Cuba - Time For Change?

Cuba is no longer on America’s most wanted list. Since Raul Castro took over the Presidency from an ailing Fidel, in February 2008, the administration has sought means to launch Cuba into a modern age. This has meant the granting of significant freedoms to its people, in terms of property and private business enterprise. Cuba faces great change in a short timeframe. It is believed, it is hoped, by the young entrepreneurs of this country, that very soon US tourists will arrive, adding to the now significant numbers from Canada and Western Europe.

Revolutions bring immense change, all at once. But in the aftermath of revolution, in Cuba, time may well have stood still – not only for the Dodge’s and Buick’s that burn around the Havana roads, not only for the delightfully dilapidated buildings, but for the citizens, in terms of personal opportunity and personal freedoms. My visit to Cuba taught me that the people hold traditional values very close to their heart, those of the Church and the family, I felt that this strong affiliation to such traditional values was, at least in part, consequent upon the lack of individual opportunity for travel amongst a youth who now seek access to the internet. where few borders exist to prevent travel, and personal growth outside the traditional expectations of the family. The people, young and old, are proud of their heritage and their idols, champions of the people and of the spirit of revolution, such as Che Guevara, such as Jose Marti.

Can these values and attitudes survive changes which may directly threaten the basic structures of life in Cuba? It is a time when the Cuban people are entering a period of change after a period of stagnation. I wanted to capture this sense of forthcoming change in the people I met and photographed.