Cuba: A deserted revolution? | Talk to Al Jazeera: In the Field

Cuba is witnessing an economic crisis that has taken the country back 30 years, to the so-called "Special Period".
As then, when subsidies from the former Soviet Union vanished, Cubans are suffering hardships and acute shortages of everything, from food to fuel.
The difference is that today, many tell you that the worst shortage is of hope.
And so, a new mass exodus of Cubans is under way, the largest in four decades.
On this edition of Talk to Al Jazeera: In the Field, we travel to the Cuban capital, Havana, to meet some of the people confronting the crisis.
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[@sattyre6892]

It's been 10 years since I was last there, but I love Cuba and it's people. I had really hoped that their economic situation would improve and that they could prosper. They are proud people doing the best that they can in difficult times. I wish them all the best.

[@guilleport]

It will NEVER IMPROVE because the slave masters will NEVER allow that. That's a fact. So as long as that situation remains it will NEVER IMPROVE.

[@jayparfaye2340]

If you live in the U.S., impress upon the President and your representatives that you want the sanctions and embargo against Cuba lifted. That is part of Cuba's economic problem 🙄.....U.S. interference in their economy.

[@abeldemota1851]

@@jayparfaye2340 was fidel castro and his revolution who started the hostilities, taking over the 🇺🇸 properties in cuba , is not the same thing supporting the ideology from your keyboard than paying with your stomach, fidel agresive style has a lot to do with the cuban situation too , so now the cubans are trying to get rid of the the so call revolution and the cuban government still blaming the 🇺🇸 for their own catastrophe thats stupid .

[@kimobrien.]

@@abeldemota1851 US acted with disdain for the new Cuban government from the very beginning. 499. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Mallory) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom)1 Washington, April 6, 1960. SUBJECT The Decline and Fall of Castro Salient considerations respecting the life of the present Government of Cuba are: 1. The majority of Cubans support Castro (the lowest estimate I have seen is 50 percent). 2. There is no effective political opposition. 3. Fidel Castro and other members of the Cuban Government espouse or condone communist influence. 4. Communist influence is pervading the Government and the body politic at an amazingly fast rate. 5. Militant opposition to Castro from without Cuba would only serve his and the communist cause. 6. The only foreseeable means of alienating internal support is through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship. If the above are accepted or cannot be successfully countered, it follows that every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba. If such a policy is adopted, it should be the result of a positive decision which would call forth a line of action which, while as adroit and inconspicuous as possible, makes the greatest inroads in denying money and supplies to Cuba, to decrease monetary and real wages, to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government. The principal item in our economic quiver would be flexible authority in the sugar legislation. This needs to be sought urgently. All other avenues should likewise be explored. But first, a decision is [Page 886]necessary as to the line of our conduct. Would you wish to have such a proposal prepared for the Secretary

[@henryc1000]

: Maybe if Fidel Castro had paid for the companies that he nationalized in 1960 United States may not have even implemented a blockade. So this is on Castro, not the United States. Regardless, many countries do business with Cuba. So the infernal whining with the Cuban government continually blaming the United States for their problems is BS!!!

[@geraldmiller5260]

The defender of Cuba was driving a new scooter, and her home was freshly painted. She seems to be favored by those in power.

[@irenepaz6233]

She is another spokeperson for that regimen, everything is organized and manipulated by the dictatorship

[@dlewis8405]

Well you have to hand it to those builders in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. They never imagined the buildings would have to last 80 or 90 years and longer but they are still standing. Who would have thought back then that every builder would be out of business in 1961?

[@starseed462]

Cuba stopped in 1961 the streets and buildings have never been fixed or painted again

[@albeit1]

Lots of buildings are that old. But, yeah. It seems socialism is not that capable of building things in Cuba. Even the communists in Eastern Europe built apartments after ww2.

[@JoseHernandez-fv9mk]

Some of them are from 1761

[@elmo8524]

The importation of concrete, cement, and other building materials is severely limited by the embargo, just last year a Mexican cement company was forced to close its factory in Cuba under threat of being blacklisted in the US. Shipments of construction equipment have also been seized in transit to Cuba.

[@jim2376]

@@elmo8524 So ask one of your communist buddies for some help. Maybe dictator Adolf Putler, dictator Xi, or the fat psychopath in North Korea have some concrete they can spare. Viva el fracaso de Castro! Viva!

[@Jamal-jv8yc]

The shoemaker needs the internet, a KZbin channel and an online store.

[@thevictoriakent]

How exactly is he going to ship if there are no ports and you lose 20% of any money you transfer thanks to the embargo.

[@lvi8957]

Via Panama papers 😉@@thevictoriakent

[@jorgeundertaker2827]

You forgot the exit visa and a place to live in some other country.

[@marshallbeggs]

@@thevictoriakent Which embargo? The external one, or the even more strict internal one?

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

@@thevictoriakent I am assuming he meant once he starts his shoe making business in Argentina!

[@mayankdwivedi9719]

The 76 years old guy is so dignified, radiant and optimistic. Not a hint of bitterness or resentment despite of living a hard life.He is an inspiration.

[@urbanentertainmentgodz]

He is probably an informant

[@mazkebar]

Maybe because he realizes that most of his problems are due to the ish-American govt

[@davison9245]

the reason that man didnt say anything bad about the bad situation is not because he such a nice person, is because he knows that if he makes any comment that goes against government, he could end up losing the posiblility of leaving the country, because when you live under a dictatorship, they have the power to say who leave and who stays.

[@endribardhyli1340]

He has lost all of his life and hope. How the heck you get inspired by this? What is wrong with you?

[@user-vf3gf4xq3v]

As a youngster he supported the repressive revolution based on the notion that there were too many poor. The concentration of power in the hands of few at the head of the state is no way to get ahead. Cuba is disaster. I’m so glad I left in 1961.

[@rapitup45]

Cuba is the best place i have visited. The people there are amazing and I hope to one day visit again.

[@musict26]

praying for Freedom for these beautiful people you" know when there is a problem with a Country when the visitor got way more rights and freedoms than its own citizens. Cubans have no freedom and tourists are keeping the regime funded with the state owned resorts. Imagine getting arrested for simply asking for Freedom

[@Chilam.]

​@@musict26 silencio gringa

[@arricammarques1955]

Tourism profits the political system.

[@bradleyroth9870]

Hardly Cuba is a disaster defiantly not one of the best places i have visited. But then most never leave the resort.

[@user-rx4mt2uy8v]

Cuba is awesome, if you are a tourist. Not so much if you are cuban. It's a dump.

[@picture-perfect]

So many black Cubans in the background, none of them were interviewed. Such a shame.

[@Gullymensch1120]

"A country without foreign interference" - unfortunately the Cuban state was bankrolled by the USSR until it collapsed. The writing was on the wall from there.

[@mundotaku_org]

and then bankrolled in Venezuela.

[@kennethmcintosh9606]

The US embargo devastated Cuba and kept the people in a state of poverty.

[@kimobrien.]

@@mundotaku_org The only people with a bank roll of declining value are the American Imperialists.

[@davidpethick83]

Not that simple, u left out a few facts.

[@shauncameron8390]

And interestingly that done far more damage than the US sanctions bringing about that Special Period.

[@kazuhirala]

It’s just weird, they see their country decrepitated and yet think their Government has been on their side. 4 generations living the same life with no prosper

[@paulaOyeah]

It is US sanctions. They aren’t allowed to trade with the world. We can’t even send them aid.

[@IshtarNike]

4 generations being held to ransom. Maybe you don't know this but they're being embargoed by the strongest military power to ever exist. If you leave aside your opinion of whether communism is good, you can see clearly how they never had a chance to develop if they're being cut off from the rest of the world.

[@joecool3332]

Sanctions don't work, yet those who demand and place sanctions on Cuba never learn the lesson of history. I can't understand how they learned to ignore reality? Sanctions only work to keep sactioned governments in power.

[@Michael-ig8ih]

There has been great prosperity since the revolution. Four generations ago many of these people’s families lived as feudal serfs.

[@mundotaku_org]

@@Michael-ig8ih Sure tankie, sure.

[@adolisfernandez1321]

A mi me parte el corazón ver la situación de Cuba. It breaks my heart Cuban situation, I hope one day we will have freedom.

[@kimobrien.]

Freedom to do what? To be part of a declining US Capitalist Imperial Empire? The population of Puerto Rico where the US Imperialist control the islands people is seeing a decline in actual population numbers. .

[@adolisfernandez1321]

@@kimobrien. I wish Cuba have the same problems that has Puerto Rico. You don’t have idea don’t have any food to eat for you and your family, so yes I prefer to be in the same situation that is Puerto Rico.

[@kimobrien.]

@@adolisfernandez1321 We've raised and sent solidarity aid to Cuba and protested the blockade. I don't have a magic wand I can wave to make things all better.

[@cubanman2009]

Amen 🙏

[@LathropLdST]

Sí, que se arregle... para que todos los apestados vuelvan a su cochina isla.

