HAVANA: Cubans have had widespread access to social media for just a few months, and they embraced it March 18 to bombard US diplomats in Havana with complaints about new visa restrictions.
More than 400 Cubans sent comments to the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Havana, largely to complain about the elimination of five-year tourist visas announced March 15.
Cubans now will need a new visa for each trip. That’s devastating for Cuba’s private entrepreneurs, who often make trips to the US for supplies, and for those trying to visit relatives in the US.
Many also complained about delays in the family reunion program caused by a sharp reduction in consular personnel in Havana following a series of mysterious illnesses suffered by diplomats there.
A Facebook user identified as Williams Hernandez pleaded: “Ease our hearts from this sadness we experience living far from our loved ones.”
Most visa requests are rejected, and Cubans must make a costly trip to a third country like Mexico or Panama even to apply.
Cuba opened internet access to smartphones late last year and many Cubans have rapidly taken to social media. AP
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