Measuring Cuban public opinion : project report

The questionnaire elicited the views both of the respondents and of Cubans on the island, including supporters of the regime. Results indicate that few Cubans have received humanitarian aid, although a majority responded favorably to the idea. To make ends meet, Cubans resort to a variety of means, including use of the black market and the farmer"s market. Almost half used dollars (at special dollar stores) to purchase clothing and shoes. A similar proportion purchased pharmacy supplies on the black market. The emigres saw free education and free health care as the major accomplishments of the revolution. Many resented the preferential medical treatment given to foreigners. Cuban emigres believe the reforms have come about too slowly and are too late, although the legalization of the dollar and the farmer"s free market are seen as positive steps. The emigres thought the Pope"s visit was beneficial though unlikely to bring about permanent change. Respondents were well aware of repression in Cuba and how it is manifested. Emigres said they watched TV in Cuba mainly for entertainment. Of foreign broadcasts, Radio Marti is by far the most listened to station. Few respondents had ever seen TV Marti. When Cubans (or recent Cuban emigres) talk to relatives abroad, they mainly discuss family affairs. Only about a third of respondents knew dissidents on the island, although 30%-50% recognized the names of prominent dissidents. Few said they belonged to political organizations on the island; most who did belonged to the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). Perhaps as might be expected, respondents had a highly unfavorable view of Cuban leaders and regime organizations. When asked about tourists, most Cubans expressed a somewhat favorable view of them. The least accepted were Russians. Respondents were well aware of the increase in prostitutes; almost three-quarters said they knew more than 10 persons who were. Respondents uniformly said that both economic and political changes were necessary for Cuba. They saw no current leaders who could provide leadership during a period of reform, including leaders of the dissident movement. Emigres expressed concern about the economic reconstruction of Cuba: only about 30% would return to Cuba if conditions changed. The greatest perceived fear of Cubans on the island is that a transition will bring about chaos and killings, that exiles will return and take away their homes, that free health care and free education will disappear, and that jobs will be lost. Most see little chance for change until Castro dies. Emigres believe most Cubans would welcome U.S. support for a change in government, and favor a dialogue among exiles, dissidents, and representatives of the Cuban government.