[@matrixberzins465]

That shoemaker need come to Europe - his products would cost a lot of money here! In Europe people are ready pay high prize for good quality products.

[@richierichnumber1]

It's sad the Cuban people have been waiting thier entire lifetime for the better of the revolution to shine on them, their families, and their homes, but they keep being told endure more hardship, and wait wait.

[@ProjectHyena]

There is Embargo on Cuba since 1959.

[@kimobrien.]

@@ProjectHyena The challenge is to build and extend the revolution anyone can sit around and wait.

[@shauncameron8390]

@@ProjectHyena Yet Soviet aid, Canadian tourism, Venezuelan oil and US remittances kept Cuba afloat despite it.

[@glenncordova4027]

Cuba is the world's biggest charity case.

[@JJ-bs5bo]

I was there 20 years ago, it is a beautiful place with wonderful people, I'm sad to see this. I thought that tourism would have increased and improved its economy at the very least. This is my quote: When you go to Cuba the world turns to colour, when you leave the world goes back to black and white. That is how it affected me. All my love to Cubans!

[@dnguyen787]

I was there five years ago. I was amazed me that the country has frozen in last 50 years. There are so many run down buildings. The people look so poor!:-(

[@adolisfernandez1321]

@UnAsereLibre beautiful. Thanks 🙏

[@JJ-bs5bo]

​@Por Qué? I'm talking about colour in a heightened sense, like everything there becomes more accented, the sounds, the expression of the people, the places... it is unique and beautiful. When you leave and go back to the west, the world seems drab.

[@2ndEndingVintage]

Must have been nice to stay in the tourist sections. If you ever go again, I suggest you venture out and walk the neighborhoods where 90% of the people actually live.

[@JJ-bs5bo]

@@2ndEndingVintage True I did not go to the Centro section which has a lot of poverty, but I went all around to many places. I only hope something can be done to preserve the unique beauty of Cuba, to fix everything and help the people so they don't have to struggle. I've done a lot of travel but to me Cuba is very special.

[@real_bcd]

Great work. I live in Cuba

[@davidumoja6488]

Anibex Abreu seems to be living under better conditions than many other Cubans. I wonder if that factors in to her political views?

[@albaherrera2605]

She says the revolution is still evolving. How many more decades have to pass for the system to allow diversity. She contradicts herself on everything.

[@backto-il9ne]

It is clear that she is under the watchful eye of the government and she is choosing her words carefully to avoid being locked up.

[@shauncameron8390]

@@backto-il9ne Pretty much.

[@kimobrien.]

They are as stupid as Gorbachev who turned the Soviet Union over to the stupidity of Milton Freedman, Pepsi and Bill Clinton.

[@willardmusick1187]

Cuban cities are rotting. Soon, after ALL the buildings begin to collapse, going to have the biggest tent cities in the world. Most Cubans live like their on a camping trip already.

[@biboebbs624]

until the us lifts their sanctions

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

The last interviewed is fair-skinned, part of the " priviledged".

[@angelicamimosa]

White Supremacy is unfortunately Global We can thank Europeans/UK Colonialism

[@blardymunggas6884]

Western bots thought everyone is stupid enough to believe their lies. The world has never been more united against the US. All major and key global players is now in Russian’s bloc. The US only has perfume makers, pasta makers and few more other insignificant clowns in their bloc. The moment the US forces countries to choose, the US will see even more embarrassments🤣🤣 Lets join the future bloc. We rise with Russia and China.

[@OmmerSyssel]

Are you RACIST 😱😱😱

[@boobayloo]

She is so disgusting !!!!

[@ChroniclesofAlicha_Balaam]

She does seem to be living better than others.

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

That shoemaker would be rich in other countries making custom and bespoke 👞 shoes.🤑

[@Michael-ig8ih]

The shoe maker could be rich while his workers would be poor. In Cuba, both can live a rich life full of family and friends without material wealth.

[@glenncordova4027]

Cubans need food. You can survive only for so long on political slogans and revolutionary zeal.

[@brasidas2011]

23:24 She wants a Cuba with no foreign intervention, then at 21:50 she calls the lack of intervention brutal and inhumane. Note, the US only embargoes Cuba, it does not sanction other countries for investing into Cuba, or trading with Cuba nor does it blockade Cuba. The US generally ignores Cuba otherwise.

[@kimobrien.]

No it fines foreign companies for doing business with Cuba and that's why foreign governments including NATO allies vote against it. It has waged a war of terrorism against the country with its CIA agents but only American amnesiac's have forgotten that.

[@David-og7di]

That is not really true. You do know that the US actively pressures companies against any business with Cuba.

[@JamesBond009]

American companies can't do business in Cuba. So if a foreign company has a US company making parts for them they can't sell that particular product in Cuba. The world is a global connected supply chain with parts coming from all over to make a product.

[@glenncordova4027]

The Cuban revolution has always relied on hand outs. First from the Soviet Empire. When that collapsed, from Venezuelan oil. As that dictatorship collapses they need a new sponsor. China maybe. If not then we may see a change in Cuba.

[@kimobrien.]

@@glenncordova4027 You should talk about hand outs when you had to bail out some of the largest banks in the world with the "No banker left behind act." Dictatorship? Sure your not a dictatorship that's why your ruling class wants to criminalize Donald Trump's capitalist political opposition. "They be a revolution in the United States before there will be a counter revolution in Cuba" Fidel Castro.

[@robertoalfredoferrari3944]

Vivi y trabaje en cuba desde 1996 a 1999 y veo que pasaron ya casi 25 años y todo sigue igual. Ya en 1996 Cuba estaba "helada" y veo que sigue igual. Tengo unos excelentes recuerdos del pueblo cubano y de su carisma, pero lamentablemente se quedaron en el tiempo y hasta que no cambien su manera de gobernar no tienen solucion,, triste pero real. Muy buenas las entrevistas a todos los cubanos, llego la hora de sobrevivir en la selva

[@lucasrem]

Why you need Allah in America?

[@LuisMarquez-ui6sr]

No es el gobierno es el bloqueo economico de Usa y los Cubanos de Miami que estan matando a los Cubanos y tratan de culpar a el gobierno pero que puede hacer el gobierno sino le dejan vender ni comprar nada asi que dejen de culpar al gobierno y reconoscan a los verdaderos culpables.

[@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg]

One thing, after repeated witnessing of documentaries/, life in Cuba, that intrigues my mind is how come the people are so happy, healthy, tall, and full of life, especially the women folk, despite all these decades of hardships, absence of access to modern amenities, etc,!!! One is but compelled to salute the resilience of this nation, hats off to the Cuban people.

[@punto_incomodo]

Cuba is a dictadorship for 63 years. Last year july 11, millions of cubans hit the streets asking for a change, and all of them are in prisión now, some were killed, thats Cuba, where you can't think different.

[@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg]

@@punto_incomodo Sorry to hear that state of affairs in that great iland though socialists and communists in Pakistan used to eulogize and praise Castro and used to boast about your country as if there were rivers of honey and milk used to flow in Cuba!!

[@OmmerSyssel]

What load of lies and utter nonsense! Are you muslim or russian since you're so obsessed with lying? Cuba is a destructive dictatorship. No freedom of business, speech and media!

[@marekrajnic9657]

This is exactly what I noticed in Cuba when I visited recently- they look so healthy, tall and well formed compared to other latin countries and the women are naturally beautiful.

[@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg]

@@marekrajnic9657 Thanks for bearing me out!

[@sku6158]

Nice to see handmade shoes

[@MelonHead887]

Garbage.

[@willardmusick1187]

So Sad. Havana was once a beautiful city. Now we watch as it rots before our very eyes. It looks kind of like Dresden after the saturation bombings.

[@aclem8246]

The better "systems" are more like the Netherlands. I have met Cubans in America who fled Cuba as recently as 5-6 years ago, Doctors that were paid maybe $50 a month back in Cuba. That is no life. A small country that can not produce what it needs to sustain itself must rely on other countries to assist them into being self sustaining. Cuba's tourist industry could be greatly improved for one. It was a popular destination a short while ago but the place is so run down no one goes back again. They could also greatly improve food production but there is no incentive for farmers to produce more if they are not compensated for the effort.

[@thevictoriakent]

Yes. Remember it's still under blockade and sanctions. They remove those and the country would flourish. If you actually go there, you would see the wonders they have done with their limited money. The ingenuity is amazing. They are my favorite people in the world.

[@thevictoriakent]

You are bringing your western bias to the situation. They cut off from the world. During Trump the blockade against them increased and even long standing hotels that used to attract people from Europe closed because they could no longer import food or necessities. They can't get fuel to tractors to produce or to ship into the cities. They can't get replacement parts, etc.

