Cuba still has a socialist system, dissidents continue to be outlawed, there are no multi-party elections, the bulk of the economy is State run and confiscated US properties have not been returned to their former owners.
Read MoreThe normalization of diplomatic and commercial relations between Cuba and the United States began seven months ago. I thought perhaps one can already make direct Internet purchase from Cuba, so I gave it a try for my small company.
Read MoreThe official Granma newspaper published a “moving” note on the driver of a horse drawn cart charging a nurse five pesos to bring her to her home. “This is supply and demand, Miss, take it or leave it, and if don’t like it you’ll have to get down,” said the “heartless” self-employed driver.
Read MoreThe government of Cuba says it will continue on a gradual process of “updating” it’s socialist model with market reforms, keeping the State as the main force in the country’s economy. At the same time it opens to large foreign investment and offers some opportunities for private initiative for small businesses and the practice of some trades.
Read MoreThis past June, I was again contacted by two State Security officials who warned me of the dangers I could become exposed to if I attended places in Havana where “political activities sponsored by the enemy” were held. They also tried to persuade me to act as an informant for them.
Read MoreSome say that having dignity means thinking of oneself as an end. When we have dignity, our value stems not from our usefulness in terms of certain aims (even noble ones), but by virtue of our humanity.
Read MoreOne of the greatest challenges the Cuban nation will likely face in the future involves the sphere of culture. The normalization of relations with the United Sates – a cultural force to be reckoned with – involves great benefits but also enormous risks.
Read MoreA government-run store called La casa del carpintero (“The Carpenter’s House”) has opened on Belascoain Street, in Havana. The store sells all kinds of carpentry tools, including very good brands. However, there is nowhere in all of Cuba to buy wood legally.
Read MoreA respectable elderly gentleman is enjoying his retirement in Cuba’s city of Sancti Spiritus in a very peculiar manner. Aramis Arteaga Perez says that, since retiring, he has spent the better part of his free time (which, we can assume, is all the time) re-reading speeches, interviews, reflections and articles by and with Fidel Castro over time.
Read MoreMany of us are fuming over the plethora of benefits the Castro regime is being offered without making any significant concessions. However, I wonder why we’re asking the United States and Obama to do the work for us…again.
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