Integrity
It would be nearly impossible to visit Cuba for 120 days or more in 11 trips during the last three years and not learn something about how life on the island has been altered in the last 4 decades.
What first comes to mind is how the Cuban mentality, mores and integrity, have changed since I left the Island in 1958. Perhaps I am more aware of this change than Cubans who have lived in other Latin American countries all these years instead of the United States.
Cubans have lost their ethical bearings. It has become an un-principled society.
A couple of days ago, a young Cuban lawyer (32 years old) who has lived in the U.S. five years, and who I have come to otherwise respect, said something which confirmed my conclusion.
“Business is one thing and integrity is another”… it doesn’t translate well as she said it in Spanish, but her message was clear: “You can't let integrity interfere with business”
Did I hear correctly?
Twenty years growing up in the company which many called for years “America’s most admired corporation” taught me differently. Integrity is integrity; in all you do.
How can anyone “put integrity aside” while conducting business? I guess some do, and they are likely to end up in prison. Of course, my friend is a lawyer, which in itself means she has either learned how to make a living without having one ounce of remorse regardless of what she does, or she has it in her genes and therefore she became a lawyer.
And before my honest lawyer friends raise a stink, you know darn well I am not referring to you and that a large number of your colleagues fit that mold. Read the results of any survey on the subject.
But in this case, I am quite sure it was the “Cuban” in her and not the lawyer who spoke.
“You can’t let integrity interfere with business”
I still can’t believe it.
For those of you who have never been there, or those of you who left Cuba ions ago and have never been back, and particularly for those of you who travel there frequently on business and have no idea of what is happening around you (yes, that's right, you don't have a clue), be alert! Cubans will not even blink when they cheat or make absurd demands or make-up the most incredible story in order to get their hands into your pockets.
And for those planning for the "reconstruction of a free Cuba", my advise is this: Before the bulldozers begin working, before a new constitution is written, before free elections are planned, a massive re-culturization effort must be undertaken or nothing will take hold. Cubans have to re-learn the meaning of honesty and integrity.
Cubans, if left to their own devices, will devour each other guided by the law of the jungle, where only the strongest will prevail.
It is a sad and scary prospect.
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