[@freemanol]

They turned into this because of decades of extreme exploitation by the US. They were traumatized by that and vowed never to bow down to colonisers again. I can understand their reluctance to depend on the west again

[@thewielloyd988]

This is like telling a man who is being strangled to “just breathe.” Cuba is intentionally being held back by the US with their decades long blockade stopping essential imports and trade with most of the world. Just one example is that any ship that docks at a Cuban port cannot enter a US port for 6 months. Think of what a chilling effect that has on trade. Despite that they’ve been able to develop the best biotech in Latin America with effective treatments for lung cancer, skin cancer and mother to child HIV transmission.

[@emmany5302]

@@thevictoriakent The embargo is a problem and should be lifted, however, many of the problems in Cuba are self-inflicted like bureaucracy and mismanagement.

[@Jamal-jv8yc]

Cuba, a country where doctors have to moonlight as taxi drivers for tourists to make ends meet.

[@biodiversityfanatic2454]

Welcome to the Caribbean we're tourism is King. You see if they avoided tourism, you'd say they were kneecapping there economy. Besides it wasn't like this then it could trade with the Soviet bloc. Once the isolation hit in the 90's this became a primary source of income. You really think this is the only country like this? Many 3rd world countries are affected by the currency exchange rate and other things.

[@lf1496]

Thanks to America and it's evil Block aide

[@genaroprieto57]

Socialism Communism total FAIL system globally⛔⛔🛑🛑👿👿👎👎 NO TRAVEL TO CUBA BOYCOTT CUBA🛑🛑⛔⛔🗽🗽LIBERTA NO TRAVEL TO CUBA BOYCOTT CUBA🛑🛑⛔⛔👎👎 A LA CALLE👉👉👉👉PA LA CALLE👉👉👉👉PA LA CALLE👉👉👉👉 PA LA CALLE👉👉👉👉 Estan cagados duro con eso asesisnos abajo la dictaduda castro canel.👿👿.

[@banduroy]

Now I understand why there are lots of Cuban doctors in Uganda, when Ugandan doctors when on industrial action sue to poor pay(which was $1,200 then), the government brought in Cuban who they considered cheaper!

[@IronJazz99]

Brazil too. Teachrs sell fish and prostitute. They ain't communist. I supported Fidel,but now it is time for a different plan. What Cuba suffers,as an Island economy in the western hemesphere,is no different than all other islands,only they are not blockaded. I reccomend doing a study of history. Zinn speaks volumes.

[@dessean1]

Cuba is a wonderful country to visit if you're a tourist, but for its own citizens, it is a failed dream & a life of unending struggle & misery. Cuba's citizens will never see or experience anything other than continual struggle & suffering until a government comes into power that cares more about its citizens than itself & failed ideology.

[@stj971]

And the Cubanos are wonderful people. God bless them. 🙏

[@johnhodge6024]

50 years of economic & American criminal blockade including during the covid pandemic.

[@pbworld7858]

And how about America? There are many who also lead lives of struggle and suffering too. My relative in New York keeps telling me about the homelessness, crime and poverty which has gotten worse these past few years. America is the richest country on earth - what's its excuse? I don't think any one has placed sanctions on America.

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

@@pbworld7858 one can come to America or Canada with nothing and become rich with a bit of effort, as my siblings did , from the Philippines and countless others, Cubans even get on a raft just to get to Florida, I dont see any American wanting to do that and go to Cuba. AMERICANS and other Westernersgo and retire in Mexico and Central America and the Philippines , I have yet to see a Westerner retire in Cuba, maybe to vacation for a w 3 days or a week Cuba is a failed state, so is Venezuela and NKorea, welcome to reality, you can add Russia to that.

[@woodsman9922]

Any island would fail when the full weight of America's boots are on their neck.

[@PaliAha]

Not 1 bicycle shop. Not 1 auto dealership. No sneaker shops. No camera shops. Not 1 convenience store. You must look into people's ground floor living rooms becuz some sell juice, beer, cookies, nail clippers. Everyday I ate ham sandwiches & "pizza": no tomatoes, no bell peppers, no pepperoni, no salami, no olives, no mushrooms. No hamburger sandwiches, no chicken sandwiches, no roast beef, no turkey, no meatballs. Often ice cream shops would be out of ice cream. The official rate is 25 Cuban pesos to US$1, but on the streets you can get 100 Cuban pesos for US$1. They have markets that sell soap and detergent and canned goods but you need Euros or US dollars to buy them. So how does the average Cuban get Euros? Most Cubans don't but many become money-changers. Everyday you are asked: "Change money?". It's tiresome but I understand. Coca Cola comes from Venuzuela, not the USA. The buildings are falling apart. 99% of the buidings in Havana Viejo would be condemned in our country. Every bldg needs a paint job. Every day I rode my bicycle and passed by people standing in line for something in front of a shop or carneceria (meat shop) and when there wasn't any supplies or meat, the shop would be closed. I've been to over 50 countries and Cubans are not starving, but it is the country with the least amount of choices. There are shops that display under their glass counters Bic pens. Think about that. Bic pens, the type that has the removable plastic cap. I love Cubans. Any one of us could manage that country better. At the same time shame on the USA for the embargo. People think differently so you punish them? What hypocrites Americans are. I visited Cuba from April 30 to May 30.

[@Joker-no1uh]

Yea, because the average american citizen tells our government what they can and can't do.. Do you tell your government what they can do?

[@PaliAha]

@@Joker-no1uh , how does the average American tell the govt what to do? You're one of those idiotically blind nationalists. Stoopeed.

[@Joker-no1uh]

@@PaliAha that makes no sense.. and you do realize the embargo is only for the US and Cuba.. every other country in the world can trade with Cuba.. some of our biggest allies trade with them

[@mart-greciaOdalyz]

What, prey tell me, was on the pizza, since you've described it as everything supposedly on pizza is missing? What's left to be eaten?

[@Sanaa337]

@@mart-greciaOdalyz cheese and sauce. I had it on the resort.. it's gross.

[@motivationperseverance3077]

I give the guy a lot of credit 76 years old and you could see the quality of his shoes are spectacular! It's too bad he can't open an online business and sell his shoes around the world because I could tell they would go for big money every pair! Custom-made handmade leather shoes that look like that of that quality would sell easily for $400 to $1,000 American money a pair. Maybe when he gets an Argentina you can open up his own online store and ship them around the world because it's almost impossible to find the quality shoe made like that anywhere not like that . That's the quality shoes that you can find in the store 60 years ago a store that you would walk in not anymore unless it's an extremely high price store that average people don't go to he has something worth gold there and he's making it with old tools too . Simply amazing if he was to open up his own online little company and make choose and sell them around the world he would really bring in more money than he ever could imagine!

[@aluisiomartins2579]

Cuba is one of the most depressing countries in the world, That's way the people are fleeing it!

[@williamkinkade2538]

North Korea way more depressing!

[@gokuetavinaeseria]

​@@williamkinkade2538so?

[@lisaleonzis5303]

I hope and pray he gets to be free and create his craft .. to enjoy his new life in Argentina 🇦🇷 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️💪🏼💪🏼

[@bittoochatterjee2661]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ARGENTINA & IRAN WANTS TO JOIN BRICS VERY SOON WE INDIANS WILL SEE INDIA LEAVING BRICS .. BRAZIL LEAVING BRICS ALL THAT WILL REMAIN SOUTH AFRICA 🤔🤔😕😕DON'T KNOW THOSE WHO WOULD BE LEFT RUSSIA. + CHINA + IRAN = 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔😕😕😕😕🤣🤣🤣🤣 FROM INDIA

[@camrenwick]

It's sad to people suffering, no matter what country it is. It seems to me that the greed of the rich outweighs the needs of the poor. I wish you well Cuba

[@MiserableMuon]

Wishing communism showing its true potential and Cuba shall grow and replace its long gone brother throne, the USSR.

[@Itried20takennames]

There are plenty of rich people who are greedy in any country….but that doesn’t cause a country to become like this. Don’t think it’s as simple as a few greedy people, but that mainly just the end stages of communism.

[@frankha5018]

To all no Cubans that are writing comments stating that the current situation in Cuba is due to the bloqueo I will tell that in US there is no restrictions for food and medicine trade with Cuba. All rice and chicken consumed in Cuba has been coming from US for more than 10 years. The actual restriction is financial because nobody in US give credit to the Cuban government simply because they don’t pay back it’s debts. Cuba have had free trade for 60 years with the entire world including Uk, Japan, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, etc etc etc . I won’t mention Soviet Union and The rest of Western Europe as it is obvious. Socialist economy does not work in any country but it reached the highest point of inefficiency in Cuba under the Caribbean marxists led by Castro. By the way, I am talking from my personal life experience, I am Cuban and lived under that stupid dictatorship for 30 years until I could escape. The commenters name are mostly non Hispanic and for sure not Cubans. Their comments are more intended to criticize US than understand the situation in Cuba and help Cuban people. It’s really disappointing that so many good intentioned people in the world support the Cuban tyranny as a mean to go against the American government. Castro first and the clown of these days have follow the same script that has been so successful for during more than 60 years of represión and dictatorship. Please open your eyes, we need the solidarity of the entire world to change the totalitarian system that has destroyed our beautiful island and repressed its noble and friendly people for decades.

