Cuba upcoming challenges in 2017

Cuban economy contracted almost one percent last year. The island suffered major damages due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew and the unfair and illegal US blockade. However, it did not prevent the island from accomplishing excellent health indicators and setting a new record concerning tourists´ visits.

According to official data, the Ministry of Public Health reported that Cuba closed 2016 with 4,3 infant mortality per 1,000 live births. Life expectancy grew and other health indicators improved as well.

Despite the economic distress and serious effects of the US blockade, whose damages on Cuba surpasses the 125 billion USD, Cuba managed to maintain free education and health services, just like the social security, among other achievements of the Revolution.

And US citizens cannot travel to Cuba as tourists either. Washington forbids it. More than 4 million tourists visited the island last year, most of them Canadians.

Cuba´s GDP would grow by 2 percent this year. Nonetheless, the biggest obstacle to such growth is the genocide US blockade, which lies therein for more than half a century. Its removal, which has been urged by the UNGA in the last 25 years, depends on the political will of a highly hostile Congress.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz / Cubasi Translated Staff