him/ AP News Reporter Gets the Ever Living Daylights Beat Out of Him] By Anastasia Boushee. July 17, 2021.

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

[[GOP]]'s Congresswoman [[Maria Elvira-Salazar]] spoke out on July-18-2021 that Biden administration is not even taking the calls. She stated that [[Mario Diaz-Balart]], herself and [[Marco Rubio]] will keep pressing on and that there are many ways the administration can help before talking about military intervention. Reminding about Maykel Osorbo the musician that composed the [https://www.wsj.com/articles/cuba-protests-dissidents-san-isidro-patria-y-vida-11626198332 'Patria y Vida'] song and for this he is in a torture camp in Cuba.<ref>[https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/2021/07/18/this-week-in-south-florida-maria-elvira-salazar/ 'This Week in South Florida: Maria Elvira Salazar].' Michael Putney, Senior Political Reporter. Glenna Milberg, Reporter. Published: July 18, 2021 12:07

[[GOP]]'s Congresswoman [[Maria Elvira-Salazar]] spoke out on July-18-2021 that Biden administration is not even taking the calls. She stated that [[Mario Diaz-Balart]], herself and [[Marco Rubio]] will keep pressing on and that there are many ways the administration can help before talking about military intervention. Reminding about Maykel Osorbo the musician that composed the [https://www.wsj.com/articles/cuba-protests-dissidents-san-isidro-patria-y-vida-11626198332 'Patria y Vida'] song and for this he is in a torture camp in Cuba.<ref>[https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/2021/07/18/this-week-in-south-florida-maria-elvira-salazar/ 'This Week in South Florida: Maria Elvira Salazar].' Michael Putney, Senior Political Reporter. Glenna Milberg, Reporter. Published: July 18, 2021 12:07

</ref>

</ref>

====UN's "human rights"====

====UN's "human rights"====

The [[BLM]] came under fire for supporting oppressive cruel Cuban regime.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/marxist-black-lives-matter-cuba-communists-marion-smith Marion Smith: Marxist Black Lives Matter – here's why it supports Cuba's communists over the protesters]

The [[BLM]] came under fire for supporting oppressive cruel Cuban regime.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/marxist-black-lives-matter-cuba-communists-marion-smith Marion Smith: Marxist Black Lives Matter – here's why it supports Cuba's communists over the protesters]

''BLM cares more about advancing Marxism than protecting Black and Brown people.''

''BLM cares more about advancing Marxism than protecting Black and Brown people.''

Marion Smith, Fox News, July 19 2021</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1169239980/black-lives-matter-onder-vuur-om-steun-aan-cubaans-politiegeweld Black Lives Matter under fire for supporting 'Cuban police brutality'] Telegraaf.nl,  

Marion Smith, Fox News, July 19, 2021</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1169239980/black-lives-matter-onder-vuur-om-steun-aan-cubaans-politiegeweld Black Lives Matter under fire for supporting 'Cuban police brutality'] Telegraaf.nl,  

July 16, 2021.

July 16, 2021.

''In the US, a storm of criticism has erupted against Black Lives Matter (BLM) as the movement appears to have sided with the Cuban communist regime in the protests in Cuba...''

''In the US, a storm of criticism has erupted against Black Lives Matter (BLM) as the movement appears to have sided with the Cuban communist regime in the protests in Cuba...''

https://mobile.twitter.com/telegraaf/status/1415975118636044293</ref>

[https://mobile.twitter.com/telegraaf/status/1415975118636044293]</ref><ref>Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) Tweeted:

 

Black Lives Matter has now been officially exposed as nothing more than a Marxist front group – and we hope the dupes on the left that continue to put BLM signs in front of their yards will now take them down.</blockquote></ref>

Even a lefty criticized the BLM stand in face of rampant anti black racism in Cuba and that the main victims in the 2021 [Libertad] uprising have been disproportionately blacks. And that the BLM have only used Cuba.<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/black-lives-matter-misses-point-about-cuba/619471/ Black Lives Matter Misses the Point About Cuba], Jorge Felipe Gonzalez, ''The Atlantic'', July 17, 2021.

Even a lefty criticized the BLM stand in face of rampant anti black racism in Cuba and that victims in the 2021 [Libertad] uprising have been disproportionately blacks. And that the BLM have only used Cuba.<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/black-lives-matter-misses-point-about-cuba/619471/ Black Lives Matter Misses the Point About Cuba], Jorge Felipe Gonzalez, ''The Atlantic'', July 17, 2021.

The country is not an empty canvas onto which Americans can project their political ideas.</ref>

The country is not an empty canvas onto which Americans can project their political ideas.</ref>

==Economy==

==Economy==

The Cuban Government continues to adhere to socialist principles in organizing its state-controlled economy. Most of the means of production are owned and run by the government and, according to Cuban Government statistics, about 75% of the labor force is employed by the state. The actual figure is closer to 93%, with some 150,000 small farmers and another 150,000 "cuentapropistas," or holders of licenses for self-employment, representing a mere 2.1% of the nearly 4.7 million-person workforce.  Labor is an economic input that is entirely under the control of the government to the point that Cubans have been sent overseas, so that their labor can be used to repay debt, while workers are kept secluded and paid a typical Cuban wage of $18 a month.<ref>Robles, Frances 2008 (accessed 7-8-08) Cuba paid debts with forced labor, lawsuit says. Miami Herald Thu, Jul. 17, 2008 http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/607434.html</ref>  

The Cuban Government continues to adhere to socialist principles in organizing its state-controlled economy. Most of the means of production are owned and run by the government and, according to Cuban Government statistics, about 75% of the labor force is employed by the state. The actual figure is closer to 93%, with some 150,000 small farmers and another 150,000 "cuentapropistas," or holders of licenses for self-employment, representing a mere 2.1% of the nearly 4.7 million-person workforce.  Labor is an economic input that is entirely under the control of the government to the point that Cubans have been sent overseas, so that their labor can be used to repay debt, while workers are kept secluded and paid a typical Cuban wage of $18 a month.<ref>Robles, Frances 2008 (accessed 7-8-08) Cuba paid debts with forced labor, lawsuit says. Miami Herald Thu, Jul. 17, 2008 [http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/607434.html][http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/human-rights/curacao.htm]</ref>  

[[Image:Hotel Varadero Cuba.jpg|thumb|270px|Varadero resources.]]