[@elforeigner3260]

Don’t waste your time with communists, they’re fanatics, they don’t understand reasons

[@Mahalakshmi-Khan]

This is like telling a man who is being strangled to “just breathe.” Cuba is intentionally being held back by the US with their decades long blockade stopping essential imports and trade with most of the world. Just one example is that any ship that docks at a Cuban port cannot enter a US port for 6 months. Think of what a chilling effect that has on trade. Despite that they’ve been able to develop the best biotech in Latin America with effective treatments for lung cancer, skin cancer and mother to child HIV transmission. The real question is why is the embargo there in the first place? Its a deliberate form of warfare against the common people. Apart from innate problems, you are only contributing to their hardships and making them suffer longer. US has justified illegal sanctions before the run up the Iraq invasion ( which is thought to have killed 50k iraqi children ). If this isnt indirect imperialism and economic warfare , then what is?

[@thegirlsilove]

Thanks for your personal input.

[@VNn2023]

First, sorry for my bad english. Frank, you wrong, economy is a science, not an opinion, and the International economic conseus said the embargo against Cuba is very very brutal, even Switzerland with an emargo like that can be a poor country. The Cubans opponents said their goverment is extremist but you are exstremist too, that's your problem.

[@thegirlsilove]

@@VNn2023 obviously you are a communist so your opinion is unworthy

[@mohamedgoldstein5565]

What do we do with politicians who kept their citizens in abject poverty for generations?

[@Becky_Cal]

Only the very same people subjected to these politicians can make a change. They have to be willing to fight and die for change. It’s a tall order…many are not and subject themselves to control and the status quo. Nobody can liberate them but themselves. History has proven that in many parts of the world and through many different political systems and governments. A revolution is necessary for this type of change.

[@davidmc8475]

@@Becky_Cal I don’t disagree but it is hard to fight a government with soldiers that have guns and you don’t.

[@Dutchy-1168]

Most have died

[@Richard-mt4zi]

​@@davidmc8475It must be noted that the Revolutionarries of 1959 are very old men..or deceased ..

[@enlightenedprepper2608]

When we are young we tend to support things that are against us - bcz we are easily lied to...

[@paulbucklebuckle4921]

Well said .,,,

[@ProjectHyena]

There is Embargo on Cuba because Cuban people have refused to be subservient to global ruling class. There dictators worst than Cuba but but you never hear about them.

[@kimobrien.]

@@paulbucklebuckle4921 Is that why your still supporting the two parties?

[@SeattlePioneer]

@@kimobrien. I presume you are referring to the durability of the two major partys of the United States? Each of those parties has been remade many times over the years. The Republican party was remade in 2016 by Donald Trump' nomination for President, and state and local parts of the Republican party often bear little resemblance to the national party. And as Trump and Bernie Sanders illustrate, American political parties are very porous and easily taken over by insurgent political forces. Trump had never been a candidate for any office before being nominated and elected as President. Bernie Sanders came very close to being the nominee of the Democratic Party in 2016 and 2020 despite NEVER having been a member of the Democratic Party. The two major parties in the United States are and pretty much always have been, constantly adapting to changes in American life and politics.

[@kimobrien.]

@@SeattlePioneer They have given themselves special advantages over independents and third parties in elections. They are the ruling parties of the American Capitalist class despite an occasional Social Democrat like Sanders. Organizations of mostly office holders fiance by businessmen. This way no matter who is elected big business calls the tune.

[@manny7982]

I'm a 64yr old Cuban in exile, Fidel's 60yrs of revolution and still nothing to show for it! Y'all wanted it, so deal with the consequences!!! Way to go, keep up the revolution!

[@gr5603]

Cuba and its people are wonderful. We all hope the criminal U.S. government embargo is removed.

[@patdavies5711]

We just returned from visiting Cuba. None of the people we spoke with (and we spoke with many) blame the embargo. They blame their own government.

[@AnshulKumar-vf8wx]

@@patdavies5711 we India sometimes blame the government for terror attacks too. It comes out of frustration. You can somewhat affect the government, but not a foreign nation

[@patdavies5711]

@be a man Are you suggesting I just made this up? Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a Trump supporter. I didn't "randomly walk around asking political questions." I stayed in numerous private homes during my visit to Cuba (a requirement for Americans visiting the country), and I spoke at length with every one of my hosts and many others who assisted me during my trip. I'm fluent in Spanish and have extensive experience in Latin America, having visited nearly every country in the region and spent a year as a Fulbright Fellow in Chile. Yes, I understand the embargo. No, I don't claim to be an expert on Cuban politics. But the embargo transcends politics for the Cuban people, and the ones I spoke to are fully aware of how the embargo affects them and support it nonetheless. You may find it hard to believe that the people I talked with feel this way, but they did, and it's condescending of you to suggest that they feel the way they do only because they don't understand. They are the ones living it -- not you.

[@patdavies5711]

@be a man I have no interest in a dialogue with anyone who accuses me of "lying" or being a know-nothing simply because he disagrees with me. So this is my last comment to you: I never said I "supported" the embargo. All I said was that the Cubans I spoke with do not blame their country's problems on it -- they place the blame squarely at the feet of the government. I'm not "lying" when I report this, and I'm not suggesting that this means everyone in Cuba agrees with them. Yes, I know, your view is that the only possible reason why any Cubans could feel the way that they do is because they are too stupid to know any better. All I can say in response is that they seemed smart enough to me and that they are well educated, currently living in Cuba (unlike you and me), and they have first-hand experience with the current government and the embargo and deserve your respect when it comes to their opinion.

[@RockNRollSurf]

@be a man I will rather believe in the opinion of the average Cuban citizen themselves over the brainwashed college students and hard-core left wing professors who are trying to force the communist/socialist agenda propaganda in the media. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that communism in Cuba is dying. I as well have met Cubans who have relatives in Cuba who hate the corrupt government. So many people thrown in prison and work camps for speaking out. But fortunately I estimate that Cuba will be rid of this nonsense in the upcoming decade the way things are going.

[@youtoo5783]

Who told to the last lady the people out of cuba, including cubans, no want the island to improve? we wish nothing but love to cuba! and true improvement! She has a good job and she has to bark to the side of the revolution, and even when whe was looking very open I am very suru sho got in problems because of this interview later

[@ciel222]

HEARTBREAKING 😞 The situation is very hard there

[@Angel-ks8pd]

Blame United Snakes 🐍

[@henryc1000]

@@Angel-ks8pd ​ : Maybe if Fidel Castro had paid for the companies that he nationalized in 1960 the United States may not have even implemented a blockade. So this is on Castro, not the United States. Regardless, many countries do business with Cuba. So the infernal whining with the Cuban government continually blaming the United States for their problems is BS!!!

[@Angel-ks8pd]

@@henryc1000 Now, justly all the other nations ? You’re such a clown 🤡

[@CanadianWookie]

@@henryc1000 you seem to copy paste this a lot, yet fail to mention that the US has, since 1898 to 1994, intervened successfully to change governments in Latin America a total of at least 41 times. The US should mind their own business and not force dictators like U.S.-backed military dictator Fulgencio Batista in Cuba or US backed fascist dictator Augusto Pinochet in Chile, to name a few. in relation to Batista for the Cubans, when he grabbed power thanks to the backing of the US at the time, the man abandoned the constitution and halted elections, continuing his corrupt rule that favors U.S. interests and Cuban aristocrats while leaving the poor destitute in 1952. which caused the rise of Fidel Castro and his coup.

[@eddydominguez1568]

Is terrible friend, I live in Cuba I´m cuban and this is harsh, this is a crisis of hope that involve all the other things

[@victorcontreras9138]

I was surprised to hear that leaving Cuba isn't as difficult as it used to be. I mean people used to stow away in jetliner wheel wells and now, they they board the comfortable seats of the plane as they wave goodbye!

[@whaleshrimp111]

Such high quality journalism and video.

[@thedualtransition6070]

Sarcasm at its best, the "journalism" is pure ideological propagandist tripe.

[@johnsmeith3913]

@@thedualtransition6070 Hhahaha hilarious joke. Al Jazeera makes Chinese CCTV propoganda look fair in comparison

[@amdazion6799]

please do follow up of the shoemaker after he has passed 5 years in Argentina,would be eye opening.

[@Shazzy1228]

Isnt Argentina also facing a hard time 🤔🤔

[@davison9245]

i agree

[@SuperSanmarino]

No comprendo a la chica, dice que no quiere el capitalismo, pero si ella no lo ha vivido, no lo conoce y algo más los que estamos fuera sufrimos y queremos lo mejor para nuestra gente en la Isla , precisamente porque conocemos como vive el mundo real. Gracias por el material Al Jazeera.

[@lucius02]

La chica esta tiene bajo coeficiente intelectual, se le nota a leguas.

