Who is 'they'? The people leaving or the people working in the government? Does it even matter if all people can hope for is meeting their basic needs?

I'm no apologist for the west but you're dreaming if you think there is anything to envy in Cuba other than the climate. Stores have bares shelves, people search or queue up for hours for bare necessities, and centralization ensures rampant government corruption that fuels (highly capitalistic) black markets.

And the only thing the people can do? Wait in line for their alotted rations and 'vote' in an election where there is only one choice.