The website's home page

Transactions are done on-line and credit card payment is accepted, with delivery of goods promised within 72 hours.

That is nothing new in many other countries.

But in Cuba, where few people hold credit cards and conspicuous consumption is frowned upon, this is something of a consumer revolution.

President Fidel Castro has said he wants the children of his country to learn how to use the internet and will promote its use in schools and youth clubs.

But most Cubans still do not have regular access to computers and surfing the net is an activity available only to a minority.

Socialist web

For those Cuban internet users more comfortable with President Castro's Socialist revolution, there is a new website for them too.

Castro wants to promote the internet

It is produced by the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution, which is celebrating its 41st anniversary this month.

The Committees, or CDRs, were set up shortly after President Castro came to power to ensure the revolution triumphed and remained strong throughout Cuban society.

Every street and block of flats in the country has a CDR whose job is to watch, support and organise their neighbours.

Some criticise them as snoopers. Others praise them for keeping the revolution strong at grass-roots level.

Their new web page provides information, advice and history lessons.

What it does not contain is advertising or anything to buy.