A Cuba Without Fidel Castro

Cuban President Fidel Castro has outlasted no fewer than nine American presidents during his nearly five decade rule in Cuba. In fact, Castro has ruled Cuba for such a long period of time that more than three quarters of the Cuban people have known no other leader.

The country used to be prosperous and the world’s largest producer of sugar, but the decades of Castro’s rule have been a disaster for the Cuban economy. Today, Cuba is a poor country with an economy dependent on agriculture and tourism. It has shortages in food, fuel, clothing, and books. Fidel Castro embraced the Soviet Union as a trading partner years ago and Cuba has suffered financially since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Cubans refer to these difficult times as the “Special Period”.

For the economy to improve, new trading partners and revenue sources need to be uncovered. Tourism has been increasing in Cuba, but it is an industry held back by the Cuban government’s horrible human rights record and inherent government corruption. The United States has an embargo on Cuba that has been in place for forty four years which also limits Cuban economic growth and tourism.

In July 2006, President Castro underwent emergency intestinal surgery and has not attended any public events since. In recent days, rumors have intensified that Castro’s death is near. The death of Castro could dramatically impact the relationship between Cuba and the United States and provide more opportunity and hope for Cubans and for Cuban exiles in Florida.

Indeed, for some in the exile community in South Florida, the death of Fidel Castro may mean that Cuba and the United States will turn the clock back to the nineteen fifties and become allies once again. For others, it may mean political and economic changes that may indicate a move toward democracy on the island. For some Cubans, it may mean the chance to leave Cuba and join their relatives or friends in Miami. To others in Cuba it may mean a chance to make a brand of socialism work if the United States lifts its current embargo which limits economic advancement on the island.

However, change may not occur very quickly after Fidel Castro dies. The dictator has already turned over power to his brother Raul Castro. Also, two of Castro’s sons are gaining favorable press coverage in the Cuban media and appear to be in line at some point, for succession to the dictator’s brother.

For the United States, the death of Fidel Castro could mean a dramatic shift in its policy toward Cuba. The U.S. embargo should be lifted since it has not worked as leverage for Fidel Castro to improve human rights over the years. With Fidel Castro gone, the time is right for the United States to change policy toward its island neighbor.

With time, economic improvement and reform, Cuba can be a vibrant centerpiece of tourism in the Caribbean. The death of Fidel Castro can be the catalyst for change. A Cuba without Fidel Castro, is an opportunity for a better tomorrow for the island.

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