The assumption of the presidency of Cuba by Raul Castro after an apprenticeship of almost half-a-century has brought important changes. His iconic predecessor built, with several missteps, a society renowned for its egalitarianism, education and health standards.

Cuba has an inspiring record of international solidarity with the world's poor with 20,000 physicians giving true meaning to the Hippocratic Oath in foreign countries. Inspired by the idealism of Che Guevara, many Cubans have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in Africa.

But this outstanding internationalism has been blemished by flawed human rights practices and the absence of pluralist democracy. Critics in the Western world have trumpeted the shortcomings of Cuban democracy and the US has used it as the justification for an economic blockade and a campaign of political isolation.

On the other hand, admirers of Cuban self-reliance and resistance to US hegemony have been willing to turn a blind eye to the restraints on individual freedom.
Notably, Raul Castro has moved quickly and decisively to liberalise access to consumer goods the rest of the world takes for granted, such as cellular phones, thus improving the quality of life for those who can afford what are still luxuries. More foreign travel is soon to be permitted.

These changes are significant psychologically to those who can take advantage of the new freedom and to those who want to know it is not prohibited, even if it is only an aspiration at this time. Ironically, this is the secret of capitalism: it is possible even if your only chance is by winning the lottery.

Demand without income is a prescription for frustration. Realising this, the new Cuban Government has moved towards what has been described as "Market Leninism". This approach, so carefully piloted by the post-Mao leadership in China, has contributed to that country's phenomenal economic growth.

The New Cuba will involve decentralisation in the administration of agriculture and an increase in private farming. Nowhere is the residue of private property ownership stronger than in rural areas where land ownership is the nadir of individual freedom and the basis of independence from "Big Brother".

The actual and proposed reforms are to be encouraged to ensure that they are successful and to infuse the new president with the confidence to consolidate and expand the sphere of freedom and human rights. Cuba's modified direction may yield a mixed economy model which is a combination of a vibrant private sector with comprehensive free social services and a democratic political system with good human rights.

The change of policy in Cuba is still fragile and needs external support. It is an opportunity for the US to switch its foreign policy towards Cuba from isolation to engagement.
As it has done in agricultural trade. The US has done this. So have Germany, Japan, Vietnam and North Korea. The EU needs to be supportive, lest its own initiative becomes one step forward and two steps back.

The Caribbean will undoubtedly continue its policy of friendship, respect for self-determination and co-operation in education, training, agriculture, sports and culture.

In this vane, Prime Minister Golding has astutely buried the hysteria of the Seaga-era JLP policy with a visit to the New Cuba. We commend him for his pragmatism, safe in the knowledge that he will not return from the mountain top with any socialist ideas.

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