The Spanish daily El Pais has given credence to rumors that have been
sweeping Havana for days that Cuban authorities are about to lift
requirements for their citizens to get exit visas to leave the
Communist-ruled island. The newspaper quotes an unidentified senior
Cuban official as saying Cubans soon will be free to travel without
government permission.
In light of U.S. policy that allows most Cubans who reach dry land to
stay in the country, revocation of Cuba's self-imposed barriers to
travel could unleash a massive wave of immigrants headed for southern
Florida if young workers eager for more opportunity decide to abandon
their homeland.
Cuban President Raul Castro has invoked a number of popular moves in
recent weeks making cellphones, computers, microwaves and seaside
resorts available to Cubans who can afford them.
But in the absence of any structural change to the economy to allow more
income-enhancing private enterprise, discontent with the status quo of
poverty and pitiful wages could fuel a fresh migration wave -- and
possibly inspire rethinking of U.S. policy on the island.
-- Carol J. Williams in Bridgetown, Barbados
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2008/04/cuban-travel-ti.html
No comments:
Post a Comment