Ripping off Fidel might just pay dividends.
The hundreds of thousands of Cubans that have worked in the Islands underground economy just might have a leg up when it comes to taking advantage of the Castro government's economic overhaul. The government is eliminating 500,000 jobs telling workers they have to make it on their own.
The message from the Castro Brothers is "we can't take care of you anymore."
So what does that mean for the government employed engineer with a college degree who by the way drive a illegal taxi and sells stolen lobsters to an illegal restaurant located in a friends home?
He might just be fine, according to Nova Southeastern University's Professor Robert C. Preziosi.
"I think the people who had something going on the side will now be able to devote all their time and efforts to that. But it (the work) is no longer going to be on the side it will be in full view of the government," he said.
Cubans who have developed skills in the black market and hustling outside of work are likely to succeed in the new economic atmosphere.
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"They know how to operate and will know which bend in the road to take, when to go to the left or to the right, they will recognize opportunities," Preziosi said.
The Castro government hopes that the independent workers can pump tax and fee money into the running-on-empty Cuban Government coffers.
Cuban history experts say that when the Castro regime allowed some free enterprise in the past they smacked the independent workers with stiff taxes, regulations, and inspections forcing most out of business. But as far as taxes, Preziosi says the Castro Government will be closely monitor revenues generated by small businesses and cooperatives.
It is believed that a million Cubans have illegal side jobs, only 143,00 have licenses to be self employed.
As Rick Scott would say, "Lets get to work."
