New Cuban President’s Raul Castro recent reforms in order to improve access to consumer products are “cynical” since most of the people do not afford them, U.S. officials say. U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez told Reuters that “It's somewhat cynical that some time in the future they will have the right to buy a cell phone, if they are able to come up with the money...It's sad that after 50 years of suffering and 50 years living in fear with shortages and 50 years living with repression, Cubans now have the right to buy a rice cooker.”

The shops began to sell electric products that were previously forbidden in Cuba, such as DVD-players, microwave ovens and computers expected in a few days. Until Tuesday, most electronic goods were sold only to the companies or foreigners. The measures were taken after Raul Castro became the successor of his brother Fidel Castro on February 24. The new president mentioned that he would end the “excessive prohibitions” in the island.

“Very good! DVD players on sale for everybody,” an elderly woman named Clara declared quoted by the Associated Press. “Of course nobody has the money to buy them,” she added. The woman did not give her full name to reporters.

Some Cubans suppose the opening of the stores is in fact a government maneuver to control inflation. Others claim that the ones who have jobs with foreign firms or cash sent by relatives living in the U.S will cause tensions by making class divisions. However, the reforms are giving hope for more change.

“We all have the right to enjoy what we ourselves have built,” declared a waiter called Boris, quoted by the Washington Post. “It’s our national heritage,” he added.