The island was battered by three hurricanes this year, causing US$10 billion in damage — equivalent to 20 percent of Cuba’s GNP.
One of a handful of remaining communist countries in the world, Cuba has reached a time of uncertainty and change.
Raul Castro, has promised “structural reforms” — a departure from his older brother and leading member of the communist old guard.
But the changes have taken a back seat to the global economic crisis, as Raul Castro signaled in July, when he announced greater government control of revenues and tighter management of agriculture.
“It’s my duty to speak frankly, because it would be unethical to create false expectations,” he said after telling Cubans to expect tough economic times from spiraling international fuel and food prices.
On Saturday, the president called for new government spending cuts, but assured Cubans the economic and social reforms he had promised “have not been shelved.”
The island is abuzz with speculation on whether Fidel Castro will appear at the anniversary of the revolution he led 50 years ago. He has not been seen in public view since he underwent gastrointestinal surgery in July 2006.
RSS