News

The impact of the global financial crisis on the economy in Cuba was a major focus of a speech Sunday by President Raul Castro, who confirmed that further “adjustments” will be made to this year’s budget.

The US Interests Section in Havana suspended the broadcasting of messages on its electronic sign with red lettering that it has kept on its façade for several years. The ticker, considered highly offensive by the Cuban government, was a symbol of the tense relations during the Bush administration.

Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez obtained one of the medals of the 2009 Maria Moors Cabot Prize, awarded by Columbia University, reported IPS. Havana Times did not participate in the contest.

US President Barack Obama ruled out that his government will make new opening gestures in its Cuba policy until the island’s authorities show progress in civil and political freedoms, according to the president’s statements to journalists in the White House over the weekend.

The Russian government will give Cuba a credit of US $150 million, for two years with a seven per cent interest rate, to purchase agricultural machinery and construction equipment, reported IPS.

President Raul Castro said Sunday that more economic belt-tightening will be on the agenda this week at a Cuban Council of Ministers meeting to confront the current international crisis that is also hitting the island hard. Meanwhile, the effort to increase food production continues to be a cornerstone of Castro’s plans.   Read more

Brazil won the 2009 World Volleyball League (FIVB) championship on Sunday with a 3-2 win over host Serbia. Earlier in the day Russia had an easy time sweeping Cuba (25-13, 26-24, 25-16) to win third place.

The Pastors for Peace caravan rolled into Cuba on Friday bringing with it tons in donations of items in short supply on the island due to the US blockade and the effects of the world economic crisis, including a drop in export and tourism revenues.