A more comprehensive analysis of Cuba’s current situation will be issued later this week.
• The U.S. continues to operate at ground zero when it comes to fielding a respectable Cuban policy
• Proposed term limits announced
• 311 reforms passed
• Largest changes are cosmetic
The Communist Party Congress of Cuba ended its first session in 14 years on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The date for the meeting was announced in November of 2010 with the publication of 311 proposed reforms intended to revive the socialist spirit of the island. At the same time, the Cuban leadership explored alternative policy avenues for the future of the country.
Though global social upheavals have recently pushed several autocratic mid-East leaders out of power, Havana can be said to be before the curve in realizing that the time had come to initiate change before its own public would demand it. While it was hoped that the Congress would come forth with a bona fide aperture in the arena of U.S.-Cuba relations, rather than the under-nourished version which the White House has occasionally prated about, Havana was not able to rise to the challenge.
This is because it is Washington who has refused to blink and Obama who has refused to act, as evidenced by the lack of promised diplomacy from the current administration. According to the terms of the Helms-Burton Act, Cuba must act first and U.S. analysts on Cuban affairs predict that without formative changes the U.S. will not change its policy. Meanwhile, the Castro regime will not easily survive the angry economic realities it is sure to confront. This will unfortunately disappoint the Cuban people who are in dire need of substantial changes in order to transform the island nation into the vibrant society they seek and which they were promised by the Revolution.
The first public announcement regarding the Communist congressional agenda came on April 16, 2011. Raúl Castro—both the president of Cuba and the leader of the Communist Party—shocked his audience by proposing term limits for Cuban politicians. The parameters submitted by Castro stipulate that no official, himself included, would serve more than two five-year consecutive terms. The rationale for this proposal is rooted in the cluttering of octogenarian cabinet officials in key executive offices, all of whom have exceeded the national age of retirement. Raúl Castro, now clocking in at a spry 79, will be forced to relinquish leadership in 2021 under this new criterion. Finding that younger generations have become increasingly apathetic to the present political process, Raúl Castro wants to rejuvenate civic engagement among young Cubans by thrusting them into the vortex of a new more rewarding and fulfilling political life.
The new politburo, now pared down to a meager 15 members, was also ratified during the four-day meeting of the Communist Congress. Perhaps the most dramatic element unveiled at the gathering was not so much the announcement of who was on the list, but rather, who was not. Fidel Castro, for the first time since the Revolution, is no longer the First Secretary of the Communist Party. The reason for his omission is not due to an ideological shift, but as a matter of health. Now in his 82nd year, the elderly Castro is suffering from an unspecified intestinal illness that has visibly slowed him down. Health-related issues will inevitably pose a problem for other cabinet members down the line, as the average age of the typical politburo member is 68. Most notably, the next in line for leadership, Cuba’s Vice President José Ramón Machado, is already 80 years old.
A disappointing component of the Havana meeting was the absence of adequate discourse over the status of the proposed reforms. It was declared that nearly all the reforms were unanimously passed, but it is not known how many alterations were made to the guidelines. If the motivation for such reforms is genuine and seen from the orientation of real need, they may come to symbolize a new era of change, spliced with the leadership’s acknowledgement that the socialist status quo is preventing the country’s political system to fully function. However, some Cuban dissidents fear that the reforms now being put in place would have the government exercise greater control of what is now an underground economy. Though it is seemingly contradictory to say that privatization is likely to enhance government power, underlying these reforms is an effort to seize functional control of the country’s now thriving informal economy. Although this network represents one of Cuba’s most profitable markets, it yields no rewards to the government.
The black market includes illegal service industries such as plumbing, bartending, and other activities deemed lucrative by the government; now that the Havana bureaucracy is allowing more privatization and self-employment, the authorities will be better able to effectively monitor and tax these once-forbidden trades. Legitimizing the buying and selling of homes—something that the Cuban society seems quite excited about—is another method to oversee and extract revenue from already deeply entrenched under-the-table dealings.
As Raúl has promised not to burden his nation with immediate and crippling changes due to the maleficent effects on a nation unprepared for such shock therapy, the transition time for adopting these reforms will likely turn out to be more torpid than electrifying. It is unfortunate that the mere fact that the congressional meeting occurred was more monumental than the fruits of its minute-by-minute proceedings. The upcoming weeks will likely uncover more layers of the true impact of the meeting. Hopefully, this ripple effect will turn into a tidal wave of cumulative positive change.
