This documentary is heartbreaking. I visited Cuba a few months ago, the people are wonderful but quietly desparate. We need to cherish and protect what we have.
The timing of your words… People calling for fascism, or authoritative government in the U.S. are totally clueless… and, we’ve always had people living in deep poverty, there are more and more every day. Hope we wake up in time.
Plenty of areas in USA as bad as this !!! Also life outside the city in the countryside of Cuba is way better than what you see here. This is bullshit DW
Let's not forget that Socialism is not kindness, it's just taking you're things and leaving you with nothing too feed you're family, just say no and mean it, it maybe harsh and cruel, but remember you have a family to take care yourself, not just them.
It was eye opening for me as a Canadian citizen after I visited Cuba 🇨🇺. You started be more appreciated for everything you have here in Canada 🇨🇦. God bless Cuba 🇨🇺 and people of this wonderful country ❤
Just think within 10 years we'll have the same standard of living in Canada as Cuba. Tent cities and long lines at food banks! Canadian version of socialism!!
@oceanwaves86 Justin looks incredibly like his father Pierre, who had a close relationship with Fidel. Margaret had nothing to do with Fidel until well after Justin was born.
DW makes those kinds of documentaries that make you rethink your life, your choices, your spending habits and your political stance. Thank you DW, this world needs it now more than ever.
You can't blame us for not planting a tomato or planting spinach or blame us for throwing a fishing line in the ocean ...the u s. Can't be blamed for none of that shit ....lloll... I'm American and I grow my own food in my house if I do that shit they can do that shit too to supplement there caloritic intake .. Now that they aren't allowed to have a tomato plant or plant potatoes,.. or fish cuase . it gets you ten years That could maybe be the real story ....
Spinach is 40 calories Tomato 70 calories Broccoli 30 calories Potato 130 calories A fish 300 calories Plus the Cuban system for the rest. So ? Let people fish and farm.
im a cuban living in finland and this documentary broke my tears out and remind me how ilucional is in Cuba to even think about having the basic things that we all have here in Europe and more than anything the help the European countries give to immigrants like me to start a decent live and honourable life ........ I was the protagonist of a documentary filmed by two germans filmmakers about relationships betwing tourist and cubas but it never got released as I was inside cuba in those days still and the fear of me ending in prison was to high so the filmmakers decided to not put its out there wish is really sad sit contained lots of real life history in it thanks DW FOR BRING THE REALITY OF CUBA OUT THERE
You get prizes in America and Europe when you say you're from Cuba. But I bet you that if you came from Syria or Iraq, the only job you'd have is scrubbing toilets from those you consider you a terrorist and living in a tent.
How do you leave Cuba like are there embassies and do cubans have passports where you can travel legally or you have to travel illegally by sea or smuggling?
@@DemoderDen2027 They have passports. Usually they either go directly to USA (illegally) or to Mexico (illegally, through Central America). In Mexico they can apply to the US embassy for a special residence permit that includes work in the USA. They must stay in the US permanently for the first year
@@mierypesado6740Here’s the crazy part: those Cubans then turn around (once they become legal) and then vote for right-wing candidates. That makes no sense. They unfortunately see Democrats as “socialists” due to misinformation campaigns from leading Cuban Republicans in Miami; and so they vote accordingly because they have been brainwashed. Also alot who come here end up becoming super racist. Just telling it like it is.
I drove 3500 km in Cuba, alone, 30 years ago. It is disheartening to realize nothing have changed since. Such beautiful country and wonderful people. They don't deserve this plight. It's not safe to complain loudly about the status quo. Being a foreigner speaking fluent Spanish, some people told me things they didn't dare to discuss with friends. I lived 21 years under a military dictatorship in Brazil and could feel and understand the unease vibes now and then.
I've been travelling Cuba for last two weeks. I've got money and it's hard to find most essentials. I really hope they can find their way out of this situation.
The only way out for Cubans is to shoot their way out of communism. However the Castro communist dynasty has left the people hungry and disarmed. Hopefully soon they'll have a 1989 Romanian style coup....where the military helped to overthrow their former dictator.
It's not surprising people can live so long in cuba. Solid healthcare system that both free and the best educated staff in Latin America. Most of them are even better than American doctors. If only america ends their illegal embargo on the island, so they didn't hade to suffer from equipment shortages
@@yamayama6083 Socialism never works; a nice Lie and totally-debunked Myth. Man, EVERYTHING is done to shield from objective facts like 'Americas unlawful, inhumane Sanctions strangle Cuba', huh? !
They are funded bytr German gov? Who are in league with USA in sanctioning n destroying countries no? In addition of reporting people's unfortunate misery MSM could offer help no?
My boss at work is from Cuba. He is a refugee. He was a journalist in Cuba and wrote an article about Fidel and the situation in Cuba and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Even though he never said Fidel’s name everyone knew it was about him. He spent one month in jail and he didn’t tell me how he got out but he said thank god for the United States. He wants to go home to visit and says the people of cubs are tired. I hope they stand up and make Cuba better. I hope he gets to go back to visit. His story made me so sad.
Fedil Castro a Wise man,he is a lawyer and he knows everything about leberty human right and freedom,he knows freedom of speech freedom of choice and many other freedom,but fedil Castro a Wise man and ambitious man, choose communist, because this communist system,this is the instrument to fulfill and achieve his goal and ambition to become a communist dictator leader in Cuba,fedil Castro organized communist revulotion,but his personal interest or self interest revulotion,he tricks the people to support his self interest revulotion,Castro hate democracy and freedom and he hate elections,he love communist so much, because this is the system of government that to fulfill his goal and ambition to become an absolute communist dictator leader in Cuba,and Castro wanted absolute power,that no one can opposed to him,no one can disagree with him,no one can question to him and especially no free elections,and fedil Castro also wanted,that he lead Cuba in no limit's,with his communist socialist dictator regime...
@@KalbroneognobpOgnobp then why are you on here using a capitalist platform comrade? Why don't you exile yourself to the Gulag for indulging yourself with capitalist products.
As a Cuban who left for another country, hoping for a better future, I can say that this is one of the most accurate documentaries that I've seen in the internet about the REAL situation in Cuba. I have seen so many documentaries that show only a façade, and hide the ugly truths. Good job DW, for making this great documentary. I must say that I had a few tears running down my eyes watching it because it brought back a mixture of feelings of nostalgia, but also of impotent hatred. I have not been back since the day I left 20 years ago, not because I don't want to see it again, but because I don't want to contribute a single cent in funding the cancerous government that has strongly taken hold there for so long.
Of what I have seen in this documentary the cuban people are tired and desperate and want a change. Sooner or letter this dictator government will collapse something is going to happen.
Finally, an objective video that shows the cruel reality that the Cuban people live today - exactly at it is. Cubans have a spirit of survival that never ceases to amaze. This is the best documentary about Cuba that I have seen in many years. Thank you, DW for another important video.
Same thoughts, thanks for your comments! I really appreciate DW since the war started, and I started watching EU programming. I don't know if any American outfit could produce this quality, the lens has a different hue and focus. Wonderful to see a clear-eyed view, and have people open their thoughts to the camera. Thnaks for posting !!
If you’re indeed Cuban you should know that Cuba has been under an illegal international embargo (led by the U.S.) since the 60’s and you’re going to claim that this result has nothing to do with it? 🤡
@@georgeantonopoulos545 it’s not a strategy, nothing will ever change if all you do is hope for change. Their own path? Tell me when is the last time that Cuba has held a democratic election? Look at the living conditions of your average Cuban. No constitutional rights, no freedom of speech, press..etc You can only blame the blockage for so long, funny how government officials have BMWs and all of the luxuries but the average person has to wait in line for hours for their monthly allowance of chicken and can’t put food on the table for their children.
@@georgeantonopoulos545 It’s not a strategy. Countless Cubans have died hoping for a change in their country and 70 years later, it’s still the same garbage. Others have taken matter into their own hands and risked their lives and the lives of their children in pursuit of freedom and the pursuit of happiness in the U.S. when’s the last time Cuba has had a democratically appointed president? It’s shameful that in 2024 more than 3/4 of Cuba suffers and lives an impoverished life. You can’t blame everything on the blockade, plus it’s been about 70 years, if you can’t find other trade partners in that time then your government Isn’t worth anything. Absolutely unnecessary and shameful for our children to live the way they live, they deserve better.
Trinidad born here, living in Canada, got caught in Trinidad during covid pandemic, had a very nice Cuban man carry my groceries to the taxi stand for me, humble folks, God bless Cuba ❤
This documentary broke my heart. I've been put through an emotional rollercoaster. The saddest part is the feeling of hopelessness they transmit when they explain their situation.
@@feliperistuccia2569 really? any company in the world? No, what you have here is a few corrupt, power-hungry individuals running an oppressive regime. You fell for the lie and believed the deception.
So sad, the Cuban people are beautiful, talented, resilient, and their music and food are awesome, and their birds and other wildlife are absolutely gorgeous. I hope I'll live to see a free and open Cuba one day.
The US should have normalized relations decades ago. Punishing Cuba for Fidel is idiotic. And after all these years, the US could have lifted their standard of living 1000% and gotten loyal friends out of it. But nooooooo..
But how much strength will she have for how long? This documentary is now three years old. It is a snapshot of what WAS. Tell me today if that 106-year-old lady still has a family or anyone to care for her. The picture of what IS TODAY in Cuba is only worse. It is now against the law for people to send money to Cuba. The major source of money for needy Cubans is now gone. Strength is one thing; SLOW STARVATION is another horror altogether.
I am from Ohio, and currently commenting from the city of Pinar del Rio,Cuba. I can tell you this documentary is just showing a tip of the iceberg. Cuba is a failed state or nearly getting there. My heart cries for the Cubans. Words can't express the misery and suffering of these people. I am a PhD candidate doing my research in the City of Pinar del Rio.
This is the exact same establishment propaganda you will hear everywhere else. The sanctions were briefly mentioned as if they are insignificant. The Batista dictatorship was portrayed as the best thing ever. They didn't succeed in showing a single starving Cuban though.
What a beautiful and heartbreaking documentary. Left me in tears. I feel for my people in Cuba. The desire for change is strong, but the fear is stronger.
@@jolo88671 for the weak and stupid, like you. Every time she cries there's a politician who's counting the embezzled funds that should be distributed amongst the vast majority of the population
I will have to go to the Cuban Embassy and donate boxes of goods, especially shoes. I can't fathom rationing bread and standing long hours in food lines, just for 1 chicken !! 💔
I love our elders. They are walking story books. Their wisdom and sense of humor is amazing. God bless our seniors!! Pray for their health and long life of blessings.
I went to Cuba in 2019. It was an excellent trip. The people are some of the most community-oriented and generous I’ve ever met. Even though many have so little, they go through life with positivity. The conversations I had with the people - especially with the young - revealed the lack of hope they had for their country’s future. I would assume that almost everyone has a friend or family member that has left the country to look for a better future. Many want to leave, but simply do not have the financial means to do so. I hope one day that the pressure to leave the country disappears. It truly is a beautiful country with a beautiful culture.
It’s a beautiful country but if there were more wealth it would be unbelievable. The day before I left the host whom I LOVeD asked for some of my lotion, makeup, and inhaler . Her mom has asthma and allergies and was impossible to get medicine. I left it all with her, benedryl, Advil, perfumes, soaps everything she was so happy. She came out the next day with a little makeup on .. some tinted lip gloss she was smiling and her husband was watching her smiling that something so small made her happy. I also left her some snacks I had like granola, peanut butter etc.. she was most happy for the medicines. She asked me to come visit her again. She was so beautiful I still have her number I should text her
We visited Havana for a month in 2014 shortly after Obama addressed a plan to lift the embargo. We, and all who we met, were very excited but also conscious that in a few years the unique beauty of Cuba would be crushed with the flood of free trade, Walmart, Costco, Coca-Cola, more. 2014 was an exciting time and a time of hope. My impression of Castros version of socialism was genuinely very bad. I constantly observed a vibrant people who simply had zero motivation to make their lives better. Shocking how compared to Mexico there is essentially no cottage industry anywhere, where grandma can set out a few tables & chairs and stew up a better taco than her neighbors and pay the rent? This is forbidden in Cuba? One day I walked for hours looking for a loaf of bread in Havana.... Every bakery sold the exact same little square of the same white bread. Did Castro prevent them from creating a bread superior to the competition?
@@kippywylieyou know that’s a great question. I didn’t pay attention to that bc why don’t they just bake bread? We do it every week here in my home. We just bake our own bread. I’m going to ask some Cuban people. I’ve never even thought of that.
@@kippywylie The embargo lifting does not automatically mean that Western capitalists would be allowed to come in and pillage, Cubans know better than to allow that.
I live in Brazil and know three Cuban doctors who lived in the countryside there, in differente regions. This friends of mine say that the situation is even worse.
@yoliene and @victorg are a cuban couple that live there and record everything… its spanish but you can get an idea. those are their tags for their channels
As a Cuban this is the best documentaries I have seeing ln the real you tube ..What is got to happen is all the people have to say enough is enough and DO something about to be able to get democracy the good life .I would love to see that happen in Cuba .Is the best thing that wo happen in Cuba ..I see the better Cuba and now is very very bad,I was there 13 yrs ago and and i felt terrible the way they live....
This is the best documentary on Cuba that I've seen, very well done. I was in Havana earlier this year, first time in Cuba. I have been to communist countries as a kid (China in the mid 1980s, USSR before its collapse), but have never witnessed such complete decay as I did in Cuba.
@@MrSgtau Did they talk about the sanctions and how they work? Bc I am almost 10 minutes in and kind of getting bored bc it still hasn't been discussed.
@@luperamos7307 naaah Cuba is in great shape a time capsule we will never experience elsewhere in the world! We only need to set up jobs there for the people so they can continue driving great looking cars from the 50s with reliable Toyota engines in them that lasts forever!
