Mr President, the economic situation in Cuba is now so depressed that large numbers of Cubans are left with little choice but to put their lives at risk by attempting the dangerous crossing to Florida in home-made boats and rafts. When an economic and political system is not prepared to acknowledge its own failures, as is the case in Cuba, ordinary citizens are very often forced to take desperate measures. Unfortunately, the Castro regime has not, as yet, shown itself capable of learning from the political, social and economic upheavals which occurred in recent years in the former Communist countries of Eastern Europe.
I urge the Cuban government, even at this late stage, to accept that structural changes in Cuban society are now an urgent and immediate necessity. Individual Cubans must be given a greater say in the organization of their own affairs. This, as all of us know, can be done through the introduction of a multi-party democratic system and by giving the Cuban people the freedom to exploit economic opportunities which exist within their country. Because of its location Cuba has tremendous potential to avail of outside investment to generate wealth and employment across a range of economic sectors. However, this potential cannot be realized while the country continues to isolate itself from the economies of its neighbours. Significant levels of outside investment will not be forthcoming while the country is perceived to be, as it is at present, in the grip of a political regime which has outlived its usefulness to its own people.
Continued failure to accept the need for radical change on the part of President Castro and his associates will inevitably lead to a social and political explosion within the country. In such a situation violent loss of life is a strong possibility. I do not believe that such a scenario is in anybody's interest, not least President Castro's, who came to power because of Battista's failure to address the needs of the Cuban people. Surely it is a classic example of history repeating itself.
