Few Cubans use the intenet or credit cards
By Daniel Schweimler in Havana. Sunday, 9 September, 2001.
BBC News Online
Two newly-launched Cuban websites show the internet is catching on fast
across the island, although one of them may not win its communist rulers'
approval.
The government, which prides itself on being able to feed and house its
population free of market forces, often derides capitalism in the rest of the
world and the rampant consumerism that comes with it.
There is no advertising in Cuba and shopping is not much fun.
However, quietly, without any fanfare, a Cuban shopping web site has
appeared, called, in English, Cuba Gift Store.
Fridges to jewellery
It allows buyers in Cuba or anywhere else in the world to purchase anything
from cookers and fridges to wine and jewellery for friends or family living in
and around Havana.
Transactions are done on-line and credit card payment is accepted, with
delivery of goods promised within 72 hours.
That is nothing new in many other countries.
But in Cuba, where few people hold credit cards and conspicuous consumption
is frowned upon, this is something of a consumer revolution.
President Fidel Castro has said he wants the children of his country to
learn how to use the internet and will promote its use in schools and youth
clubs.
But most Cubans still do not have regular access to computers and surfing
the net is an activity available only to a minority.
Socialist web
For those Cuban internet users more comfortable with President Castro's
Socialist revolution, there is a new website for them too.
Castro wants to promote the internet
It is produced by the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution, which is
celebrating its 41st anniversary this month.
The Committees, or CDRs, were set up shortly after President Castro came to
power to ensure the revolution triumphed and remained strong throughout Cuban
society.
Every street and block of flats in the country has a CDR whose job is to
watch, support and organise their neighbours.
Some criticise them as snoopers. Others praise them for keeping the
revolution strong at grass-roots level.
Their new web page provides information, advice and history lessons.
What it does not contain is advertising or anything to buy. | 
