Circles Robinson, Author at Havana Times

Obama’s Changes on Cuba Spark Controversy

Representatives of the academic community and the hard-line Cuban exiles in the United States reacted with differing opinions regarding the new measures announced by the Barack Obama administration, which reduce restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba. According to Wayne Smith, former head of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, “direct people-to-people contacts” can promote change on the island. Meanwhile, Cuban-American legislator Ileana Ros-Lehtinen affirmed that those measures will only benefit the Cuban authorities.

Searching for You Cuba

For a long time, the idea has been promoted in Cuban society that a good revolutionary “eats dry flour and doesn’t make comments.” From this it is understood that a proper Cuban accepts their poverty and remains faithful to the ideals of the state.

Cuba’s African Cabildos

In 1512 Spain authorized the bringing into Cuba of black African slaves, who came with their traditions and their religions, which were never abandoned though the masters forced them to practice the Catholic religion. (27 photos)

Cuba to Get More US Visitors & USD

The White House announced on Friday that President Obama plans to allow students and organized groups to go to Cuba as “purposeful travel” similar to what took place under the Clinton administration.

Sick US Gulf Residents Beg Officials for Help

In an emotionally charged meeting this week sponsored by the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, fishermen, Gulf residents and community leaders vented their increasingly grave concerns about the widespread health issues brought on by the three-month-long disaster.

Little Progress in Cuba-US Talks

The Cuban capital was the venue for a new round of immigration talks between delegations from this Caribbean island nation and the United States, although no major progress towards a broader dialogue is expected, in contrast to the hopes raised when President Barack Obama took office.

Cuba’s Fidel on Obama’s AZ Speech

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro published a commentary on Thursday night analyzing the speech earlier in the day by US President Obama at the University of Tucson. Castro wrote that Obama missed the opportunity to “morally condemn the policies which inspired” the killing of six persons and wounding of 13 more including congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson on January 8th.

Havana Times Editor Quizzed on Cuba

The Communist Party of Great Britain’s online/print publication “Weekly Worker” published Thursday an interview conducted by journalist Maciej Zurowski with HT editor Circles Robinson. The interview gives some background on the starting up of Havana Times as well as some of Robinson’s views on current issues facing Cuba.

UNESCO Awarded in Cuba for Slave Route Project

The Fernando Ortiz Foundation awarded the prize that bears the name of that outstanding Cuban intellectual to the UNESCO Regional Culture Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. The agency was recognized for its contribution to the project The Slave Route and its cooperation with continental initiatives.

Havana Saves Millions on Energy

The Cuban capital was able to economize 17 million dollars in 2010 by saving 98.7 gigawatts/hour, announced Inaudys Mora Fonseca, general director of the Electricity Conglomerate in the island’s main city, the only province that met last year’s electricity saving plan established by the authorities.