miércoles, 30 de abril de 2014

It’s “Free” . . . But Healthcare Costs Us

It's "Free" . . . But Healthcare Costs Us / Jeovany Jimenez Vega

Posted on April 29, 2014



"Your health service is free… but it costs"

By Jeovany Jimenez Vega



You've been able to see them for almost two years in every health care

unit of the Cuban Public Health System, from any primary care office or

clinic, passing through each second level hospital, even in tertiary

care centers in each Institute. They welcome us from the door of the

consultation room or from the trade union wall and assure us that our

omnipotent government has always been zealous to guarantee absolutely

fee medical care for our people.



Seen that way, without more, it would seem a simple matter. In this

world, where to the shame of the species, dozens of thousands of

children still die of curable illnesses because they do not have access

to a few tablets and a measly intravenous infusion, it would be the most

natural thing for Cubans to prostrate ourselves in gratitude before such

an excess of philanthropy. But if there is one thing we learned long

ago it is that here, when you look into the background of the matter, we

have all been charged.



It is true that the hospital does not charge us directly at the hospital

or at our children's school, but without doubt the cash register at the

"hard currency collection store" (TRD*) charges us, and in a currency

arbitrarily overvalued 25 times in relation to the other currency in

which we are paid an unreal salary of little use to us.



These words are not trying to be an inquisitorial onslaught against the

health care system to which I belong, whose essential function is

impeded by limitations that no sector in Cuba can escape.



Any gratuitous attack would leave on this page the odor of the knife in

the back, an aroma that this Cuban detests, but 40 years of hammering

did not end up convincing me that guaranteeing a right, or trying to,

grants in any way authority to my government to deprive us of other

rights as essential as that.



And it is here — more than at the door of the TRD and the hotels, or in

the immoral taxes of the General Customs Office, or in the extortionate

cost of each consular administration abroad, among other hundreds of

shameful examples — where we millions of Cubans have been charged the

true currency exchange: it has been through the humiliation of the

famous diplo-tiendas*, or in the door of the prohibited hotels, or

through the despotism of the migratory authorities or the mistreatment

by any other kind of official or through the systematic deprivation of

our civil and political rights.



And invariably in the background posters like the one illustrating this

post justifying as life-saving the entitlements that crush us at every step.



On the other hand these public governance schemes are not unique to Cuba

nor to socialism, as has historically been insinuated to us. There are

dozens of examples of countries — and not necessarily from the first

world — that sustain health and education systems as public and free as

ours, and all without demanding in exchange such high doses of

individual freedom.



Very true it is that sustaining the presumed public health costs each

state on a world level very dearly, and Cuba was not exactly going to be

the exception, but also I remember here that each Cuban worker has about

30% deducted from his monthly salary precisely to cover these public

expenses.



I also remember that when our state undertakes to guarantee public

health and education services — the two prime examples — it does not

fulfill only a duty but its more conspicuous obligation, perhaps its

only authentic obligation.



In particular, I ask myself by what magic method the Cuban government

invested $4386.00 pesos in me alone, for the approximately 120

consultations that I did in my last 24-hour medical shift, in which I

used only — if we except the $24 pesos that they paid me for night hours

— my stethoscope, my blood pressure monitor, and some disposable depressors.



But as I am not an economist, I better leave the accounts to others and

dedicate myself, as a good cobbler, to my shoes. After all, it is true

that it costs us . . . and quite expensively, for sure.



*Translator's note: The government itself named the stores that sell

only in hard currency, "Hard Currency Collection Stores"–TRD is the

Spanish acronym–making explicit that their major purpose is to capture

for the government coffers (through extreme overpricing) a major share

of the remittances Cubans receive from their families abroad. Many items

are often, or only, available in these stores (or in the black market).

An early incarnation of these stores were known as "diplotiendas," that

is "diplomat stores" catering to foreigners residing in Cuba.



Translated by mlk.

28 April 2014



Source: It's "Free" . . . But Healthcare Costs Us / Jeovany Jimenez Vega

| Translating Cuba -

http://translatingcuba.com/its-free-but-healthcare-costs-us-jeovany-jimenez-vega/

It’s “Free” . . . But Healthcare Costs Us

It's "Free" . . . But Healthcare Costs Us / Jeovany Jimenez Vega
Posted on April 29, 2014

"Your health service is free… but it costs"
By Jeovany Jimenez Vega

You've been able to see them for almost two years in every health care
unit of the Cuban Public Health System, from any primary care office or
clinic, passing through each second level hospital, even in tertiary
care centers in each Institute. They welcome us from the door of the
consultation room or from the trade union wall and assure us that our
omnipotent government has always been zealous to guarantee absolutely
fee medical care for our people.

Seen that way, without more, it would seem a simple matter. In this
world, where to the shame of the species, dozens of thousands of
children still die of curable illnesses because they do not have access
to a few tablets and a measly intravenous infusion, it would be the most
natural thing for Cubans to prostrate ourselves in gratitude before such
an excess of philanthropy. But if there is one thing we learned long
ago it is that here, when you look into the background of the matter, we
have all been charged.

It is true that the hospital does not charge us directly at the hospital
or at our children's school, but without doubt the cash register at the
"hard currency collection store" (TRD*) charges us, and in a currency
arbitrarily overvalued 25 times in relation to the other currency in
which we are paid an unreal salary of little use to us.

These words are not trying to be an inquisitorial onslaught against the
health care system to which I belong, whose essential function is
impeded by limitations that no sector in Cuba can escape.

Any gratuitous attack would leave on this page the odor of the knife in
the back, an aroma that this Cuban detests, but 40 years of hammering
did not end up convincing me that guaranteeing a right, or trying to,
grants in any way authority to my government to deprive us of other
rights as essential as that.

And it is here — more than at the door of the TRD and the hotels, or in
the immoral taxes of the General Customs Office, or in the extortionate
cost of each consular administration abroad, among other hundreds of
shameful examples — where we millions of Cubans have been charged the
true currency exchange: it has been through the humiliation of the
famous diplo-tiendas*, or in the door of the prohibited hotels, or
through the despotism of the migratory authorities or the mistreatment
by any other kind of official or through the systematic deprivation of
our civil and political rights.

And invariably in the background posters like the one illustrating this
post justifying as life-saving the entitlements that crush us at every step.

On the other hand these public governance schemes are not unique to Cuba
nor to socialism, as has historically been insinuated to us. There are
dozens of examples of countries — and not necessarily from the first
world — that sustain health and education systems as public and free as
ours, and all without demanding in exchange such high doses of
individual freedom.

Very true it is that sustaining the presumed public health costs each
state on a world level very dearly, and Cuba was not exactly going to be
the exception, but also I remember here that each Cuban worker has about
30% deducted from his monthly salary precisely to cover these public
expenses.

I also remember that when our state undertakes to guarantee public
health and education services — the two prime examples — it does not
fulfill only a duty but its more conspicuous obligation, perhaps its
only authentic obligation.

In particular, I ask myself by what magic method the Cuban government
invested $4386.00 pesos in me alone, for the approximately 120
consultations that I did in my last 24-hour medical shift, in which I
used only — if we except the $24 pesos that they paid me for night hours
— my stethoscope, my blood pressure monitor, and some disposable depressors.

But as I am not an economist, I better leave the accounts to others and
dedicate myself, as a good cobbler, to my shoes. After all, it is true
that it costs us . . . and quite expensively, for sure.

*Translator's note: The government itself named the stores that sell
only in hard currency, "Hard Currency Collection Stores"–TRD is the
Spanish acronym–making explicit that their major purpose is to capture
for the government coffers (through extreme overpricing) a major share
of the remittances Cubans receive from their families abroad. Many items
are often, or only, available in these stores (or in the black market).
An early incarnation of these stores were known as "diplotiendas," that
is "diplomat stores" catering to foreigners residing in Cuba.

Translated by mlk.
28 April 2014

Source: It's "Free" . . . But Healthcare Costs Us / Jeovany Jimenez Vega
| Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/its-free-but-healthcare-costs-us-jeovany-jimenez-vega/

Parlamentario canadiense advierte a inversores en Cuba: recuerden a Tokmajian

Parlamentario canadiense advierte a inversores en Cuba: recuerden a

Tokmajian

La realidad --advierte el legislador, Peter Kent-- contradice las

garantías a la seguridad de las inversiones en Cuba prometidas en la

nueva Ley de Inversión Extranjera.

Rolando Cartaya

abril 30, 2014



El parlamentario canadiense Peter Kent advierte en el Huffington Post

que la comunidad financiera internacional debería ponderar

cuidadosamente las ofertas de inversión que vienen haciendo ministros,

diplomáticos y funcionarios comerciales cubanos, y reparar en que uno de

sus pares, el canadiense Cy Tokmajian, sigue esperando juicio en la isla

desde septiembre del 2011, cuando fue detenido y encarcelado.



Según estos emisarios, un nuevo día de oportunidades está amaneciendo

para invertir en ese estado comunista escaso de divisas, luego de la

aprobación de una ley que promete jugosos cortes o exenciones de

impuestos, y garantías para la seguridad de la inversión extranjera.



Kent cuestiona tal seguridad y presenta un ejemplo –"entre muchos",

dice— en el caso del presidente y Ejecutivo Principal de Grupo

Tokmajian, a quien conoció como parlamentario por Toronto y como

ministro de Asuntos Exteriores para las Américas. En septiembre pasado,

lo visitó en la prisión cubana La Condesa.



Allí ha permanecido por dos años y medio el empresario de 73 años,

después de ser blanco, según el autor, de una "selectiva campaña

anticorrupción" lanzada por Raúl Castro; eso, a pesar de que su hermano

Fidel había elogiado la integridad de Tokmajian y sus contribuciones a

la economía cubana.