Whoever wants to learn about Cuba has to go live like the average Cuban on the island. Congratulations to this channel for reflecting with such realism what ordinary Cubans experience, because that is what those of us who have lived in Cuba have suffered almost all our lives, and for not being ready to repeat Castro's lies to sell a false image from Cuba
I have been to Cuba twice. I love the people, the art, even the food a little. I wish I could return or help but neither is possible right now. My heart is with you.
oh I thought it was. well we need to take it back. Cuba and Puerto Rico should be amazing, then again they would just ruin it like they did Hawaii. Greed is destroying the world, cant have anything nice@@andreamcintyre3394
I visited in 2022; I remember asking for milk for breakfast at my airbnb and the host was only barely able to get a small container because he knew a farmer who had a bit. Very eye opening and unfortunate, long lines for the most basic essentials like cooking oil, one woman feinted standing in line in the hot sun waiting for it. My heart goes out to the Cuba people
End the repressive government! Give the Cuban people FREEDOM! Let the Cuban people freely express themselves,let them farm their own land freely without bs government interference, let them travel freely abroad and within their own country! Cubans who have fled their own homeland have prospered immensely, regardless of which country they landed in..! Cubans are hard working, resourceful, intelligent, and willing to sacrifice in order to better themselves..! So ask yourself this: Why can't they do this in their own country? Perhaps it's their own government that prevents them. A government more obsessed with maintaining their own power than actually implementing policies for the betterment of its own people. Embargo. As if all of Cuba's woes is only due to one thing. You sir are a simpleton with absolutely no clue whatsoever about what actually ails Cuba and its Citizens... You should really educate yourself before posting a one line comment about something you clearly know nothing about!!! @@bobsager7034
I was 6 years old when I left Cuba with my mother and grandparents. I remember getting on the plane, and my grandmother admonished me, "Don't say anything bad about the Cuban government, or they will turn this plane around and throw us all in prison." Imagine being a child and having that as your last memory of your life in Cuba? That was in 1970, and nothing much has changed in Cuba - except that perhaps things are even worse. I would like to clarify that not all Cubans see Fidel as a revolutionary hero, but as a ruthless dictator who ruled Cuba with an iron fist through fear and intimidation. #patriayvida
Viktor Belenko was the Soviet pilot who defected in 1976 by flying his MIG 25 to Japan. In his book he described the same thing about the long lines. If you saw a line, you automatically got on it not always knowing what was available once you got to the front of the line. Belenko described the constant shortages of every kind of civilian good including food. But there were special stores in which Western goods were available. Only the Communist Party elite was allowed to shop in those stores.
These people are strong af! Only a Cuban can make a 57 Chevy run with a 1981 Mercedes engine 😂 and they've got 103 year olds walking down the street getting their own groceries cracking jokes! I hope this country gets the redemption it deserves
I would love to see their ending journey to America, or any other country they ended up. I mean it's worth seeing their journey. I pray to God they made it safe and do get the life they were looking for or even a better one.
True😢😢😢i feel pitty the people from cuba. No food to eat because over price foods. Not good government. People suffering no food to eat😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😦😦😦😦😦
Unless you are Cuban and have followed the story of the REVOLUTION since 1959 you cannot possibly understand CUBA. Forget about understanding Cuba after watching this documentary for 55 odd minutes. I have been hearing about Cuba my whole life. I have listened to hundreds of Cubans tell their story. I only lived there for the first 8 years of my life but have read extensively and I still don't understand CUBA. It is a failed state. A nation haunted by demons. Hunger, misery, depravation, filthy hospitals, no food, no sanitary conditions. A state that claims that children are a priority but education is so bad that children aren't sure if they are in the 4th grade, the 3rd, or the 5th. A country where a female doctor makes 10 times more money with a side job as a prostitute to make ends meet. A country where a professor supplements her/his income driving a taxi, where there is no fish yet they are surrounded by water. Cuba is a nation where people are taught to hate each other. A government sponsor CDR, neighborhood watch watches you 24/7. They are the ''chivatones''' or whistleblowers who suffer as much as anyone else but will call the SECRET SERVICE POLICE to knock on your door at 3:00 a.m. and haul you away for a wrong comment you made against the government. A country where a Jehovah's Witness carrying a Bible and speaking against GOD is a dangerous citizen who is marked, so that s/he is not able to attend any university. And in this last crisis, 20,000 Cubans are leaving per month to the USA, Central America, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Europe and beyond. CUBA IS HELL. CUBA IS A CESSPOOL. CUBA IS INFECTIOUS.
Este es un documental muy interesante. Porque la cobertura de Cuba es muy limitada, y es muy difícil para los extranjeros conocer la situación actual dentro de Cuba. Información como esta es muy útil porque hay muchas facetas en todo. Respeto a DW por producir un documental tan significativo.
This is a cheap communist propaganda video by Germany. That was not a Mercedes engine. It is a Hyundai. (You can see the logo on it!) That old man is not 103. He's in his 70s. The military and police of Cuba is made up of the children of the people of Cuba, just like Russia. If they don't care about their families, what does that tell you about them? President Trump just reversed his communist african predecessor's relaxation of sanctions. Just like every good neighborhood gone to hell, look at who's running things when the decline and you'll see who's to blame. In the US, look at Cincinnati, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, and countless other communist/democratic party governments and you'll see the same thing as Cuba. Look at Czechoslovakia vs Vietnam to see what happens when communism is held onto by people vs when it was ended. #WakeUp
During a cab ride to Havanna a few years ago we were chatting up the cabbie about life in Cuba. One of my questions was if there is a lot of crime or a mafia in Cuba. He said, only one mafia. The government... It was quite surprising how candid he was given the potential repercussions.
I think it's probably like when you give random criticism it's not dangerous, only when you voice that opinion to a large audience it becomes dangerous.
Thats actually good for the country..its safer to live in a place where theres only 1 mafia gang with no rivals...we only need to make manufacturing companies and chicken farms there to provide jobs and food supply to the masses
@@HF7-AD y tambien Cuba tiene un programa medica mejor que los estados unidos. En Cuba no tienen el technologia igual como Norte America y el oeste de Europa pero la gente no paga nada en la oficina porque todo ya esta pagado con impuestos. Aqui en los estados unidos mucho gente caen en dueda por tantos facturas porque la aseguranza no cubre todo.
You are correct!! Fedil Castro is a lawyer he knows everything about leberty human right and freedom,but he is a Wise man and ambitious man,and he wanted absolute power,he idolized the Marxist style of regime the communist dictator regime,Castro organized communist revulotion but his self interest revulotion to achieve his goal and ambition to become a communist dictator leader in Cuba,that no one can opposed to him,no one can disagree with him,no one can question to him and especially no free elections, Castro and his communist party cronies oligarchs, oppressed the right and freedom of the people,and make the cuban people poorer,but Castro and his families and their communist party cronies oligarchs was become more Richer and richer....
It's good that the video moves away from Castro's lies about external blame, and blames the tyrannical regime of Fidel Castro for the destruction of Cuba, as turns out to be the truth.
@@TheOctapodi Hopefully Cubans will soon be able to have that change that you say the people in Cuba want, when the people free themselves from Castro's tyranny
Thanks for letting the world see this. I’m tearing up for my people, because even though I’m not there anymore it hurts to see the reality of a country that had so much potential just going downhill and my people with such a lack of hope because they’re finally faced with their truth . Breaks my heart.
@@GungeScleraEmpyaema not rlly… Venezuelans have guns, bullets, hell there’s even food there at least and has some open market. Cuba compared to Venezuela is a shit hole
It's pretty simple actually. Just have the US government lift it's economy siege and they'll be fine. They've been subject to a siege since the 60s. Their only crime is that they wanted the freedom to align themselves with whomever they want. You know, the thing we argue for for Ukraine. I suppose it's okay for Ukraine but not for Cuba. The US is at the heart of all of Cuban problems. Read every UN report on Cuba and they all say the same thing: sanctions are the problem.
I just sent over a bunch of solar lights,chargers, phone, batteries, silver, cigarettes and other goodies to a friend I met on a trip to Cuba. My aunt went on their honeymoon there so that makes me feel good to create a bond with someone in such a small time. And continue to help make my friends life a bit easier from so far away in Canada. They're all So friendly and nice always smiling.I love the people and the country. 💕 Wish I could do more for them, and it gets better for these beautiful people.
@@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq yep,toothpaste and soap, we try to do what we can for our friends no matter where they live. I would love to go back. You use to be able to take a suitcase if you called the airline 6 weeks ahead. It's free. 50lbs of stuff to give away.
IN CUBA THERE ARE NOT WONDERFUL PEOPLE, THAT IS A BRAINWASHED. THEY DESERT WHAT THEY HAVE, A KARMA FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR OR WRONGDOING, IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME ASK TO THOSE CUBAN THAT GET OUT FROM THERE IN 1980 TO 1985 OR A LITTLE MORE.
@@Octobre1986 I'm a metal detector and I find silver,gold and coins. A necklace and some silver earrings. I'm not sure they could sell it. I'm not a rich person. 😍
I will continue to pray without ceasing for not only Cuba, but all broken societies who are living in denial and or fear and or too prideful to speak the truth. Thank you for your time and effort in bringing us this documentary. Peace and grace 🕊️ love and light
The young guy called Miguel Alejandro Hayes, was my boss back when I lived in Cuba. We worked at the same newspaper (The Trench) talking about the problems of Cuba.
While in Cuba, we went to a private restaurant. The waiter was a school teacher. Then we hired a tax for the whole day. Our driver turned out to to speak excellent English and was very knowledgeable about Cuba. No wonder-he was also a University Professor, teaching English!
@@heraldomedrano1417 I don't remember exact numbers, but approximately 90%+ of the Cubans who left Cuba after the Revolution were white. Then after the Revolution Castro brought a lot of poor Cubans-many, of not most of them black-from the countryside to Havana in order to create a powerful support base. Thus, the racial demographics has significantly changed since the Revolution, especially in Havana.
@@yungsloth420 many westerners have been conditioned to see only race and judge people off their race. It's a new manufactured ideology that has spread like a virus.
I have some Cuban friends and when I visited Cuba the people are so nice. Almost want to live there. You can never convince me socialism or communism works.
When I visited, the fishermen told me they haul in their 2 kilometer nets by hand. Because the government will not allow them electric motors for their nets.
They are “nice” because they want your dollars. Once they get to America and have them, they turn into those rabid Republican, racist and rude service people that have overtaken Miami.
My heart goes out to these people in the 70th Guyana was like this I was just leaving Guyana to relocate overseas i remember how hard it was for my family and loves ones I left behind
The tourist resorts in Cuba are quite nice. If you can, take a holiday there. The hotel workers appreciate little gifts, and tips for friendly service. The best job in Cuba is a bartender at a Cuban resort or a tour guide for the generous tips you get. I met a tour guide who quit his job as a University professor to work as a tour guide and earn 5 times more money. Going to Cuba is easy if you’re from Canada or Europe. It might be more difficult if you’re from the U.S.A. Nice documentary…thanks for posting.
These are the types of documentaries channels such as CNN, History Channel & Travel Channel should be making. DW y'all have been my favourite since Summer 2020. Keep doing great things
DW is german government news. In USA "the government" and "the press" are separated and there is a very good reason for that you should read a textbook sometime instead of government media documentaries. There are lots of documentaries in USA about how failed of a nation Cuba is, like "Vanguard" Cuba: Waiting for a Revolution (TV Episode 2009)
Most of the third world is impoverished because of America. Freedom isn’t free that much is true, but when you try to show people the price of that “freedom” they would prefer to look the other way.
@@bivvystridents3752 I’m literally American and benefit from this system actively. Though not quite as much as the elites but that is neither here nor there.
EXCELLENT documentary. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was stuck in Santiago de Cuba in 2001 with no money, after a medical emergency. I had to stay in the slums outside the city. I saw DIRE POVERTY. The images of Havana above are like luxury compared to the slums in the east. The huge difference with other poor countries is that in other countries there is HOPE and there are POSSIBLILTIES. You can dream of starting a business from scratch and earning a decent living. Or you can dream that your children will be educated and find a good paying job. But in Cuba there is no hope, there is no way.😢 The dictatorship is SHAMEFUL. Also, there is no freedom of speech. People risk going to jail. Now, with the consequences of the pandemic it is absolutely unacceptable the situation there. 😔
Education in Cuba is compulsory and free at all levels. Healthcare in Cuba is free. The level of education in Cuba is excellent. To be illiterate would be a difficult "achievement". I've seen the poverty there too as I lived there. As a Cuban resident, my doctor collected me from my home and drove me to the hospital in her personal car. Never underestimate the Cuban people. In a difficult economic situation they may be: Illiterate, they are not. Uneducated, they are not.
@@happydillpickle Thanks for your comment. I don't mean to say that people there are uneducated or illiterate. I just wanted to point out that I saw miserable conditions in the slums outside the city of Santiago de Cuba. Unfortunately, education and health care didn't help those people. But then again, that was 2001 when the government had tight control on the economy and very few businesses were allowed. The economy opened up more for citizens since then. But still, life in a slum in the east is not the romantic vision of Cuba that foreigners have. But yes, I agree, Cubans are very resourceful and kind. :)
@@chelsea65030 A good few of the people from what could probably be termed "shanty towns" you describe travel to Havana to "jinetear". I doubt you'll have missed the jineter/o/s back then. I was living there the year you visited. So many were leaving with foreigners, often on spouse or fiance visas, hoping for a better life. It used to knock me sick seeing the young teenage girls rubbing suncream onto the middle to old aged male foreign (sex) tourists on the beach. You'll almost definitely have run into the "cheaper rum, cheaper restaurant" scams. The guys doing this often come from the places of which you speak. They cook indoors on charcoal fires, wash with a bucket of water on a mud floor with a shared bar of soap that needs to last...and last... I've seen mother dogs suckling puppies on a mud floor, crawling with fleas. You'll probably have been offered food and shelter by people living in such conditions if you had a long wait. Of course, the police cracked down a lot on illegal mixing with tourists for financial gain. Arrests, fines and deportations to other provinces were standard. I''m sorry for my brusque reply. It's such a different place from what foreigners expect. It's just not for lack of schooling or doctors or an adequate healthcare system that people struggle. The national health service is excellent. The tourist healthcare service I have never accessed: did they have all the medications you needed? I always wondered if they were reserved for paying foreigners. I believe there are more doctors per capita than in any other country! There's a big emphasis on natural treatments for lack of access to pharmaceuticals. What is disgraceful is that when the population struggle with frequent power cuts, the hotels keep their power via generators. I heard the hospitals don't necessarily. I have no idea whether this is true, but it's certainly true that the government licks the proverbial of the tourism trade at the expense of the dignity of the population. It was (is?) illegal for a fisherman to sell swordfish and lobster to the public. His catch went to the hotels. The tax was huge. You'll probably have seen lots of renovation work going on in Havana when you were there. I wonder if those gorgeous buildings they restored are still...wait for it... expensive hotels...
