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"CUBA has eased restrictions on the sale of computers, DVD players and other electrical goods in the first sign of economic liberalisation since Fidel Castro retired last month.
The appliances will go on sale immediately and be available to anybody who can pay, according to an internal government memo.
The move followed promises by Raul Castro, the new President, to improve dire living standards which make daily life a grind and erode confidence in the island's communist leadership.
"Based on the improved availability of electricity, the government at the highest level has approved the sale of some equipment which was prohibited," the memo said. The list of newly available goods included 19-inch and 24-inch TVs, electric pressure cookers and rice cookers, electric bicycles, car alarms and microwaves. Air-conditioners may become available next year, followed by toasters and electric ovens in 2010.
The sale of many appliances was banned in the 1990s when the end of Soviet subsidies led to an energy crisis and daily blackouts. Subsidised oil from Venezuela is now filling the gap, allowing Havana's policymakers to ease restrictions."
Cuba eases bans, joins consumer revolution - World - smh.com.au
The appliances will go on sale immediately and be available to anybody who can pay, according to an internal government memo.
The move followed promises by Raul Castro, the new President, to improve dire living standards which make daily life a grind and erode confidence in the island's communist leadership.
"Based on the improved availability of electricity, the government at the highest level has approved the sale of some equipment which was prohibited," the memo said. The list of newly available goods included 19-inch and 24-inch TVs, electric pressure cookers and rice cookers, electric bicycles, car alarms and microwaves. Air-conditioners may become available next year, followed by toasters and electric ovens in 2010.
The sale of many appliances was banned in the 1990s when the end of Soviet subsidies led to an energy crisis and daily blackouts. Subsidised oil from Venezuela is now filling the gap, allowing Havana's policymakers to ease restrictions."
Cuba eases bans, joins consumer revolution - World - smh.com.au
