Author: Irina Echarry

Here in Havana, every time I have to go and get a document sorted out, no matter what it is for, I’m overwhelmed by a feeling of displeasure. It’s because I know that I will be a victim of abusive treatment.

Leydi Laura Garcia Lugo lived in La Esperanza, she was in the fourth year of her medical career at the University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara. She was only 24 years old with a whole life ahead of her.

Another International Women’s Day is here today. I’ve previously described how these days take place in Cuba, between boredom and ignorance; how a date of struggle has become a vain celebration. Very few women here try to join the true spirit of this day; the vast majority continue to be content with the congratulations of their colleagues and among themselves.

In the Alejo Carpentier room of the Cabaña Fortress, on February 11, the title “Fantasmas de Monte Adentro” (Ghosts from the Back Country) by Lidia Caridad Hernández, was presented as part of the activities of the 28th edition of the International Book Fair of the Havana.

Alfredo couldn’t believe he’s drunk so little water over these past few days. He normally drinks over two liters per day, but he’s had to get by with just a few glasses. After the tornado of January 27th, everything is in shortage except for misfortune…

I tried to secure a window and I saw a strange light. I immediately wanted to know how my brother was so I called his house, but nobody answered. I called his cellphone, he didn’t have any signal. I was overcome by anxiety: the blackout, the howling wind, the announcement of a possible storm, everything I needed to insist on making that call.

She used to spend her days at a dump. She blended right in with the earth because of her brown skin and people would throw garbage on top of her; she’d run away afraid and then come back. With her long legs and her slim body, she would walk slowly as if her existence in this world weighed her down.

When 2018 drew to an end there wasn’t any rejoicing on our streets, in fact you could pick on people’s agony of having to keep up a tradition at all costs. Cubans have always grumbled about problems, but now they aren’t just complaining, they are also mentioning a solution almost like they used to in the ‘90s…

On the government’s nightly TV show Mesa Redonda, (The Round Table) several officials have been “following” the national transport issue. Sitting comfortably in their seats and confident that they speak nothing but the truth, they explain how the new measures that regulate the “experiment” to “structure” private taxi drivers’ work will be implemented.