@@happydillpickle my friend, health and education were free also before 1959 and the governments then were not repeating it again and again all the time. People may be literate but 8o% of the population just read the names of the products in the supermarket. Most of Cubans have a lot of difficulties to spell words. You are very lucky about your experience with the doctor. You are not Cuban I guess.
@@happydillpickle Haha, no worries. It's interesting for me to process what I saw two decades ago. My experience with the health care system was excellent. (I was lucky though because I heard horror stories from Cubans about local experiences with the medical system). I got appendicitis while there. I had no insurance but they still operated on me, with the condition that I couldn't leave until I paid. Operation was smooth and one week hospital stay was fine. After that, they said I couldn't board a plane for at least a month, because of the pressure or something. I also had almost no money (it took a month til some money could arrive from my country). So I had to hide out in the slums, as I couldn't pay for a casa particular. I hid out in homes around Chicharrones. I saw shacks in an area nearby. I saw some pretty desperate conditions. People literally hungry with no food. I'm not kidding. The rations from the gov were not enough. State salary (e.g. for working in a factory) was $7 at the time and not enough. As I waited for the okay to travel, I spent a month just hanging out, walking the streets. Nothing else to do. The little bit of money I had had, I had given to a family to cook for me. I experienced 2 extremes. The first was kindness, sympathy and hospitality from people who had nothing themselves. I cannot deny that there were some genuinely wonderful people there with no hidden motives. And thanks to them I survived. At the same time, I was also swarmed by men when I went into the town centre. I didn't know the term jintero back then. I couldn't walk a block without being stopped by one. Even women would stop and say "amiga" and then ask for money. I knew what people were up to because where I was staying, every day women and men would head out to the town centre to find a tourist. OH LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING. During that time, people from Santiago could NOT go to Havana. They had to get gov approval and that was rare. And let me tell you, Cuba is more racist than the gov likes people to think. But I'll leave that topic for now. So, living in desperate situations, and with no way out, they saw tourists as their only way out. AND I AGREE WITH YOU 100%, it sickened me too to see young girls with middle and old age men. Disgusting!! And so SAD! I didn't see it on the beaches as I could only go to local beaches lol, but I saw it in the town centre. The sex tourism is really in your face. One thing that BROKE MY HEART was when locals of all ages, men and women, would come to me and ask for medicine from abroad, for this and that serious condition. I believe there was a severe shortage for the locals. But there were some Cubans who lived pretty well. They had income from abroad, from family, or they had a large nice home in the centre, and they were able to set up businesses (the few that were allowed then). Even better off were those who were in the gov. The disparity was hard to see. Anyway, eventually I was allowed to leave and pay from my home country. I had a bill of over $3500, and I am sure almost all that money went to the gov, not to the doctors and nurses. Okay, so back to the jinterismo. I get it, they were in a desperate situation. Living in a dictatorship with few options to put enough food on the table, and god forbid, live a comfortable life. BUT one thing I will never agree with is the fact that they USE foreigners. They're not upfront. Better would be a marriage contract... more honest. Like in most countries from which people leave via marriage. Not that I am condoning that of course. But I've heard countless stories of people being dumped by their Cuban spouse soon after arrival in their country, when they thought that it was a real relationship. But maybe things have changed now. Maybe there is more honesty. I haven't been there since. Okay, my 2 cents, haha.
You need a boogie man to scare the people into excepting sacrifices.Marxist`s natural enemies is free enterprise.Price and wage controls and government owned means of production drags down people`s will to work hard.Thus official peso and black market peso.Cuba`s elite shop at the black market while the poor go to the state store.
It's heartbreaking to see the reality I left just two weeks ago, after a 7-weeks-visit. I lived with regular peoplo instead of a hotel. The longer I stayed the more it felt like a nightmare, especially with and after hurrican Ian. But I found love there too. Really confusing, but life really needs to change for the better. Otherwise it will end like in East-Germany, were I grew up in: The last person leaving switches off the light.
7 weeks in Cuba? Yikes! I was in Havana for one week (in 2022, so post Covid), and that was enough for me. If, and it's a big if, I return to Cuba, I will visit the countryside, places like Vinales or Santiago. The country has so much potential to be a top tourist destination in the Caribbean, but not in its current state. As was mentioned in the documentary, although life hasn't been easy there for a long time, it was Covid that has accelerated the decline signicantly.
And the Stasi will keep the clamps on until suddenly they go. And then the archives will be open and the people will be able to read just how much information the government had on them. People in the former East Germany read about themselves; it is like a national hobby.
@@David-q1t4d The best part is the face of the custom agent when they check to luggage.....ton of toothpast, Tylenol, Toothbrush, ect.....$400 of stuff.... And they give you the best service in the world...smile included
@@antasosam8486 If you were completely ignorant of politics and history you might think that amusing. The USSR was systematically strangled by the US. Oil prices deliberately crashed, Afghanistan War, Nuclear Arms race, Sanctions, sabotage of infrastructure, psyops lies etc.
Cuba is a post-oil economy so they are pioneers in transitioning to a carbon-neutral reality and I hope their transition moves on apace. They have already moved to organic farming as they fertiliser imports from the soviet union ended when the oil did upon the collapse of the soviet union collapsed. They never really industrialised or went digital so now they are trying to straddle the old soviet-backed economy with a oil-free future without the benefits of solar or other renewable energy sources or a digital infrastructure, or, it has to be said, without a functioning democratic structure. It's like making 2 leaps forward from their soviet-era colony status to a functional economy. In a very limited way, with the only export being tourism due to the trade embargo.
@@BolshevikCarpetbagger1917 Capitalism is the only economic system on the face of the earth that actually produces surplus value. Surplus value which pays for your incredibly feminists 'social' programs. Capitalism is the economics of masculinity, where as socialism is the economics of feminism. Socialism treats the human species as if we are a group organism, where as capitalism treats us as if we are individuals. What America has is only the mere semblance of capitalism. Thank god that's all it takes to thrive! The Bolsheviks are easily one of the worst things to ever happen to the world. They killed tens of millions of people by starvation. They'd literally go into peoples homes, and remove their food. They were a disgusting group of people. I suppose you'd rather be living in Russia right now?? I bet you'd enjoy being one of the newly 'mobilized' drunks getting blown to smithereens in a war that has nothing to do with you! Right! You'd rather live some place where they drink vodka like water because they are so fucking miserable!
My most vivid recollection of being in Cuba two years ago was seeing all these old American cars coming near me in all directions. I swear it, it felt like being in the middle of a movie being filmed about the Fifties, a surreal scene, and they work very well because these cars have new engines.
The exhaust gases of all cars kill you, there are no regulations whatsover for that. When the wind comes from behind the guests in those fancy cars are near choking.
@@einmensch4040 Haha yeah I reckon they are choking. There's so little industry in Cuba though and so few vehicles that there's no point in restricting emissions. After living in Cuba I'm still horrified by households with multiple vehicles, traffic jams, car parks everywhere etc. People drive a quarter of a mile just to buy a takeout or some cigarettes. Did you ever see Cuba's only freeway? (abandoned and never used. Horses, cows and vultures wandering around on it)
@@fidelcatsro6948 Talent, indeed. These are not collection cars used very little, but very old cars kept in working conditions for everyday use or taxis.
communism always ends in tyranny, a totalitarian, dictatorial system, where only those who are with the single party have political rights, only a part of the people can access power, express themselves (in favor of the regime of course), create organizations, make propaganda, access to the media, and so on, they end up controlling every aspect of the country, everything, education, economy, EVERYTHING WITH THE STATE NOTHING OUTSIDE THE STATE, those who disagree and express it, the comunists crush them because they do not accept opposition, in communism (synonymous with extremist leftist dictatorship) opponents and dissidents are imprisoned, killed, or exiled, it is an oppressive system that takes away sovereignty from the part of the people who do not think like them, robbing them of the right to define destiny of the country.
Thank you DW Documentary for a very interesting and enlightening film. As a Professor of Political Science, this film helps me to rethink great ideology. Even the most complex ideology can not withstand the challenge of time, the new international environment, and the changing of alliances. Creativity, openness, and adaptability are the answers to the Cuban crisis, not the ideology.
What foolishness. Castro never starved after the revolution. It is not "ideology" but "implementation". A nation of thieves complaining of theft. If you declare a war on capitalism, do not be surprised that capitalists fail to show up.
Yes it will always work better when implemented properly,I pity your students. How many times does a system have to fail so miserably before it’s relegated to the dustbin of history?
The answer obviously is a change to the whole SYSTEM. A free market financial system combined with democratic socialistic government is the trick. The Nordic countries make it work, why wouldn't Cuba?
All my friends have left Cuba. Most of my parents friends have left Cuba. Most of my generation and younger Cubans have left Cuba. José Marti said "cuando un pueblo emigra, los gobernantes sobran" meaning when people emigrate it's government is useless.
I agree with the statement that the people live in fear of speaking out. They are a defeated people, easy to see it in their faces. I go to Valadero and La Habana at least once a year and nothing ever changes in that country and I have the utmost respect for Cubans
Just as bad in Florida. Florida has more homeless people, over 2 million without health/dental care. Food lines all over the state. People are getting arrested for voting. Jackson, Mississippi has no clean water either does Flint, Michigan. California has more homeless people than any other country in the world.
Unless you are Cuban and have followed the story of the REVOLUTION since 1959 you cannot possibly understand CUBA. Forget about understanding Cuba after watching this documentary for 55 odd minutes. I have been hearing about Cuba my whole life. I have listened to hundreds of Cubans tell their story. I only lived there for the first 8 years of my life but have read extensively and I still don't understand CUBA. It is a failed state. A nation haunted by demons. Hunger, misery, depravation, filthy hospitals, no food, no sanitary conditions. A state that claims that children are a priority but education is so bad that children aren't sure if they are in the 4th grade, the 3rd, or the 5th. A country where a female doctor makes 10 times more money with a side job as a prostitute to make ends meet. A country where a professor supplements her/his income driving a taxi, where there is no fish yet they are surrounded by water. Cuba is a nation where people are taught to hate each other. A government sponsor CDR, neighborhood watch watches you 24/7. They are the ''chivatones''' or whistleblowers who suffer as much as anyone else but will call the SECRET SERVICE POLICE to knock on your door at 3:00 a.m. and haul you away for a wrong comment you made against the government. A country where a Jehovah's Witness carrying a Bible and speaking against GOD is a dangerous citizen who is marked, so that s/he is not able to attend any university. And in this last crisis, 20,000 Cubans are leaving per month to the USA, Central America, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Europe and beyond. CUBA IS HELL. CUBA IS A CESSPOOL. CUBA IS INFECTIOUS.
@@stephensdygert7600 yes sure... that's why the rafts are full of Floridians desperate to reach the shores of Cuba. I'm a Cuban living in Florida and I can assure you that there is no possible comparison, especially at this moment when Cuba has become poorer than Haiti.
@@ernglez4390 Floridians are desperate for US sanctions to be lifted against Cuba. Easier travel for Americans to go to Cuba to get Health/Dental care. 7000 thousand Americans die every day! 600 thousand file bankruptcy evey year because of Medical bills. In 2025 China will have the biggest economy in the world(if not sooner) The only reason people left Cuba in the late 1970's is simple, The US corporate cartels were starving the Cuban government (people) When the American empire finally crumbles. Gurantee you one thing, Cuba will still be standing.
I was in Cuba for a few weeks, it was terrible to see how people struggled. They had nothing. Every single transaction had 6 people taking piece. This is why you cannot "centrally plan" a bloody economy.
Havana was considered one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in America before 1959, today it is a city in ruins that will be difficult to rebuild, since the buildings are very deteriorated and some are semi-destroyed or destroyed, the houses are in a terrible state , and all the material resources of the construction are being used to build hotels to fill the coffers of the military and their high command with dollars, who are the ones who have control of the Cuban dollars
And all I hear from the politicians and historians is the blame game...."oh it's the embargo, it's Trump, it's shipping issues"....everything under the sun except what the real issue is....🙄
@@dankelly5150 It is that the blame for the destruction of the Cuban Nation lies with the Castro tyranny and the tyrant Fidel Castro. It is not politicians and historians of Cuba who say it. It is the Cuban people in the Cuban streets who say it, that people who emigrate more and more and who have lived under the boot of the destructive and repressive Castro tyranny, which is just what I suggest you do instead of walking around as a multi-account henchman. from your country, racist comrade. GO LIVE IN CUBA, INSTEAD OF CONTINUE LYING, MULTI-ACCOUNTS
@@dankelly5150 I mean, the embargo IS a big problem, no? As an island nation with few natural resources, they have to rely on foreign trade even for basic needs. But how many foreign companies are willing to risk getting sanctioned just to trade with Cuba? We can talk about socialism and corruption etc but the elephant in the room is the US embargo. There is no hope for Cuba to thrive without lifting the blockade, no matter what form of government is on that island
@@bennyraichu There is no hope for Cuba to thrive with the current government and economic policies they have in place. Embargo or no. Honestly the embargo doesn't even do as much as people want to believe it does. It's mostly just a convenient place for the Cuban government to shift the blame and little more.