Grupo Tokmajian –afirma el actual presidente de la Comisión de Defensa

en la Cámara de los Comunes de Canadá-- era la segunda mayor inversión

privada canadiense en Cuba, tras la de la corporación minera Sherrit.



Ahora las propiedades personales y las del negocio de Tokmajian,

valoradas en más de 90 millones de dólares, han sido confiscadas por las

autoridades cubanas, que además han sugerido a representantes de la

compañía que si envían unos millones más a la isla, la sentencia contra

el directivo podría resultar menos severa.



Revela el ajutor que en las últimas semanas la fiscalía cubana presentó

por fin cargos formales contra el prisionero. Kent señala, citando al

equipo internacional de abogados de Tokmajian, que los cargos son, o

bien distorsiones, o falsas representaciones de la práctica normal de

negocios por parte de empresarios extranjeros en Cuba.



Según arguye la defensa, las acusaciones de soborno incluyen incentivos

básicos a la productividad del personal, bonificaciones cenas y boletos

para espectáculos como reconocimiento al buen rendimiento; y las de de

evasión de impuestos ignoran los tratados sobre el tema, las opiniones

de expertos y las propias regulaciones tributarias cubanas.



Kent recomienda a la comunidad financiera internacional considerar

asimismo cómo la cruzada anti-corrupción del Ministero del Interior

barrió también con otros ejecutivos de negocios extranjeros, como el

británico Stephen Purvis o el francés Jean Louis Autret. Estos dos

–dice--han sido puestos en libertad para contar sus relatos de horror,

pero sus propiedades también fueron confiscadas por el gobierno de Cuba.

El periodista de CNN en Español Xavier Serbiá dedicó un reportaje al

caso de Purvis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btEZsI-50Lk



Termina diciendo Peter Kent que las historias de Purvis y Autret, como

la de Cy Tokmajian, han generado un clima de incertidumbre y

preocupación entre las compañías extranjeras que mantienen inversiones

en Cuba: sus respetables directivos, por más tentadora que parezca la

nueva legislación de inversiones aprobada por la Asamblea Nacional de

Cuba, podrían correr idéntica suerte, a manos de algún agresivo

investigador anticapitalista del Ministerio del Interior.



H /T Capitol Hill Cubans



Source: Parlamentario canadiense advierte a inversores en Cuba:

recuerden a Tokmajian -

http://www.martinoticias.com/content/parlamentario-canadiense-a-posibles-inversores-en-cuba-recuerden-a-tokmajian/34631.html

Parlamentario canadiense advierte a inversores en Cuba: recuerden a Tokmajian

Parlamentario canadiense advierte a inversores en Cuba: recuerden a
Tokmajian
La realidad --advierte el legislador, Peter Kent-- contradice las
garantías a la seguridad de las inversiones en Cuba prometidas en la
nueva Ley de Inversión Extranjera.
Rolando Cartaya
abril 30, 2014

El parlamentario canadiense Peter Kent advierte en el Huffington Post
que la comunidad financiera internacional debería ponderar
cuidadosamente las ofertas de inversión que vienen haciendo ministros,
diplomáticos y funcionarios comerciales cubanos, y reparar en que uno de
sus pares, el canadiense Cy Tokmajian, sigue esperando juicio en la isla
desde septiembre del 2011, cuando fue detenido y encarcelado.

Según estos emisarios, un nuevo día de oportunidades está amaneciendo
para invertir en ese estado comunista escaso de divisas, luego de la
aprobación de una ley que promete jugosos cortes o exenciones de
impuestos, y garantías para la seguridad de la inversión extranjera.

Kent cuestiona tal seguridad y presenta un ejemplo –"entre muchos",
dice— en el caso del presidente y Ejecutivo Principal de Grupo
Tokmajian, a quien conoció como parlamentario por Toronto y como
ministro de Asuntos Exteriores para las Américas. En septiembre pasado,
lo visitó en la prisión cubana La Condesa.

Allí ha permanecido por dos años y medio el empresario de 73 años,
después de ser blanco, según el autor, de una "selectiva campaña
anticorrupción" lanzada por Raúl Castro; eso, a pesar de que su hermano
Fidel había elogiado la integridad de Tokmajian y sus contribuciones a
la economía cubana.

Grupo Tokmajian –afirma el actual presidente de la Comisión de Defensa
en la Cámara de los Comunes de Canadá-- era la segunda mayor inversión
privada canadiense en Cuba, tras la de la corporación minera Sherrit.

Ahora las propiedades personales y las del negocio de Tokmajian,
valoradas en más de 90 millones de dólares, han sido confiscadas por las
autoridades cubanas, que además han sugerido a representantes de la
compañía que si envían unos millones más a la isla, la sentencia contra
el directivo podría resultar menos severa.

Revela el ajutor que en las últimas semanas la fiscalía cubana presentó
por fin cargos formales contra el prisionero. Kent señala, citando al
equipo internacional de abogados de Tokmajian, que los cargos son, o
bien distorsiones, o falsas representaciones de la práctica normal de
negocios por parte de empresarios extranjeros en Cuba.

Según arguye la defensa, las acusaciones de soborno incluyen incentivos
básicos a la productividad del personal, bonificaciones cenas y boletos
para espectáculos como reconocimiento al buen rendimiento; y las de de
evasión de impuestos ignoran los tratados sobre el tema, las opiniones
de expertos y las propias regulaciones tributarias cubanas.

Kent recomienda a la comunidad financiera internacional considerar
asimismo cómo la cruzada anti-corrupción del Ministero del Interior
barrió también con otros ejecutivos de negocios extranjeros, como el
británico Stephen Purvis o el francés Jean Louis Autret. Estos dos
–dice--han sido puestos en libertad para contar sus relatos de horror,
pero sus propiedades también fueron confiscadas por el gobierno de Cuba.
El periodista de CNN en Español Xavier Serbiá dedicó un reportaje al
caso de Purvis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btEZsI-50Lk

Termina diciendo Peter Kent que las historias de Purvis y Autret, como
la de Cy Tokmajian, han generado un clima de incertidumbre y
preocupación entre las compañías extranjeras que mantienen inversiones
en Cuba: sus respetables directivos, por más tentadora que parezca la
nueva legislación de inversiones aprobada por la Asamblea Nacional de
Cuba, podrían correr idéntica suerte, a manos de algún agresivo
investigador anticapitalista del Ministerio del Interior.

H /T Capitol Hill Cubans

Source: Parlamentario canadiense advierte a inversores en Cuba:
recuerden a Tokmajian -
http://www.martinoticias.com/content/parlamentario-canadiense-a-posibles-inversores-en-cuba-recuerden-a-tokmajian/34631.html

Cómo sobrevivir en Cuba con 18 dólares al mes?

¿Cómo sobrevivir en Cuba con 18 dólares al mes?

La libreta garantiza algo de proteína para siete días, el resto del mes,

ingeniársela casi por arte magia

miércoles, abril 30, 2014 | Yusnaby



LA HABANA, Cuba –- Se habla mucho de lo difícil que es vivir en Cuba con

el salario que paga el Estado, y de las mil y una maneras en que las

personas "resuelven" para llegar a fin de mes… Están los que tienen un

pariente fuera que les manda dinero de vez en cuando; están los que

roban del centro de trabajo en perfecta coordinación con el resto del

personal, están los que tienen un segundo trabajo por la "izquierda",

están los que cobran un "regalito" por acelerar una gestión, están los

que se prostituyen, están los que trabajan para embajadas y ganan su

sueldo en divisa, están los que se dedican a actividades delictivas…



Sin embargo hay muchas familias cubanas que, por convicción o por falta

de oportunidades, no tienen medios para suplementar sus salarios. ¿Cómo

vive una familia que depende únicamente de un sueldo estatal?



Recientemente conocí a Ana Fernández, profesora de una escuela primaria

en Centro Habana y madre soltera de dos hijas, una de siete y otra de

ocho años. Ana no recibe remesas ni tiene otra entrada de dinero que no

sea su salario estatal: 439 pesos cubanos al mes (aproximadamente 18

dólares).



Cada noche en la mesa de Ana hay algo de comida. La libreta de

abastecimiento les garantiza algo de proteína para siete días al mes. El

resto debe ingeniárselo casi que por arte magia.

"Paso dificultades, pero sobrevivimos gracias a lo que yo llamo la dieta

de la croqueta y el perrito"- Me comentaba Ana.



En algunos puntos de La Habana, conocidos como "Mercomar", venden

croquetas de pescado de agua dulce. Se compran en paquetes de 10

unidades a un precio de 5 pesos cubanos. La comida casi diaria por las

noches es croqueta con un poco de arroz.



El "perrito" también es otro integrante de la dieta de esta familia. Es

una salchicha de carne de cerdo, grasa y conservantes. Cada perrito

cuesta 3 pesos cubanos; se fríe y se acompaña igualmente con arroz; se

sirve uno por persona al igual que las croquetas.



"Casi todos los días comemos croqueta y arroz, el día que hay perrito es

fiesta y cuando hay pollo es Navidad"- Comentaba Ana mientras me

mostraba su congelador casi vacío donde sólo había un recipiente con hielo.

En los "Mercomar" a veces venden la masa de la cabeza de la langosta que

no sirve para el turismo, pero a un precio bastante elevado. Otra

alternativa a la proteína es la carne de puerco de venta libre en los

agromercados. Hoy día la libra está a 30 pesos cubanos, por lo que

muchos ni siquiera consideran comprarla.



