Cuba leader Raul Castro turns 77 amid rising hopes

By Jeff Franks

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Raul Castro turned 77 on Tuesday, 100 days since officially taking charge of a government that has awakened hopes for change in Cuba after 49 years under his brother Fidel.

At an age when most men have retired, Raul Castro is taking steps to modernize Cuba's state-run economy, which is winning praise from Cubans but also criticism from opponents, especially the United States.

When he took power provisionally in July 2006 following Fidel Castro's intestinal surgery, he had a reputation for being dour, business-like and much less charismatic than his bombastic brother. There were doubts the Cuban people would fully accept him as leader.

But Raul and his reforms now dominate political discussion in Cuba and in some ways he has become the embodiment of hope that better days lie ahead.

The government says Fidel Castro, 81 and ailing, is still heavily involved in decision-making, but Cubans mostly credit Raul with the popular reforms.

"I can see the change in my own life because now I have more work. There are more cars in the street, more tourists, people go out more," said Ismael, a 62-year-old parking attendant in the Cuban capital who preferred not to give his full name.

"Raul wants to know what people think and want, and we have seen change in very little time."

Since officially taking power, Raul Castro has allowed public sales of cell phones and computers for the first time, encouraged public debate, decentralized agricultural policy to encourage more production and opened up tourist facilities that were previously off-limits to Cubans.

The government has bought buses to improve public transportation and removed a ceiling on wages to create incentives and improve economic performance.

"I built hotels and then I couldn't get close to them," said Julio, 32, a construction worker. "Now I can't go because they're expensive, but at least they don't prohibit me."

"People have been surprised by the changes Raul has made. Transportation has improved, and that was impossible to imagine six months ago," said pharmacy worker Rita del Carmen, 49.

PROPPING UP REVOLUTION

There also are Cubans who say Raul Castro's reforms are public relations ploys aimed only at propping up an aging revolution.

"Nothing has changed for most people. They're just trying to hold on to power," said Pedro, a 60-year-old hotel worker.

Even those who support the changes say more must be done.