Cuba: Citizens Still Denied Internet Access; U.S. To Allow Cell Phone Shipments to Those Under Castro's Regime

by Kate Gare | June 25, 2008 at 06:56 am | 21 views | add comment | 0 recommendations

Update: "The White House’s announcement that it will allow Cuban-Americans to send cell phones to Cuban nationals became an immediate flashpoint in South Florida, where Democrats are challenging a trio of Cuban-American House Republicans." Source: The Hill.

No one is yet sure if the Cuban regime will allow their citizens to receive the cell phones from relatives and friends in the U.S. President Raul Castro, following the path laid down by Fidel Castro, continues to restrict Cuban citizens' access to the internet.

Original story follows.

This is a monumental step for Cubanos, if their regime allows it. Thousands of Cuban emigres and their families in the U.S., especially in the Miami area, are eagerly awaiting the chance for cellphone contact with relatives.

And, the idea that Cuban people haven't been able to purchase even the simplest of goods, such as toasters, is amazing.

President Bush announced Wednesday that Americans soon will be allowed to send cell phones to Cubans - a move that he hopes will push the communist regime to increase freedom of expression for Cuban citizens.
Addressing recent changes in Cuba, Bush said, "Cubans are now allowed to purchase mobile phones, DVD players and computers and they have been told that they will be able to purchase toasters and other basic appliances in 2010."

"If the Cuban regime is serious about improving life for the Cuban people, it will take steps necessary to make these changes meaningful," Bush said at the White House as he marked Cuba's 106th anniversary of independence this week.

Uploaded by Kate Gare | June 25, 2008 at 06:56 am | 21 views | add comment