A la profesora Ana le preocupa que sus hijas no estén alimentándose de

manera equilibrada. Son pocos los días que en casa se come fruta fresca,

y menos aún los días en que se consume verdura. Tras gastar 60 pesos

cubanos con la libreta de abastecimiento cada mes, en raras ocasiones le

alcanza el dinero para comprar frutas y verduras. De vez en cuando

compra plátano burro a 5 pesos la mano, y arroz a 5 pesos la libra.



Lo cierto es que los productores alternativos de alimentos, como los

agromercados, muchas veces cuentan con alguna variedad de alimentos

(pepino, tomates, cebollas, pimientos, plátanos; incluso carne de cerdo

y embutidos), pero fácilmente una persona se puede gastar el tercio de

su salario comprando verduras para 1 semana. Frutas como la piña o el

mamey son un lujo (una piña puede costar entre 15 y 20 pesos y un mamey

entre 20 y 25).



Para freír, Ana utiliza manteca de cerdo, una de las grasas más

peligrosas, pues eleva los niveles totales de colesterol en la sangre.

Así y todo, le cuesta 20 pesos cubanos la libra y debe ahorrarla. A

veces cuando le da tiempo después del trabajo hace la cola del yogurt de

soja, donde compra 1 bolsa a 1 peso, y esto debe rendirle para el

desayuno semanal de sus hijas. Lamentablemente el yogurt de soja sale a

la venta sólo algunos días al mes y está prohibido vender más de una

bolsa por persona.



Otros artículos necesarios en la dieta como la leche, la carne roja o el

aceite, y otros muchos productos, sólo se pueden adquirir con pesos

convertibles en supermercados estatales. El salario mensual íntegro de

Ana daría para comprar no más de 2 bolsas de 1 kg de leche en polvo. Por

lo tanto, este tipo de productos no están a su alcance.



A diferencia de otros maestros, ella no infla las notas de sus alumnos a

cambio de unos pesos. El único "extra" que ella recibe son los regalos

por el día del educador el 22 de diciembre, que consisten en pomos de

champú, artículos de limpieza o similares que ella vende y con ese

dinero asegura la comida para celebrar el fin de año con sus hijas. Así

es la dieta de la familia de Ana y muchísimas otras que dependen del

salario. Después de pagar la luz, el agua, el teléfono y el gas, cada

centavo restante es indispensable.



Source: ¿Cómo sobrevivir en Cuba con 18 dólares al mes? | Cubanet -

http://www.cubanet.org/destacados/como-sobrevivir-en-cuba-con-18-dolares-al-mes/

Cómo sobrevivir en Cuba con 18 dólares al mes?

¿Cómo sobrevivir en Cuba con 18 dólares al mes?
La libreta garantiza algo de proteína para siete días, el resto del mes,
ingeniársela casi por arte magia
miércoles, abril 30, 2014 | Yusnaby

LA HABANA, Cuba –- Se habla mucho de lo difícil que es vivir en Cuba con
el salario que paga el Estado, y de las mil y una maneras en que las
personas "resuelven" para llegar a fin de mes… Están los que tienen un
pariente fuera que les manda dinero de vez en cuando; están los que
roban del centro de trabajo en perfecta coordinación con el resto del
personal, están los que tienen un segundo trabajo por la "izquierda",
están los que cobran un "regalito" por acelerar una gestión, están los
que se prostituyen, están los que trabajan para embajadas y ganan su
sueldo en divisa, están los que se dedican a actividades delictivas…

Sin embargo hay muchas familias cubanas que, por convicción o por falta
de oportunidades, no tienen medios para suplementar sus salarios. ¿Cómo
vive una familia que depende únicamente de un sueldo estatal?

Recientemente conocí a Ana Fernández, profesora de una escuela primaria
en Centro Habana y madre soltera de dos hijas, una de siete y otra de
ocho años. Ana no recibe remesas ni tiene otra entrada de dinero que no
sea su salario estatal: 439 pesos cubanos al mes (aproximadamente 18
dólares).

Cada noche en la mesa de Ana hay algo de comida. La libreta de
abastecimiento les garantiza algo de proteína para siete días al mes. El
resto debe ingeniárselo casi que por arte magia.
"Paso dificultades, pero sobrevivimos gracias a lo que yo llamo la dieta
de la croqueta y el perrito"- Me comentaba Ana.

En algunos puntos de La Habana, conocidos como "Mercomar", venden
croquetas de pescado de agua dulce. Se compran en paquetes de 10
unidades a un precio de 5 pesos cubanos. La comida casi diaria por las
noches es croqueta con un poco de arroz.

El "perrito" también es otro integrante de la dieta de esta familia. Es
una salchicha de carne de cerdo, grasa y conservantes. Cada perrito
cuesta 3 pesos cubanos; se fríe y se acompaña igualmente con arroz; se
sirve uno por persona al igual que las croquetas.

"Casi todos los días comemos croqueta y arroz, el día que hay perrito es
fiesta y cuando hay pollo es Navidad"- Comentaba Ana mientras me
mostraba su congelador casi vacío donde sólo había un recipiente con hielo.
En los "Mercomar" a veces venden la masa de la cabeza de la langosta que
no sirve para el turismo, pero a un precio bastante elevado. Otra
alternativa a la proteína es la carne de puerco de venta libre en los
agromercados. Hoy día la libra está a 30 pesos cubanos, por lo que
muchos ni siquiera consideran comprarla.

A la profesora Ana le preocupa que sus hijas no estén alimentándose de
manera equilibrada. Son pocos los días que en casa se come fruta fresca,
y menos aún los días en que se consume verdura. Tras gastar 60 pesos
cubanos con la libreta de abastecimiento cada mes, en raras ocasiones le
alcanza el dinero para comprar frutas y verduras. De vez en cuando
compra plátano burro a 5 pesos la mano, y arroz a 5 pesos la libra.

Lo cierto es que los productores alternativos de alimentos, como los
agromercados, muchas veces cuentan con alguna variedad de alimentos
(pepino, tomates, cebollas, pimientos, plátanos; incluso carne de cerdo
y embutidos), pero fácilmente una persona se puede gastar el tercio de
su salario comprando verduras para 1 semana. Frutas como la piña o el
mamey son un lujo (una piña puede costar entre 15 y 20 pesos y un mamey
entre 20 y 25).

Para freír, Ana utiliza manteca de cerdo, una de las grasas más
peligrosas, pues eleva los niveles totales de colesterol en la sangre.
Así y todo, le cuesta 20 pesos cubanos la libra y debe ahorrarla. A
veces cuando le da tiempo después del trabajo hace la cola del yogurt de
soja, donde compra 1 bolsa a 1 peso, y esto debe rendirle para el
desayuno semanal de sus hijas. Lamentablemente el yogurt de soja sale a
la venta sólo algunos días al mes y está prohibido vender más de una
bolsa por persona.

Otros artículos necesarios en la dieta como la leche, la carne roja o el
aceite, y otros muchos productos, sólo se pueden adquirir con pesos
convertibles en supermercados estatales. El salario mensual íntegro de
Ana daría para comprar no más de 2 bolsas de 1 kg de leche en polvo. Por
lo tanto, este tipo de productos no están a su alcance.

A diferencia de otros maestros, ella no infla las notas de sus alumnos a
cambio de unos pesos. El único "extra" que ella recibe son los regalos
por el día del educador el 22 de diciembre, que consisten en pomos de
champú, artículos de limpieza o similares que ella vende y con ese
dinero asegura la comida para celebrar el fin de año con sus hijas. Así
es la dieta de la familia de Ana y muchísimas otras que dependen del
salario. Después de pagar la luz, el agua, el teléfono y el gas, cada
centavo restante es indispensable.

Source: ¿Cómo sobrevivir en Cuba con 18 dólares al mes? | Cubanet -
http://www.cubanet.org/destacados/como-sobrevivir-en-cuba-con-18-dolares-al-mes/

Huffington Post - Advierten a inversores en Cuba, “recuerden a Tokmajian”

Huffington Post: Advierten a inversores en Cuba, "recuerden a Tokmajian"

Peter Kent, ex ministro de exteriores de Canadá contradice la seguridad

y las garantías que ofrece la nueva Ley de Inversión Extranjera,

poniendo como ejemplo al inversionista Cy Tokmajian que fue despojado de

sus empreas por el gobierno cubano, y hecho prisionero

miércoles, abril 30, 2014 | CubaNet



El parlamentario canadiense Peter Kent advierte en el Huffington Post

que la comunidad financiera internacional debería ponderar

cuidadosamente las ofertas de inversión que vienen haciendo ministros,

diplomáticos y funcionarios comerciales cubanos, y reparar en que uno de

sus pares, el canadiense Cy Tokmajian, sigue esperando juicio en la isla

desde septiembre del 2011, cuando fue detenido y encarcelado.



Según estos emisarios, un nuevo día de oportunidades está amaneciendo

para invertir en ese estado comunista escaso de divisas, luego de la

aprobación de una ley que promete jugosos cortes o exenciones de

impuestos, y garantías para la seguridad de la inversión extranjera.



Kent cuestiona tal seguridad y presenta un ejemplo –"entre muchos",

dice— en el caso del presidente y Ejecutivo Principal de Grupo

Tokmajian, a quien conoció como parlamentario por Toronto y como

ministro de Asuntos Exteriores para las Américas. En septiembre pasado,

lo visitó en la prisión cubana La Condesa.



Allí ha permanecido por dos años y medio el empresario de 73 años,

después de ser blanco, según el autor, de una "selectiva campaña

anticorrupción" lanzada por Raúl Castro; eso, a pesar de que su hermano

Fidel había elogiado la integridad de Tokmajian y sus contribuciones a

la economía cubana.



Grupo Tokmajian –afirma el actual presidente de la Comisión de Defensa

en la Cámara de los Comunes de Canadá– era la segunda mayor inversión

privada canadiense en Cuba, tras la de la corporación minera Sherrit.