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19 comments
Ana J says:
April 25, 2011 at 3:19 pm (UTC -6 )
Well, it's always good to get SOME news about what's going on in Cuba, even when it starts with a complete non sequitur like "Though global social upheavals have recently pushed several autocratic mid-East leaders out of power, Havana can be said to be before the curve in realizing that the time had come to initiate change before its own public would demand it." What might that mean, Ms. Walker? The members of the Cuban public that I'm acquainted with register their complaints through their political system every day, so I have no idea what these "autocratic mid-East leaders" have to do with F. Castro and R. Castro and the rest of the Cuban leadership.
I'm also baffled by what a non "cosmetic" change might look like, or a "tidal wave of cumulative positive change." The enthusiastic adoption of a privatized, capitalist economy like…um, ours? I hope and expect that the Cubans have been sufficiently educated by their leaders over the past 50 years and will recognize the greater value of a system that provides them with decent health care and a free advanced degree in a socially useful field (e.g. not advertising!) — these are things we cannot get in our own wonderful system, in case you hadn't noticed.
Or substantive change would be something like a political shift to bring Cuba closer to our "democracy"? The next presidential campaign here in the U.S. promises to be the most expensive on record, for both parties, and it will once again bring us the man who scores highest on the image-meter. I can hardly wait!
The mere fact that you begin with a lukewarm criticism of the US government and its extreme rightist policies regarding Cuba doesn't give you permission to 'balance' that by labeling the substantive changes the Cuban government is making "cosmetic."
henrybmcd says:
April 25, 2011 at 6:14 pm (UTC -6 )
Ana, give it up. When COHA begins to champion change to Cuba, then the abject failure of Castro totalitarianism has become apparent to even the blindest of communism's aficianados. You apparently believe that availability of free health care is the primary requisite for a fulfilling life. Please note that zoo animals have free healthcare. For the vast majority of Cubans who could not escape, Castro's prison-island has been nothing more than Fidel's own private zoo.
Jorge says:
April 25, 2011 at 5:13 pm (UTC -6 )
Dear Ana J,
I totally agree with you. I'm Cuban and I'm sick and tired of all the arrogance and desdain some "intellectuals" show, when it comes to analize Cuban politics.
Stop showing us all your trinckets, shinny lights and all your democratic rubbish.
We are not blind not to see how much democracy you spread around the World by organizing false flag operations and sending drones and carriers…
Ana J says:
April 29, 2011 at 6:51 am (UTC -6 )
Jorge,
!mucho gusto! As a full-time professor of Latin American history I don't have time to respond to all the inane "arguments" of our fellow-bloggers here… usually I don't even come back to read the comments after I've entered the fray once. I'm making an exception at the moment to share a chuckle with you concerning people who consider themselves to own the adjective "American" simply because they are US citizens. Clearly we need something like estadounidense in English!
But here's the chuckle: has it escaped the attention of the estadounidenses that they canNOT travel "anywhere they want"? They can't go to Cuba, and if they were lucky enough to have any Cuban, or even Latin American, friends they would have realized that they also cannot have those friends visit them in their home, since getting a visa to the US is practically impossible now that Latin Americans (except Posada Carriles) might be terrorists, and of course most Latin Americans don't have the entrance fee even if they could get a visa.
By the way, it's interesting to notice that we can legally go to North Korea, but not to Cuba. Why? we have to ask ourselves.
saludos,
Ana J
Steve says:
April 25, 2011 at 11:23 pm (UTC -6 )
As a professor in a Ph.D. program in Spanish, I work regularly with a select group of young Cuban men and women who have left Cuba at some time during their 20s. To a person they have a truly fine humanistic formation, are voracious and sharp readers, and are very nice people. They don't harp on the problems of Cuba per se for they see many good things about it. But, again to a person, the reason they leave is a lack of opportunity for a self-development that can realize everything they think about themselves and want to do. Until Cuba can provide legitimate outlets for its best and brightest, it will have unfortunate characteristics of the zoo invoked by "henrybmed": most of the people are well cared for at an animal level, but the provisions for full, higher lives just aren't in place.Does anyone think the present leadership will change that situation? I, for one, do not.