[@gaoxiaen1]

No solo eso. Ciertamente se ve bien alimentada.

[@luislaplume8261]

For all I know she could be a member if the Cuban Communist Party.

[@SuperSanmarino]

@@luislaplume8261 seguro, es miembro de ese odioso partido o quizás de la seguridad del estado. Greetings

[@luislaplume8261]

@@SuperSanmarino Nadie que son normales se habla como ella con various mentors que support a los conditiones para 7 decadas de provenza. Y el Revolution des 1895 ast 1898 con los ayudos des America tenia rationamentos de comida.Este es el unica isla con escarsidad de alimentos con un climat tropical. Expliqe Florida y Puerto Rico que no tienes eso. Par el Infierno con Communismo y el Liberalismo moderno de hoy! Vote today Democraticos en ponder en America afuera este Noviembre!

[@starseed462]

There’s no foreign intervention Russia left along time ago!

[@aaronfrank9649]

It’s always some other countries fault.

[@jayparfaye2340]

What do you think the embargo and sanctions are??????

[@rapier1954]

@@jayparfaye2340 I am not an American but it is time for the government in Cuba if it cares about its citizens to consider a change of course because if it doesn't the country is going to go down the drain and the majority of people abroad do not care. There are more pressing problems around the world so jumping up and down about keeping the so-called revolution in Cuba going is not going to matter. Cuba has a right to its Communist revolution and the taking over of US companies and private property of Cubans who fled at the time and in response, the US exercised its right to impose an embargo etc. It is old news and nobody cares anymore outside of Cuba. If you think Cuba will get some groundswell of support given the fact that people who protested the recent rise in prices were given sentences of over 20 years in prison in some cases you are delusional. When the elite Communist party members start suffering like the common people there will be a change of course.

[@TheAslan1975]

The lady defending her government was correct in part of her statement when she said "I don't have a lot of information." That is the problem with the system you are living under and defending.

[@kimobrien.]

Sure go to your boss and ask if you can see the books.

[@edwelndiobel1567]

@@kimobrien. I can.

[@michelbisson6645]

Cannot grow economically without freedom,without entrepreneurship without open capitusm,in russia,China and many other former communist countries understood it since the 90s not cuba

[@beyourself2444]

Russia and China are huge countries with many people. It’s like comparing the UK or Canada with Barbados, it cannot be compared.

[@GhostOnTheHalfShell]

Cuba has been the target of economic sanctions from the U.S. for the better part of a century. This has made the nation orders of magnitude worse off over any deficiencies in its gov.

[@kimobrien.]

None of that prevented the US crisis of 2008 though did it?

[@amstonger]

@@GhostOnTheHalfShell Nonsense, Cuba chose not to deal with the USA, which is very stupid because they are the economic powerhouse... Russia opened up to the west which the USA is a major driver and they gained significant economic goals.... so also did china open to china, which they leverage to be the superpower they are now... so why didn't Cuba do the same in order to progress and then forge their own path? it shows the political class in Cuba is poor and has no vision.

[@GhostOnTheHalfShell]

@@amstonger I find it unrealistic to compare sanctions with simple opening up. China never suffered them. The US had reduced the sanctions not more than a decade ago only to be reversed by a GOP white house. Cuba’s revolution was a direct overthrow of Batista a brutal and incompetent US puppet. I doubt they’d want to return to it, only to have another revolt

[@skeetersaurus6249]

Keep in mind, the comic 'Judge Dredd' was written based on the Orwellian viewpoint of 'where does Communism take you, eventually?' The answer was actually provided by the creators of the comic, John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. A world that destroys itself, the values the 'power of people', but only as it applies to military strength (at first), and at the same time, finds no value in the person. A world where 50,000 are crowded into 'mega-blocks' in a mega-city. Crime rates are astronomical, unemployment verges on 98%, the city-state on the brink of collapse at any time. Resources basically depleted...and yet, with all this, they still listen to the worst of politicians, the worst of government plans...the overarching storyline is haunting, and resembles Stalin's Russia as well as Castro's Cuba. It all progresses to the point of self-annihilation. No successful nation ever started by selecting 'communism' as the desired form of government...it's always established nations with established governments that convince the population that 'communism is the best and only answer'...it never is.

[@kimobrien.]

You forget that it was the Imperialist Empires that began world war one and not the Russian bolsheviks. Where does stalinism take you? Back to the future of capitalism. What good are "successful nations" that destroy each other in wars over markets and resources? Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Putin took the advice of Bill Clinton and Milton Freedamn. Is that your idea of success? Or spending 2.3 trillion on "nation building" in Afghanistan? You can't build socialism or communism in one country alone. That's a utopian idea just like building seperate capitalist nations without ruling classes going to war over the world market.

[@henrykstopikowski5379]

@Skeeter Saurus And it never will. The thing is, Cuba is an isolated island and the Cuban government has more security personnel than you can imagine. Officially, there are seven, but every second reports to the authorities on another. The opposition was murdered by Raul with the help of Soviet advisers. I personally believe that Cuba will change because Cubans are hungry and that is dangerous for the government!

[@kimobrien.]

@@henrykstopikowski5379 Cuba is a workers state so the whole people in arms are its security. Opposition? No you mean US sponsored terrorists in the Escambray mountains. Fidel took very little Soviet advice. That's is just the thinking of the United States Imperialist were they tell all their allies what to do and how to conduct counter terrorism operations with CIA advice. For them an army is basically a military machine that follows the orders of a central commander. A revolutionary army brings justice and liberation.

[@pradeepanck8213]

What about china CCP

[@oliverbanes5121]

Communism work fine if America and it cronies live you alone .

[@rogerdodger8415]

The blind never know the pleasure of a sunny day. Nor do they complain about the darkness

[@user-gl9iz1bp1r]

Insightful -

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

24:40 pero no quiero Capitalismo no creo en ese systema, creo y quiero seguir viviviendo en un país de dictadura y miseria en donde no tenga derecho de libertad para hacer mis propias decisiones y para un mejor futuro para mi familia, pues prefiero seguir atrasada sin progreso ninguno en Cuba!

[@adlibruj]

We live on a planet dominated by ONE system, any country that deviates from that is made an example of. That is the sad truth! Especially a small country.

[@whiskeykilmer1866]

Yes, the system is called humite greed.

[@baldergems627]

@@whiskeykilmer1866 Very much agree. Its greed, individual gain, ecological destruction, human abuse, worker abuse, accumulation of wealth into fewer and fewer hands and mostly into old white men's hands. It's a total disaster and the alienated population of the planet mostly accept that our own demise and self destruction.

[@mimisor66]

So speaks someone that has NEVER lived under communism

[@MrSummerbreeze01]

Why dont you reverse the process by moving to Cuba? Then after a few days in the bread line tell us the really Sad truth of Socialism.

[@adlibruj]

@@MrSummerbreeze01 Why don't you help humanity by reverting to the Ape you really are? The planet will thank you!

[@rerite2]

Fidel played the oldest trick in the book: "Sell the sizzle, not the steak."

[@jimmyglen]

I sat next to an older Cuban guy on the plane to Havana - he called the revolution “the big lie”

[@3252fly]

From An old Canadians view;== Cuba and Canada have always had great respect for each other.== Canada and Cuba should create a Canadain area within Cuba.== Thousands of Canadains would line up for a chance to have warmth in the winter and retire in Cuba.= This investment for Cuba, would stabilize it's citizens with the gov. being less fearful and create a new diologe with Canada.

[@marshallbeggs]

I think it's called "Varadero."

[@manitoumtl45]

Selfish! You just thinking in your warm retirement / seasonal trips in Cuba , with young Cuban ladies flirting to you for some loonies.

[@shauncameron8390]

Namely Castro and Trudeau Sr.

[@wallybingbang4350]

What a lovely man the shoemaker. 76 years of age and starting a new life in a new country with his beautiful craft. He should give many people hope. A real courageous gentleman. ❤ 🇨🇺 🇦🇷

[@tonybernard9487]

I would love to see another interview with him in 5 years , I guarantee he will be cleaning floors and lost his dream . That’s 4 sure he is one in millions who have done this and now have nothing and are hated by the people who accuse them of being spongers.

[@wallybingbang4350]

@@tonybernard9487 Is that attitude more in the US? He emigrated to Argentina Are Cuban’s frowned upon in Argentina? 🇦🇷

[@rj6404]

Age 76 its considered burdensome on society & what can Argentina provide for the shoemaker, its mired in its own survival , live with the world & the world order, to be a better nation for its citizens, Cuba had the geography & good chances to b a better nation but it took a different route , now the price is being paid by its citizens , diggin the same grave n expecting different result .

[@rudebwoy9203]

At least he is free to practice his trade, FREEDOM !

[@rj6404]

Argentina , Trade Practice & Freedom , like the last dream , without a supper .