Ahora las propiedades personales y las del negocio de Tokmajian,

valoradas en más de 90 millones de dólares, han sido confiscadas por las

autoridades cubanas, que además han sugerido a representantes de la

compañía que si envían unos millones más a la isla, la sentencia contra

el directivo podría resultar menos severa.



Revela el ajutor que en las últimas semanas la fiscalía cubana presentó

por fin cargos formales contra el prisionero. Kent señala, citando al

equipo internacional de abogados de Tokmajian, que los cargos son, o

bien distorsiones, o falsas representaciones de la práctica normal de

negocios por parte de empresarios extranjeros en Cuba.



Según arguye la defensa, las acusaciones de soborno incluyen incentivos

básicos a la productividad del personal, bonificaciones cenas y boletos

para espectáculos como reconocimiento al buen rendimiento; y las de de

evasión de impuestos ignoran los tratados sobre el tema, las opiniones

de expertos y las propias regulaciones tributarias cubanas.



Kent recomienda a la comunidad financiera internacional considerar

asimismo cómo la cruzada anti-corrupción del Ministero del Interior

barrió también con otros ejecutivos de negocios extranjeros, como el

británico Stephen Purvis o el francés Jean Louis Autret. Estos dos

–dice–han sido puestos en libertad para contar sus relatos de horror,

pero sus propiedades también fueron confiscadas por el gobierno de Cuba.

El periodista de CNN en Español Xavier Serbiá dedicó un reportaje al

caso de Purvis:



Termina diciendo Peter Kent que las historias de Purvis y Autret, como

la de Cy Tokmajian, han generado un clima de incertidumbre y

preocupación entre las compañías extranjeras que mantienen inversiones

en Cuba: sus respetables directivos, por más tentadora que parezca la

nueva legislación de inversiones aprobada por la Asamblea Nacional de

Cuba, podrían correr idéntica suerte, a manos de algún agresivo

investigador anticapitalista del Ministerio del Interior.



Source: Huffington Post: Advierten a inversores en Cuba, "recuerden a

Tokmajian" | Cubanet -

http://www.cubanet.org/blogs/advierten-a-inversores-en-cuba-recuerden-a-tokmajian/

Huffington Post - Advierten a inversores en Cuba, “recuerden a Tokmajian”

Huffington Post: Advierten a inversores en Cuba, "recuerden a Tokmajian"
Peter Kent, ex ministro de exteriores de Canadá contradice la seguridad
y las garantías que ofrece la nueva Ley de Inversión Extranjera,
poniendo como ejemplo al inversionista Cy Tokmajian que fue despojado de
sus empreas por el gobierno cubano, y hecho prisionero
miércoles, abril 30, 2014 | CubaNet

El parlamentario canadiense Peter Kent advierte en el Huffington Post
que la comunidad financiera internacional debería ponderar
cuidadosamente las ofertas de inversión que vienen haciendo ministros,
diplomáticos y funcionarios comerciales cubanos, y reparar en que uno de
sus pares, el canadiense Cy Tokmajian, sigue esperando juicio en la isla
desde septiembre del 2011, cuando fue detenido y encarcelado.

Según estos emisarios, un nuevo día de oportunidades está amaneciendo
para invertir en ese estado comunista escaso de divisas, luego de la
aprobación de una ley que promete jugosos cortes o exenciones de
impuestos, y garantías para la seguridad de la inversión extranjera.

Kent cuestiona tal seguridad y presenta un ejemplo –"entre muchos",
dice— en el caso del presidente y Ejecutivo Principal de Grupo
Tokmajian, a quien conoció como parlamentario por Toronto y como
ministro de Asuntos Exteriores para las Américas. En septiembre pasado,
lo visitó en la prisión cubana La Condesa.

Allí ha permanecido por dos años y medio el empresario de 73 años,
después de ser blanco, según el autor, de una "selectiva campaña
anticorrupción" lanzada por Raúl Castro; eso, a pesar de que su hermano
Fidel había elogiado la integridad de Tokmajian y sus contribuciones a
la economía cubana.

Grupo Tokmajian –afirma el actual presidente de la Comisión de Defensa
en la Cámara de los Comunes de Canadá– era la segunda mayor inversión
privada canadiense en Cuba, tras la de la corporación minera Sherrit.

Ahora las propiedades personales y las del negocio de Tokmajian,
valoradas en más de 90 millones de dólares, han sido confiscadas por las
autoridades cubanas, que además han sugerido a representantes de la
compañía que si envían unos millones más a la isla, la sentencia contra
el directivo podría resultar menos severa.

Revela el ajutor que en las últimas semanas la fiscalía cubana presentó
por fin cargos formales contra el prisionero. Kent señala, citando al
equipo internacional de abogados de Tokmajian, que los cargos son, o
bien distorsiones, o falsas representaciones de la práctica normal de
negocios por parte de empresarios extranjeros en Cuba.

Según arguye la defensa, las acusaciones de soborno incluyen incentivos
básicos a la productividad del personal, bonificaciones cenas y boletos
para espectáculos como reconocimiento al buen rendimiento; y las de de
evasión de impuestos ignoran los tratados sobre el tema, las opiniones
de expertos y las propias regulaciones tributarias cubanas.

Kent recomienda a la comunidad financiera internacional considerar
asimismo cómo la cruzada anti-corrupción del Ministero del Interior
barrió también con otros ejecutivos de negocios extranjeros, como el
británico Stephen Purvis o el francés Jean Louis Autret. Estos dos
–dice–han sido puestos en libertad para contar sus relatos de horror,
pero sus propiedades también fueron confiscadas por el gobierno de Cuba.
El periodista de CNN en Español Xavier Serbiá dedicó un reportaje al
caso de Purvis:

Termina diciendo Peter Kent que las historias de Purvis y Autret, como
la de Cy Tokmajian, han generado un clima de incertidumbre y
preocupación entre las compañías extranjeras que mantienen inversiones
en Cuba: sus respetables directivos, por más tentadora que parezca la
nueva legislación de inversiones aprobada por la Asamblea Nacional de
Cuba, podrían correr idéntica suerte, a manos de algún agresivo
investigador anticapitalista del Ministerio del Interior.

Source: Huffington Post: Advierten a inversores en Cuba, "recuerden a
Tokmajian" | Cubanet -
http://www.cubanet.org/blogs/advierten-a-inversores-en-cuba-recuerden-a-tokmajian/

BNP Paribas Warns Sanctions-Busting Fines Likely To Top Amount It Set Aside

BNP Paribas Warns Sanctions-Busting Fines Likely To Top Amount It Set Aside

By Sneha Shankar

on April 30 2014 7:57 AM



French bank BNP Paribas SA (OTCMKTS:BNPQY) warned Wednesday that it may

have to pay much more to cover sanctions-busting fines in the U.S. than

the $1.1 billion it set aside last year to cover the matter.



BNP Paribas faces criminal charges from U.S. federal prosecutors for

allegedly doing business with countries subject to U.S. sanctions, such

as Iran, Sudan and Cuba, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.



The warning from Paribas comes as other global banks face mounting legal

woes from investigations into a string of alleged misdeeds, including

fixing benchmark interest rates and manipulating foreign-exchange

markets. JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) agreed to pay $13 billion in

2013 over mortgage-related charges, while HSBC Holdings Plc (NYSE:HSBC)

agreed to pay $1.9 billion to settle a multiyear U.S. criminal probe

into money-laundering lapses.



"There is uncertainty with respect to the amount and the nature of

penalties the U.S. will impose," Lars Machenil, chief financial officer

of Paribas, France's largest bank, told Reuters. "It's not impossible

that the fine is far in excess of the ($1.1 billion) provision."



Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE:CS) also faces criminal charges. The

Switzerland bank has been the subject of a U.S. criminal probe since

2011 into whether it helped Americans evade taxes, Bloomberg reported,

citing sources.



Representatives for both BNP Paribas and Credit Suisse have declined to

comment on the probes, the reports said. BNP Paribas ADRs trade on the

over-the-counter market in the U.S.



The U.S. may also prohibit Paribas from conducting dollar clearing in

New York, a process which helps to settle and clear transactions

quickly. Individual employees also face penalties, Reuters reported.



"The risk is that some form of operational sanction may undermine the

bank's ability to meet these targets," Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst

Jean-Pierre Lambert said, according to Reuters. "There does not seem to

be a serious likelihood that BNP will lose its banking license outright,

but there may be consequences for its current activities if its ability

to clear U.S. dollar transactions is limited."



BNP Paribas said its net income rose 5.2 percent to 1.67 billion euros

($2.31 billion) in the first quarter.



Source: BNP Paribas Warns Sanctions-Busting Fines Likely To Top Amount

It Set Aside -

http://www.ibtimes.com/bnp-paribas-warns-sanctions-busting-fines-likely-top-amount-it-set-aside-1578285

BNP Paribas Warns Sanctions-Busting Fines Likely To Top Amount It Set Aside

BNP Paribas Warns Sanctions-Busting Fines Likely To Top Amount It Set Aside
By Sneha Shankar
on April 30 2014 7:57 AM

French bank BNP Paribas SA (OTCMKTS:BNPQY) warned Wednesday that it may
have to pay much more to cover sanctions-busting fines in the U.S. than
the $1.1 billion it set aside last year to cover the matter.

BNP Paribas faces criminal charges from U.S. federal prosecutors for
allegedly doing business with countries subject to U.S. sanctions, such
as Iran, Sudan and Cuba, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The warning from Paribas comes as other global banks face mounting legal
woes from investigations into a string of alleged misdeeds, including
fixing benchmark interest rates and manipulating foreign-exchange
markets. JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) agreed to pay $13 billion in
2013 over mortgage-related charges, while HSBC Holdings Plc (NYSE:HSBC)
agreed to pay $1.9 billion to settle a multiyear U.S. criminal probe
into money-laundering lapses.