20:17 - I visited Havana in 2012 and I took a photo of this building from which the balcony on the left had fallen off. And when this documentary was made in perhaps 2021 (?), this structure was still partly in ruins with its balcony still missing.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. We kindly ask our viewers on this channel to engage with topics in English so that both DW and the community have the chance to respond. For further information, please refer to DW's netiquette policy: p.dw.com/p/MF1G. Thanks for watching!
@@DWDocumentary "How beautiful the people of Cuba. I hope you get better conditions!" How bold to tell someone not to use Spanish while commenting on a documentary on Cuba.
@@DevinKell use DW en español if you want to comment in Spanish. If you're watching the thing in English, then comment in English so everyone can understand.
Oh my gosh my heart goes out to you guy's. I hope and pray that things will be better for these guy's. We are genuinely thankful for all the things they have done men Mad respect
It was the Pearl of the Caribbean,even was the economy #27 in the world in 1958 whith only 5 million people,but now it’s around the economy #95. In 1958: 1USD = 1 Cuban peso In 2022 1USD = 180 Cuban pesos
I hope Cuba can forge a more prosperous, free future better engaged with other countries including the US, without losing its wonderful traditions, sense of community and vibrant culture.
@@jacqdanieles "is their free choice" No, it wasn't, pre-1959 they were a colony in all but name. Revolution was the way out, it just dont worked so well, no big support from outside, little country fkd by biggest economy in the world, eternal embargos.. This isnt Cubans fault. Cuba is what it is today thanks to colonialists. And yes, the US will never let Cuba be free, once its dictatorship ends the country will be full of gringos money and interests, they prolly will finance some political party to take over, corporations will run the island. Money won.
@@pagodebregaeforro2803 none of that argument amounts to anything more than whining. Former enemies like Vietnam have proven that your post is merely a weak, self-indulgent crutch for inadequacy.
@@jacqdanieles US is not sanctioning Vietnam unlike Cuba. Bill Clinton lift the sanctions and normalized relations in the 1990s. Vietnam is still controlled by the communist party. Why the US can't do the same to Cuba?
If something is sad in Cuba, it is seeing that large number of old people wandering around all day, half ragged, without teeth, and with a bag hanging on their arm, as if they were zombies, something that was never seen so widespread before 1959. Those who have a pension, it is a pittance that is not enough to feed themselves for even a week. That was the generation that in the sixties of the last century trusted that Cuba would be better after 1959, and 65 years later they only see misery, food shortages and destruction everywhere, and their young relatives emigrating incessantly, leaving them alone, waiting receive a few dollars from their emigrated relatives
This documentary was filmed solely in Havana, I believe! My understanding is that outside of Havana, in the provinces, it is much worst for the population!
Socialism never works; a nice Lie and totally-debunked Myth. Man, EVERYTHING is done to shield from objective facts like 'Americas unlawful, inhumane Sanctions strangle Cuba', huh?
@@fedenovo1 I hate to tell you bud, but Cuba before the revolution was even worse. It was half run by the US mafia. The other half was owned by American capitalists and a wealthy quasi-aristocratic ruling class. Rural conditions were literally close to slavery, and the country was rife with a level of destitution seen today in Haiti. Socialism in Cuba was never able to have a fighting chance, due to savage American opposition that continues today in the form of the embargo. I don't exonerate the Cuban leadership, but they were forced to adopt a harsh security state to survive. We subjected them to a constant campaign of attempted CIA infiltration and assassinations. The CIA used the mafia to attempt to murder Fidel numerous times and we unsuccessfully invaded them during the Bay of Pigs operation. We had pressured our European allies and all the other governments of the Americas to almost totally cut them off from international trade. They were forced in desperation to turn to the Soviet bloc for survival, which they had not previously wanted at all. After the fall of the Batista government Fidel had immediately appealed to the US for normal relations and an open friendly relationship. We slapped them in the face under the prevailing CIA dominated cold war foreign policy and immediately began trying to destroy the revolution. When the Soviet bloc collapsed, they had no reasonable access to world markets, as the US continued to cut them off from normal economic relations. In the early years, the Revolution had had some remarkable achievements-- they went from something like 50% illiteracy to almost total literacy in just a few years. They created a model medical system that became a leader in public health and outstripped the US in public health statistics like infant mortality rates and many other measure of public well being. They became world leaders in public health research and sent medical missions to impoverished nations in Africa.
@@donnievance1942 🤔 Great where has socialism worked. Now we know the history what about resent times , the revolution was some 50 years ago. What little notable achievements have no real bearing on what going on in the ground today As nobody cares if you cant buy books to read other than state propaganda, We know medical services are also used a tool for state propaganda and foreign currency . Come on try harder next time beside your just a government shill , subjugating your own people for a few worthless cuban pesos.
@@donnievance1942 EVERYTHING YOU JUST SAID IS GARBAGE WITH CAP LETTERS. SEEM LIKE A COMMUNIST JUST WROTE A NEWSPAPER PROPAGANDA. --- IN CUBA THERE ARE NOT WONDERFUL PEOPLE, THAT IS A BRAINWASHED. THEY DESERT WHAT THEY HAVE, A KARMA FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR OR WRONGDOING, IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME ASK TO THOSE CUBAN THAT GET OUT FROM THERE IN 1980 TO 1985 OR A LITTLE MORE.
This documentary is heartbreaking. I visited Cuba a few months ago, the people are wonderful but quietly desparate. We need to cherish and protect what we have.
The timing of your words… People calling for fascism, or authoritative government in the U.S. are totally clueless… and, we’ve always had people living in deep poverty, there are more and more every day.
Hope we wake up in time.
@@levmoses742 I hope so too.
@@levmoses742 I don't think fascism was the ideology that screwed up Cuba.
we will be like cuba soon
@@TerrorballNoise whichever ideology placed all those sanctions on them for 70 years
This documentary is teaching me to never take life, ppl, and things for granted!
...hope you also see that communism doesn't work.
Plenty of areas in USA as bad as this !!! Also life outside the city in the countryside of Cuba is way better than what you see here. This is bullshit DW
@@rockymntain I know that from "autopsy".
Why did you need another people's suffering at the hands of US rogue nation terrorism to figure that out???
Let's not forget that Socialism is not kindness, it's just taking you're things and leaving you with nothing too feed you're family, just say no and mean it, it maybe harsh and cruel, but remember you have a family to take care yourself, not just them.
Being poor is romantic only in books.
Best simple comment 👍🏾
Known to the rich sychophants intelligencsia need a flow of money to exist , a buffer of the rich.
Exactly!.And ONLY in books!.
Burn those books asap. Communist doctrines have caused havoc by causing division between the classes.
And us poor run on hope that tomorrow will be better. If we lose that hope we lose all.
It was eye opening for me as a Canadian citizen after I visited Cuba 🇨🇺. You started be more appreciated for everything you have here in Canada 🇨🇦. God bless Cuba 🇨🇺 and people of this wonderful country ❤
Do your homework on Trudeau and his parents, their lifestyle in the 60s/70s, and take a hard look at Justin, his father, and Fidel.
Just think within 10 years we'll have the same standard of living in Canada as Cuba.
Tent cities and long lines at food banks!
Canadian version of socialism!!
@brettthomas5605 hopefully not
@oceanwaves86 Justin looks incredibly like his father Pierre, who had a close relationship with Fidel. Margaret had nothing to do with Fidel until well after Justin was born.
DW makes those kinds of documentaries that make you rethink your life, your choices, your spending habits and your political stance. Thank you DW, this world needs it now more than ever.
Spend it all before the bank takes it to "save itself"
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!
You can't blame us for not planting a tomato or planting spinach or blame us for throwing a fishing line in the ocean ...the u s. Can't be blamed for none of that shit ....lloll...
I'm American and I grow my own food in my house if I do that shit they can do that shit too to supplement there caloritic intake ..
Now that they aren't allowed to have a tomato plant or plant potatoes,.. or fish cuase
.
it gets you ten years
That could maybe be the real story ....
Spinach is 40 calories
Tomato 70 calories
Broccoli 30 calories
Potato 130 calories
A fish 300 calories
Plus the Cuban system for the rest.
So ? Let people fish and farm.
@@raybon7939 go away! If you hunt you're c**t, you are fishing, you are just b**ching.
im a cuban living in finland
and this documentary broke my tears out and remind me how ilucional is in Cuba to even think about having the basic things that we all have here in Europe and more than anything the help the European countries give to immigrants like me to start a decent live and honourable life ........
I was the protagonist of a documentary filmed by two germans filmmakers about relationships betwing tourist and cubas but it never got released as I was inside cuba in those days still and the fear of me ending in prison was to high so the filmmakers decided to not put its out there wish is really sad sit contained lots of real life history in it
thanks DW FOR BRING THE REALITY OF CUBA OUT THERE
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
Now that you're Finnished, can you contact the original filmmakers to release the documentary?
@@DWDocumentary maybe contact this person so they can show the documentary
You get prizes in America and Europe when you say you're from Cuba. But I bet you that if you came from Syria or Iraq, the only job you'd have is scrubbing toilets from those you consider you a terrorist and living in a tent.
@@hitchensghost My thought also. Try to pry the footage lose.
20 years since i left and never went back i share a tear watching these
Where to usa?
How do you leave Cuba like are there embassies and do cubans have passports where you can travel legally or you have to travel illegally by sea or smuggling?
@@DemoderDen2027 They have passports. Usually they either go directly to USA (illegally) or to Mexico (illegally, through Central America). In Mexico they can apply to the US embassy for a special residence permit that includes work in the USA. They must stay in the US permanently for the first year
@@mierypesado6740Here’s the crazy part: those Cubans then turn around (once they become legal) and then vote for right-wing candidates. That makes no sense. They unfortunately see Democrats as “socialists” due to misinformation campaigns from leading Cuban Republicans in Miami; and so they vote accordingly because they have been brainwashed. Also alot who come here end up becoming super racist. Just telling it like it is.
they used to have visa lotteries as well. that’s how I came. they stopped having them now though
I drove 3500 km in Cuba, alone, 30 years ago. It is disheartening to realize nothing have changed since. Such beautiful country and wonderful people. They don't deserve this plight. It's not safe to complain loudly about the status quo. Being a foreigner speaking fluent Spanish, some people told me things they didn't dare to discuss with friends. I lived 21 years under a military dictatorship in Brazil and could feel and understand the unease vibes now and then.
But they were happy 30 years ago, weren't they?
I've been travelling Cuba for last two weeks. I've got money and it's hard to find most essentials. I really hope they can find their way out of this situation.
Cuba and Germany would do well to get the knee of the USA off their necks.
They can't find their way out because the US is keeping their foot on Cuba's neck
Should the communist government collapse in Cuba. People will have everything
why the fuck would you go to cuba lol
The only way out for Cubans is to shoot their way out of communism. However the Castro communist dynasty has left the people hungry and disarmed. Hopefully soon they'll have a 1989 Romanian style coup....where the military helped to overthrow their former dictator.
6:50 103?! Damn guy can still walk unassisted as well. Props to him, he's lived through alot of Cuban history.
Cubans are known for living a long life.
A long miserable life
103 years of poverty and life never getting easier. I feel sorry for the Cuban people.
It's not surprising people can live so long in cuba. Solid healthcare system that both free and the best educated staff in Latin America. Most of them are even better than American doctors. If only america ends their illegal embargo on the island, so they didn't hade to suffer from equipment shortages
Pretty soon Justin 'Trudeau' will have Canadians living like this. Just like his biological father Fidel.
I love how dw produces such eye opening documentaries and makes them available for free so youtube, really an impacting one
Your views are worth a lot lol. DW makes money off our views.
But you are right. They make great documentaries and I watch them regularly.
@@yamayama6083 Socialism never works; a nice Lie and totally-debunked Myth. Man, EVERYTHING is done to shield from objective facts like 'Americas unlawful, inhumane Sanctions strangle Cuba', huh?
!
10 years wow prison like sovetunitedfederation love rusia
everybody looked well. Malnutrition wasnt a problem it seemed. Cuban People have an amazing vibe.
They are funded bytr German gov? Who are in league with USA in sanctioning n destroying countries no? In addition of reporting people's unfortunate misery MSM could offer help no?
My boss at work is from Cuba. He is a refugee. He was a journalist in Cuba and wrote an article about Fidel and the situation in Cuba and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Even though he never said Fidel’s name everyone knew it was about him. He spent one month in jail and he didn’t tell me how he got out but he said thank god for the United States. He wants to go home to visit and says the people of cubs are tired. I hope they stand up and make Cuba better. I hope he gets to go back to visit. His story made me so sad.
Fedil Castro a Wise man,he is a lawyer and he knows everything about leberty human right and freedom,he knows freedom of speech freedom of choice and many other freedom,but fedil Castro a Wise man and ambitious man, choose communist, because this communist system,this is the instrument to fulfill and achieve his goal and ambition to become a communist dictator leader in Cuba,fedil Castro organized communist revulotion,but his personal interest or self interest revulotion,he tricks the people to support his self interest revulotion,Castro hate democracy and freedom and he hate elections,he love communist so much, because this is the system of government that to fulfill his goal and ambition to become an absolute communist dictator leader in Cuba,and Castro wanted absolute power,that no one can opposed to him,no one can disagree with him,no one can question to him and especially no free elections,and fedil Castro also wanted,that he lead Cuba in no limit's,with his communist socialist dictator regime...
And fedil Castro wanted to lead Cuba with no limit's,with his communist socialist dictator regime....
Yeah, cause there possibly couldnt be a good reason to this. I mean he obviously would tell you the whole story.
@@KalbroneognobpOgnobp"he was a lawyer" yeah as if American, Russian, or any lawyer of any nationality are known for their trustworthiness
@@KalbroneognobpOgnobp then why are you on here using a capitalist platform comrade? Why don't you exile yourself to the Gulag for indulging yourself with capitalist products.
