Opinion Archives - Page 260 of 502

Nostalgia and the Plight of Cuba’s Elderly

Comparing is one of the most difficult human things to do, whether that’s in writing or verbally including cries or applause. Nevertheless, it’s inherent to our nature and so we can’t avoid it.

The Aptitude of Cuba’s Lawmakers

University degrees in Political Sciences or Public Administration don’t exist here in Cuba. Some postgraduate degrees in Public Administration are taught by Economy and Law professors who try to train up public officials in how to manage an institutionalism that has been inherited from the Soviet Union.

What It’s Like to Be a Doctor in Cuba

Exporting services is one of the Castro government’s most profitable businesses. When I say exporting services I’m saying leasing out specialized Cuban personnel to other countries, international organizations or even private companies.

More Harassment for this Democratic Socialist

Before being arrested for writing independent journalism and for believing in democratic socialism, I was getting things ready to take part in a course/workshop in Lima, Peru. As soon as I got out of jail, it was a race against time.

Cuba’s Legislature Should Session Year Round

There is a permanent “state of emergency” style of leadership in Cuba that stands in the way of Cubans participation in the legislative process. Our Parliament only meets twice a year, a few days in July, another few days in December…

Nicaragua: “Enhancing” the Dictatorship?

There were no surprises in the November 5th municipal elections in Nicaragua. Just as in last year’s Presidential election, the official polling places shone empty due to the massive abstention, even as the Supreme Electoral Council took great pains to declare another record level of participation, manipulating at whim the data regarding the voter roles.

Cartas desde Cuba Blog Reaches 10!

This November, Cartas desde Cuba (Letters from Cuba) is celebrating its 10th anniversary of existence.

Free Education in Cuba

Every human living on this planet knows that education is free in Cuba. And I know because I heard the Undefeated Comandante say it 272,397 times if I didn’t count them wrong, and I shouldn’t have because my education was free.

A Beauty Salon In The Middle of Old Havana

On our return from attending a global youth event in Sochi, Russia my two Grenadian colleagues and I decided to peruse Old Havana where our hostel was located. Separated from our delegation and depressed over our misplaced luggage, I thought it best we have an adventure in case our sanity decided to take one first.

My Arrest: A Depressing Episode

It was Friday afternoon. My three children, aged 2, 8 and 9 years old, were playing in the living room. Somebody knocked on the door and interrupted my quiet siesta next to my wife. Four cars were outside my house and a dozen counterintelligence and crime agents and policemen too. One of these vehicles was an ambulance, expecting my sick mother’s possible heart attack. Luckily, that didn’t happen in spite of her grief.