"There is uncertainty with respect to the amount and the nature of
penalties the U.S. will impose," Lars Machenil, chief financial officer
of Paribas, France's largest bank, told Reuters. "It's not impossible
that the fine is far in excess of the ($1.1 billion) provision."

Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE:CS) also faces criminal charges. The
Switzerland bank has been the subject of a U.S. criminal probe since
2011 into whether it helped Americans evade taxes, Bloomberg reported,
citing sources.

Representatives for both BNP Paribas and Credit Suisse have declined to
comment on the probes, the reports said. BNP Paribas ADRs trade on the
over-the-counter market in the U.S.

The U.S. may also prohibit Paribas from conducting dollar clearing in
New York, a process which helps to settle and clear transactions
quickly. Individual employees also face penalties, Reuters reported.

"The risk is that some form of operational sanction may undermine the
bank's ability to meet these targets," Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst
Jean-Pierre Lambert said, according to Reuters. "There does not seem to
be a serious likelihood that BNP will lose its banking license outright,
but there may be consequences for its current activities if its ability
to clear U.S. dollar transactions is limited."

BNP Paribas said its net income rose 5.2 percent to 1.67 billion euros
($2.31 billion) in the first quarter.

Source: BNP Paribas Warns Sanctions-Busting Fines Likely To Top Amount
It Set Aside -
http://www.ibtimes.com/bnp-paribas-warns-sanctions-busting-fines-likely-top-amount-it-set-aside-1578285

La razón de los “cambios” en Cuba

La razón de los "cambios" en Cuba

abril 30, 2014

Dariela Aquique



HAVANA TIMES — Desde 1960, Cuba fue acogida al protectorado de la otrora

Unión Soviética y se convirtió en un bastión cardinal en el escenario de

la Guerra Fría que libraban las dos más grandes potencias del mundo y

sus bloques político-económicos. La comarca de ultramar del comunismo

era a imagen y semejanza de sus mentores: ateos, totalitarios y otros

demonios.



Siendo el sitio desde donde se procuraba exportar a este hemisferio las

ideologías marxistas, la isla mandaba médicos y maestros a los países

del Continente para obtener simpatía y agradecimiento; pero igualmente

enviaba tropas y asesorías a los movimientos guerrilleros.



La muerte del Che y el fracaso de muchas de estas guerrillas; los golpes

de Estado y las dictaduras militares instauradas en toda la región y

finalmente la derrota electoral de los sandinistas y los acuerdos de paz

en 1989, minaron su gestión de transportar tendencia y propaganda política.



Ese mismo año cayó el muro de Berlín y la URSS dos años después. Con el

colapso del socialismo estatal y el auge del neoliberalismo parecía que

la atemperación a la economía capitalista era la única opción.



Pero eso presuponía un cambio no tardío en la política del país y por

ende constituía una amenaza para la permanencia del régimen totalitario

de la isla. No obstante, el Gobierno cubano tuvo que trazar nuevas

estrategias ante la crisis económica, introduciendo algunas reformas de

orientación mercadista, como la apertura al turismo, la legalización del

dólar, la autorización al empleo por cuenta propia y permitir la

inversión extranjera.



Estas medidas fueron en pequeñas escalas y resultaron en un crecimiento

económico insuficiente para sacar a flote la maltrecha economía

nacional. Pero de algún modo adecuadas para el sostenimiento del

sistema, que ha sido siempre partidario de la economía estatal centralizada.



De pronto, en el nuevo contexto político latinoamericano de finales del

siglo pasado, se hicieron visibles los Partidos de izquierda y centro

izquierda y facilitaron la llegada al poder de algunos de ellos. En

Venezuela alcanzó la presidencia Hugo Chávez Frías, un discípulo de los

Castro que se convirtió en el nuevo Mecenas para el gobierno de la isla,

aportando 100.000 barriles de petróleo diarios.



Pero en la región perduraba aún el prejuicio del fantasma comunista. Y

existían muchas reservas con el sistema absolutista de Cuba.

La ola de izquierda latinoamericana dice apostar por cambios que

impliquen la reducción de la pobreza y la paulatina disminución de las

desigualdades sociales. Hay hasta quienes hablan de un socialismo de

nuevo tipo, cristiano, que respeta la democracia, coexiste con la

oposición y apoya la economía privada.



Cuba tenía entonces que ponerse a tono con los nuevos tiempos y los

nuevos amigos. Las misiones médicas y de otro tipo, fueron logrando que

poco a poco con el apogeo de la llamada integración latinoamericana se

estrecharan los vínculos diplomáticos, así como los tratados de

colaboración e intercambio económico y comercial de la isla con casi

todos los países del continente.



Pero para ganar adeptos en la región y disminuir la ojeriza, era

menester cambiar de talante ante la opinión pública internacional. Cuba

estaba obligada a mostrarse más tolerante e inclusiva. La zona del

Mariel, es el mejor ejemplo, de cómo la isla ha sabido ganar mayores

dividendos.



Esa es la razón de la ola de desconcertantes "cambios", que tienen como

objetivos servir de máscara que disfrace la esencia parasitaria de la

economía cubana arreglada a los nuevos tiempos, donde si no subes al

carro de la open-minded, te quedas.



Esa es la Cuba abierta de patas a la inversión extranjera, la que

anuncia que pondrá Internet a todos. Y permite a sus gentes comprar y

vender sus casas y sus autos, entrar a los hoteles, viajar sin permiso

de salida y tener un celular. Y de paso lograr capitalizar el entusiasmo

de la integración latinoamericana.



Source: La razón de los "cambios" en Cuba - Havana Times en español -

http://www.havanatimes.org/sp/?p=95542

La razón de los “cambios” en Cuba

La razón de los "cambios" en Cuba
abril 30, 2014
Dariela Aquique

HAVANA TIMES — Desde 1960, Cuba fue acogida al protectorado de la otrora
Unión Soviética y se convirtió en un bastión cardinal en el escenario de
la Guerra Fría que libraban las dos más grandes potencias del mundo y
sus bloques político-económicos. La comarca de ultramar del comunismo
era a imagen y semejanza de sus mentores: ateos, totalitarios y otros
demonios.

Siendo el sitio desde donde se procuraba exportar a este hemisferio las
ideologías marxistas, la isla mandaba médicos y maestros a los países
del Continente para obtener simpatía y agradecimiento; pero igualmente
enviaba tropas y asesorías a los movimientos guerrilleros.

La muerte del Che y el fracaso de muchas de estas guerrillas; los golpes
de Estado y las dictaduras militares instauradas en toda la región y
finalmente la derrota electoral de los sandinistas y los acuerdos de paz
en 1989, minaron su gestión de transportar tendencia y propaganda política.

Ese mismo año cayó el muro de Berlín y la URSS dos años después. Con el
colapso del socialismo estatal y el auge del neoliberalismo parecía que
la atemperación a la economía capitalista era la única opción.

Pero eso presuponía un cambio no tardío en la política del país y por
ende constituía una amenaza para la permanencia del régimen totalitario
de la isla. No obstante, el Gobierno cubano tuvo que trazar nuevas
estrategias ante la crisis económica, introduciendo algunas reformas de
orientación mercadista, como la apertura al turismo, la legalización del
dólar, la autorización al empleo por cuenta propia y permitir la
inversión extranjera.

Estas medidas fueron en pequeñas escalas y resultaron en un crecimiento
económico insuficiente para sacar a flote la maltrecha economía
nacional. Pero de algún modo adecuadas para el sostenimiento del
sistema, que ha sido siempre partidario de la economía estatal centralizada.

De pronto, en el nuevo contexto político latinoamericano de finales del
siglo pasado, se hicieron visibles los Partidos de izquierda y centro
izquierda y facilitaron la llegada al poder de algunos de ellos. En
Venezuela alcanzó la presidencia Hugo Chávez Frías, un discípulo de los
Castro que se convirtió en el nuevo Mecenas para el gobierno de la isla,
aportando 100.000 barriles de petróleo diarios.

Pero en la región perduraba aún el prejuicio del fantasma comunista. Y
existían muchas reservas con el sistema absolutista de Cuba.
La ola de izquierda latinoamericana dice apostar por cambios que
impliquen la reducción de la pobreza y la paulatina disminución de las
desigualdades sociales. Hay hasta quienes hablan de un socialismo de
nuevo tipo, cristiano, que respeta la democracia, coexiste con la
oposición y apoya la economía privada.

Cuba tenía entonces que ponerse a tono con los nuevos tiempos y los
nuevos amigos. Las misiones médicas y de otro tipo, fueron logrando que
poco a poco con el apogeo de la llamada integración latinoamericana se
estrecharan los vínculos diplomáticos, así como los tratados de
colaboración e intercambio económico y comercial de la isla con casi
todos los países del continente.

Pero para ganar adeptos en la región y disminuir la ojeriza, era
menester cambiar de talante ante la opinión pública internacional. Cuba
estaba obligada a mostrarse más tolerante e inclusiva. La zona del
Mariel, es el mejor ejemplo, de cómo la isla ha sabido ganar mayores
dividendos.

Esa es la razón de la ola de desconcertantes "cambios", que tienen como
objetivos servir de máscara que disfrace la esencia parasitaria de la
economía cubana arreglada a los nuevos tiempos, donde si no subes al
carro de la open-minded, te quedas.

Esa es la Cuba abierta de patas a la inversión extranjera, la que
anuncia que pondrá Internet a todos. Y permite a sus gentes comprar y
vender sus casas y sus autos, entrar a los hoteles, viajar sin permiso
de salida y tener un celular. Y de paso lograr capitalizar el entusiasmo
de la integración latinoamericana.