[@henrykstopikowski5379]

Knowing the situation in Cuba, I know that the current Cuban government will not give up power as long as it does not kill all opponents. It is sad but true! Government bureaucrats know that their lives are in danger because a real hunger revolution is coming. Sooner or later you have to hand over the authorities! This is not a normal situation because people in Cuba have nothing to eat. VIVA CUBA LIBRE !!!

[@kimobrien.]

If people have nothing to eat they die on the side of the road like in Ireland during the great famine. Naturally those who talk about a Cuban dictatorship are suspect because this is what has come out of the mouths of the US Imperialist liars for 60 years. .The US is isolated with its blockade, demand for overthrow of the Cuban government and demands for capitalist restoration. Cuba has friends in the US who are sending material aid and protesting the blockade.

[@seanbowyer3484]

6

[@MesoMan77]

Cuba has the best Healthcare in the world The lowest hiv cases in all of America The safest place in all of America

[@jedidiahsojourner1917]

Don't s'pose major bankers and corporate billionairs could have added to Cuba's miseries? Same ol' song & dance.

[@glenncordova4027]

@@MesoMan77 Cuba stopped the HIV epidemic in the country by arresting all HIV carriers and homosexuals. They exiled them to the Isle of Youth. Genocide is an effective but not recommended tool in fighting an epidemic.

[@shickey718]

Revolution is Revolution and governing is governing. There’s no such thing as a revolutionary government

[@julesslim8229]

It's truly amazing what government corruption can do to an entire population of good people. Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, such a list. And universities still preach their feigned merit and "equity". Poverty and suffering for all is not equity.

[@xchen3079]

Poverty and suffering for all except the fews on the top.

[@kefabenysraal7687]

You don't know how the world works my friend, those in control have it exactly as they want it to be!

[@HC-wo2tz]

You have the mind of a small child. Always complaining about "liberals" and universities, which is just code for dismissing education.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

Corruption isn't their only problem. All three of those countries have been the target of US sanctions.

[@James-hm9on]

Sixty years of embargo doesn’t help .

[@skypedog5]

Food shortages...huh? the Island is incredibly verdant you could thow anything on the ground an it'll grow - that the Government never even organised their own dairy industry to provide milk for it's own is a puzzle...but oh I remember now...that would mean that Farmers, the ones getting up at 4 am for the first milking might end up being richer than the folks who sleep in till 10 am ....oh my now that wouldnt be fair would it! Beautiful Island, wonderful people, so much potential burned to ash by well intentioned but apocalyptic policies that 'looked good' on paper but in the end ...could'nt even feed their people.

[@raimundomartin5459]

One comment … in Cuba prior the socialist locust there was more that one cattle head per person …

[@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg]

Through the auspices of Aljazeera, I thank the government and all the people of Cuba for sending a large troupe of medical staff comprising doctors and nurses (two thousand persons) along with field hospitals to Pakistan to help treat the injured in the 2005 devastating earthquake in the north of Pakistan. Muhammad Yousaf Peshawar Pakistan

[@punto_incomodo]

Bro, im cuban, whoever goes to a misión like that to another country, the régimen get paid for millions, and give a little tip to the doctors, but you dont know that because ur not cuban. Just repeat lies.

[@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg]

@@punto_incomodo but who pays the regime besides I am supposed to thank the Cuban people/nation for being forthcoming in our hour of trial!!!

[@punto_incomodo]

@@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg Bro, 454 millions of mexicans money, thats equal to 2.5 millions of dollars, for 6 months, do you know how much the régimen pay to de doctors.? 700 dolares at month, thats it. Thats slavery in century 21. But you dont know that, because you dont have a cuban doctor in ur family as I do. So you have to repeat whatever you hear on the way.

[@williammonteiro6278]

Those doctors are essentially slave labor. They get sent to work and the government keeps most of their wages. They also get severely punished if they decide to leave the mission. Ever seen voluntary workers doing something by force?

[@punto_incomodo]

@@williammonteiro6278 Exactly, and if any doctor decide not comeback to Cuba, the régimen punishment them with no entry to Cuba for 8 years.

[@mariorubio6557]

Great report … BUT about the ECONOMIC BLOCKADE, what are the disadvantage of the Cuban people 🇨🇺🇨🇺

[@glenncordova4027]

Cuba suffered the same problems under the dictatorship when they had trade with the Soviet Empire.

[@Joker-no1uh]

Any country can trade with Cuba.. only the US can't trade with them, back and forth, but EVERY other country can

[@ruberzaldivar2173]

La mejor de las suertes y todo el exito de este mundo para usted. The best of luck and success for you dear artist. I found myself in "his shoes" 10 years ago now.

[@kevinstfort]

Less than 4 mins in and I have to challenge that man’s definition of socialism in that all businesses are state owned. Socialism by definition is when the workers own the means of production. We have examples of this in the US and they are called co-ops.

[@ddoppster]

Sometimes it means that, but group 'ownership' isn't private ownership either. I'm not against co-ops, I encourage the idea, but with a corrupt government, they themselves can often be "co-opted". Straight Socialism has the government owning at least the major industries, the drivers of the economy.

[@skeetersaurus6249]

Actually, this is not completely accurate. Socialism, by definition, is where the local agriculture is supported (or denied) by the government, local businesses are allowed (or denied) by the government, and at all 'harvest points', the goods are first allocated locally with surplus being supplied to top-tier government to be 'redistributed' as needed. In Socialism, government is ALWAYS figured in as 'an advisor' position within the larger companies, and voting may-or-may-not be multi-party, but if multi-party, most-often, the parties are simply one-party with varying degrees of 'staunch party beliefs' (warm, hot, scalding). This being SO CLOSE to Communism, is why it is often said, 'Socialism is merely the road to Communism'. This is why unlike all other forms of government, no nation starts out 'Socialist'...it is either a Monarchy, a Democracy, a Republic, or a Communist nation. Socialism is the 'magic trick' that makes a Democracy or Republic into an insolvent state, which it then offers to 'have the cure'...Socialism (or, being put on the road to Communism). Of all forms of government, Communism is the most-impossible of all forms to escape (by the citizen), no matter how much 'wisdom' they gain from it by living under it. In fact, modern history has shown that the only two ways to end 'life under a communist totality' is for the communist state to fail, or death. East Germany failed, Khmer Rouge became mainstream Communism...and most are living in the examples like Cuba for 'currently enduring'. Ask yourself, when China's economy eventually collapses, and the businesses run away, and the market no longer buys their goods...how do you think it's going to feel, for those citizens trapped in such a desert world that they can't get free of? Their environmental catastrophe (the massive one they have pending, from living the 1940's industrial boom at the volume of 21st century populations) they have coming may be exactly what eventually wipes them out, in fact...

[@larrydugan1441]

Your definitions don't matter. It fails everywhere it has been tried. Great poverty and misery and often murder follows. The Venezuelan Bolivarian Socialist Revolution is the latest example.

[@shauncameron8390]

The workers do own the means of production in real-life socialism. It's just that workers happen to be government bureaucrats if not family and friends of said bureaucrats.

[@martinemjt]

even in co ops the boss makes more than the employee!

[@siambulldog1]

Working until die, happens in US and other Countries too !

[@farzana6676]

Yes. But you don't have to wait 6 years to drink a glass of milk in America. That's unique for Cuba.

[@bearpit8349]

Out of the three persons interviewed the last one who supports the revolution is also the one speaking in concepts rather than experiences based on reality as are the other two.

[@JamieHumeCreative]

She lives there. Of course she has experience there.

[@olushakur]

She actually addressed capitalism in a real way. There is no talking about your experiences ina concrete way without addressing the elephant in the room: capitalism.

[@miguelcavanna736]

tremendo trabajo, Lucia, lindo verte nuevamente te sigo de hace decadas, good luck Kiddo!

[@raulpendas]

Is it sad to see how the talent of the Cuban people is leaving the country? More heartbreaking is that the Government is unwilling to see the wrong way they have governed.

[@kimobrien.]

What are they suppose to do surrender to a US Marine invasion? The US made agreements durring the Obama administration which they abrogated when Trump came into office Biden promised durring the campaign to full fill them. Cuba is still waiting.

[@dennissalisbury496]

Excellent documentary. Cuban politics is anything but simple. Cuba is isolated economically from the Capitalist business model which has a prosperity price.

[@TheMDM1956]

Indeed there is a big price to pay for being "capitalist".

[@glenncordova4027]

They have socialism what do they need from corrupt and wealthy capitalism?

[@normalizedinsanity4873]

No one is isolated economically, everyone is part of the global economy, whether you like it or not

[@normalizedinsanity4873]

@@glenncordova4027 While capitalism is the pits, Cuba and Venezuela never had socialism, that is the problem. They give a few reforms calls themselves socialists, so they can justify being dictators and so make no effort to spread socialism to gain a strategic foot hold, and so when they die, they leave a vacuum that the capitalists immediately fill. Socialism must come from below, as only the mass of people unified and in control can defend the revolution

[@glenncordova4027]

@@normalizedinsanity4873 Even North Korea has a black market where forbidden items are sold

[@bluesmoke8714]

The world would be a better place if we made cars and shoes to last. Those 80 year old cars are still beautiful solid machines, today cars require monthly subscriptions to keep their software updated, in a decade they will all be gone.

