Abstract
This chapter explains Cuba's model of development, the US-imposed embargo and its effects, the Special Period', and the subsequent economic reforms and social changes. The government remain committed to the key values underscoring social policy, and continue to assert that it will maintain its social development model. The Special Period refers to the economic crisis during the 1990s instigated by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the tightening of the United States trade embargo on Cuba. According to Uriarte, critical problems with the delivery of services have emerged from lack of collaboration between the different sectors. Global Exchange, in particular, aims to educate the US public on global issues and encourage active campaigning for international human rights, and for a change in US foreign policy towards Cuba. The municipality started a community intervention program in 1996 aimed at improving the urban environment through better housing, water supply and the development of community centres.