Source: La razón de los "cambios" en Cuba - Havana Times en español -
http://www.havanatimes.org/sp/?p=95542

The Reasons Behind the “Changes” in Cuba

The Reasons Behind the "Changes" in Cuba

April 30, 2014

Dariela Aquique



HAVANA TIMES — As of 1960, Cuba was taken under the wing of the former

Soviet Union and became one of its key bastions in the Cold War waged by

the world's two superpowers and their political and economic blocs. The

overseas Communist satellite was fashioned in the image of its mentors:

atheistic, totalitarian and other demons.



Hoping to export Marxist ideology to other parts of the hemisphere, the

island sent doctors and teachers to countries around the continent in

order to secure their sympathy and gratitude, while at the same time

sending troops and military advisors to different guerrilla movements.



The death of Che Guevara and the defeat of many of these guerrilla

movements, the coup d'états and military dictatorships installed across

Latin America, the electoral defeat of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua

(Feb. 1990) and the peace accords of 1989, served to undermine Cuba's

efforts to propagate its political model.



Also in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. Two years later, the Soviet Union

collapsed. With the fall of State socialism and the rise of

neoliberalism, the moderation of the capitalist economy seemed the only

viable option.



That, however, presupposed hasty changes to the country's political

system and, as such, constituted a threat to the island's totalitarian

regime. Despite this, the Cuban government, faced with an economic

crisis, had no choice but to trace new strategies and introduced a

number of market-oriented reforms, such as the development of the

tourism industry, the legalization of the dollar, the authorization of

self-employment and foreign investment.



These measures were implemented on a small scale and resulted in a

degree of economic growth that was not enough to lift the ruined

national economy off the ground. They did, however, serve to keep the

system, which has always favored a centralized State economy, from

collapsing.



At the close of the last century, Left and Center-Left parties suddenly

became popular and came to power in some countries. Hugo Chavez, a

disciple of the Castro, became the president of Venezuela and a new

patron of the island's government (which it supplied with 100 thousand

barrels of oil a day).



The region, however, was still haunted by prejudices against the

communist specter, and people harbored many reservations vis-à-vis any

version of Cuba's absolutist political system.



The new Latin American Left claims to lay its bets on changes that

involve a reduction of poverty and the gradual elimination of social

inequality. There are even those who speak of a new, Christian socialism

that respects democracy, can co-exist with the opposition and supports

private enterprise.



Cuba had to get in step with the times and grow closer to its new

friends. Medical and other types of internationalist missions served to

strengthen diplomatic ties and consolidate financial and commercial

collaboration and exchange treaties between the island and nearly all

countries in the continent within the context of so-called "Latin

American integration."



To win over allies in the region and reduce existing ill-will, Cuba had

to change in the eyes of world public opinion – it had to show itself

more tolerant and inclusive. The Mariel Special Development Zone is an

example of how the island has managed to take in more dividends.



These are the reasons behind the wave of disconcerting "changes" in

Cuba, which are aimed at disguising the parasitic nature of the

country's economy as it adjusts itself to the new times, when, if you're

not open minded, you are simply left behind.



We are seeing a Cuba that has spread its legs to foreign investment, a

Cuba now announcing it will make Internet available to everyone, which

allows people to buy and sell houses and cars, go to hotels, travel

without a permit and own a cell phone, all the while capitalizing on the

enthusiasm over Latin American integration.



Source: The Reasons Behind the "Changes" in Cuba - Havana Times.org -

http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=103334

The Reasons Behind the “Changes” in Cuba

The Reasons Behind the "Changes" in Cuba
April 30, 2014
Dariela Aquique

HAVANA TIMES — As of 1960, Cuba was taken under the wing of the former
Soviet Union and became one of its key bastions in the Cold War waged by
the world's two superpowers and their political and economic blocs. The
overseas Communist satellite was fashioned in the image of its mentors:
atheistic, totalitarian and other demons.

Hoping to export Marxist ideology to other parts of the hemisphere, the
island sent doctors and teachers to countries around the continent in
order to secure their sympathy and gratitude, while at the same time
sending troops and military advisors to different guerrilla movements.

The death of Che Guevara and the defeat of many of these guerrilla
movements, the coup d'états and military dictatorships installed across
Latin America, the electoral defeat of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua
(Feb. 1990) and the peace accords of 1989, served to undermine Cuba's
efforts to propagate its political model.

Also in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. Two years later, the Soviet Union
collapsed. With the fall of State socialism and the rise of
neoliberalism, the moderation of the capitalist economy seemed the only
viable option.

That, however, presupposed hasty changes to the country's political
system and, as such, constituted a threat to the island's totalitarian
regime. Despite this, the Cuban government, faced with an economic
crisis, had no choice but to trace new strategies and introduced a
number of market-oriented reforms, such as the development of the
tourism industry, the legalization of the dollar, the authorization of
self-employment and foreign investment.

These measures were implemented on a small scale and resulted in a
degree of economic growth that was not enough to lift the ruined
national economy off the ground. They did, however, serve to keep the
system, which has always favored a centralized State economy, from
collapsing.

At the close of the last century, Left and Center-Left parties suddenly
became popular and came to power in some countries. Hugo Chavez, a
disciple of the Castro, became the president of Venezuela and a new
patron of the island's government (which it supplied with 100 thousand
barrels of oil a day).

The region, however, was still haunted by prejudices against the
communist specter, and people harbored many reservations vis-à-vis any
version of Cuba's absolutist political system.

The new Latin American Left claims to lay its bets on changes that
involve a reduction of poverty and the gradual elimination of social
inequality. There are even those who speak of a new, Christian socialism
that respects democracy, can co-exist with the opposition and supports
private enterprise.

Cuba had to get in step with the times and grow closer to its new
friends. Medical and other types of internationalist missions served to
strengthen diplomatic ties and consolidate financial and commercial
collaboration and exchange treaties between the island and nearly all
countries in the continent within the context of so-called "Latin
American integration."

To win over allies in the region and reduce existing ill-will, Cuba had
to change in the eyes of world public opinion – it had to show itself
more tolerant and inclusive. The Mariel Special Development Zone is an
example of how the island has managed to take in more dividends.

These are the reasons behind the wave of disconcerting "changes" in
Cuba, which are aimed at disguising the parasitic nature of the
country's economy as it adjusts itself to the new times, when, if you're
not open minded, you are simply left behind.

We are seeing a Cuba that has spread its legs to foreign investment, a
Cuba now announcing it will make Internet available to everyone, which
allows people to buy and sell houses and cars, go to hotels, travel
without a permit and own a cell phone, all the while capitalizing on the
enthusiasm over Latin American integration.

Source: The Reasons Behind the "Changes" in Cuba - Havana Times.org -
http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=103334

Cuba Is Open For Business That Might Land You in Jail

Peter KentPC MP, Thornhill



Cuba Is Open For Business That Might Land You in Jail

Posted: 04/29/2014 6:03 pm



If word out of Havana is to believed -- relayed aggressively in recent

weeks by Cuban diplomats and trade emissaries to major investors in

financial centers around the world -- a new day of investment

opportunities is dawning in the cash-strapped communist state.



The sales pitch is driven by a set of new laws passed last month by the

Cuban National Assembly.



The legislation provides for steep tax cuts and tax exemptions. There

are a range of new guarantees of investment security.



In short, Cuba is open for business and safe for foreign investors.



Reality is at stark odds with the platitudes of the Cuban trade

officials and diplomats. One example, of many:



Since September 10, 2011 a Canadian citizen, Cy Tokmakjian, President

and CEO of the Tokmakjian Group of Companies, has been detained by Cuban

authorities.



He is one of dozens of Cuban and foreign business executives scooped by

anti-corruption investigators of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (a

ministry modeled, in the early years of the Cuban Revolution, on the

Soviet KGB and East German Stasi).



The Interior Ministry investigations are a direct product of President

Raul Castro's selective anti-corruption crusade. It is worth noting,

that the only foreign "suspects" in the investigations are almost all

European or Canadian business executives; none have come from Cuba's

like-minded communist or authoritarian regimes.



Cy has been held for more than two-and-a-half years and is still

awaiting his day in court. He is 73 years old, in frail health and held

in La Condesa, a crudely austere, walled prison for hardened criminals

located in the middle of a sugar cane plantation.



His personal assets and those of the business (in excess of $90 million)

have been seized by Cuban authorities. It seems no coincidence that Cuba

ensured claims made against the Tokmakjian Group exceed the value of

seized assets. There have been suggestions to company representatives

that additional millions sent from Canada could result in a more

"lenient" outcome.



Cy is a popular and respected corporate citizen in Canada and, until his

incarceration in Cuba in 2011, had operated businesses there for more

than 20 years.



He was recognized by the Cuban Government -- indeed, by former President

Fidel Castro -- for his integrity and his contributions to Cuba's

economy through various joint ventures and closely-audited partnerships.



Throughout his detention, Cy has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.



At the same time, Cy has been pressured by the Cuban investigators to

sign a variety of "confessions." His own Interior Ministry-assigned

Cuban lawyers are also under great pressure to gain any possible

admission of guilt.



He has been told, many times, that, if he drops International claims

against Cuba or admits to minor "offenses," he would have a lenient

trial and be released immediately.



The Canadian government, since 2011, has regularly requested that the

Cuban government specify precise charges and allow Cy a fair trial, or,

that he be released and his seized assets restored.



In recent weeks, the Cuban prosecutors finally produced a list of formal

charges from original allegations that had been investigated, then

abandoned by investigators over the past 2.5 years. The formal charges

are considered by Cy's international legal team to be entirely without

merit.



