Havana, Cuba, May 8, 2008 / 17:24 pm
The latest edition of the Archdiocese of Havana’s publication “Espacio Laical” features an extensive article on the new government of Raul Castro and argues that he is the only one capable of producing changes that are both gradual, dramatic and profound.
The article states that Raul Castro must face the challenge of formulating a “bold and creative agenda to reverse the political, social and economic problems that have been increasingly accumulating in our country.” Because he was one of the original masterminds of the Cuban revolution, he is in a unique position to “open new horizons for Cuba.”
“Intellectual leaders and the Catholic Church have expressed confidence in the new Cuban leadership, pressing it for gradual change,” the article continues, and they have communicated to the political leadership in a climate of trust and respect the issues that in their judgment need to be changed.”
Most Cubans, the submission says, agree that change should come gradually in order to “preserve stability in the country and the achievements that have been made in social rights, which are valued greatly by the populace.” In addition, it said, Raul Castro has been given a vote of confidence by governments throughout the world that have taken his promise of change seriously.
However, Castro must face a complex situation in Cuba in order to bring about change, including a top-heavy government that prevents lower-level leaders from creating new initiatives, a political culture of intolerance, a crisis in the values and a wide sector of society that perhaps does not view the possibility of change as something positive.
President Raul Castro has the historic responsibility of involving all Cubans in a new dialectic of inclusion,” the magazine says, “and on this will depend whether or not our institutions become more participative, inclusive and democratic.”
“Raul Castro has stepped up and seems committed to the task of building new horizons…at 75 years of age, history’s clock has begun to tick. Meanwhile, the nation waits,” the article concludes.