Fidel Castro is a towering figure in Cuba he is after all the brain child of Cuban communism and the leader of the Cuban communist party (CCP). Communism was introduced to the Cuba after the successful overthrow of dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. To the western countries, Cuba stands as an eyesore; it is an embodiment of an ideology that totally contradicts the tenets of democracy. This difference in Ideology especially with the United States has led to many embargoes against Cuba. But, is the embargoes justified? This article explores some of the pros and cons of Cuban communism.

Arguments for

Before the communist revolution, Cuba education system was skewed in favor of the rich. The communist government introduced Universal education and literacy (99.98%) that today ranks as one of the best in the world with a teacher to student ratio of one to every ten students. This is higher than the United States ratio of one to fifteen students.

Another milestone of Cuban communism is free healthcare system. Cuba healthcare system is arguably one of the best in the world, attracting patients all over the world. Cuba has more trained doctors than any country in the world, and its infant mortality is one of the lowest in the world. Cuba excellent health care system has raised life expectancy. According to the United Nations, Cuba life expectancy is 37^th in the world with an average life expectancy of 78.3 years.

Other benefits of Cuban communism include low crime rates, and more equality in the society.

Arguments against

It is not secret that the Cuban regime manages its affairs with an iron fist. This has led to many political dissidents being jailed for long prison sentences because of their political beliefs. Freedom of speech and assembly has also been heavily curtailed.

Innovation in Cuba is almost dead. The reason is obvious when people are made to think in a certain way, new ideas are rarely born. Cuba machinery and technology mirrors those of the 20^th century.

Cuban communism has brought about isolation with the outside world. Globalization is a fact of our time the internet age in Cuba has not yet arrived face book and twitter  are just but fantasies in Cuba. As humanity takes giant strides, Cuban communism has worked to see that their citizens never enjoy the joys of an open world.

Communism in Cuba is the form of rule that is implemented by the country’s governing political party, the Communist Party of Cuba.

Cuban communism works under a model based on Marxist-Leninist beliefs. The existing constitution in Cuba considers the Communist Party of Cuba’s role as the “leading force of society and of the state”. Cuban communism is led by its first secretary, Fidel Castro, and the second secretary, Raul Castro. Raul Castro, who is Fidel Castro’s brother, is also known as the President of Cuba.

Since the earlier period of the Republic of Cuba, there have already been a number of communist organizations, as well as anarchist groups and associations.

The initial Communist Party of Cuba to be “internationalized” was actually formed decades ago in the 1920s. The original group was later renamed to Popular Socialist Party for reasons that had to do with the elections during the time.

Then in July of 1961, three groups merged to form the Integrated Revolutionary Organizations, a mere two years after the revolution in 1959. The organizations that merged were Fidel Castro’s 26th of July Movement, the Revolutionary Directory March 13th which was led by Faure Chomon, and the Popular Socialist Party that was headed by Blas Roca.

The Integrated Revolutionary Organizations was later re-christened as the United Party of the Cuban Socialist Revolution on March 26, 1962. up to now, the communist party remains as the sole recognized political party in Cuba.

There are other parties that have been founded within the coasts of Cuba, but have so far been unable to campaign or push through with any of their own activities, as they may be deemed as counter-revolutionary.