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A Tale of Two Islands
Prashad, Vijay
http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/10/16/a-tale-of-two-islands/Date Written: 2017-10-16 Publisher: CounterPunch Year Published: 2017 Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX21428 A look at the two island nations of Cuba and Puerto Rico in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes; one is a poor socialist state and the other a territory of one of the richest countries in the world. Abstract: -- Excerpt: Just before Hurricane Irma hit Cuba, U.S. President Donald Trump renewed the embargo of the island. This means that Cuba will be denied crucial supplies needed for reconstruction, including financial assistance from multilateral organisations. Cuba's finances cannot manage the reconstruction, but nonetheless the government has announced that its state budget will finance 50 per cent of the construction materials needed for the 158,554 homes that have been affected by the storm. Also, the government has said it will provide a 50 per cent discount on damaged household goods. For those who have had all their goods destroyed, the government has said it will cover 100 per cent of their expenses. Subject Headings |