[@jaimekaimero2912]

People would rather have enough food for their children and a washing machine than be told their sacrifices are noble.

[@shauncameron8390]

Yet the only people benefiting from their "noble" sacrifices are regime elites and affiliates.

[@JahLives]

The last interview everything she says she wants is what Cuba is now.

[@Leptospirosi]

19:32 have you seen the quality and the finiture of the house of the lady talking about "socialism being the way" and Cuba being on the right path? Compare it on what you see in the street, how the average Cuban live, the state of house of the man making shoes for his whole life, a job that would make him thousand of dollars for each pair everywhere else in the industrial world. He got in jail for making shoes and had to become a "Cartographer", whatever job was that. I guess the lady has a well paid work in some beurocratic institution, filled up fridge, electricity every day and never went to jail for doing nothing wrong. Chech the differences about how she lives and what we have seen in the pictures and make your own mind...

[@unclejim1528]

Good observation, that's how it works under communism. If you're a party member and prove yourself you get special privileges. (You prove yourself by reporting people like that shoe maker to the authorities, do it enough and you get promoted).

[@MrSummerbreeze01]

Yes a little chubby. Definitely a full fridge. That shoe maker was slim, trim and looked to be in excellent health for 76. Maybe a spartan 'Cuba' diet with no milk is the key to longevity.

[@glenncordova4027]

Being a party loyalist has it's privileges as in any dictatorship

[@thedualtransition6070]

Been to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, the DR outside the all inclusive hotel? All these nations are poor, the average person actually has it quite a bit better in Cuba than most. This is a very biased segment, basically Western propaganda against a people that won't submit to US dominance and therefore have been punished for nearly seven decades. Same with Nicaragua, same with Venezuela - its the US sanctions and interference stupid.

[@unclejim1528]

@@thedualtransition6070 Is Venezuela sanctioning Cuba? or Nicaragua, Russia, China sanctioning any other socialist country? No? Then why do they need West for their success? And no West is not chasing their cargo ships around sinking them, West just says no to working with them, besides that they can do whatever they want. (Not even West because ex. Spain trades with Cuba). So why are they such horrid failures? You don't do much of your own thinking do you? " stupid."

[@Elmaestrodemusica]

The ironic thing is after "throwing out" the Americans, Cuba continued to rely on other nations to prop up their economy, the Soviet Union first then Venezuela, the Revolution never really made Cuba self-sustaining ....

[@shauncameron8390]

Exactly. Don't forget Canadian tourism and Cuba legalizing prostitution in the 90's. Also they depend on US remittances and food shipments.

[@laurenshanahan6652]

We traveled there in 2018… it’s so awful to see people living in houses that have no windows no doors, collapsing staircases etc. many old people were out begging … it is just so sad … and the lines for food were blocks long then

[@ProjectHyena]

Well there is economic embargo on Cuba and that is the issue.

[@laurenshanahan6652]

@@ProjectHyena true but not the entire reason . It’s 60 years of corruption…. And reliance on Russia and Venezuela

[@ProjectHyena]

@@laurenshanahan6652 Belorussia, Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Eritrea are all sanctioned because they refused to be subservient to dominant global economic class, fortunately this class domination is dying and War in Ukraine is nail in the coffin

[@laurenshanahan6652]

@@ProjectHyena oh yea I forgot that … not .

[@shauncameron8390]

@@ProjectHyena No. Cuba operating on a model that doesn't allow any efficient production of anything locally is the real issue.

[@NamelessVoice808]

The gentleman shoemaker would get all my money. I’d like to find out if he has a website or something to reach out for an order.

[@nuyorcubariqueno3634]

I can only hope and pray for my Cuban people to rise above all the political issues and one day be free.

[@aa-media3238]

Beautiful shoes, an artist.

[@asahisagoiboi3517]

Those custum made shoes are probably worth 1000 dollars at least.

[@juha369]

the revolution will only pay for the rulers and not for those that need. give them a house that falls apart, give them food they cant afford to buy, give them clothes that are worn and torn, give words that only they want to hear.....then you can say viva revolution, viva revolution.

[@HC-wo2tz]

You're describing poverty in capitalist states but ok.

[@juha369]

@@HC-wo2tz i am describing any dictatorship or slum from the 3rd world. this is an addiction problem, nothing more nothing less.

[@islandbirdw]

Look into the eyes of those who’ve suffered under the Cuban junta regime

[@emmany5302]

Great reporting!

[@hebneh]

24:33 - On the right is what was originally the Habana Hilton, which opened just months before Castro took over. It was later seized by the government and renamed the Habana Libre. Amazingly, it is still the tallest building in all of Cuba, and it was built in 1958! I think that's one of the strongest symbols of how depressed and backwards Cuba unfortunately has been for over 60 years.

[@claudialoiz6192]

I love how the lady who is in favor of the Revolution says that she supports diversity of opinion, all while supporting a one party system that in her own words has been dragging intolerance to different opinions.

[@lucasmed2351]

Her interview is a pit of contradictory statements

[@Dwightstjohn-fo8ki]

A family friend in Canada has spent most of his working life managing a refinery in Cuba. (He's based in BC). He mentioned almost a decade ago that food, services, supply, and other infrastructure suddenly got really worse. This has been building....towards failure.......for years and years. this ain't nuthin new, to paraphrase "No country". Covid and other problems in the Eastern Bloc and Russia may have sped it up a bit, but it was a long time coming down the pike.

[@freebeerfordworkers]

I was there five years ago and I found like Romania another communist country 25 years ago absolutely everybody was on the fiddle. They were not dishonest but they were all trying to make a few pesos on the side. Central planning? In Romania the public buses were absolute wrecks and could not be replaced because it wasn't in the plan. The councils could get as many agricultural tractors as they wanted so they got tractors put trailers on the back for people and used them as buses. In Cuba they had heavy dump trucks which presumably they could always get and built shelters on the back so they could use them as buses. I'm no fan of capitalism but don't tell me communism's central planning works or makes sense.

[@guilleport]

@@freebeerfordworkers You are no fan of Capitalism but you are using everything that produces. KZbin Facebook IPhone Microsoft etcétera.

[@jacksimper5725]

@@guilleport Your correct but think of how much freedom you have lost in the last 20 year because of these ,such as freedom of speech ,freedom of thought that is just 2 examples . You could add that you have population control by facial recognition,digital identification by card and or fingerprint ,retinal identification .How many "social" cameras are watching your movement every day .No system is perfect but maybe finding a balance ,if possible is the answer.

[@freebeerfordworkers]

@@guilleport I am no fan of capitalism but I'm no fan of socialism either. I've worked both sides of the fence capitalists screw the public for the shareholders profit and socialist trade unions do the same for their members profit.

[@kimobrien.]

@@guilleport What does capitalism produce? It produces only for the making of profits in a market. It builds giant industries and then demands government guaranteed profits. The capitalist became an exploiting class divided into nation states fighting wars for profits against rivals. They set up capitalist class governments for arbitrating disputes within nations amongst themselves then they turning to fascism to block the trade unions while they produce weapons of war to defeat free market world trade rivals when trade wars turn into hot wars. Like the days of Kings and Queens of the land and tribal chieftains the days of their rule are coming to an end. Its the bean counter own accounting books that for tell their own crisis and the end of world capitalism. For the can't avoid the decline in the rate of profit as machines replace labor.

[@ramarajpalanisamy696]

Sir, you ARE ENLIGHTENING INTELLECTUALS. THANKS SIR.

[@Joricano]

So many talented people in that country.

[@whitneymacdonald4396]

The guy who washed dishes part time in the B&B were we stayed in Havana was literally an emergency room doctor. He made more washing dishes. Many months he actually lost money working because he had to pay his own way to get to the hospital during emergencies, many of which came at night when taxi rides were expensive. He was not reimbursed for that. Taxi drivers are electrical engineers and PhD scientists who make more money driving. The only way to survive in Cuba is through black market jobs. The standard wage is $23/month. A decent pair of shoes still costs $60.

