¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

I am a Canadian living in

Cuba.

I do not know when the opinions stated on this site about the benefits of living in Cuba were written. It was either a long time ago or by somebody who is ignorant of the present situation in this once idyllic country.

Cuba is arguably in a stage which could lead to a failed state. That has been and remains the mad objective of US administrations.  it is Washington’s way to perfect regime change.

it is extremely difficult bordering on impossible for the majority of Cubans to live here.

The medical system is reasonably accessible to foreigners who have American money or Visa cards. But it is only a shadow of its former self to Cubans.

There are no pharmacies in Cuba. Any prescription given at a hospital or by a doctor can only be filled from plastic bags full of assirted pharmaceuticals sold on the unpaved streets in the black market areas.

Food is not so much scarce as it is much too expensive for the average person.

Most of the country only has power certain hours of the day or night. Even water is now subject to shut down. As is gas.

Every morning, sunshine or tropical down pours of raine hundreds of Cubans lineup for hours and hours at the Spanish and other embassies hoping to get a visa into that country.

The government and credit cards exchange rate is 120 pesos to the American dollar. Two days ago, the black market rate was 365 to the American dollar. 

There is a little publicly stated in the news which would give one any hope that things are going to improve.

Throughout it all  Cubans maintain a smile and a humor with a grace that belies the empty stomachs.

For the dwindling few there remains an ember of hope.