Circles Robinson, Author at Havana Times

Cuba Releases Two More Dissidents

The Catholic Church announced the release of Ángel Moya and Guido Sigler, two of the 11 imprisoned dissidents that refused to leave the country after being released. In a communiqué, the Havana Archbishopric announced Friday that Moya wishes to stay in Cuba and Sigler expects to travel to the United States. The releases come in response to Cardinal Jaime Ortega’s negotiations and reduce to nine the number of dissidents still imprisoned out of the group of 75 sentenced to severe prison terms in 2003, reported IPS.

Iran Shadow Touches Egypt

The young activists who began Egypt’s popular uprising admit the online campaign that turned into the country’s largest ever anti-government street demonstrations has far exceeded their expectations. But as the movement gains momentum, protesters are beginning to think about what kind of state will emerge if President Hosni Mubarak falls. And many are worried.

Havana Weather thru February 9

While to the north much of the United States has suffered a major cold front in recent days, good weather with mostly partially cloudy skies is expected for the coming days in Cuba.

Cuba Blog Won’t Advertise on Super Bowl

A 30-second ad for Sunday’s Super Bowl game between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburg Steelers is currently going for US $3 million dollars. Havana Times, a non-profit website with open-minded writing from Cuba will not be among the advertisers.

Cuba Charges Alan Gross, Faces 20-Years

Alan Gross, a Maryland resident allegedly caught in Cuba distributing illegal electronic equipment, has finally been charged 13 months after his initial arrest. The Cuban prosecutor announced that a trial date for the 60-year-old “gadget geek”, as his wife called him, is forthcoming.

Cuba All-Star Game Sunday in Cienfuegos

Just past the midway point in the current Cuban baseball season, the annual All-Star Game will take place tomorrow Sunday February 6 in the picturesque south central city of Cienfuegos.

Efforts to Recover Cacao Production in Cuba

The Cuban agriculture authorities hope to recover the production of cacao, whose decrease has forced the country to import that product that is especially harvested in the eastern province of Guantánamo. The drop in that sector is due, among other reasons, to problems with transportation and insufficient payment to producers, reported IPS.

Spanish Supreme Court Rejects Bacardi Lawsuit

Spain’s Supreme Court rejected the lawsuit of the U.S. Bacardí Company and recognized the ownership by the French Pernod Ricard Company and its Cuban partner Cuba Ron of the Havana Club brand, the press in Madrid reported. Havana Club is sold in 124 countries, but cannot be marketed in the United States due to the blockade against the island, reported IPS.

Rationing, Prices and Education Concern Cubans

The elimination of the ration book, the policy of prices and the quality of education are the principal concerns of the Cuban population, according to the results of the debate of the Guidelines for the upcoming Congress of the ruling Communist Party, which up to now have been discussed at workplaces or block and Communist Party meetings by six million persons, reported IPS.

Cuba Gov. Takes Over Telecommunications

The Cuban government took over the total control of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), after buying the shares that remained in the hands of Italy’s Telecom Group, according to a decision by the Council of Ministers published in the Gaceta Oficial, reported IPS.