News Archives - Page 1203 of 1382

Black Market’s Role in Cuban Economy

The subsistence of persons in Cuba “depends primarily on the black market and not on the state economy,” according to the conclusions of a survey carried out by the independent Cubabarómetro pollster, which is coordinated by oppositionist Darsi Ferrer. The study, which is based on a sample of 381 inhabitants of the island’s capital, suggests the application of “liberalizing measures that have an influence on the conversion of the underground economy” into a new private economy of small businesses.

Castro assumes heat for repressing gays

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro assumed the responsibility for the marginalization against homosexuals in the 1960s, although he affirmed he doesn’t have “that type of prejudice,” in statements published today by Mexico’s La Jornada daily. Castro justified that “great injustice” with the fact that he was involved in other political questions, such as the Missile Crisis.

Cuba-China increase security cooperation

The governments of Cuba and China will increase their cooperation in the area of security, Zhou Yongkang, member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, affirmed during a meeting in Beijing with Abelardo Colomé Ibarra, the island’s minister of the interior. Both nations maintain trade relations valued at more than 1.5 billion dollars.

Fidel Takes US Visitors to the Aquarium

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro visited for the second time in less than two months the National Aquarium, on this occasion accompanied by U.S. journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, Julia Sweig, specialist at the U.S. Council for Foreign Relations, and Adela Dworin, president of the Cuban Hebrew Community. The delegation saw the dolphin show, spoke with the board of directors and dolphin trainers, in addition to exchanging opinions on the international situation.

Cuba Not on TS Fiona’s Projected Route

The month comes to a close on Tuesday with three tropical cyclones simultaneously churning in the Atlantic. The latest, Fiona, is expected to take a similar path as Hurricane Earl making it of little threat to Cuba but dangerous for island countries in the eastern Caribbean.

Fidel C. Interviewed by Mexican Paper

Mexico’s La Jornada newspaper publishes an extensive interview on Monday with former Cuban President Fidel Castro. The leader of the Cuban revolution discloses details of his illness that saw him on the brink of death four years ago.

Hurracane Earl to Miss Cuba

Hurracane Earl has picked up steam on Monday morning as it crosses the northern Leeward Islands and heads for the Virgin Islands. It is not expected to threaten any part of Cuban territory.

Cuba Readies for More Flights from US

In anticipation of more direct flights from the United States, Cuba begins expansion in September on the terminal of the Jose Marti International Airport that receives flights from the US, reported IPS. The investment occurs as a result of increased flights of Cuban-Americans, who are allowed by Washington to visit Cuba, and the possible opening of travel for other US citizens currently prohibited by the nearly half century travel ban on the island.

Brutal Fest 2010: Metal in Cuba

We’ve just received an announcement for the Brutal Fest 2010 Grand Fiesta of Metal in Cuba. The event takes place from September 2-7 with concerts in Havana and Pinar del Rio.

Los Aldeanos Duo to Perform in Miami

The popular Cuban rap duo Los Aldeanos will perform in concert in Miami on November 13, reported IPS, citing the El Nuevo Herald newspaper. The group will perform along with Silvito El Libre, another representative of the underground Cuban hip hop movement, that cuts discs outside the state institutions.