[[Image:Hotel Varadero Cuba.jpg|thumb|270px|Varadero resources.]]

The Cuban economy is still recovering from a decline in gross domestic product of at least 35% between 1989 and 1993 as the loss of Soviet subsidies laid bare the economy's fundamental weaknesses. To alleviate the economic crisis, in 1993 and 1994 the government introduced a few market-oriented reforms, including opening to tourism, allowing foreign investment, legalizing the dollar, and authorizing self-employment for some 150 occupations. These measures resulted in modest economic growth; the official statistics, however, are deficient and as a result provide an incomplete measure of Cuba's real economic situation. Living conditions at the end of the decade remained well below the 1989 level. Lower sugar and nickel prices, increases in petroleum costs, a post-September 11, 2001 decline in tourism, devastating hurricanes in November 2001 and August 2004, and a major drought in the eastern half of the island caused severe economic disruptions. Growth rates continued to stagnate in 2002 and 2003, while 2004 and 2005 showed some renewed growth. Moreover, the gap in the standard of living has widened between those with access to dollars and those without. Jobs that can earn dollar salaries or tips from foreign businesses and tourists have become highly desirable. It is not uncommon to see doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals working in restaurants or as taxi drivers.  

The Cuban economy is still recovering from a decline in gross domestic product of at least 35% between 1989 and 1993 as the loss of Soviet subsidies laid bare the economy's fundamental weaknesses. To alleviate the economic crisis, in 1993 and 1994 the government introduced a few market-oriented reforms, including opening to tourism, allowing foreign investment, legalizing the dollar, and authorizing self-employment for some 150 occupations. These measures resulted in modest economic growth; the official statistics, however, are deficient and as a result provide an incomplete measure of Cuba's real economic situation. Living conditions at the end of the decade remained well below the 1989 level. Lower sugar and nickel prices, increases in petroleum costs, a post-September 11, 2001 decline in tourism, devastating hurricanes in November 2001 and August 2004, and a major drought in the eastern half of the island caused severe economic disruptions. Growth rates continued to stagnate in 2002 and 2003, while 2004 and 2005 showed some renewed growth. Moreover, the gap in the standard of living has widened between those with access to dollars and those without. Jobs that can earn dollar salaries or tips from foreign businesses and tourists have become highly desirable. It is not uncommon to see doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals working in restaurants or as taxi drivers.  

According to the CIA World Factbook, the education system has achieved a 97% [[literacy]] rate on the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html|work=Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook|title=Cuba|accessdate=2007-08-14|date=2007-07-19|language=English}}</ref>  

According to the CIA World Factbook, the education system has achieved a 97% [[literacy]] rate on the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html|work=Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook|title=Cuba|accessdate=2007-08-14|date=2007-07-19|language=English}}</ref>  

Assistance at universities even in the provinces, while nominally free, requires demonstration of loyalty to the government, such as belonging to the informer network ''Comités de Defensa de la Revolución,'' the Militias, and assistance at pro-government demonstrations.<ref>González Leiva, Juan Carlos 2008 (accessed 8-10-08) EXPULSAN DE UNIVERSIDAD A ESTUDIANTE POR MOTIVOS POLÍTICOS. Revista de Asignaturas Cubanas. La Habana, 10 de junio de 2008 http://www.miscelaneasdecuba.net/web/article.asp?artID=15728</ref>  In pre-Castro times university fees were waved on presentation of proof of lack of means,

Assistance at universities even in the provinces, while nominally free, requires demonstration of loyalty to the government, such as belonging to the informer network ''Comités de Defensa de la Revolución,'' the Militias, and assistance at pro-government demonstrations.<ref>González Leiva, Juan Carlos 2008 (accessed 8-10-08) EXPULSAN DE UNIVERSIDAD A ESTUDIANTE POR MOTIVOS POLÍTICOS. Revista de Asignaturas Cubanas. La Habana, 10 de junio de 2008 [http://www.cubademocraciayvida.org/web/print.asp?artID=6947][http://www.miscelaneasdecuba.net/web/article.asp?artID=15728]</ref>  In pre-Castro times university fees were waved on presentation of proof of lack of means,

Despite criticisms to the methods of the Cuban Government, the Cuban people enjoy a higher per capita income than the majority of Central American countries. (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html)

Despite criticisms to the methods of the Cuban Government, the Cuban people enjoy a higher per capita income than the majority of Central American countries. (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html)

* [[Liberal totalitarianism]]

* [[Liberal totalitarianism]]

* [[Operation Peter Pan]]

* [[Operation Peter Pan]]

==External links==

==External links==

*[http://frontpagemagazine.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=29961 Fidel Castro: The Teflon Tyrant Resigns]

*[http://frontpagemagazine.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=29961 Fidel Castro: The Teflon Tyrant Resigns]

== References ==

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{communism}}

{{communism}}

[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]

[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Communist States]]

[[Category:Communist States]]