Cuba is a nation in transition. It’s decades’ icy relationship with the US is getting better. US President Barack Obama even called for more normal relations last year. Despite these changes, very few have access to something many in the US take for granted.
That’s internet access. Thanks to strict government regulation, Cuban residents can’t have home online connections. At best, they can use online services at a nearby hotel for $7 an hour, and most can’t afford it. Cuban Millennials are changing this. There’s Robin Pedraja, 28, who started an online magazine called Vistar. Vistar is a success despite being laughed at by government officials when he applied for a business license. There’s Elio Lopez, who helped put together an online network called El Paquete Semanal. That’s an online service that delivers movies, TV shows, digital magazines, and other apps throughout Cuba. There’s Yondainer Gutierrez, creator of AlaMesa. That’s an Android app that could pass for a Cuban version of Yelp. Hiram Centelles is one of the leaders of Cuba’s tech revolution. He grew up around black markets and noticed how difficult is was for buyers and sellers to get together. In 2007, Centelles created Revelico.com, their version of Craigslist. Within months, the government shut it down. But Revelico got back on and is now doing better than ever, getting eight million views a month and 25,000 listings a day.
I salute these guys and others using computer technology to help Cuba become more connected, with each other and the rest of the world. This is a critical step in moving forward, and I’m glad these men and women are leading the charge, and inspiring others to do the same. But also, on this American Independence Day, it’s a reminder of the freedoms we have, technological and otherwise. May we never take such freedoms for granted. Happy 4th and stay safe!