Communist Cuba Lifts Appliance Ban

Cuban residents can once again catch a break from the tropical heat that is standard operating procedure throughout much of the Caribbean on any given day. Former President Fidel Castro instituted a ban in 2005 on imported appliances that allegedly used too much energy. Among those appliances covered under the reinstitution of imports include the likely much-needed air conditioners.

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The country reportedly suffered from energy shortages and blackouts a number of years back, which led to the Castro regime instituting the restrictive policy. Recently, the ban has been lifted by the Communist island nation's government in Havana. Cuban Customs chief Pedro Perez approved lifting the ban, a fact which Cuba's Official Gazette published on Monday.

The Cuban government, under President Raul Castro, is continuing to press for conservation of energy in light of these new modifications to Cuban law. Close diplomatic ties with oil-rich Venezuela have been credited with keeping sweeping blackouts to a minimum.

According to the AP, air conditioners weighing less than 2,000 pounds, microwaves with a wattage of less than 2,000, and ovens of 1,500 watts or less are now legally obtainable in Cuba. Each citizen is reportedly allowed a maximum of two qualifying appliances. The report noted that irons and toasters were also among the newly-approved appliances.