As a Cuban who left for another country, hoping for a better future, I can say that this is one of the most accurate documentaries that I've seen in the internet about the REAL situation in Cuba. I have seen so many documentaries that show only a façade, and hide the ugly truths. Good job DW, for making this great documentary. I must say that I had a few tears running down my eyes watching it because it brought back a mixture of feelings of nostalgia, but also of impotent hatred. I have not been back since the day I left 20 years ago, not because I don't want to see it again, but because I don't want to contribute a single cent in funding the cancerous government that has strongly taken hold there for so long.
Of what I have seen in this documentary the cuban people are tired and desperate and want a change. Sooner or letter this dictator government will collapse something is going to happen.
Government trying to help is always the problem.
How many slaves did your grandfather own before you got kicked out of cuba?
Good job for running away, cockroach. Nice job taking the problem causers
Side.
Finally, an objective video that shows the cruel reality that the Cuban people live today - exactly at it is. Cubans have a spirit of survival that never ceases to amaze. This is the best documentary about Cuba that I have seen in many years. Thank you, DW for another important video.
Did you have an opportunity to watch the doc on Netflix about Cuba and if so what did you think of it. The whole revolution was televised.
That professor said it all when she said that Cuba is an island and surrounded by the ocean yet they lack salt and fish. Oh snap!!!
Not made by DW just distributed and that is good, of course, but it was made in Finland by Yle.
Same thoughts, thanks for your comments!
I really appreciate DW since the war started, and I started watching EU programming. I don't know if any American outfit could produce this quality, the lens has a different hue and focus.
Wonderful to see a clear-eyed view, and have people open their thoughts to the camera.
Thnaks for posting !!
Its anti-socialism propaganda 'blaming the victim' for US terror and aggression.
Hope isn’t a strategy. If the people don’t stand up for themselves, nothing will ever change. My heart breaks for my countrymen as they suffer.
If you’re indeed Cuban you should know that Cuba has been under an illegal international embargo (led by the U.S.) since the 60’s and you’re going to claim that this result has nothing to do with it? 🤡
Its a strategy , from USA and and followers exactly because people stand up for themselves ! Even if they made mistakes it s their own path!
@@georgeantonopoulos545 it’s not a strategy, nothing will ever change if all you do is hope for change. Their own path? Tell me when is the last time that Cuba has held a democratic election? Look at the living conditions of your average Cuban. No constitutional rights, no freedom of speech, press..etc You can only blame the blockage for so long, funny how government officials have BMWs and all of the luxuries but the average person has to wait in line for hours for their monthly allowance of chicken and can’t put food on the table for their children.
@@georgeantonopoulos545 It’s not a strategy. Countless Cubans have died hoping for a change in their country and 70 years later, it’s still the same garbage. Others have taken matter into their own hands and risked their lives and the lives of their children in pursuit of freedom and the pursuit of happiness in the U.S. when’s the last time Cuba has had a democratically appointed president? It’s shameful that in 2024 more than 3/4 of Cuba suffers and lives an impoverished life. You can’t blame everything on the blockade, plus it’s been about 70 years, if you can’t find other trade partners in that time then your government Isn’t worth anything. Absolutely unnecessary and shameful for our children to live the way they live, they deserve better.
Too hungry to fight.
Right now I have a Cuban nurse seeing about me here in Trinidad and she is amazing woman ❤
Trinidad born here, living in Canada, got caught in Trinidad during covid pandemic, had a very nice Cuban man carry my groceries to the taxi stand for me, humble folks, God bless Cuba ❤
This documentary broke my heart. I've been put through an emotional rollercoaster. The saddest part is the feeling of hopelessness they transmit when they explain their situation.
Thanks a lot for watching and for your positive feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment and
are glad you like our content!
yes everything for USA they been sanctioned for more than 50 year! and they doing the same with Venezuela !!!
the usa prevents any company in the world from trading with cuba. why dont you tell the audience this part of the story? dw, you are so cinic
@@feliperistuccia2569 really? any company in the world? No, what you have here is a few corrupt, power-hungry individuals running an oppressive regime. You fell for the lie and believed the deception.
@@DanielPerez-dl2gs yes, if your company sell products to cuba, you cant sell or buy from any company in the us. who do you think people will choose?
This is an excellent video. Those of us who have lived in Cuba almost all our lives can affirm it without mistake.
DW documentaries are the best!
Yea i’m also a cuban, i didn’t get to experience life in cuba since i left quite early but my family always says how horrible it was in cuba
So sad, the Cuban people are beautiful, talented, resilient, and their music and food are awesome, and their birds and other wildlife are absolutely gorgeous. I hope I'll live to see a free and open Cuba one day.
You mean a Cuba that looks like Guatelama or Haiti?
Lift up your American sanctions
Let Cuba thrive with its Socialist government
This will definitely show the failures of the Americans
Lol food is questionable at best half the time
The US should have normalized relations decades ago. Punishing Cuba for Fidel is idiotic. And after all these years, the US could have lifted their standard of living 1000% and gotten loyal friends out of it. But nooooooo..
More likely that US, Canada and Europe will become more like Cuba.
That 103 year old man has so much strength!❤
💯
But how much strength will she have for how long? This documentary is now three years old. It is a snapshot of what WAS. Tell me today if that 106-year-old lady still has a family or anyone to care for her. The picture of what IS TODAY in Cuba is only worse. It is now against the law for people to send money to Cuba. The major source of money for needy Cubans is now gone. Strength is one thing; SLOW STARVATION is another horror altogether.
I am from Ohio, and currently commenting from the city of Pinar del Rio,Cuba. I can tell you this documentary is just showing a tip of the iceberg. Cuba is a failed state or nearly getting there. My heart cries for the Cubans. Words can't express the misery and suffering of these people. I am a PhD candidate doing my research in the City of Pinar del Rio.
They are fat, old and lazy. F-'em
What’s the long term solution then? Can they adopt Argentinian economic model- free markets/Keynesian interjections? Your thoughts?
@@PrincePaulIowa . Their system requires political overhauling. Communism has failed everywhere and they need to get rid of it.
They let you enter with an American passport?
@@NorceCodine Yes! you can come based on educational, cultural and religious programs.
Thank you DW for sharing a glimpse of Cuban reality to an English audience #patriayvida 🇨🇺🕊
anything released by DW doc is not reality, but a twist on reality to fit their agenda.
Thankful from an english audience. There are over 50 diff languages in this one video lol
@@drd6893 End the US Blockade of Cuba!!!!
@@drd6893 If only every Dem would watch this.
This is the exact same establishment propaganda you will hear everywhere else. The sanctions were briefly mentioned as if they are insignificant. The Batista dictatorship was portrayed as the best thing ever. They didn't succeed in showing a single starving Cuban though.
What a beautiful and heartbreaking documentary. Left me in tears. I feel for my people in Cuba. The desire for change is strong, but the fear is stronger.
Why would this leave you in tears. Are you new to reality
@@FrenchSaladMac its called empathy, something normal people feel
@@jolo88671 for the weak and stupid, like you. Every time she cries there's a politician who's counting the embezzled funds that should be distributed amongst the vast majority of the population
All the women look plenty fat to me. No hunger in Cuba I think
I will have to go to the Cuban Embassy and donate boxes of goods, especially shoes. I can't fathom rationing bread and standing long hours in food lines, just for 1 chicken !! 💔
I love our elders. They are walking story books. Their wisdom and sense of humor is amazing. God bless our seniors!! Pray for their health and long life of blessings.
I went to Cuba in 2019. It was an excellent trip. The people are some of the most community-oriented and generous I’ve ever met. Even though many have so little, they go through life with positivity.
The conversations I had with the people - especially with the young - revealed the lack of hope they had for their country’s future. I would assume that almost everyone has a friend or family member that has left the country to look for a better future. Many want to leave, but simply do not have the financial means to do so.
I hope one day that the pressure to leave the country disappears. It truly is a beautiful country with a beautiful culture.
It’s a beautiful country but if there were more wealth it would be unbelievable. The day before I left the host whom I LOVeD asked for some of my lotion, makeup, and inhaler . Her mom has asthma and allergies and was impossible to get medicine. I left it all with her, benedryl, Advil, perfumes, soaps everything she was so happy. She came out the next day with a little makeup on .. some tinted lip gloss she was smiling and her husband was watching her smiling that something so small made her happy. I also left her some snacks I had like granola, peanut butter etc.. she was most happy for the medicines. She asked me to come visit her again. She was so beautiful I still have her number I should text her
We visited Havana for a month in 2014 shortly after Obama addressed a plan to lift the embargo. We, and all who we met, were very excited but also conscious that in a few years the unique beauty of Cuba would be crushed with the flood of free trade, Walmart, Costco, Coca-Cola, more. 2014 was an exciting time and a time of hope.
My impression of Castros version of socialism was genuinely very bad. I constantly observed a vibrant people who simply had zero motivation to make their lives better. Shocking how compared to Mexico there is essentially no cottage industry anywhere, where grandma can set out a few tables & chairs and stew up a better taco than her neighbors and pay the rent? This is forbidden in Cuba? One day I walked for hours looking for a loaf of bread in Havana.... Every bakery sold the exact same little square of the same white bread. Did Castro prevent them from creating a bread superior to the competition?
@@kippywylieyou know that’s a great question. I didn’t pay attention to that bc why don’t they just bake bread? We do it every week here in my home. We just bake our own bread. I’m going to ask some Cuban people. I’ve never even thought of that.
Thanks for the update
@@kippywylie The embargo lifting does not automatically mean that Western capitalists would be allowed to come in and pillage, Cubans know better than to allow that.
I would love to see a documentary about the people who are living in the countryside. See how their daily life is.
Probably even worse in the countryside!!
I live in Brazil and know three Cuban doctors who lived in the countryside there, in differente regions. This friends of mine say that the situation is even worse.
Worse of in general than in the cities or towns. They basicaly dont exist.
Plenty of videos on RUclips about it but they are in Spanish
@yoliene and @victorg are a cuban couple that live there and record everything… its spanish but you can get an idea. those are their tags for their channels
Cuba was falling apart 10 years ago when I was there, I can't imagine what it is like today. So difficult for Cubans.
Cuba fell apart 50 years ago. Germany thinks that because they report on it they were the first to notice it.
@@brianlacroix822 Whewww. Excellent take.
Looks to me like America and the west are falling apart
@@johnfrancis2215 The entire world is.
@@johnfrancis2215 they're not. stop basing your world view on RT tv and DW.
As a Cuban this is the best documentaries I have seeing ln the real you tube ..What is got to happen is all the people have to say enough is enough and DO something about to be able to get democracy the good life .I would love to see that happen in Cuba .Is the best thing that wo happen in Cuba ..I see the better Cuba and now is very very bad,I was there 13 yrs ago and and i felt terrible the way they live....
Without a doubt…..DW has some of the BEST documentary’s….PERIOD!
Thank you very much for your kind words!
This is the best documentary on Cuba that I've seen, very well done. I was in Havana earlier this year, first time in Cuba. I have been to communist countries as a kid (China in the mid 1980s, USSR before its collapse), but have never witnessed such complete decay as I did in Cuba.
@@MrSgtau Did they talk about the sanctions and how they work? Bc I am almost 10 minutes in and kind of getting bored bc it still hasn't been discussed.
@@luperamos7307 naaah Cuba is in great shape a time capsule we will never experience elsewhere in the world! We only need to set up jobs there for the people so they can continue driving great looking cars from the 50s with reliable Toyota engines in them that lasts forever!
It's heartbreaking to see those poor women fight over a bit of food.
Agree. They should be angry at their grandparents for backing Fidel. Ruined the country
Boring
@@HCIbn Boring is tu culo
Remember those poor old women used to laugh when rich people were killed.-
@@ekovio😂😂 thank you for the laugh ..!
Whoever wants to learn about Cuba has to go live like the average Cuban on the island. Congratulations to this channel for reflecting with such realism what ordinary Cubans experience, because that is what those of us who have lived in Cuba have suffered almost all our lives, and for not being ready to repeat Castro's lies to sell a false image from Cuba
I have been to Cuba twice. I love the people, the art, even the food a little. I wish I could return or help but neither is possible right now. My heart is with you.
the only way to help is to talk to the bully of the wold !!!! they sanctioned cuba since the 80s
As an American I find it ridiculous..Cuba is part of the US no reason it should be like this
@@SpaceRanger187Cuba is not apart of the US. The US owns Puerto Rico not Cuba. Cuba is its own Independent country.
oh I thought it was. well we need to take it back. Cuba and Puerto Rico should be amazing, then again they would just ruin it like they did Hawaii. Greed is destroying the world, cant have anything nice@@andreamcintyre3394
I visited in 2022; I remember asking for milk for breakfast at my airbnb and the host was only barely able to get a small container because he knew a farmer who had a bit. Very eye opening and unfortunate, long lines for the most basic essentials like cooking oil, one woman feinted standing in line in the hot sun waiting for it. My heart goes out to the Cuba people
end the embargo then!
How can the people get gasoline for those cars so easily ?
Where is Che Guevara when you need him? Where is Fidel when you need him? OK, I get it, they're both shopping for groceries and will return soon....
End the repressive government! Give the Cuban people FREEDOM! Let the Cuban people freely express themselves,let them farm their own land freely without bs government interference, let them travel freely abroad and within their own country! Cubans who have fled their own homeland have prospered immensely, regardless of which country they landed in..! Cubans are hard working, resourceful, intelligent, and willing to sacrifice in order to better themselves..! So ask yourself this: Why can't they do this in their own country? Perhaps it's their own government that prevents them. A government more obsessed with maintaining their own power than actually implementing policies for the betterment of its own people. Embargo. As if all of Cuba's woes is only due to one thing. You sir are a simpleton with absolutely no clue whatsoever about what actually ails Cuba and its Citizens... You should really educate yourself before posting a one line comment about something you clearly know nothing about!!!
