Lat: 23 05.0N / Long: 082 30.1W
When discovering Cuba Columbus said: "It's the most wonderful country, human eyes have ever beheld.” We got an understanding for his notion when we made a trip inland to the tobacco-growing region of Vinales.
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| The majestic Mogotes, million years old limestone massifs covered with green emerge out oft the flat red soil. |
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| Die limestone massifs were hollowed out by underground waterways |
After the victorious revolution Fidel Castro had nationalised all the companies, took over the land from its former owners and divided it into 12 acre big cells and gave them to the farmers; under the condition that they work for the government and only grow what the government wants them to.
We visited the tobacco-farmer Luis who cultivates 17 acres of land and owns a few animals. The government gives him a fixed price for his harvest, which he cannot influence
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| Luis in front of the barn where the cropped tobacco is hung to dry |
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| All done by hand: Luis’ relative takes off even the smallest leafes from the tobacco plant; they will be used for cigarillos and cigarettes |
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| All equipment still seems to come out of medieval age. provides Luis with a minimum of help (equipment, drenching pipes and fertilizer |
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| They lead a very humble and modest life. But their hard labour doesn’t help them to improve their standard of living |
For years now they are trying to build themselves a house of stone – but they lack the money to finish it. They have too much to die and too little to live – modern slavery.
The cultivation of tobacco exemplifies the situation oft he whole country: the government controls everything, which is to be sold or purchased. Conditions absolutely similar to the former communist countries in Eastern Europe (only one type of oil, soap etc. – Take it or leave it).
The cultivation of tobacco exemplifies the situation oft he whole country: the government controls everything, which is to be sold or purchased. Conditions absolutely similar to the former communist countries in Eastern Europe (only one type of oil, soap etc. – Take it or leave it).
Raul Castro, the younger brother of Fidel, who took over power when Fidel ‘officially’ resigned, continues to adhere to the socialist centrally planned economy. After the loss of the Soviets as most important trading partner the main economical pillars have been tourism and revenue sources such as the export of citrus fruits, coffee, cocoa, cigars and of course sugar whose sales recovered after establishing trade relationships with Canada, EU countries and Latin America. The trade embargo by the United States, which has existed since the 1960s, has not been eased.
As the government is clinging to the current status now for years, the Cuban people gave up hoping that there will be an alteration. Also with Raul things have not changed to the better. The money coming from tourism and export is not being passed on to the welfare of the people. The Cubans call it “robolution”. Robolution rather than revolution.
Even though there is free medical treatment and mandatory education, producing alumni with highest academic degrees, there is a high rate of employment, lack of housing, public transport and food. “There is not enough of anything”.
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The people have no chance to progress, everywhere there
are restrictions and corruption. As well as censorship… |
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| ...They are being surveyed and bugged. The Castros are ruling with an iron fist and regulate everything. No communism, no socialism but fidelism |
The bold Cuban journalist Yoani Sanchez describes the situation of her country in her blog ‚Generacion Y’:
“ (...) When I ask friends about their plans for the future, more than half of them say: “I want to get out of here”. When questioning younger people you get this answer even more frequently. Due to this continuous bloodletting our country is loosing the boldest and (…) the most qualified. It’s the repay that the Cuban government doesn’t care for the wellbeing of its people. Ideological principals and convictions as well as overcome political responsibilities are to them more important than our needs." (Yoani Sanchez)
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| And all the world wonders: "How will it go on with Cuba - after the Castro era? |
After five days we set sail again; clearing out was the same process as clearing in but lots faster. We leave Cuba regretting that we haven’t seen more of this beautiful island. On the other hand we are a bit
relieved to leave Fidel’s socialism behind us. We definitely didn’t have the impression that the Cubans as frequently described, “are despite their difficult situation full of joy with music and dance everywhere”.
But we got to know them as friendly and supportive people who were polite and happy to receive even the smallest present.
Last but not least: The town of Guantanamo in southeastern Cuba, at first famous by the popular folksong ‘Guantanamera’, has in recent years been a topic in the international media as terrain of the US government for the imprisoned members of the Al Qaida organisation. In awareness of both countries mutual antipathy one wonders why Castro actually allowed the US to use this ground. The answer is astounding: About 100 years ago the US government leased the area from Cuba as a US military base. The contract can only be cancelled upon mutual understanding - an agreement that even the Maximo Lider doesn’t touch.
Our next stops are the St. Blas Islands.
Stay tuned!
PLEASE ALSO SEE OUR BLOG ARCHIV WITH FURTHER REPORTS!
(at the bottom of the blog)
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