I AM somewhat aghast and appalled at the same time by a statement made by Mike Perry (Dear Star, July 5).

He writes: 'We will fight for a better system. It is called Socialism and the people of Cuba have shown it can work'.

I wonder how much time, if any, he has spent in Cuba.

Has he visited further afield than the dilapidated hotels with their 'new' facades to attract us?

Has he spoken with the Cuban nationals and discussed their plight regarding food staples, information, news, and the visitation to their families regardless of where they live?

How many modern conveniences or simple transportation devices did he find outside of the radius of the major tourist city?

Did he visit the jails, housing people who have attempted to do has he can freely, i.e. have his comments and opinions printed for the general public to read?

He is correct in that any system can work, but to whose avail?

Cuban people have shown that 'it' can work because they are deprived of voice, they are deprived of choice, they are deprived of freedom of movement, they are deprived of that very same medium he chose to voice his concerns, the press.

I would say to Mr Perry, with such wonderful and better opportunities awaiting in Cuba due to their political system why not go, 'post haste' to Cuba?

Ian H. Campbell (address supplied).