Author: Isbel Diaz

Cuba’s Critical Observatory network (OC) has just published on its blog a statement or “position” calling for forums of public expression that are truly pluralistic, inclusive and open to the various tendencies on the island that are struggling to be heard.

The square wasn’t filled. In fact there weren’t enough people to even cover the central area, which was the reserved section that had been fenced off for workers from various workplaces, those who had been diligently “summoned” by the government to show up early.

The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) informed in early March on a coming medicine shortage in Cuba. A list was published which refers to the basic drugs usually sold by the state pharmacies that could be lacking. Likewise, a shortage of other less common drugs was not ruled out.

“Sorry but this bill is counterfeit, my love, so I can’t take it.” That was what a clerk said to a woman a few days ago when she tried to buy a soft drink for her child at the private stand where I catch the bus to work every day.”

The Cuban government is in a race towards March 26, the scheduled date for the arrival in Cuba of Ratzinger, the current monarch of the Catholic Church. They hope to offer the Pope a well made-up city, so that it looks pretty in the photos.

Though I was a member of the Young Communist League, I didn’t stop for one moment to find out what was supposed to be my relationship with the Pope (a figure about whom I’d never thought twice) and a capitalist corporation the size of the NBC.

The “concealed sphere” irremissibly determines the public sphere in Cuba. This was corroborated by the recent barring of several individuals from the presentation of the latest edition of “Criterios” magazine at its office-center by agents of Cuban State Security.

My neighbor, a colonel in the Interior Ministry (MININT), just bought a washing machine that in Cuban stores costs more than 700 CUC (about $770 USD). Of course he didn’t pay that amount; those who work in internal security and the military in Cuba receive perks.

My previous post, “Democratizing Cuba (I),” concluded with the expression “behind closed doors.” As this is so closely related to the topic I’m dealing with, I’d like to make some comments about the discussions that took place during the recent Conference of the Cuban Communist Party.

I followed the speeches and discussions carefully during the recently concluded National Conference Cuba’s Communist Party. “The creation of a more democratic society,” using the words of President Raul Castro, seemed a vital issue. Nevertheless, I found little that pointed to this being realized.