His lawyers have proposed a witness list of highly credible individuals

and organizations to refute what can only be described as distortions

and misrepresentations of normal, foreign business practices in Cuba.

(for decades past and still today). It is not clear whether these

formidable witnesses will be allowed to testify.



The Cuban case includes:



- allegations of "bribery" that include basic staff productivity

incentives, performance bonuses, dinners and entertainment.

- Cuban allegations of "tax evasion" that ignore tax treaties

(Barbados/Cuba), ignore Cuba's own tax regulations, and ignore 3 expert

tax opinions (Deloitte Forensic, Deloitte Tax, and even a Cuban tax

authority)



I have known Cy for some years, both as his Member of Parliament for the

Toronto area riding of Thornhill and, as Canada's former Minister of

State for Foreign Affairs (Americas).



And, while Minister, I discussed a wide range of trade and foreign

policy issues with Cuban political leaders, diplomats and officials,

topics including the then praised partnerships with Tokmakjian Group

companies.



Although Canada and Cuba do not agree on all bilateral or international

issues of any day, our government has worked to address thorny matters

such as human rights, the rule of law, and democratic development in

Cuba even as we've encouraged Canadian business and industry to work

with Cuban partners to help develop the struggling national economy.



During my ministerial visit to Cuba in 2010, Cy was characterized as a

valued partner by Cuban interlocutors. His companies then represented

the second largest Canadian investment in Cuba after the Canadian

resource company, Sherritt International.



I recall, during Canada's most recent, unsuccessful, campaign for our

once-in-a-decade position on the Security Council, the Cuban Ambassador

to the UN making a point of advising Latin American and Caribbean

diplomats that, while Cuba does not agree with Canada on all issues,

Cuba respects the transparent and principled contribution that Canada

makes in international fora.



I also recall, on the day of the Security Council vote, the Cuban

Ambassador actively lobbying for votes on the floor of the General

Assembly with our Canadian delegation while some of our closest G7

partners sat on their hands.



Those days of honest brokering and principled dispute resolution now

seem long gone.



I visited Cy in September last year at Cuba's notorious La Condesa

Prison outside Havana.



His focus then as today: give me my day in court -- a fair and complete

examination of unfounded allegations as well as consideration of

detailed defense rebuttals and expert witnesses.



As Cy still awaits a trial date, the international financial community

should ponder long and hard the investment blandishments of Cuban

ministers, diplomats and trade officials.



They might also consider other foreign business executives who were

swept up earlier in the Interior Ministry's anti-corruption crusade.



Very little internet scouring is required to discover the very similar

cautionary tales of people such as Briton Stephen Purvis or French

national Jean Louis Autret. Both men are free to tell their respective

horror stories...without millions in assets that were seized by Cuba.



Their stories, like Cy's, have created a climate of uncertainly and

concern among foreign companies that remain invested in Cuba. There but

for blind luck, or an aggressive, anti-capitalist investigator from the

Interior Ministry, could go many more respectable foreign businessmen.



Despite the Cuban National Assembly's tempting new investment legislation.





Follow Peter Kent on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KentThornhillMP



Source: Cuba Is Open For Business That Might Land You in Jail | Peter

Kent -

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/peter-kent/cuba-business_b_5228281.html?just_reloaded=1

Cuba Is Open For Business That Might Land You in Jail

Peter KentPC MP, Thornhill

Cuba Is Open For Business That Might Land You in Jail
Posted: 04/29/2014 6:03 pm

If word out of Havana is to believed -- relayed aggressively in recent
weeks by Cuban diplomats and trade emissaries to major investors in
financial centers around the world -- a new day of investment
opportunities is dawning in the cash-strapped communist state.

The sales pitch is driven by a set of new laws passed last month by the
Cuban National Assembly.

The legislation provides for steep tax cuts and tax exemptions. There
are a range of new guarantees of investment security.

In short, Cuba is open for business and safe for foreign investors.

Reality is at stark odds with the platitudes of the Cuban trade
officials and diplomats. One example, of many:

Since September 10, 2011 a Canadian citizen, Cy Tokmakjian, President
and CEO of the Tokmakjian Group of Companies, has been detained by Cuban
authorities.

He is one of dozens of Cuban and foreign business executives scooped by
anti-corruption investigators of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (a
ministry modeled, in the early years of the Cuban Revolution, on the
Soviet KGB and East German Stasi).

The Interior Ministry investigations are a direct product of President
Raul Castro's selective anti-corruption crusade. It is worth noting,
that the only foreign "suspects" in the investigations are almost all
European or Canadian business executives; none have come from Cuba's
like-minded communist or authoritarian regimes.

Cy has been held for more than two-and-a-half years and is still
awaiting his day in court. He is 73 years old, in frail health and held
in La Condesa, a crudely austere, walled prison for hardened criminals
located in the middle of a sugar cane plantation.

His personal assets and those of the business (in excess of $90 million)
have been seized by Cuban authorities. It seems no coincidence that Cuba
ensured claims made against the Tokmakjian Group exceed the value of
seized assets. There have been suggestions to company representatives
that additional millions sent from Canada could result in a more
"lenient" outcome.

Cy is a popular and respected corporate citizen in Canada and, until his
incarceration in Cuba in 2011, had operated businesses there for more
than 20 years.

He was recognized by the Cuban Government -- indeed, by former President
Fidel Castro -- for his integrity and his contributions to Cuba's
economy through various joint ventures and closely-audited partnerships.

Throughout his detention, Cy has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

At the same time, Cy has been pressured by the Cuban investigators to
sign a variety of "confessions." His own Interior Ministry-assigned
Cuban lawyers are also under great pressure to gain any possible
admission of guilt.

He has been told, many times, that, if he drops International claims
against Cuba or admits to minor "offenses," he would have a lenient
trial and be released immediately.

The Canadian government, since 2011, has regularly requested that the
Cuban government specify precise charges and allow Cy a fair trial, or,
that he be released and his seized assets restored.

In recent weeks, the Cuban prosecutors finally produced a list of formal
charges from original allegations that had been investigated, then
abandoned by investigators over the past 2.5 years. The formal charges
are considered by Cy's international legal team to be entirely without
merit.

His lawyers have proposed a witness list of highly credible individuals
and organizations to refute what can only be described as distortions
and misrepresentations of normal, foreign business practices in Cuba.
(for decades past and still today). It is not clear whether these
formidable witnesses will be allowed to testify.

The Cuban case includes:

- allegations of "bribery" that include basic staff productivity
incentives, performance bonuses, dinners and entertainment.
- Cuban allegations of "tax evasion" that ignore tax treaties
(Barbados/Cuba), ignore Cuba's own tax regulations, and ignore 3 expert
tax opinions (Deloitte Forensic, Deloitte Tax, and even a Cuban tax
authority)

I have known Cy for some years, both as his Member of Parliament for the
Toronto area riding of Thornhill and, as Canada's former Minister of
State for Foreign Affairs (Americas).

And, while Minister, I discussed a wide range of trade and foreign
policy issues with Cuban political leaders, diplomats and officials,
topics including the then praised partnerships with Tokmakjian Group
companies.

Although Canada and Cuba do not agree on all bilateral or international
issues of any day, our government has worked to address thorny matters
such as human rights, the rule of law, and democratic development in
Cuba even as we've encouraged Canadian business and industry to work
with Cuban partners to help develop the struggling national economy.

During my ministerial visit to Cuba in 2010, Cy was characterized as a
valued partner by Cuban interlocutors. His companies then represented
the second largest Canadian investment in Cuba after the Canadian
resource company, Sherritt International.

I recall, during Canada's most recent, unsuccessful, campaign for our
once-in-a-decade position on the Security Council, the Cuban Ambassador
to the UN making a point of advising Latin American and Caribbean
diplomats that, while Cuba does not agree with Canada on all issues,
Cuba respects the transparent and principled contribution that Canada
makes in international fora.

I also recall, on the day of the Security Council vote, the Cuban
Ambassador actively lobbying for votes on the floor of the General
Assembly with our Canadian delegation while some of our closest G7
partners sat on their hands.

Those days of honest brokering and principled dispute resolution now
seem long gone.

I visited Cy in September last year at Cuba's notorious La Condesa
Prison outside Havana.

His focus then as today: give me my day in court -- a fair and complete
examination of unfounded allegations as well as consideration of
detailed defense rebuttals and expert witnesses.

As Cy still awaits a trial date, the international financial community
should ponder long and hard the investment blandishments of Cuban
ministers, diplomats and trade officials.

They might also consider other foreign business executives who were
swept up earlier in the Interior Ministry's anti-corruption crusade.

Very little internet scouring is required to discover the very similar
cautionary tales of people such as Briton Stephen Purvis or French
national Jean Louis Autret. Both men are free to tell their respective
horror stories...without millions in assets that were seized by Cuba.

Their stories, like Cy's, have created a climate of uncertainly and
concern among foreign companies that remain invested in Cuba. There but
for blind luck, or an aggressive, anti-capitalist investigator from the
Interior Ministry, could go many more respectable foreign businessmen.

Despite the Cuban National Assembly's tempting new investment legislation.


Follow Peter Kent on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KentThornhillMP

Source: Cuba Is Open For Business That Might Land You in Jail | Peter
Kent -
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/peter-kent/cuba-business_b_5228281.html?just_reloaded=1

EU, Cuba in talks years after human rights row

EU, Cuba in talks years after human rights row

FRANCISCO JARA | AFP



HAVANA, Cuba – Cuba and the European Union sat down at the negotiating

table Tuesday aiming at deals on political dialogue and economic

cooperation.