@@bobsager7034
@@gregrodriguez714 ok goofball
I was 6 years old when I left Cuba with my mother and grandparents. I remember getting on the plane, and my grandmother admonished me, "Don't say anything bad about the Cuban government, or they will turn this plane around and throw us all in prison." Imagine being a child and having that as your last memory of your life in Cuba? That was in 1970, and nothing much has changed in Cuba - except that perhaps things are even worse. I would like to clarify that not all Cubans see Fidel as a revolutionary hero, but as a ruthless dictator who ruled Cuba with an iron fist through fear and intimidation. #patriayvida
Most of whom are in Miami. So many chances to reverse the Cuban Revolution in the last three decades, and they all failed. Those are the facts.
Glad you escaped the socialist trap.
@@jonc6157 yep... I thank my lucky stars often.
Republican or Democrat?
The only things that changed are the flies!
Viktor Belenko was the Soviet pilot who defected in 1976 by flying his MIG 25 to Japan. In his book he described the same thing about the long lines. If you saw a line, you automatically got on it not always knowing what was available once you got to the front of the line. Belenko described the constant shortages of every kind of civilian good including food. But there were special stores in which Western goods were available. Only the Communist Party elite was allowed to shop in those stores.
I feel for the Cuban people, and I hope things get better for them.
Not likely. This is what they have planned for the rest of us!
Lol...they need Fidel back.
@@daviddefranco5218 you' re funny
Blame JFK. This could have ended in 2 weeks in 1961.
@@manolokonosko2868 100 %
These people are strong af! Only a Cuban can make a 57 Chevy run with a 1981 Mercedes engine 😂 and they've got 103 year olds walking down the street getting their own groceries cracking jokes! I hope this country gets the redemption it deserves
They asked for it, hope they get the best communism has to offer.
Only a Cuban can put different engine In a different car???
It's definitely a great documentary, well done Dw! I hope these warm people have a better future.
Thanks for watching our documentary! We are glad you like it ☺️
I would love to see their ending journey to America, or any other country they ended up. I mean it's worth seeing their journey. I pray to God they made it safe and do get the life they were looking for or even a better one.
True😢😢😢i feel pitty the people from cuba. No food to eat because over price foods. Not good government. People suffering no food to eat😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😦😦😦😦😦
@@mamastfelix3215 did you miss the end where they said they didn't want America or charismatic leaders? They want Socialism and solutions!
They got what they wanted and are stuck with it now. Enjoy! Too bad, so sad!@@vlogplanet7031
I would love to visit cuba very soon. Take love and respect from Bangladesh 🇧🇩
All the best for Cuba 🇨🇺 from South Africa 🇿🇦
Unless you are Cuban and have followed the story of the REVOLUTION since 1959 you cannot possibly understand CUBA. Forget about understanding Cuba after watching this documentary for 55 odd minutes. I have been hearing about Cuba my whole life. I have listened to hundreds of Cubans tell their story. I only lived there for the first 8 years of my life but have read extensively and I still don't understand CUBA. It is a failed state. A nation haunted by demons. Hunger, misery, depravation, filthy hospitals, no food, no sanitary conditions. A state that claims that children are a priority but education is so bad that children aren't sure if they are in the 4th grade, the 3rd, or the 5th. A country where a female doctor makes 10 times more money with a side job as a prostitute to make ends meet. A country where a professor supplements her/his income driving a taxi, where there is no fish yet they are surrounded by water. Cuba is a nation where people are taught to hate each other. A government sponsor CDR, neighborhood watch watches you 24/7. They are the ''chivatones''' or whistleblowers who suffer as much as anyone else but will call the SECRET SERVICE POLICE to knock on your door at 3:00 a.m. and haul you away for a wrong comment you made against the government. A country where a Jehovah's Witness carrying a Bible and speaking against GOD is a dangerous citizen who is marked, so that s/he is not able to attend any university. And in this last crisis, 20,000 Cubans are leaving per month to the USA, Central America, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Europe and beyond. CUBA IS HELL. CUBA IS A CESSPOOL. CUBA IS INFECTIOUS.
Both countries are in dire trouble. Best of luck to both.
@@kovy689 and what trouble is south Africa in since you know too much?
@@snazzyfreddy You live there and you really don’t know? Pity.
@@kovy689 Tell me the troubles and stop asking stupid questions
DW a fascinating documentary as always. You should do one about the economic situation in Ethiopia as well.
Eritrean situation is very identical with that of Cuba.
Este es un documental muy interesante. Porque la cobertura de Cuba es muy limitada, y es muy difícil para los extranjeros conocer la situación actual dentro de Cuba. Información como esta es muy útil porque hay muchas facetas en todo. Respeto a DW por producir un documental tan significativo.
Rebo-lucion = ROBO-LUCION
This is a cheap communist propaganda video by Germany.
That was not a Mercedes engine. It is a Hyundai. (You can see the logo on it!)
That old man is not 103. He's in his 70s.
The military and police of Cuba is made up of the children of the people of Cuba, just like Russia.
If they don't care about their families, what does that tell you about them?
President Trump just reversed his communist african predecessor's relaxation of sanctions.
Just like every good neighborhood gone to hell, look at who's running things when the decline and you'll see who's to blame.
In the US, look at Cincinnati, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, and countless other communist/democratic party governments and you'll see the same thing as Cuba.
Look at Czechoslovakia vs Vietnam to see what happens when communism is held onto by people vs when it was ended. #WakeUp
During a cab ride to Havanna a few years ago we were chatting up the cabbie about life in Cuba. One of my questions was if there is a lot of crime or a mafia in Cuba. He said, only one mafia. The government... It was quite surprising how candid he was given the potential repercussions.
@Tony Yayo Haha. Yeah. Schwarzenegger style. I guess he trusted us to not say anything to anyone even if they repelled out of the sky.
I think it's probably like when you give random criticism it's not dangerous, only when you voice that opinion to a large audience it becomes dangerous.
Thats actually good for the country..its safer to live in a place where theres only 1 mafia gang with no rivals...we only need to make manufacturing companies and chicken farms there to provide jobs and food supply to the masses
@@fidelcatsro6948 name checks out
@@fabpete your truly🐱👍🏿♥️♥️♥️
La situación de Cuba es una gran pena, yo no puedo imaginar lo que es vivir sin democracia, fuerza y paciencia desde Uruguay 🇺🇾❤️🇨🇺
hahah despierta,,,
Cuba es mas seguro que Uruguay y Canada...
@@bbqsauce875 y? Tampoco es mi mayor preocupación
They want to kiss Putin’s culo
@@HF7-AD y tambien Cuba tiene un programa medica mejor que los estados unidos. En Cuba no tienen el technologia igual como Norte America y el oeste de Europa pero la gente no paga nada en la oficina porque todo ya esta pagado con impuestos. Aqui en los estados unidos mucho gente caen en dueda por tantos facturas porque la aseguranza no cubre todo.
Excellent video. Thank you for your solidarity with ordinary Cubans and not repeating the propaganda lies and victimization of Castro's tyranny.
Castro has been dead for a few years, catch up!
You are correct!! Fedil Castro is a lawyer he knows everything about leberty human right and freedom,but he is a Wise man and ambitious man,and he wanted absolute power,he idolized the Marxist style of regime the communist dictator regime,Castro organized communist revulotion but his self interest revulotion to achieve his goal and ambition to become a communist dictator leader in Cuba,that no one can opposed to him,no one can disagree with him,no one can question to him and especially no free elections, Castro and his communist party cronies oligarchs, oppressed the right and freedom of the people,and make the cuban people poorer,but Castro and his families and their communist party cronies oligarchs was become more Richer and richer....
It's good that the video moves away from Castro's lies about external blame, and blames the tyrannical regime of Fidel Castro for the destruction of Cuba, as turns out to be the truth.
I loved the pace of this film. Reflected exactly my recent trip to Cuba. Excellent work.
We hope you have seen the peace that is breathed due to the Castro repression that not even protesting leaves
@@_yk9ch9hw5q I saw no peace, only an island full of people who want change, desperately.
@@TheOctapodi Hopefully Cubans will soon be able to have that change that you say the people in Cuba want, when the people free themselves from Castro's tyranny
Thanks for letting the world see this. I’m tearing up for my people, because even though I’m not there anymore it hurts to see the reality of a country that had so much potential just going downhill and my people with such a lack of hope because they’re finally faced with their truth . Breaks my heart.
venezuala is worst
Communist Jews…
@@GungeScleraEmpyaema quite hard for a country to be worst than Cuba. Not many.... North Korea perhaps.
@@GungeScleraEmpyaema not rlly… Venezuelans have guns, bullets, hell there’s even food there at least and has some open market. Cuba compared to Venezuela is a shit hole
Cuban Americans overwhelmingly voted for Trump or vote republican only to have those leaders place more sanctions or embargo’s.
Having some Cuban friends myself, I really feel for the Cuban people there. I wish the change for the better will come for them in the nearest future.
yes ones USA stop sanctions them ,,,, they been sanctioned over 50 year’s ,
It's pretty simple actually. Just have the US government lift it's economy siege and they'll be fine. They've been subject to a siege since the 60s. Their only crime is that they wanted the freedom to align themselves with whomever they want. You know, the thing we argue for for Ukraine. I suppose it's okay for Ukraine but not for Cuba. The US is at the heart of all of Cuban problems. Read every UN report on Cuba and they all say the same thing: sanctions are the problem.
@@Screaming-Trees As a Cuban I say BS. The Castro's should have been dealt with long ago
@@Screaming-Trees Lifting the embargo helps the Government but leaves scraps for the people
@@wwbuirkle That's not what the UN reports say mate. And UN has more credibility than you do (as an anonymous commentator on RUclips that is).
Sad. We visited Cuba twice over 20 years ago & loved it, the people, countryside, climate. have only happy memories.
I just sent over a bunch of solar lights,chargers, phone, batteries, silver, cigarettes and other goodies to a friend I met on a trip to Cuba. My aunt went on their honeymoon there so that makes me feel good to create a bond with someone in such a small time. And continue to help make my friends life a bit easier from so far away in Canada. They're all So friendly and nice always smiling.I love the people and the country. 💕
Wish I could do more for them, and it gets better for these beautiful people.
When I visited the island I gave away toothbrushes and other things which are expensive in Cuba.
@@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq yep,toothpaste and soap, we try to do what we can for our friends no matter where they live. I would love to go back. You use to be able to take a suitcase if you called the airline 6 weeks ahead. It's free. 50lbs of stuff to give away.
IN CUBA THERE ARE NOT WONDERFUL PEOPLE, THAT IS A BRAINWASHED. THEY DESERT WHAT THEY HAVE, A KARMA FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR OR WRONGDOING, IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME ASK TO THOSE CUBAN THAT GET OUT FROM THERE IN 1980 TO 1985 OR A LITTLE MORE.
Silver?
@@Octobre1986 I'm a metal detector and I find silver,gold and coins. A necklace and some silver earrings. I'm not sure they could sell it. I'm not a rich person. 😍
I will continue to pray without ceasing for not only Cuba, but all broken societies who are living in denial and or fear and or too prideful to speak the truth.
Thank you for your time and effort in bringing us this documentary.
Peace and grace 🕊️ love and light
The musician’s words @11:00 are true to most oppressed societies, there’s a world outside the box.
Iv'e seen this in England, new music comes when times are hard.
Like Punk & 2 Tone also Rave
Citizens of the world have to learn how to grow there own food in apartments.
Hi Paul thank you for the update it is good to know John has done good since he went back home ,and now returned to the Philippines
The young guy called Miguel Alejandro Hayes, was my boss back when I lived in Cuba. We worked at the same newspaper (The Trench) talking about the problems of Cuba.
History will be 103 years old. His life’s story needs to be recorded for the world to hear.
boring nobody wants to read about some murderous dictator and his strife and his lies about how he will deprive everyone but it's actually salvation
Worked with a car detailer at a dealership. Dude was a nurse in Cuba before he escaped. Made $22 a month.
While in Cuba, we went to a private restaurant. The waiter was a school teacher. Then we hired a tax for the whole day. Our driver turned out to to speak excellent English and was very knowledgeable about Cuba. No wonder-he was also a University Professor, teaching English!
I don't see any white Cubans.
@@heraldomedrano1417 I don't remember exact numbers, but approximately 90%+ of the Cubans who left Cuba after the Revolution were white. Then after the Revolution Castro brought a lot of poor Cubans-many, of not most of them black-from the countryside to Havana in order to create a powerful support base. Thus, the racial demographics has significantly changed since the Revolution, especially in Havana.
@@heraldomedrano1417what does that have to do with anything?
@@yungsloth420 many westerners have been conditioned to see only race and judge people off their race. It's a new manufactured ideology that has spread like a virus.
darn!!! those prices of vegetables are quite hight there.
I have some Cuban friends and when I visited Cuba the people are so nice. Almost want to live there. You can never convince me socialism or communism works.
Me either! Democracy has its issues but it’s still better than socialism and communism.
Has Never Worked, except to Destroy.
The Cuban people support the government and socialism. It's better if people like you don't show up in Cuba!
"Cuba is an island, in the middle of the sea, but we have a shortage of salt and fish."
When I visited, the fishermen told me they haul in their 2 kilometer nets by hand. Because the government will not allow them electric motors for their nets.
Excellent work. Heartbreaking to see such a beautiful place fall to ruin, with its people suffering needlessly.
Blame the USA
They brought it upon themselves when they killed all the rich people in greed.
@@Coalbalt-rd7dr Blame Fidel Castro and Cuba's dictatorship. The USA is not responsible for Cubans salary, lifestyle and oppression.
@@marcydiaz6950nah the USA ruined their economy and won’t allow not even covid medicine or medical equipment during the pandemic. USA is evil
end the embargo then
What was the name of that song in the beginning?
This is a great documentary. I can see and appreciate the love and compassion that was given into it. The translation could be better.
This is soo sad. Cuban people are so nice, I've been there many times.
The Cuban is so lovely and friendly, but not the Cuban communist government, they are just a bunch of liars and cheating!
They are “nice” because they want your dollars. Once they get to America and have them, they turn into those rabid Republican, racist and rude service people that have overtaken Miami.
