Dmitri Prieto’s Diary

Spiritual War in Havana?

One afternoon, I was walking near the old Tallapiedra thermoelectric plant, a place close to where I normally catch the bus home and also near a primary school. Something with a white outline really caught my eye on the pavement.

Was the “Special Period” a Cuban Invention?

The “Special Period” is still used to describe the era that began in Cuba in the mid-1990s. Fidel Castro had warned the Cuban people that there were chances that the USSR – the Caribbean island´s main supplier and trade partner at that time – might collapse and disintegrate.

Asbestos, Hurricanes and Cancer in Cuba

When Hurricane Matthew swept through Guantanamo province in early October, news about how Cuban industries making building materials readying to help the victims, immediately appeared on our TV screens.

Who Are Cuba’s Native People?

On October 20th – Cuban Culture Day – there was a very interesting event held at the Cuban Writers and Artists Association (UNEAC) headquarters, which was dedicated to Cuba’s native peoples.

Cuba: Efficiency

Efficiency in being demanding when committing deeply to work hard slowly but surely to further accelerate progress towards the optimization of efficiency improvement.

Is July 26 the Happiest Day in our History?

“The 26th is the happiest day in our History”; this is what the repetitive chorus of an old song says, which was aired on the Cuban TV new’s programs, in the days leading up to the 26th July celebrations, the day of National Rebellion.

Amy and Sakira: never again…

I never used to like Amy’s make-up or her tattoos. In spite of her well known skinniness, she always appeared to me like a female boxer straight out of a Hollywood film.

Brexit and Bureaucracy

This whole business of the UK leaving the EU – BREXIT – can be read and interpreted in many ways. A part of this controversy has caught my attention and isn’t really touched upon in the analyses I’ve read. This is the subject of bureaucracy.

I’m Liking Havana less and less

This Havana that I wanted for years to call my home, this Havana where I studied at its University and where I’ve already worked for a fair bit… this Havana that I like less and less every day.