Josie Michel-Brüning says:
April 26, 2011 at 5:09 am (UTC -6 )
First of all, I want to join Ana J. and Jorge completely!
Second I want to quote the Canadian author Arnold August:
"Article 5 of the Cuban Constitution stipulates that the Communist Party of Cuba is the 'organized vanguard of the Cuban nation.' The symbiotic relationship between the Party and the nation has been demonstrated many times over the decades since the establishment of the Party in 1965. This unique heritage takes its roots going back to the revolutionary party established by José Martí in 1892; it was so successful in its political orientation, military strategy and organisation that the Revolutionary Party of Cuba actually led the nation to defeat the Spanish colonialists in 1898; this victory was robbed at the last instant by the United States. In the Sierra Maestra from December 1956 until the January 1, 1959 the victory which escaped the Cuban people in the previous century was finally achieved. This took place, among other factors, thanks to the unbreakable ties between the leading forces at the time, on the one hand the July 26 Movement and its Rebel Army led by Fidel Castro, and on the other hand the most humble sections of the Cuban people. However, to describe this relationship in terms of simple ties and links is to really underestimate the fact that the leadership and the people were really one. How else could such a relatively small leading force defeat such a powerful enemy as the United States and its allies in Cuba? The historic victory in Playa Girón proved to be a second instance demonstrating the unity of the leadership and the people who in fact fought a defensive war of all the people against the United States-backed mercenary invasion. This is the tradition on which the Communist Party of Cuba, as the organized vanguard of the nation, is based and has been nurtured. "
Cuban people are forced by the successive US governments to defend themselves in keeping united.
Therefore, they are discussing the upcoming changes at all levels of their society.
Being highly educated they are aware of what is going on within the Third World and next door to them in Haiti. They do know their choice would be poverty for most of them if they would decide to become a capitalist island.
Please, read Arnold August who is a competent observer of Cuban proceedings.
Jorge says:
April 26, 2011 at 8:55 am (UTC -6 )
Reply to henrybmcd:_So now COHA is the absolute truth teller? I don't think so… Maybe it pleases you ( Mr Henrybmc), that some biased analyst's opinion coincides with your baseless point of view?_Firstly, you claim that the Cuban system is a failure and then you add on the label "totalitarianism"_Let's examine that premise:_We Cubans have just celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the fiasco of Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs). Failure – in my opinion – can be better used to describe all the unsuccessful attempts to subjugate Cuba. _Failure to make us surrender despite the immense amount of sabotage and terrorism thrown against us. Failure again to allow the criminal intent by successive American governments to bring Cuba into submission by hunger, or by 50 years of economic warfare. (What you in the USA call "embargo")
Jorge says:
April 26, 2011 at 8:55 am (UTC -6 )
The USA establishment (or shall I say "regime" to use one of their much-used labels?) is fighting a country united around their leaders. And I stress leaders._The only domestic opposition you could find, is the one money can buy. There are always individuals who value status, their own pockets and consumerism more than a modest standard of living, self respect, and independence for all._Communism aficionados?? Henrybmcd, you sound like a proper Cold Warrior!_With regards to your comments about "the majority of Cubans who could not escape" and "Castro's private zoo", I find that rather offensive. I think you should escape from the sofa that faces your TV set, tuned permanently to FOX News and possibly also occasionally to the cartoons._I think you need to inform yourself before you repeat all the nonsense you've been told. _Visit Cuba by all means, assuming the Government of your self acclaimed "Land of the Free" allows you to do so, and learn there to identify the difference between truth and propaganda.
henrybmcd says:
April 26, 2011 at 12:43 pm (UTC -6 )
Jorge, Ana, and Josie, I apologize for any offense. As an American, I have the freedom to travel where I want, live where I want, read and learn whatever I want, to freely express my own ideas, to work as hard as I want in whatever profession I want and keep most of the rewards for my own family, to educate, cloth, feed and house my children to the best of my ability. To earn this freedom, my only obligation is that my work must contribute something of value to my fellow citizens. (continued)
Jorge says:
April 26, 2011 at 5:26 pm (UTC -6 )
Hi Henrybmcd,
I'd rather replace "As an American" with "as a USA citizen". We, the Americans, populate the whole of the Americas, from Alaska to Cape Horn. Just have a look at the Monroe Doctrine and you will understand the position many of us share.
