payment in stores across the Communist island, marking a sharp change in the country’s financial policies.
The announcement of the U.S. dollar ban came amid reports of violent attacks against dissidents who Communist officials have described as "American mercenaries", BosNewsLife learned.
"It is important to denounce the schemes of the (American) empire" against Cuba, Castro said in his first televised policy remarks, since he tripped on a step and tumbled to the ground late Wednesday, October 20, when leaving the stage at a graduation ceremony.
The 78-year old Castro reportedly fractured a knee and arm in that incident.
These new restrictions will affect Cubans and foreigners visiting the country as Hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and taxi drivers starting November 8 will only be able to accept so-called convertible pesos, a local currency introduced in 1995, that can be used in specialized stores on the island but has no value internationally.
COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS
Cuban citizens will still be able to possess a certain amount of U.S. dollars, but using them in commercial transactions or in retail will be banned, the statement said. The measure was expected to make it more difficult for Cuban exiles to support families and political activists, some of whom have been beaten by security forces, dissidents sources said.
"Combined forces of the Revolutionary National Police and that of the State Security" have been seen beating political opponents to the regime, in some cases in front of their families, and in prisons, in recent weeks, the Cuban Foundation for Human Rights said in a statement to BosNewsLife.
"We hereby request that the National and International public opinion demand the Cuban government to put an end to the abuses and constant violations against the Cuban dissidents." More than 70 dissidents, including Christians, are known to be held in prisons, often in isolation, BosNewsLife established.
