In one of the first signs of change since President Raul Castro took over
Cuba, the communist island is freeing up sales of computer and DVD
equipment

HAVANA, CUBA (MARCH 13, 2008) (REUTERS) - Communist Cuba has authorized the unrestricted sale of computers,
DVD and video players and other appliances on Thursday (March 13) in the first
sign President Raul Castro is moving to improve access to consumer goods for
Cubans.
    An internal government memo seen by Reuters said the government
"at the highest" level had approved the sale of previously
prohibited equipment "based on the improved availability of
electricity".
    The memo listed computers, video and DVD players, 19-inch (48-cm) and
24-inch (61-cm) television sets, electric pressure cookers and rice cookers,
electric bicycles, car alarms and microwaves that Cubans will now be allowed
to buy.
    Many Cubans said they were glad to hear the news.
    "It was time that these things stopped being restricted. It
didn't make any sense to me, it never has. I think it is a good thing, and up
until now everyone in the world had access to these things except us. They
free it up and make it so everyone has access, those that have and those that
don't. That would be perfect according to me," said biology student
Javier.
    "If they set appropriate prices for these household appliances
then I think that yes [it is  a good thing] because they a really supposed to
be for the home. But that all depends on how the product comes out and the
price it goes on sale for and if the salary of a working Cuban will be enough
for us to buy it," said Mercedez a doctor.
    Seventy-six-year-old Raul Castro has led Cuba since July 2006 when his
older brother Fidel Castro provisionally handed over power after intestinal
surgery from which he has never fully recovered.
    The younger Castro formally became Cuba's first new leader in almost
half a century on February 24, and promised to ease some of the restrictions
on daily life in Cuba.
    Last year, under Raul Castro's provisional government, customs
regulations were eased to allow Cubans to bring in some electronic equipment
and car parts.