I wish you were fairer, and demanded the same "right" (please notice I didn't say "the luxury you can afford) to travel you have, for the rest of our fellow Americans in Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras and the lot… Not only for us the Cubans! We don't want everything for ourselves. Not even the oil. But also implement a "wet foot, dry foot policy" for all other needy economic migrants…not only Cubans!
We can express our own ideas, pity you won't be able to hear what we say. We don't possess all the media outlets the USA has to spread their view of the World as if they created it. In return, we are bombarded with your propaganda and your sales pitches.
ElJefe says:
April 28, 2011 at 10:01 am (UTC -6 )
Can I set up a soapbox in Havana and yell at the top of my lungs how much I hate the government and the Communist Party or will that get me a visit from burly, unfriendly men in uniforms? If the answer to my first question is "no", then I have no idea what sort of cognitive dissonance is at work in your mind.
Jorge says:
April 26, 2011 at 5:27 pm (UTC -6 )
We akso work hard; study hard whatever profession we choose, free of charge. But don't keep most of our rewards for our own families. Too many families to feed, to many services to sustain, a lot of effort to counter the US Blockade.
Sorry but I don't know where you get your facts from? You claim that Cubans have "…a level of poverty almost unmatched in the Western Hemisphere" ?
When you mentioned those countries, you failed to acknowledge that given the economic differences, not far from wealthy enclaves, a significant amount of people live in squalor, with poor housing, poor food supply, inadequate access to clean water, quality health care, or education, overwhelmed by crime and drugs.
Jorge says:
April 26, 2011 at 5:29 pm (UTC -6 )
Cubans have shown their commitment to humankind, by sending thousands of doctors all over the World to help the poorest. The most recent example, the earthquake in Haiti. But not long ago, Cuba offered assistance to your wealthy country to help cope with the impact of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cuba has graduated disadvantaged US citizens as doctors to go and serve in your country. Not many of you can afford to become a doctor in the USA I think. Any Cuban can study whatever they wish, totally free of charge. And I stress that. We can afford it, because we don't keep most of our rewards for our own families.
Jorge says:
April 26, 2011 at 5:31 pm (UTC -6 )
Cuba has a strong and ever growing biotechnology and medical industry. Also have diversified exports in many areas, as well as a healthy tourist industry. We have also managed to become self sufficient in many important strategic areas of the economy.
We don't compare Cuba to the US or Europe. We were not colonialist, but colonised and still suffering the after effects. We are not imperialist, but simply are defending ourselves. That's why we think differently.
Un espectador says:
April 27, 2011 at 10:50 pm (UTC -6 )
Give it a rest, Jorgito. The post-colonial dirge more than half-century into the Revolution is wallowing in victimization, and really isn't worthy of you. Stress the growing biotech and med industry, and do your part in making it grow.
howard cox says:
April 26, 2011 at 9:00 pm (UTC -6 )
Cuba has failed on so many levels it is hard to know where to begin. For 50 years Cuba has been kept afloat first by the Soviet Union and more recently by Hugo Chavez. Blaming the U.S. embargo for Castros colossal failure is a straw man argument. Cuba is a police state that has enslaved 11 million people and destroyed the future of every Cuban. Except, of course, those who managed to float their rickety rafts to the U.S. As far as I know, their has never been a raft launched from Florida to go to Cuba. Pretty much says it all. As to Jorge, his dreadfull Soviet style propaganda does not even deserve a serious response. To join in a debate with this loon would be like arguing with a stop sign.
Jorge says:
April 27, 2011 at 4:48 am (UTC -6 )
Cuba has failed to surrender! Cuba has failed to obey!
Soviet style propaganda? That's stupid of you. I can see you refuse to accept the truth and repeat the same old arguments. Your lack of reason and evidence makes you use offensive language, you moron.
The stop sign you see is our moral values. You mind your own business and keep making money, the symbol of your success…
Hands off Cuba!
howard cox says:
April 27, 2011 at 5:01 pm (UTC -6 )
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Get a life, Jorge. Or change your meds.
Jorge says:
April 27, 2011 at 2:22 pm (UTC -6 )
"You can't reason somebody out of something they were never reasoned into."
Jonathan Swift