Diaries Archives - Page 232 of 628

The Cubans Who Couldn’t See Obama

Ultimately, Barack Obama’s full speech was never rebroadcast on Cuba’s evening news, at a time of day when most Cubans could see it. The original, live broadcast was in the morning of a working day.

The Lightness of Havana’s Rationed Bread

In Cuba, the social contract is different from that in the rest of the world. The State pays miserable wages (between 20 and 30 dollars a month) and, in lieu of this, offers free or subsidized services to the entire population.

Obama in Cuba: A Lesson in Bridge Building

That a foreign leader should speak of the real needs of Cubans for the first time in more than fifty years is much more than one of the numerous “surrealist” details of our history. It is the implacable victory of time and logic.

The Cuba We Want

Without a doubt, the Cuba we have today is not the one most Cubans dream of. This is true of Cubans living here and even more so of those living abroad. Monthly salaries aren’t even enough to cover the most basic human needs.

The Present and Future of Cuba – US Relations

Over recent weeks, and particularly following President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba, much has been written about Cuba’s relations with its northern neighbor, and many have offered their perspective on the matter. I feel the need to share mine.

Something that Obama Left Us

I find it very curious that President Obama’s address to the people of Cuba on March 22nd hasn’t been re-aired. I say I find this “curious” because these events tend to be covered extensively in Cuba, where they normally repeat things ad nauseum…but this wasn’t this case this time.

Being a Writer in Cuba

My second poetry anthology recently saw the light of day. Titled Creatura (“Creature”), it was published by Letras Cubanas. The honor of having my work published this way is owed to the award I received at the 2014 Pinos Nuevos poetry contest.

You Can’t Just Forget the Past…

Without the past, there’s neither present nor future. That is why it is important to know where our nations come from, the history of our peoples and families. The foundations of a nation’s customs, culture and traditions are to be found in its history.

Women, the Revolution and Violence: A Happy Threesome

“If I can’t have you, no one can.” Regrettably, the phrase wasn’t pulled out of a cheap soap opera but from real life. Those were the last words heard by the young, 16-year-old girl who, last week, stepped out of Alamar’s new cultural center with her boyfriend.

On Special Rationed Milk and other Food Products Cubans Eat

Some of us who live in Cuba have the strong feeling that our current eating habits aren’t exactly healthy. Some know this, others simply don’t even worry about it. The situation could become much worse as a result of future agreements with the United States or any other country.