Circles Robinson, Author at Havana Times

Co-Favorite Cubans Dodge Weather & Canadian Pitching

The biggest obstacle to date for the Cuban forces here in Puerto Rico has been the unrelenting soggy weather and resulting daily shifts in tournament venues.

Cuba to Release Three More Prisoners

Three prisoners sentenced in different cases will be released soon, with which “the number of prisoners who have accepted the proposal to leave prison and travel to Spain amounts to 42,” the Archbishopric of Havana announced this Saturday. They are Ciro Pérez Santana, Arturo Suárez Ramos and Rolando Jiménez Posada, the latter being the only one recognized by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, although he is not included in the group of 75 dissidents sentenced in 2003-
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Cuba Blitzed by Brazil in Volleyball Finals

The young Cuban squad, with an average age of 22.5 years, had defeated Brazil 3-2 in the first round of competition but the tables completely turned in the finals.

The Cohiba Cigar Factory

Issuing from the special plantations in the western Pinar del Rio Province, these cigars —possessing no rings to indicate their brand— were first produced for the exclusive use by members of the Council of State (to smoke or to hand out as gifts). It was in 1982 that Celia Sanchez Manduley christened them their present name, which is what our indigenous ancestors called rolled tobacco. (25 photos)

Cuba Stunned by Dominicans 9-6

Cuba lost its undefeated status on Saturday in a surprise loss to the Dominican Republic 9-6 at the World Cup/Pan American Games baseball qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.

Visas No Guarantee for Migrant Worker Rights in USA

Mexican Alberto Rivero joined the ranks of seasonal workers in the United States in 2005, and for the last three years he has had to pay all the expenses associated with his visa, transportation and housing, although the law states that these are the responsibility of his U.S. employer.

Cuba Sinks Serbia, Faces Brazil in VB Finals

Cuba’s men’s volleyball team has returned to the top of the pack in the World Championships taking place in Rome. After getting by Serbia three sets to two on Saturday (22-25, 25-17, 31-29, 22-25, 16-14) the Cubans now face Brazil on Sunday for the title.

Peru: Jungle Residents Weigh Mega-Dam’s Promises and Pitfalls

In southeastern Peru, a message is circulating that has left some dubious, and others hopeful: “The Inambari hydroelectric dam will end illegal mining and coca crops, and bring development and jobs.”

Cuba Tops Panama in Baseball Tourney

Cuba began its quarterfinal play with an easy 7-1 win over Panama in the World Cup/Pan American qualifying tournament taking place in Puerto Rico on Friday evening. Undefeated thus far in the event, the Cubans face the Dominican Republic on Saturday afternoon.

Gov. Insists on Making Health System Sustainable

Cuban First Vice President José Ramón Machado insisted during a tour of healthcare installations in the central province of Villa Clara on the need to make the Cuban health system sustainable through the rationalization of the use of human and material resources, to maintain the current state of the services for the population. The government has begun a program of adjustments in public health, one of the pillars of the socialist system, in response to the economic crisis.