Black Market’s Role in Cuban Economy

HAVANA TIMES, Sept. 1 — The subsistence of persons in Cuba “depends primarily on the black market and not on the state economy,” according to the conclusions of a survey carried out by the independent Cubabarómetro pollster, which is coordinated by oppositionist Darsi Ferrer. The study, which is based on a sample of 381 inhabitants of the island’s capital, suggests the application of “liberalizing measures that have an influence on the conversion of the underground economy” into a new private economy of small businesses, reported IPS.