@@manolokonosko2868 You are absolutely 100% right. Thanks for your contribution.
Cuba is an illegal country for me
We all know why the Cuban people are suffering....
My daughter in law lives there with her family , so sad what they are now going through
My heart goes out to these people in the 70th Guyana was like this I was just leaving Guyana to relocate overseas i remember how hard it was for my family and loves ones I left behind
One leaves behind the obsolete to one's heart...and you did.
@@daviddefranco5218 what do you know, clown ?
I just looked up Guyana and it is fairly rich now.
@@cashewnuttel9054 it's called oil. Keep in mind Venezuela with the second largest oil reserves in the world and how socialism managed it.
This is the system we are told will "replace capitalism".
As always an amazing documentary by DW ❤️.
The tourist resorts in Cuba are quite nice. If you can, take a holiday there. The hotel workers appreciate little gifts, and tips for friendly service. The best job in Cuba is a bartender at a Cuban resort or a tour guide for the generous tips you get. I met a tour guide who quit his job as a University professor to work as a tour guide and earn 5 times more money. Going to Cuba is easy if you’re from Canada or Europe. It might be more difficult if you’re from the U.S.A. Nice documentary…thanks for posting.
And how did you feel knowing how miserable the lives of those who waited on you hand and foot really were?
@@pauloakwood9208 Better not to go on holiday there&they have no income?
These are the types of documentaries channels such as CNN, History Channel & Travel Channel should be making.
DW y'all have been my favourite since Summer 2020. Keep doing great things
DW is german government news. In USA "the government" and "the press" are separated and there is a very good reason for that you should read a textbook sometime instead of government media documentaries. There are lots of documentaries in USA about how failed of a nation Cuba is, like "Vanguard" Cuba: Waiting for a Revolution (TV Episode 2009)
This documentary is making me appreciate America more. Even though we have our problems it's still a beautiful place to live. I'm grateful.
Most of the third world is impoverished because of America. Freedom isn’t free that much is true, but when you try to show people the price of that “freedom” they would prefer to look the other way.
@@harrifongostudios Sure, bud. Sounds like you're jealous!
@@harrifongostudios
And spread those cheeks before their "heroes" for "free" stuff.
@@bivvystridents3752nah cia documents prove this. They released it themselves
@@bivvystridents3752 I’m literally American and benefit from this system actively. Though not quite as much as the elites but that is neither here nor there.
EXCELLENT documentary. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was stuck in Santiago de Cuba in 2001 with no money, after a medical emergency. I had to stay in the slums outside the city. I saw DIRE POVERTY. The images of Havana above are like luxury compared to the slums in the east. The huge difference with other poor countries is that in other countries there is HOPE and there are POSSIBLILTIES. You can dream of starting a business from scratch and earning a decent living. Or you can dream that your children will be educated and find a good paying job. But in Cuba there is no hope, there is no way.😢 The dictatorship is SHAMEFUL. Also, there is no freedom of speech. People risk going to jail. Now, with the consequences of the pandemic it is absolutely unacceptable the situation there. 😔
Education in Cuba is compulsory and free at all levels. Healthcare in Cuba is free. The level of education in Cuba is excellent. To be illiterate would be a difficult "achievement". I've seen the poverty there too as I lived there. As a Cuban resident, my doctor collected me from my home and drove me to the hospital in her personal car. Never underestimate the Cuban people. In a difficult economic situation they may be: Illiterate, they are not. Uneducated, they are not.
@@happydillpickle Thanks for your comment. I don't mean to say that people there are uneducated or illiterate. I just wanted to point out that I saw miserable conditions in the slums outside the city of Santiago de Cuba. Unfortunately, education and health care didn't help those people. But then again, that was 2001 when the government had tight control on the economy and very few businesses were allowed. The economy opened up more for citizens since then. But still, life in a slum in the east is not the romantic vision of Cuba that foreigners have. But yes, I agree, Cubans are very resourceful and kind. :)
@@chelsea65030 A good few of the people from what could probably be termed "shanty towns" you describe travel to Havana to "jinetear". I doubt you'll have missed the jineter/o/s back then. I was living there the year you visited. So many were leaving with foreigners, often on spouse or fiance visas, hoping for a better life. It used to knock me sick seeing the young teenage girls rubbing suncream onto the middle to old aged male foreign (sex) tourists on the beach. You'll almost definitely have run into the "cheaper rum, cheaper restaurant" scams. The guys doing this often come from the places of which you speak. They cook indoors on charcoal fires, wash with a bucket of water on a mud floor with a shared bar of soap that needs to last...and last...
I've seen mother dogs suckling puppies on a mud floor, crawling with fleas. You'll probably have been offered food and shelter by people living in such conditions if you had a long wait. Of course, the police cracked down a lot on illegal mixing with tourists for financial gain. Arrests, fines and deportations to other provinces were standard.
I''m sorry for my brusque reply. It's such a different place from what foreigners expect. It's just not for lack of schooling or doctors or an adequate healthcare system that people struggle. The national health service is excellent. The tourist healthcare service I have never accessed: did they have all the medications you needed? I always wondered if they were reserved for paying foreigners. I believe there are more doctors per capita than in any other country! There's a big emphasis on natural treatments for lack of access to pharmaceuticals.
What is disgraceful is that when the population struggle with frequent power cuts, the hotels keep their power via generators. I heard the hospitals don't necessarily. I have no idea whether this is true, but it's certainly true that the government licks the proverbial of the tourism trade at the expense of the dignity of the population.
It was (is?) illegal for a fisherman to sell swordfish and lobster to the public. His catch went to the hotels. The tax was huge.
You'll probably have seen lots of renovation work going on in Havana when you were there. I wonder if those gorgeous buildings they restored are still...wait for it... expensive hotels...
@@happydillpickle my friend, health and education were free also before 1959 and the governments then were not repeating it again and again all the time.
People may be literate but 8o% of the population just read the names of the products in the supermarket. Most of Cubans have a lot of difficulties to spell words.
You are very lucky about your experience with the doctor. You are not Cuban I guess.
@@happydillpickle Haha, no worries. It's interesting for me to process what I saw two decades ago. My experience with the health care system was excellent. (I was lucky though because I heard horror stories from Cubans about local experiences with the medical system). I got appendicitis while there. I had no insurance but they still operated on me, with the condition that I couldn't leave until I paid. Operation was smooth and one week hospital stay was fine. After that, they said I couldn't board a plane for at least a month, because of the pressure or something. I also had almost no money (it took a month til some money could arrive from my country). So I had to hide out in the slums, as I couldn't pay for a casa particular. I hid out in homes around Chicharrones. I saw shacks in an area nearby. I saw some pretty desperate conditions. People literally hungry with no food. I'm not kidding. The rations from the gov were not enough. State salary (e.g. for working in a factory) was $7 at the time and not enough. As I waited for the okay to travel, I spent a month just hanging out, walking the streets. Nothing else to do. The little bit of money I had had, I had given to a family to cook for me. I experienced 2 extremes. The first was kindness, sympathy and hospitality from people who had nothing themselves. I cannot deny that there were some genuinely wonderful people there with no hidden motives. And thanks to them I survived. At the same time, I was also swarmed by men when I went into the town centre. I didn't know the term jintero back then. I couldn't walk a block without being stopped by one. Even women would stop and say "amiga" and then ask for money. I knew what people were up to because where I was staying, every day women and men would head out to the town centre to find a tourist. OH LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING. During that time, people from Santiago could NOT go to Havana. They had to get gov approval and that was rare. And let me tell you, Cuba is more racist than the gov likes people to think. But I'll leave that topic for now. So, living in desperate situations, and with no way out, they saw tourists as their only way out. AND I AGREE WITH YOU 100%, it sickened me too to see young girls with middle and old age men. Disgusting!! And so SAD! I didn't see it on the beaches as I could only go to local beaches lol, but I saw it in the town centre. The sex tourism is really in your face.
One thing that BROKE MY HEART was when locals of all ages, men and women, would come to me and ask for medicine from abroad, for this and that serious condition. I believe there was a severe shortage for the locals. But there were some Cubans who lived pretty well. They had income from abroad, from family, or they had a large nice home in the centre, and they were able to set up businesses (the few that were allowed then). Even better off were those who were in the gov. The disparity was hard to see. Anyway, eventually I was allowed to leave and pay from my home country. I had a bill of over $3500, and I am sure almost all that money went to the gov, not to the doctors and nurses.
Okay, so back to the jinterismo. I get it, they were in a desperate situation. Living in a dictatorship with few options to put enough food on the table, and god forbid, live a comfortable life. BUT one thing I will never agree with is the fact that they USE foreigners. They're not upfront. Better would be a marriage contract... more honest. Like in most countries from which people leave via marriage. Not that I am condoning that of course. But I've heard countless stories of people being dumped by their Cuban spouse soon after arrival in their country, when they thought that it was a real relationship. But maybe things have changed now. Maybe there is more honesty. I haven't been there since. Okay, my 2 cents, haha.
DW helped me when I was learning Spanish. Now, it has helped me develop my English.
Thanks!
It's so crazy to imagine being told the Revolution is still going on 60 years later? Whaaaat?? That's 3 generations.
The revolution doesn't end until true Communism is achieved. The USSR gave it a good go, China's still stumbling on.
You need a boogie man to scare the people into excepting sacrifices.Marxist`s natural enemies is free enterprise.Price and wage controls and government owned means of production drags down people`s will to work hard.Thus official peso and black market peso.Cuba`s elite shop at the black market while the poor go to the state store.
Why the sound of the person is not muted, if already voiceover is there. None of any is Audible 😮💨
It's heartbreaking to see the reality I left just two weeks ago, after a 7-weeks-visit. I lived with regular peoplo instead of a hotel. The longer I stayed the more it felt like a nightmare, especially with and after hurrican Ian. But I found love there too. Really confusing, but life really needs to change for the better. Otherwise it will end like in East-Germany, were I grew up in: The last person leaving switches off the light.
Did you go visit Theaimann Island? It's thought of as East German still.
7 weeks in Cuba? Yikes! I was in Havana for one week (in 2022, so post Covid), and that was enough for me. If, and it's a big if, I return to Cuba, I will visit the countryside, places like Vinales or Santiago. The country has so much potential to be a top tourist destination in the Caribbean, but not in its current state. As was mentioned in the documentary, although life hasn't been easy there for a long time, it was Covid that has accelerated the decline signicantly.
There is complete freedom of religion in Cuba; people do stick to religion to cope with the terrible economic problems there are in the island.
@@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq Can they worship The Great J.R. Bob Dobbs and are they allowed to participate in the lifelong pursuit of slack?
And the Stasi will keep the clamps on until suddenly they go. And then the archives will be open and the people will be able to read just how much information the government had on them. People in the former East Germany read about themselves; it is like a national hobby.
As a Canadian, when I go to Cuba I bring alots basic stuff and give to the people......2 full luggage at least....
cuba sucks due too government , need get rid that
Don't bother, they are the one who made their country like this
Christian
Good man,best wishes from England 👍
@@David-q1t4d The best part is the face of the custom agent when they check to luggage.....ton of toothpast, Tylenol, Toothbrush, ect.....$400 of stuff....
And they give you the best service in the world...smile included
@Ed Nigma funny thing, even prisoners in other countries eats better food than y'all Cuban's 💀
I feel for the Cuban people - these shortages exactly what my family and all around us were going through in the 90s post Soviet collapse
Second thought has an eye opening video on that. You still in a former USSR region?
Sanctions - punitive sanctions by the US.
I guess soviets colapsed because of good life?
@@antasosam8486 If you were completely ignorant of politics and history you might think that amusing. The USSR was systematically strangled by the US. Oil prices deliberately crashed, Afghanistan War, Nuclear Arms race, Sanctions, sabotage of infrastructure, psyops lies etc.
@@casteretpollux you are pathetic, incredible!
THANK YOU DW.
Gosh, I really admire Cubans- I hope they can one day adopt a system that helps them thrive.
Cuba is a post-oil economy so they are pioneers in transitioning to a carbon-neutral reality and I hope their transition moves on apace. They have already moved to organic farming as they fertiliser imports from the soviet union ended when the oil did upon the collapse of the soviet union collapsed. They never really industrialised or went digital so now they are trying to straddle the old soviet-backed economy with a oil-free future without the benefits of solar or other renewable energy sources or a digital infrastructure, or, it has to be said, without a functioning democratic structure. It's like making 2 leaps forward from their soviet-era colony status to a functional economy. In a very limited way, with the only export being tourism due to the trade embargo.
They won't thrive from capitalism.
@@BolshevikCarpetbagger1917 Capitalism is the only economic system on the face of the earth that actually produces surplus value. Surplus value which pays for your incredibly feminists 'social' programs.
Capitalism is the economics of masculinity, where as socialism is the economics of feminism. Socialism treats the human species as if we are a group organism, where as capitalism treats us as if we are individuals. What America has is only the mere semblance of capitalism.
Thank god that's all it takes to thrive!
The Bolsheviks are easily one of the worst things to ever happen to the world. They killed tens of millions of people by starvation. They'd literally go into peoples homes, and remove their food. They were a disgusting group of people.
I suppose you'd rather be living in Russia right now?? I bet you'd enjoy being one of the newly 'mobilized' drunks getting blown to smithereens in a war that has nothing to do with you! Right! You'd rather live some place where they drink vodka like water because they are so fucking miserable!
Not an American system hopefully
@@ssd3622 Russian system. 🤣
My most vivid recollection of being in Cuba two years ago was seeing all these old American cars coming near me in all directions. I swear it, it felt like being in the middle of a movie being filmed about the Fifties, a surreal scene, and they work very well because these cars have new engines.
The exhaust gases of all cars kill you, there are no regulations whatsover for that. When the wind comes from behind the guests in those fancy cars are near choking.
