Comments on: Opinion: Starling On USA & Cuba Relationship

By: z

Sun, 28 Dec 2014 21:19:37 +0000

Odd that Starling doesn’t realise his opinions (when they differ from those of the Party, of course) would have him imprisoned or executed in Cuba.

Nor does he seem to know that in exchange for the five “harmless” Cuban spies, who were convicted of conspiring to commit murder in addition to their espionage activities, the Cuban government has released 53 [actual] political prisoners and will return an American aid worker kidnapped by the regime in 2009.

Or maybe he does realise this and does not care because he is furthering the revolution. How contemptible. What I wonder (and worry about) is whether there is anyone on this island who believes his nonsense.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:28:53 +0000

having been to cuba recently, i can see that the lifting of the travel restrictions for Americans will surely see an increase in tourism in Cuba especially to see the country before capitalism and the American influences take hold. there is also a romantic notion that Cuba is somehow in a time warp stuck in the 50′s. well nothing could be further from the truth – Cuba is in a state of steady decay because of lack of capital to upkeep buildings. 50-year old cars have been rebuilt to the extent that the original parts have long since been replaced. Driving around in the convertible sounds grand until you are trapped in the traffic behind cars, buses and bikes that are emitting fumes that clearly suggest an absence of emissions control.

Smoking is permissible there and it is easy for a nice dinner to be ruined by cigar smokers no less.

What Bermuda needs to do in the interim is to step up its game in offering value for money. Bermuda has a lot to offer per square mile. the food is recognizable, the level of sophistication is evident compared to Cuba and it is a pretty island to boot.

HOWEVER – simple pointers: remove the charge for hotel guests to have to pay to use the indoor pool: SOUTHAMPTON PRINCESS.(just spent weekend there 2 weeks ago)

Stop charging high rates when the rooms are soooo very ordinary with soooooo very ordinary service. ALL HOTELS

Train all staff members how to welcome and speak to every guest with a damn SMILE. (how much would that cost?) EVERYWHERE

Bermuda needs to stop price-gouging our visitors and residents alike.

By: chipp

chipp — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:30:24 +0000

Take u s money out of your pocket c what happens

By: aceboy

aceboy — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:58:36 +0000

I suggest he have a word with some of the Cubans who managed to get out. Far from perfect is most definitely how they feel. It’s tough when a guy like Castro executes your family.

Socialists are really really good at spending other people’s money. That is about it.

By: PBanks

PBanks — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:42:22 +0000

One thing that’s factual is that every nation except the US and Israel has demanded the US trade embargo be ceased. Of course, the US doesn’t give a fig what other countries think of their policy, but it should make one wonder why the policy continues to be enacted in defiance of the rest of the world’s nations.

By: PBanks

PBanks — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:39:50 +0000

Judging from the amount of comments his articles gets, at least a fair bit. If people didn’t care, his articles would be ignored entirely.

By: LiarLiar

LiarLiar — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 13:10:55 +0000

“The Cuban revolution is far from perfect; however it has raised the standard of living in Cuba to levels rivalling the West, and this despite the embargo and the Special Period following the collapse of the Soviet Union.”

Blatant lie or based on the fact that Starling has never ever been to Cuba.

I have.

And having to ration food is not a level that rivals the West. That is just one aspect. I suggest Starling that you travel to Cuba to see for yourself as it might prevent you from printing such blatant falsehoods going forward.

By: bob

bob — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 13:01:16 +0000

does anyone actually care what starling thinks???