Circles Robinson, Author at Havana Times

Pope Bids Farewell to Cuba

Calling for “respect and the greater freedom” in Cuba as well as an end to the US economic blockade on the island, Pope Benedict XVI bid farewell after his three-day visit.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke out against “absolute truths” and asked for greater religious freedom in Cuba in a Mass in Havana’s Revolution Square on Wednesday morning. He followed up the open-air service by meeting with Fidel Castro.

On Being a Cuban, Communist and a Catholic

Since the 90’s, when the government ended offical religious discrimination in Cuba, people can worship Fidel, Jesus & Chango at the same time without feeling the slightest conflict.

HT Photo Contest: Last Day to Send Entries

The time has come to begin our Cuba Photo Contest for the year 2012. This is the fourth such contest, one for each year of our publication. The deadline for submitting photos is September 15, 2012. All finalists and semifinalists’ photos will be published and prominently displayed by HT.

Pope Meets Today with Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro is scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Havana with Pope Benedict XVI, who already met on Tuesday with President Raul Castro. The Pope will also officiate an open-air mass in Havana’s Plaza of the Revolution on Wednesday morning programmed for 9:00 a.m.

Cuba’s Economic Czar Says Forget Political Reforms

Marino Murillo, a vice president of Cuba’s Council of Ministers and charged with overseeing the implementation of President Raul Castro’s economic reforms, told the local and foreign press not to expect any political reforms from the government.

First Festival of Marine Turtles in Cuba

Cuba has begun organizing its first festival dedicated to the protection of sea turtles. The event will be held in mid-May in the La Coloma fishing community in the western province of Pinar del Rio.

Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba Rejects Internal Intolerance

In his welcoming remarks to the Pope, the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, Dionisio Garcia, rejected foreign interference on the island as well as internal intolerance.

World Theatre Day Celebrated in Cuba

The Cuban Writers and Artists Association (UNEAC) presented a show today at its headquarters in the capital on the occasion of celebrations around World Theatre Day.

World Health Director Attends Meeting in Cuba

Dr. Margaret Chan addressed an internal meeting today in Havana of the global policy group of the World Health Organization (WHO), the organization she chairs.