@@einmensch4040 Haha yeah I reckon they are choking. There's so little industry in Cuba though and so few vehicles that there's no point in restricting emissions. After living in Cuba I'm still horrified by households with multiple vehicles, traffic jams, car parks everywhere etc. People drive a quarter of a mile just to buy a takeout or some cigarettes. Did you ever see Cuba's only freeway? (abandoned and never used. Horses, cows and vultures wandering around on it)
Toyota should set up engine manufacturing plant in Cuba with all that restomod talent...Cuba can become a classic car cloning manufacturing hub!
1§
@@fidelcatsro6948 Talent, indeed. These are not collection cars used very little, but very old cars kept in working conditions for everyday use or taxis.
I'm in guardalavaca Cuba now. It's very depressing, but the people are amazing
103 and living his life! ❤❤❤
Despite their economic situation, they maintain their sense of community. Something money can't buy..
communism always ends in tyranny, a totalitarian, dictatorial system, where only those who are with the single party have political rights, only a part of the people can access power, express themselves (in favor of the regime of course), create organizations, make propaganda, access to the media, and so on, they end up controlling every aspect of the country, everything, education, economy, EVERYTHING WITH THE STATE NOTHING OUTSIDE THE STATE, those who disagree and express it, the comunists crush them because they do not accept opposition, in communism (synonymous with extremist leftist dictatorship) opponents and dissidents are imprisoned, killed, or exiled, it is an oppressive system that takes away sovereignty from the part of the people who do not think like them, robbing them of the right to define destiny of the country.
Where they rat each other out for favors from the regime?
@@shauncameron8390 Australians rat each other out for less. Not wearing a 😷🤦♂️
Money buys community. They just don't let others in to see.
And you don't have to worry about someone stealing your stuff when you don't have any. 😂 It sounds so good!
Thank you DW Documentary for a very interesting and enlightening film. As a Professor of Political Science, this film helps me to rethink great ideology. Even the most complex ideology can not withstand the challenge of time, the new international environment, and the changing of alliances. Creativity, openness, and adaptability are the answers to the Cuban crisis, not the ideology.
What foolishness. Castro never starved after the revolution. It is not "ideology" but "implementation". A nation of thieves complaining of theft. If you declare a war on capitalism, do not be surprised that capitalists fail to show up.
Ideology is merely dressed-up dogma, and both are gentele names for unchallengable lies. Cuban people are terribly oppressed by uncaring masters.
Yes it will always work better when implemented properly,I pity your students. How many times does a system have to fail so miserably before it’s relegated to the dustbin of history?
@Superfluous Neither does socialism....
The answer obviously is a change to the whole SYSTEM. A free market financial system combined with democratic socialistic government is the trick.
The Nordic countries make it work, why wouldn't Cuba?
All my friends have left Cuba. Most of my parents friends have left Cuba. Most of my generation and younger Cubans have left Cuba. José Marti said "cuando un pueblo emigra, los gobernantes sobran" meaning when people emigrate it's government is useless.
Its...
NO GUELVAN MA MANGA DE SAGUNOS !!!
and who benefits from all thair talent?? Miami??
Hello La Mafia Cubanesa!
lets not forget about the crippling sanctions
I agree with the statement that the people live in fear of speaking out. They are a defeated people, easy to see it in their faces. I go to Valadero and La Habana at least once a year and nothing ever changes in that country and I have the utmost respect for Cubans
Have plenty of cuban friends still living in Cuba, it is amazing how they manage to survive. The things they tell me are scary as hell.
People are ínately creative. That's the beauty of humanity
Just as bad in Florida. Florida has more homeless people, over 2 million without health/dental care. Food lines all over the state. People are getting arrested for voting. Jackson, Mississippi has no clean water either does Flint, Michigan. California has more homeless people than any other country in the world.
Unless you are Cuban and have followed the story of the REVOLUTION since 1959 you cannot possibly understand CUBA. Forget about understanding Cuba after watching this documentary for 55 odd minutes. I have been hearing about Cuba my whole life. I have listened to hundreds of Cubans tell their story. I only lived there for the first 8 years of my life but have read extensively and I still don't understand CUBA. It is a failed state. A nation haunted by demons. Hunger, misery, depravation, filthy hospitals, no food, no sanitary conditions. A state that claims that children are a priority but education is so bad that children aren't sure if they are in the 4th grade, the 3rd, or the 5th. A country where a female doctor makes 10 times more money with a side job as a prostitute to make ends meet. A country where a professor supplements her/his income driving a taxi, where there is no fish yet they are surrounded by water. Cuba is a nation where people are taught to hate each other. A government sponsor CDR, neighborhood watch watches you 24/7. They are the ''chivatones''' or whistleblowers who suffer as much as anyone else but will call the SECRET SERVICE POLICE to knock on your door at 3:00 a.m. and haul you away for a wrong comment you made against the government. A country where a Jehovah's Witness carrying a Bible and speaking against GOD is a dangerous citizen who is marked, so that s/he is not able to attend any university. And in this last crisis, 20,000 Cubans are leaving per month to the USA, Central America, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Europe and beyond. CUBA IS HELL. CUBA IS A CESSPOOL. CUBA IS INFECTIOUS.
@@stephensdygert7600 yes sure... that's why the rafts are full of Floridians desperate to reach the shores of Cuba. I'm a Cuban living in Florida and I can assure you that there is no possible comparison, especially at this moment when Cuba has become poorer than Haiti.
@@ernglez4390 Floridians are desperate for US sanctions to be lifted against Cuba. Easier travel for Americans to go to Cuba to get Health/Dental care. 7000 thousand Americans die every day! 600 thousand file bankruptcy evey year because of Medical bills. In 2025 China will have the biggest economy in the world(if not sooner) The only reason people left Cuba in the late 1970's is simple, The US corporate cartels were starving the Cuban government (people) When the American empire finally crumbles. Gurantee you one thing, Cuba will still be standing.
I'll bet those persons in the government interviewed don't have to wait in line for food!
I was in Cuba for a few weeks, it was terrible to see how people struggled. They had nothing. Every single transaction had 6 people taking piece. This is why you cannot "centrally plan" a bloody economy.
Havana was considered one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in America before 1959, today it is a city in ruins that will be difficult to rebuild, since the buildings are very deteriorated and some are semi-destroyed or destroyed, the houses are in a terrible state , and all the material resources of the construction are being used to build hotels to fill the coffers of the military and their high command with dollars, who are the ones who have control of the Cuban dollars
And all I hear from the politicians and historians is the blame game...."oh it's the embargo, it's Trump, it's shipping issues"....everything under the sun except what the real issue is....🙄
@@dankelly5150 It is that the blame for the destruction of the Cuban Nation lies with the Castro tyranny and the tyrant Fidel Castro. It is not politicians and historians of Cuba who say it. It is the Cuban people in the Cuban streets who say it, that people who emigrate more and more and who have lived under the boot of the destructive and repressive Castro tyranny, which is just what I suggest you do instead of walking around as a multi-account henchman. from your country, racist comrade. GO LIVE IN CUBA, INSTEAD OF CONTINUE LYING, MULTI-ACCOUNTS
@@dankelly5150 I mean, the embargo IS a big problem, no? As an island nation with few natural resources, they have to rely on foreign trade even for basic needs. But how many foreign companies are willing to risk getting sanctioned just to trade with Cuba? We can talk about socialism and corruption etc but the elephant in the room is the US embargo. There is no hope for Cuba to thrive without lifting the blockade, no matter what form of government is on that island
@@bennyraichu There is no hope for Cuba to thrive with the current government and economic policies they have in place. Embargo or no. Honestly the embargo doesn't even do as much as people want to believe it does. It's mostly just a convenient place for the Cuban government to shift the blame and little more.
@@bennyraichu socialism the biggest problem.
20:17 - I visited Havana in 2012 and I took a photo of this building from which the balcony on the left had fallen off. And when this documentary was made in perhaps 2021 (?), this structure was still partly in ruins with its balcony still missing.
Que hermosa la gente de Cuba. Espero que obtengas mejores condiciones!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. We kindly ask our viewers on this channel to engage with topics in English so that both DW and the community have the chance to respond. For further information, please refer to DW's netiquette policy: p.dw.com/p/MF1G. Thanks for watching!
@@DWDocumentary "How beautiful the people of Cuba. I hope you get better conditions!"
How bold to tell someone not to use Spanish while commenting on a documentary on Cuba.
@@DevinKell use DW en español if you want to comment in Spanish. If you're watching the thing in English, then comment in English so everyone can understand.
@@justSomeChap No (but it's No in Spanish)
@@DevinKell wanna start a rebellion against DW? Why don't you fight against the Cuban regime instead?
The Revolution can never fade because it is an eternal idea and spirit - and it is permanent.
So, poverty and a dilapidated, corrupt infrastructure is an 'eternal idea and spirit'? And, it's 'permanent'?
@@JobyJoby-iw2wr
LOL
Oh my gosh my heart goes out to you guy's. I hope and pray that things will be better for these guy's. We are genuinely thankful for all the things they have done men Mad respect
Unless the United States once and for all lifts is nearly criminal economic blockade against Cuba, things will not get much better.
Beautiful country , should be the Pearl of the Caribbean ❤
It was the Pearl of the Caribbean,even was the economy #27 in the world in 1958 whith only 5 million people,but now it’s around the economy #95.
In 1958:
1USD = 1 Cuban peso
In 2022
1USD = 180 Cuban pesos
@@JulioCesar-dh9jf One word: Sanctions
@@peter12246 Three words: No dictators allowed.
@@bretedwards2899 Neither
@@peter12246 what sanctions for what? No one wants to end up like america
I hope Cuba can forge a more prosperous, free future better engaged with other countries including the US, without losing its wonderful traditions, sense of community and vibrant culture.
You are joking, right? US will never let Cuba be free...
@@msp5138 why do they need the west "to be free"? They chose this path. It's their free choice to go down this road.
@@jacqdanieles "is their free choice" No, it wasn't, pre-1959 they were a colony in all but name.
Revolution was the way out, it just dont worked so well, no big support from outside, little country fkd by biggest economy in the world, eternal embargos..
This isnt Cubans fault. Cuba is what it is today thanks to colonialists.
And yes, the US will never let Cuba be free, once its dictatorship ends the country will be full of gringos money and interests, they prolly will finance some political party to take over, corporations will run the island.
Money won.
@@pagodebregaeforro2803 none of that argument amounts to anything more than whining. Former enemies like Vietnam have proven that your post is merely a weak, self-indulgent crutch for inadequacy.
@@jacqdanieles US is not sanctioning Vietnam unlike Cuba. Bill Clinton lift the sanctions and normalized relations in the 1990s. Vietnam is still controlled by the communist party. Why the US can't do the same to Cuba?
If something is sad in Cuba, it is seeing that large number of old people wandering around all day, half ragged, without teeth, and with a bag hanging on their arm, as if they were zombies, something that was never seen so widespread before 1959. Those who have a pension, it is a pittance that is not enough to feed themselves for even a week. That was the generation that in the sixties of the last century trusted that Cuba would be better after 1959, and 65 years later they only see misery, food shortages and destruction everywhere, and their young relatives emigrating incessantly, leaving them alone, waiting receive a few dollars from their emigrated relatives
This documentary was filmed solely in Havana, I believe! My understanding is that outside of Havana, in the provinces, it is much worst for the population!
Correct. Much worse in the countryside according to Cubans I met who recently fled to Africa.
If you work in hospitality, you’re doing fine because you get tips, but the rest of cubans suffer.
I Love DW documentaries. They simply state the facts with no grand ideology behind the video.
Socialism never works; a nice Lie and totally-debunked Myth. Man, EVERYTHING is done to shield from objective facts like 'Americas unlawful, inhumane Sanctions strangle Cuba', huh?
You mean not stating socialism is shit…
@@fedenovo1 I hate to tell you bud, but Cuba before the revolution was even worse. It was half run by the US mafia. The other half was owned by American capitalists and a wealthy quasi-aristocratic ruling class. Rural conditions were literally close to slavery, and the country was rife with a level of destitution seen today in Haiti. Socialism in Cuba was never able to have a fighting chance, due to savage American opposition that continues today in the form of the embargo. I don't exonerate the Cuban leadership, but they were forced to adopt a harsh security state to survive.
We subjected them to a constant campaign of attempted CIA infiltration and assassinations. The CIA used the mafia to attempt to murder Fidel numerous times and we unsuccessfully invaded them during the Bay of Pigs operation. We had pressured our European allies and all the other governments of the Americas to almost totally cut them off from international trade.
They were forced in desperation to turn to the Soviet bloc for survival, which they had not previously wanted at all. After the fall of the Batista government Fidel had immediately appealed to the US for normal relations and an open friendly relationship. We slapped them in the face under the prevailing CIA dominated cold war foreign policy and immediately began trying to destroy the revolution. When the Soviet bloc collapsed, they had no reasonable access to world markets, as the US continued to cut them off from normal economic relations.
In the early years, the Revolution had had some remarkable achievements-- they went from something like 50% illiteracy to almost total literacy in just a few years. They created a model medical system that became a leader in public health and outstripped the US in public health statistics like infant mortality rates and many other measure of public well being. They became world leaders in public health research and sent medical missions to impoverished nations in Africa.
@@donnievance1942 🤔 Great where has socialism worked. Now we know the history what about resent times , the revolution was some 50 years ago. What little notable achievements have no real bearing on what going on in the ground today As nobody cares if you cant buy books to read other than state propaganda, We know medical services are also used a tool for state propaganda and foreign currency . Come on try harder next time beside your just a government shill , subjugating your own people for a few worthless cuban pesos.
@@donnievance1942 EVERYTHING YOU JUST SAID IS GARBAGE WITH CAP LETTERS. SEEM LIKE A COMMUNIST JUST WROTE A NEWSPAPER PROPAGANDA.
--- IN CUBA THERE ARE NOT WONDERFUL PEOPLE, THAT IS A BRAINWASHED. THEY DESERT WHAT THEY HAVE, A KARMA FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR OR WRONGDOING, IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME ASK TO THOSE CUBAN THAT GET OUT FROM THERE IN 1980 TO 1985 OR A LITTLE MORE.