The Awareness of Risk
You’ll never see on TV is a senior official of the Public Health or Civil Defense ministry with concrete data on how many people have become sick and from what illness.
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Diaries
My Home Town Carnival
The festivities haven’t changed much since I left. The neighborhoods are assaulted by an immense number of people who come from all the surrounding municipalities of the province to celebrate.
Read MoreMultiple and Generalized Sclerosis
Not too long ago a law was passed approving the hike in the minimum retirement age in Cuba by five years. A short time later, in April 2010, President Raul Castro made reference to the millions of redundant workers who would begin (and now are) being laid off or “relocated” from their jobs.
Read MoreThe ‘Malandra’
Lately I’ve noted that many people look at me as if I were a “malandra.” In Venezuela, malandros are said to be those who we in Cuba in generally call criminals: any type of mugger, pickpocket or petty thug – in short, a low class person. (9 photos)
Read MoreThe Fortune Teller
Walking through the entryway of the old Aldama Palace, situated to one side of Fraternity Park in Havana, it’s customary to see “card throwers” seated on the curb trying to make some money.
Read MoreFreedom to Choose
The recent speech by President Raul Castro to the National Assembly laid out the prospects for the diversification of self-employment in Cuba. The possibility of allowing self-employed people to hire their own workers was even mentioned.
Read MoreA Bus Station as Metaphor
Everyone who needs to travel to one of the country’s provinces turns to the La Coubre station, a fact that transforms this terminal into a well-known place and one that is undoubtedly interesting.
Read MoreNew Influences…or Legacies?
Que bolá papi! (What’s happening daddy). This can be heard between young guys who meet and immediately exchanges kisses on the cheeks.
Read MoreTwo Misconceptions about Drugs
The book is written with a basically moralistic tone, and it is as blind to the errors of the Cuban political system as it is fervent about pointing to such failings abroad. Nevertheless, I consider the book a first step worthy of praise.
Read MoreRecycling in Process
My Havana Times colleague Irina Echarry recently published an article titled “Recycle, Recycle, Recycle.” I could relate to the topic, given how much it related to me. I am a woman formed out of love for the earth and nature, and also for people, who both live and survive as a species on this planet.
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