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2. Regardless of
personal wishes and preferences, at this point in time it looks
probable that the transition Government, when and if it comes, will
have democracy as a goal, but its rule will not be, can not be,
fully democratic. One hopes that its main achievements will be to
enact laws, impose their rule, revamp the judiciary system, and put
an end to State terror and persecution. The call for elections will
need some time. That most heralded idea of elections in eighteen
months doesn't seem realistic, tking into account that, in such
brief notice, only Castroists and Communists have the possibility of
being organized. Cuban society is sick and, as happens with
individuals, it needs a resting period. Also, it´s imperative for a
democratic Government to have the legitimacy given by free
elections.Time will tell whether or not a provisional Government
wishes to or can stage that balancing act of achieving some initial
social healing through a period of political rest, while announcing,
and holding, a constituent assembly within a reasonable timeframe.
3. Parking in
buildings is a practical idea that deserves further studies. In the
first years of the transition, though, substancial resources will be
needed for food, housing, transportation, health care and education.
Public transportation will be a top priority, urban an inter-urban,
for with skyrocketting oil prices, many people will have second
thoughts about buying cars. Nevertheless, since they are necessary,
it could be foreseen that entrepreneurs, Government officials,
professionals and investors will have them, all depending on how the
economy evolves. Parking spaces will be needed. Those suggested
above look desirable, when their time comes.
4. The rule of
law, shock therapy in handling the economy, a temporary safety net
for the have-nots, are basic needs. During the question and answer
period, it was remarked that greed can be the enemy of ambition. The
first is short-sighted, while the latter, which identifies and
defines the entrepreneur, has long range objectives. Cuba´s
infrastructure needs rebuilding in every field of activity. That
offers enviable opportunities for ambitious investors, for decades
to come, not only in Havana, but also throughout the country. At the
same time, that will provide employment, in both the public and
private sectors, to a great number of people. Unemployment, rampant
in today´s Cuba, could be reduced to a bearable, and perhaps
necessary, minimum. And, of course, it is remembered that Cuba is an
archipielago, with hundreds of keys. Their real state potential, the
possibility they offer for investment, might be worthy of analysis.
If found feasible, it means more investment, more development, more
jobs.
5. The greens on
top of buildings, and/or adhered to parts of their structures, have
been suggested, and partially implemented, in several countries.
Aside from their beauty, they are environment friendly. In Cuba they
must be thought of while devising the best possible protection
against seasonal hurricanes.
6. The
mentioning of Kazan and Petersburg are among the best possible
instances of preserving national heritage while encouraging
development. Those who have been there can apreciate the value of
protecting those properties whose only owners are the people. It´s
understood by all that developments along the Nevsky Prospect, in
Petersburg, will respect those places with unreplaceable historic
value. Nevertheless, advertisements have defaced part of that
Avenue´s beauty. The same happened in its beautiful subway scalators.
As to Kazan, many of its historical treasures, including its
Kremlin, have been preserved. If those experiences, both the
positive and negative ones, are applied to Havana, it's reasonable
to have concerns about its most distinctive traits-the Malecón, its
wall and coral reefs, and old parts of the city, among others.
Again, my
compliments.
DREAR.
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