Cubans can not:

•  Travel abroad without government permission.
•  Change jobs without government permission.
•  Change residence without government permission.
•  Access the Internet without government permission (the Internet is closely monitored and controlled by the government. Only 1.67% of the population has access to the Internet).
•  Send their children to a private or religious school (all schools are government run, relgious or private schools are banned in Cuba).
•  Watch independent or private radio or TV stations (all TV and radio stations are owned and run by the government). Cubans illegally watch/listen foreign broadcasts, risking fines and detention.
•  Read books, magazines or newspapers, unless approved/published by the government (all books, magazines and newspapers are published by the government).
•  Receive publications from abroad or from visitors (punishable by jail terms under Law 88).
•  Visit or stay in tourist hotels, restaurants, and resorts (these are off-limits to Cubans).
•  Seek employment with foreign companies on the island, unless approved by the government.
•  Run for public office unless approved by the Communist Party.
•  Own businesses, unless they are very small and approved by the government under onerous taxes.
•  Join an independent labor union (there is only one, government controlled labor union and no individual or collective bargaining is allowed; neither are strikes or protests).
•  Retain a lawyer, unless approved by the government.
•  Choose a physician or hospital. Both are assigned by the government.
•  Refuse to participate in mass rallies and demonstrations organized by the Cuban Communist Party (they may lose their jobs and be detained for indefinite periods).
•  Criticize the Castro regime or the Cuban Communist Party, the only party allowed in Cuba.

_______________________ 

Cuba Transition Project, P.O. Box 248174, Coral Gables, Florida 33124-3010, Tel: 305-284-CUBA (2822), Fax: 305-284-4875, and by email at