Circles Robinson, Author at Havana Times

Cuba’s New Taxes

Taxes will range from “nothing” for those who make 5,000 pesos [about $200 USD] or less per annum, up to 50% for those who annually earn more than 50,000 pesos [about $2,000].

Cuba’s Precious Zapata Marshlands

The Zapata Marsh, located in south-central Cuba, occupies the entire peninsula of the same name and is the largest wetland in both the country and the Caribbean. Considered the refuge of 65 species of migratory birds that journey from north regions of the continent, the marsh also has the largest crocodile hatchery in the country.

Cuba’s Yoani Sanchez Wins New Award

Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez is back in the news after winning another award, this time the 40,000 Euros Freedom Award from the conservative Danish think tank CEPOS.

Cuba’s Population Near Negative Growth

The Cuban population will not reach the 12 million inhabitants and could start decreasing in the short term, according to the 2009 National Fertility Survey carried out by the Centre for Population and Development Studies, which is published by the National Office of Statistics (ONE). The island’s demographic panorama is fundamentally characterized by progressive aging, which will impose challenges for the public health and social security services, in addition to reducing the active labor force.

Cuba to Invest Big in Digital TV

Cuba will invest 100 million dollars in the transfer of analogical television to land digital television, which could be ready by around 2020, Manuel Barreras, director of the Cuban Office for the Digitalization of Radio and TV, announced.

Cuba’s Latin American Med School Reaches 8,585 Grads

The Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) has graduated 8,585 health professionals from 30 countries since it was created in 1999, Juan Carrizo, rector of that educational centre, announced. According to the official, students who graduated from that university are working today in Haiti in the fight against the cholera epidemic.

Musical Bridge from Cuba: Gerardo Alfonso

His lyrics have assured him a place in the hearts of all Cubans, just as his fusion work has won him high marks among specialized critics. His songs incorporate elements of Latin American music —basically Brazilian and Caribbean.

Haiti: Anger Erupts at UN as Cholera Toll Nears 1,000

Demonstrators blame foreign peacekeepers for introducing the infectious disease into the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the strain of cholera bacteria spreading in Haiti matches the one endemic in South Asia.

British Warship Visits Cuba

The British HMS Manchester warship is visiting the Cuban capital between November 15 and 19, Tim Bailey, lieutenant commander of the Royal Navy, announced in a press release. According to the source, the ship’s stopover “represents an opportunity to strengthen the excellent collaboration between the United Kingdom and Cuba, especially in the shared priorities of the struggle against drug trafficking and response in the face of disasters.”

House of the Egg

Spot Eight Differences: House of the Egg