Changes under Castro

From The Peopling of NYC

Castro Brings Change

Castro entered power with a will to reform. Under his leadership elite memberships and country clubs disappeared. The government instituted policies that allowed for more equitable salaries, guaranteed housing, nationalized medicine and education, as well as employment for all. This leveled the social and economic hierarchy formed between 1902 and 1958. This did not sit well with the upper and professional classes of Cuba, and many left Cuba in protest. While the greatly lowered wage cap was popular with the poor classes many professionals were unwilling to accept such change, and few sugar mill owners were eager to give up their millions. However some elements of a privileged class remained. Those in the military and government members of the communist party had controlled wages, however they had access to nicer homes, cars and medical care. Castro also made it a priority to eliminate all vices, which he saw as corrupting the people. Thus gambling and prostitution were first to go when he came into power. Cuban Clinic

Interview with an eye-witness

Impact of Change

Castro had to face a few problems once he implemented his sweeping changes. The government had to face the task of replacing the mass exodus of professionals from Cuba, as well as various high ranking officers who had fled the country. Yet another reality to be faced by Castro was that without gambling, and friendly policies toward foreigners, tourist revenue drops. Once gambling was eliminated the economy suffered a huge set back. Gambling was thus quickly made legal once again, however this time it was government run. The tables were to be handled by Cubans only, and any government official found dipping into the pot would face extremely unpleasant consequences.