The Americas' only one-party, communist-ruled state is the lone country

in Latin America that has no political dialogue with the EU. It was

suspended in 2003 after Havana rounded up and jailed 75 dissidents.



The Cuban side, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno, was

meeting in Havana with Christian Leffler, the top EU diplomat for the

Americas.



Reaching a deal that leads to Havana getting any EU financial help would

be rare good news for Cuba: Its Soviet-style, top-down government-run

economy is in constant crisis and does not have access to traditional

sources of funding.



Cuba's top economic partner is its political ally Venezuela, which

provides it billions of dollars every year, in great measure keeping the

regime afloat.



But Cuba remains cash-strapped and purchases much of what it needs in

hard currency on international markets. It has been unable to produce

food efficiently, for example, for its 11 million people.



Since the end of the Cold War, Cuba has faced one economic challenge

after another but has refused to open its markets to the world. It

considers western capitalism abusive and detrimental to socialist society.



Havana does allow limited foreign investment when the government remains

in control and Cuba can certify that its socialist policies and

centralized management are not undermined.



One key example — tourism, where some Spanish companies invest in hotels

and resorts in partnerships with state and military partners.



Cuba also has refused to allow a multi-party political system and all

media are government-run. President Raúl Castro's government is

routinely criticized by international rights groups for not allowing

free assembly, free expression and other basic human rights.



Source: EU, Cuba in talks years after human rights row — The Tico Times

-

http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/04/29/eu-cuba-in-talks-years-after-human-rights-row

EU, Cuba in talks years after human rights row

EU, Cuba in talks years after human rights row
FRANCISCO JARA | AFP

HAVANA, Cuba – Cuba and the European Union sat down at the negotiating
table Tuesday aiming at deals on political dialogue and economic
cooperation.

The Americas' only one-party, communist-ruled state is the lone country
in Latin America that has no political dialogue with the EU. It was
suspended in 2003 after Havana rounded up and jailed 75 dissidents.

The Cuban side, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno, was
meeting in Havana with Christian Leffler, the top EU diplomat for the
Americas.

Reaching a deal that leads to Havana getting any EU financial help would
be rare good news for Cuba: Its Soviet-style, top-down government-run
economy is in constant crisis and does not have access to traditional
sources of funding.

Cuba's top economic partner is its political ally Venezuela, which
provides it billions of dollars every year, in great measure keeping the
regime afloat.

But Cuba remains cash-strapped and purchases much of what it needs in
hard currency on international markets. It has been unable to produce
food efficiently, for example, for its 11 million people.

Since the end of the Cold War, Cuba has faced one economic challenge
after another but has refused to open its markets to the world. It
considers western capitalism abusive and detrimental to socialist society.

Havana does allow limited foreign investment when the government remains
in control and Cuba can certify that its socialist policies and
centralized management are not undermined.

One key example — tourism, where some Spanish companies invest in hotels
and resorts in partnerships with state and military partners.

Cuba also has refused to allow a multi-party political system and all
media are government-run. President Raúl Castro's government is
routinely criticized by international rights groups for not allowing
free assembly, free expression and other basic human rights.

Source: EU, Cuba in talks years after human rights row — The Tico Times
-
http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/04/29/eu-cuba-in-talks-years-after-human-rights-row

Cuba accuses UK of being anti-capitalist over plain packaging plans

Cuba accuses UK of being anti-capitalist over plain packaging plans

Communist state Cuba has complained that Britain is threatening free

trade with plans to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes and cigars

By Keith Perry, and John Bingham7:48PM BST 29 Apr 2014



Cuba has accused Britain of being anti-capitalist and threatening free

trade with its plans introduce plain packaging on cigarettes and cigars.

The Communist country has complained to the World Trade Organisation

over the UK Government plans to ban branding on smoking products to try

and encourage people to give up the addictive habit.

This came as Tory MP Priti Patel wrote in the Asian Trader arguing that

uncertainty surrounding the regulations and timescale is "causing

considerable anxiety to newsagents and independent retailers".

Cuba said it recognized Britain's "sovereign right to apply measures

aimed at protecting the health of its people while recognising that

tobacco is a "harmful but lawful product in international trade".

But it said plain packaging would lead to an increase in counterfeit

cigarettes by preventing manufacturers displaying their products'

distinctive trademarks and would also increase health risks to people

smoking black market cigarettes containing unknown substances.

Cuba also said it would impose unnecessary restrictions on international

trade and undermined the provisions of international trademark legislation.

Cuba's letter to the WTO's Committee to Technical Barriers on Trade

concluded: "Cuba expresses great concern over the UK Parliament's

decision to move ahead with the process of implementation of plain

packaging of tobacco products, without waiting for a settlement of the

complaint against Australia before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.

"We therefore respectfully ask that the British Government refrain from

adopting such packaging until there has been a definitive ruling in the

dispute currently before the DSB, so that this measure may be assessed

on the basis of those findings."

Cuba, Ukraine, Indonesia, Honduras and Dominican Republic have all

brought legal action against Australia, the first country to ban

colourful logos on cigarette packaging.

Since late 2012, tobacco products in Australia can only be sold in drab

olive-coloured packets that look more like military or prison issue,

with brands printed in small standardised fonts.

The five countries challenging it say the legislation is a barrier to

trade and restricts intellectual property.

In a letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Ms Patel wrote: "Small

shops are at the forefront of efforts to reduce underage tobacco sales

and do a tremendous job challenging prospective purchasers to provide

proof of age.

"However, measures like standardised packaging which will lead to an

increase in the availability of tobacco from illicit sources, would only

serve to make it easier for children to purchase tobacco products.

She added: "The blunt tool of standardised packaging will have a

significant and disproportionate impact on independent retailers,

whereas other measures to control and reduce use, such as through

education, would make a more positive contribution towards the

Government's strategic objective to reduce tobacco use."

She claimed Sir Cyril Chantler's inquiry into tobacco plain packaging

had ignored the views of small traders.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity ASH, refuted the

claims that plain packaging would increase illicit trade or make it

easier for underage people to smoke.

"Despite assertions by the tobacco industry and its allies, there is no

evidence to support the argument that standardised packaging would

increase illicit trade or make it easier for young people to access

tobacco," she said.

"The impact of standardised packaging on sales is likely to be gradual

and there is no reason why independent retailers should be particularly

affected."



Source: Cuba accuses UK of being anti-capitalist over plain packaging

plans - Telegraph -

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/cuba/10796980/Cuba-accuses-UK-of-being-anti-capitalist-over-plain-packaging-plans.html

Cuba accuses UK of being anti-capitalist over plain packaging plans

Cuba accuses UK of being anti-capitalist over plain packaging plans
Communist state Cuba has complained that Britain is threatening free
trade with plans to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes and cigars
By Keith Perry, and John Bingham7:48PM BST 29 Apr 2014

Cuba has accused Britain of being anti-capitalist and threatening free
trade with its plans introduce plain packaging on cigarettes and cigars.
The Communist country has complained to the World Trade Organisation
over the UK Government plans to ban branding on smoking products to try
and encourage people to give up the addictive habit.
This came as Tory MP Priti Patel wrote in the Asian Trader arguing that
uncertainty surrounding the regulations and timescale is "causing
considerable anxiety to newsagents and independent retailers".
Cuba said it recognized Britain's "sovereign right to apply measures
aimed at protecting the health of its people while recognising that
tobacco is a "harmful but lawful product in international trade".
But it said plain packaging would lead to an increase in counterfeit
cigarettes by preventing manufacturers displaying their products'
distinctive trademarks and would also increase health risks to people
smoking black market cigarettes containing unknown substances.
Cuba also said it would impose unnecessary restrictions on international
trade and undermined the provisions of international trademark legislation.
Cuba's letter to the WTO's Committee to Technical Barriers on Trade
concluded: "Cuba expresses great concern over the UK Parliament's
decision to move ahead with the process of implementation of plain
packaging of tobacco products, without waiting for a settlement of the
complaint against Australia before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.
"We therefore respectfully ask that the British Government refrain from
adopting such packaging until there has been a definitive ruling in the
dispute currently before the DSB, so that this measure may be assessed
on the basis of those findings."
Cuba, Ukraine, Indonesia, Honduras and Dominican Republic have all
brought legal action against Australia, the first country to ban
colourful logos on cigarette packaging.
Since late 2012, tobacco products in Australia can only be sold in drab
olive-coloured packets that look more like military or prison issue,
with brands printed in small standardised fonts.
The five countries challenging it say the legislation is a barrier to
trade and restricts intellectual property.
In a letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Ms Patel wrote: "Small
shops are at the forefront of efforts to reduce underage tobacco sales
and do a tremendous job challenging prospective purchasers to provide
proof of age.
"However, measures like standardised packaging which will lead to an
increase in the availability of tobacco from illicit sources, would only
serve to make it easier for children to purchase tobacco products.
She added: "The blunt tool of standardised packaging will have a
significant and disproportionate impact on independent retailers,
whereas other measures to control and reduce use, such as through
education, would make a more positive contribution towards the
Government's strategic objective to reduce tobacco use."
She claimed Sir Cyril Chantler's inquiry into tobacco plain packaging
had ignored the views of small traders.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity ASH, refuted the
claims that plain packaging would increase illicit trade or make it
easier for underage people to smoke.
"Despite assertions by the tobacco industry and its allies, there is no
evidence to support the argument that standardised packaging would
increase illicit trade or make it easier for young people to access
tobacco," she said.
"The impact of standardised packaging on sales is likely to be gradual
and there is no reason why independent retailers should be particularly
affected."

Source: Cuba accuses UK of being anti-capitalist over plain packaging
plans - Telegraph -
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/cuba/10796980/Cuba-accuses-UK-of-being-anti-capitalist-over-plain-packaging-plans.html