[@giannisvellichor5632]

Why USA does not cancel embargo to see if the socialism in cuba can actually work or not ? -because as an ex CIA agent said '' if now Cuba can proved free houses, free schools and univerisities, free health care just imagine what it could achieve without all that sanctions and embargo''

[@giannisvellichor5632]

@Felipe Martinez well the regime before the revolution was a pro american dictatorship with the dictator Batista as leader who gave pretty much everything to the american mafia in order to stay in power but the people of Cuba decided otherwise! Second, the USA put first its nuclear missiles in turkey pointing the USSR and after that as an answear to this action the USSR put its own in Cuba. Finally the embargo is considered illigal aggretion against a country from the U.N. and international law and all countries of the world vote every year in U.N. against the embagro exept from two (USA and israel)

[@giannisvellichor5632]

@Felipe Martinez it seems that you are not able to understand that the lack of food madicine etc is because of the US sanctions and embargo it is not a natural phenomenon. When Cuba has the USSR as ally thing were not bad at all ! It was in the best condition of all caribean islands but now it left alone to fight the US imperialism which wanted to swallow the little island ! US even invaded cuba 1961 to re instal a new pro american regine but cubans fight them and won ! More recently in 2016 when Obama relaxing some sanction, things started to go good in cuba and people started be hopeful again but after Trumps elections new and more harsh sanctions were established... Cuba does its best for its people but its really hard to fight against a world imperialist superpower. As i said before all countries in the world stand with Cuba in the U.N. even the allies of US (exept israel) which show who is right and who is wrong !

[@epacho12dbrown53]

They just want to suffer people in the world 🌎 just to rules 🙄

[@giannisvellichor5632]

@Felipe Martinez I thonk you immigraded to USA and now you buy the american propaganda of CNN and FOX news, cause there are videos of people Cuban people who lives in Cuba and say the opposite!

[@giannisvellichor5632]

@North Korea Is Best Korea Russia is not even close to the frendship Cuba had with USSR. After the fall of USSR thinks in Cuba started to exacerbate

[@JAMUSA2018]

It's so sad to see young people who are in there prime of their lives just not a le to enjoy their lives like so many others

[@michelbisson6645]

Many many did it,so courageous

[@voceval1]

To to build or rebuild a house the ingredient are bricks, cement, wood, lumber from trees, etc. Natural paints are made with raw ingredients such as clay, chalk, and mineral pigments. And it seems all of this is in nature and abundance in Cuba. And with the manpower there, buildings should not be unsound and on the verge of collapsing.

[@rap3208]

Cuba should just allow those who want to go abroad to leave. It'll be a very good way to circumvent the economic sanction on it. These people who leave will earn money and send their hard earned money back to their families in Cuba resulting to money entering the country and jump start its economy. India, Philippines, Mexico, etc. earns billions of dollars annually due to remittance from overseas workers. They should educate and train skilled workers and professiona; and send them out to the world.

[@aruigrok]

Cuba does not prevent anyone from leaving anymore. The issue is other countries do not provide visas and flights are expensive.

[@rap3208]

@North Korea Is Best Korea Your method of electing leaders is really very, very bad, this is why loose cannons like trump and demented people like Biden get elected to your highest office. Elections by popularity is just a pageant contest, please don't try to impose that to the rest of the world. Why don't you try asking your neighbor Canada to do the same? or maybe your allies, France, Germany, UK, Japan, etc. to elect their leaders just like you do?

[@chungusmaximus526]

Remittance economy? That's for pathetic countries like India, Philippines and Mexico.

[@OmmerSyssel]

@@aruigrok why should successful countries accept low educated people from failed states? Would you feed a beggar in your home? Import Calcutta and become Calcutta! 👀🤷🏼

[@edaneo11]

How about America lifting it sanctions and leaving Guantanamo Bay.....Revolution is and was not the issue but American wanting to control the country.

[@unclejim1528]

18:50 a parade you participate in or you loose your job, you can see the people that don't hold government jobs in the stands 19:40 I'll bet that woman is a communist party member, she reported on people to the government (you don't get special privileges just for signing up, you have to prove yourself) she gets a stable job, special stocked and discounted stores to shop at as a reward, her life is ok, so long as she stays loyal. Cubans is this true? That's how it was under USSRs communism.

[@gregorioswood2380]

Very good documentary, showing all sides and doing it in a easy to understand way, good job.

[@gloriaseramulet4683]

Que bien se expresa este hombre.

[@cbarclay99]

Of course Cuban supporters of the Cuban government should be allowed to express their views. It would just be nice - just one time - to hear a supporter of the Cuban Government say that Cuban opponents should also be allowed to have their say and not be imprisoned.

[@MrRedsjack]

Opponents can have their say of course as long as it doesn't endanger the revolution and the communist government. 😁

[@jcreed09]

Cuba is running on fumes, people are starving but those cops look well fed. In Totalitarian States, the Military/Security Forces are the priority to be fed, housed, whatever. Starving population is fine but you can't starve the Army/Police. North Korea makes sure the Military gets all the food first, looks like Cuba is following that example.

[@melissahouse3488]

I'm guessing you missed that Korean soldier caught on film fleeing desperately to escape North Korea, he was riddled in bullets & parasites were discovered in his depraved, malnourished body!!! A result of severe, long term starvation resorting to eating such things that are unsafe & not meant for human consumption. They use human feces for fertilizer there and supposedly that leads to health risks as well, compounded by widespread lack of food. There are documentaries all over KZbin and the famed defector who authored her book, also devoted a video on the topic of a starved military!!! They are thrown scraps if they are lucky, forced to trap rats if they can find them, eat grass, they are so malnourished their DNA is stunted and males on average only grow to be around 5'3 if that, they are skin & bones and forced to march in uniforms & shoes that not only don't stay on or fit, but are literally falling apart, using rubber bands to keep shoes on during March practise or ceremonies. Military service is compulsory and many die because they do not have nutrition adequate to sustain the physical demands & strength required as a serving member of the armed forces. I have no doubt police are treated any better. It is the select elite, those of the leaders approval, the wealthy elite, who are the ONLY WELL FED Koreans in North Korea. They couldn't rely on their starved soldiers for much when it came down to it, they might be used to it but energy is energy and people need replenishment to perform! It's scary but all Korea knows it has is it's nuclear missile's, it has nothing more and that's where all it's money goes, not feeding the masses who are starving, not feeding the military either. I recommend you look it up because you seem to have the wrong idea and it truly disturbing to realize even those of soldier status are not treated better nor exempt from going hungry & extreme abuse. The video of the escapee soldier fleeing over the border to South Korea is easily the most death defying, horrific scene I've ever witnessed caught on camera and it makes you thank your lucky stars you were not born into North Korea!!! That poor man survived thanks to South Korea discovering him & providing emergency medical care /sanctuary or asylum. 🙏🏻❤️

[@segito33]

Because they spent all the resources in the army and paramilitary forces. Imagine that in cuba there is one ambulance 🚑 for every 15 municipios, (counties), but dozens of police cars by municipio (counties). Cuba 🇨🇺 is a dictatorship. Patria y Vida.

[@madmax10101]

yes

[@mishkamo55]

And I’m “looking”at the U.S. authorities…..no wonder it takes them an “eternity” to react to crises- it takes a lot of effort to get the blubber motivated or to overcome the fear or dread of action.

[@isisbeck2374]

That's a lie

[@ashebermulugata9]

Viva Revolutionary Cuba. Stay the course those of strong Hearts n firm Commitment.

[@eddydominguez1568]

Oh, she is Lucía Newman, I remember her with CNN branch in Havana in the 90´s, she is a great journalist!

[@1suitcasesal]

I always wonder why people living in poverty and struggling to survive in bad situations continue to bring innocent children into this world. Why would anyone do that?

[@rockwaysplays]

Most childrens come out of love, and the ones who do not also deserve a chance to live in this changing world. Are you rich ? or you think that only rich people deserve to have children? Some people are so poor that they do not have contraception methods, but they have plenty of love to give to their kids, some well-off families may lack what they have and still have kids.

[@1suitcasesal]

@@rockwaysplays I'm not rich at all. I just don't think it's love to bring children into this world if you yourself are unhappy and have a terrible life where you constantly struggle. I think child birth and raising a child is far more expensive than birth control. I am just tired of people from other countries showing up on the doorstep of USA crying about how difficult and violent and frightening their lives are but they show up with 2 or 3 or 5 kids. I don't think we need irresponsible people flocking to our country.

[@imoldgreggboosh3467]

@@1suitcasesal A poor man only has his family, nothing else. I don't think we need irresponsible people flocking to our comments.

[@1suitcasesal]

@@imoldgreggboosh3467 Even a poor man is responsible for his own decisions. If he's too stupid to be a responsible person why should we want to let him into our country? Should USA be a charitable institution for the world's idiots?

[@TjakaErasmus]

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba survived by exporting soldiers to wars in Africa. When that ended (especially since the independence of Namibia), Cuba struggled to survive. Cuba's truthfull ally, South Africa, donated millions to Cuba, but we're running out of money ourselves. Hard times for Cuba - like all communist states!

[@gayeinggs5179]

Now they are sending food to the them our kids starving how date they do this us !

[@TjakaErasmus]

@@gayeinggs5179 How dare they do this?

[@user-ld3cj9oh6j]

A 2015 report in Al Jazeera estimated that the embargo had cost the Cuban economy $1.1 trillion in the 55 years since its inception, once inflation is taken into account.

[@anavelozcusi8945]

My family left fleeing from Cuba in 1959. I think that this was a very good documentary. Sad to see that they are still killing, oppressing and amputating the souls of their own people.