Raul Castro Thatcher

[Rob W 0]

Cuban President Raul Castro has warned that the island's revolution is at stake if his proposed economic reforms are not adopted.

 

The government is about to undergo the first major overhaul of Cuba's state-run system since the 1960s.

 

It wants to expand the private sector and reduce the role of the state.

 

Mr Castro's two-hour speech to the closing session of parliament was his longest since taking over the presidency from his brother, Fidel.

 

"We are playing with the life of the revolution," he told legislators.

 

"We can either rectify the situation, or we will run out of time walking on the edge of the abyss, and we will sink."

'Strengthen socialism'

 

This Caribbean island's unproductive Soviet-style command economy is in deep financial trouble, and the government can no longer afford the massive subsidies that make up for low wages.

 

Half a million state workers are due to lose their jobs, while restrictions are being eased on people who want to become self-employed or set up small businesses.

[Park Life 71]

Cuban President Raul Castro has warned that the island's revolution is at stake if his proposed economic reforms are not adopted.

 

The government is about to undergo the first major overhaul of Cuba's state-run system since the 1960s.

 

It wants to expand the private sector and reduce the role of the state.

 

Mr Castro's two-hour speech to the closing session of parliament was his longest since taking over the presidency from his brother, Fidel.

 

"We are playing with the life of the revolution," he told legislators.

 

"We can either rectify the situation, or we will run out of time walking on the edge of the abyss, and we will sink."

'Strengthen socialism'

 

This Caribbean island's unproductive Soviet-style command economy is in deep financial trouble, and the government can no longer afford the massive subsidies that make up for low wages.

 

Half a million state workers are due to lose their jobs, while restrictions are being eased on people who want to become self-employed or set up small businesses.

 

Have some of the most promising oil fields just offshore and one of the best biotech sectors in the entire world. Think the revolution is safe for a while yet.

[Rob W 0]

take it from me Parky - there IS oil both on and offshore (and its produced) but it aint that big and its all in shattered rocks = expensive and difficult to produce

 

of course the US don't help by issuing warrants for people who dabble there - an old mate of mine in Calgary used to have to be very careful about his travel arrangements...................

[Park Life 71]

take it from me Parky - there IS oil both on and offshore (and its produced) but it aint that big and its all in shattered rocks = expensive and difficult to produce

 

of course the US don't help by issuing warrants for people who dabble there - an old mate of mine in Calgary used to have to be very careful about his travel arrangements...................

 

I won't go back to Cuba now the new passport don't have the dreaded stamp. Really nice people.

[sniffer 0]

Good dentists I hear.

[Park Life 71]

Good dentists I hear.