On April 1st, 2008 the average Cuban was given a freedom most everyone in America takes for granted, the ability to possess a cell phone. Under the previous Communist Leader, Fidel Castro, cell phones had been restricted to individuals working for foreign firms or those who held key posts in the government. This ban was lifted by new President Raul Castro (the brother of Fidel) in what seems to be a goodwill gesture to the people of Cuba.
According to Manuel Cuesta, a Cuban dissident, “This could have a massive impact.” Although this new development will not affect the government’s stance on free speech it could lead to many changes. “It opens the possibility for more contact with foreigners, for more text messaging, for a culture of mass communication.”
It is hard for people in this country to imagine having their ability to communicate restricted. Everywhere we go we seem to stay constantly “in-touch” with our homes, offices, and friends. This small freedom has now been given to the people of this Caribbean island, and as Cuesta points out, “This is a small step toward liberalization.”
CellForCash.com
