Cuba still wary of dramatic economic reforms

[Zorro]

Since Raul Castro took Cuba's helm from his ailing brother in 2008, the communist country's economic waters have gradually shifted.

Restrictions on private enterprise were eased, allowing Cubans to open restaurants and ply their trades. The government introduced a new salary structure to reward state workers with higher productivity, and subsequently cut hundreds of thousands of positions from the state payroll. Citizens and permanent residents were granted new rights to buy and sell property and vehicles, and in late 2013, the government vowed to eliminate the island nation's problematic dual-currency system.

But experts say it is unlikely the death of Fidel Castro will prompt more radical changes in Cuba, a country of about 11 million people where the average income sits at about $20 a month.

"Fidel has not played a major role in Cuba's governance for years, and the transition of power to his brother was much more smooth than anyone had expected," said Tomas Bilbao, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, a US-based not-for-profit organization.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cuba-still-wary-dramatic-economic-reforms-111251033.html

[Bacchus4.0]

1. it will take a while still. I think the Castros are worried about their legacy

I don't think they want Cuba to undergo radical change 3 months after they croak. They don't even trust the "younger" generation of leaders in their 50s and 60s. Saying they are not "ready".