Opinion Archives - Page 356 of 501

Cuba: Challenges for the 21st Century

Like all other countries in the Western hemisphere, Cuba faces challenges that are shared by many of its neighbors and problems that are unique to it. Cuba’s supposed “exceptionality” has been gradually vanishing as part of a monumental transformation of its society, through which the new (and old) generations have rapidly adjusted to global consumption logics (for better and for worse), where the transnational constitutes a transversal axis that mediates everything and in which citizen expectations have been shaken qualitatively.

Cancer in Cuba: A Glimpse from Within

My friend Erasmo Calzadilla is worried by what he perceives to be the frightening spread of oncological conditions in Cuba. I would like to add a number of comments that could help clarify the ideas he addressed.

The Opposition in Cuba: A Look Ahead

Cuban society is going through a period of change and faces two major challenges. First, to enable and coordinate all the cultural, social and political diversity that exists in the nation. Secondly, to ensure that it does so with fidelity to the fullest possible welfare of all social strata down to grass roots level in Cuba.

My Cuban Radio Dial

To play the album Dial, by Cuban band Buena Fe, I chose my second cell phone, because that particular model could also be used as a radio. Standing before the store window, the clerk had explained to me the technical characteristics of the three models that would work in Cuba.

Cuba Copies the Eritrean Model of Closed Airports

The Havana airport administrator says there are many other airport terminals in the world where entry is forbidden to persons accompanying a passenger, but did not name any of them. While that appears to be an exaggeration, there is at least one in Asmara, Eritrea.

A Cuban at the Miami Hilton

I arrived in Miami a few hours ago. Like almost all other passengers, I applauded when the plane landed. I went through the airport without any problems and got into a taxi headed for the Hilton Miami Downtown. This is my first trip abroad.

On Stealing in Cuba

Recently, I saw an episode of a Spanish TV series in which one of the characters said to another: “We’re Spaniards, the impulse to steal has been inscribed on our DNI (National Identification Document), DNA and pH levels.” After having a good laugh, I stopped to think about the phrase and I began to wonder whether we also have the bad habit of taking what does not belong to us.

Cuba as Seen from a ‘The Nation’ Tour

Last month a delegation organized by the prestigious left-leaning US magazine The Nation visited Cuba on an educational fact finding trip to get a first-hand look at the island at a time of economic reforms. We bring you a report from one of the participants.

A Wedding and a Funeral in Cuba

Most weddings in Cuba used to be celebrated by throwing a big party at the house of one of the newly-weds, with enough food and drink to keep anyone from going home hungry, thirsty or critical of the spread. That’s what Maria and Oscar’s wedding was like…

Cuba’s Customs and the Import Market

An old joke says that, had Jesus Christ been Cuban, he would never have been crucified because, if you’re lucky to get your hands on a hammer in Cuba, you’ll soon find out that nails are few and far between and wood is nowhere to be found.