I recently had access to horrifying testimonies about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki offered by a group hibakushas (“survivors”). Though I had read dozens of articles and news pieces on these incidents, I had never come across such harrowing accounts.
Read MoreDespite the obstacles they have tried to place in our way and the prevailing economic situation around the world (which directly affects us) we can confidently say, without fear of contradiction, that Cuba is making sure and steady progress towards its fundamental objective: development.
Read MoreThe Cuban-American congresswoman from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, surprised many by questioning the US Justice system when she said: “it is extremely disappointing” that the courts release one of the five Cuban agents, even after he served his sentence.
Read MoreFinding a good job in Cuba is no easy task. On many occasions, having been “vouched for” (that’s to say, recommended) by an important person, a member of the Communist Party is far more important than being able to demonstrate one is qualified for a certain type of work or position.
Read MoreBack when I was still living in Cuba, white-skinned women were generally the ones fortunate enough to be able to climb the social ladder set up by the Cuban “de-evolution” – by marrying or becoming the lovers of “bigwigs” or high government officials.
Read MoreAlexis graduated from a Cuban tourism school. He studied to become a chef for years and graduated with honors. In a number of competitions, his teachers praised his dexterity and good taste, as well as his cleanliness and ability to improvise and innovate. Alexis, however, hasn’t had much luck finding a job.
Read MoreCuban President Raul Castro recently acknowledged that “what we do isn’t perfect. Sometimes, lacking experience in some areas, we make mistakes. Cuba’s challenge today isn’t to try and restore that false image of unanimity but in creating spaces where people can participate in the country’s changes.
Read MoreNo one wrote the Colonel in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ novel – he never received the letter with the pension he was waiting for and ended up living in poverty. Similarly, no one [on the inside] is criticizing General Raul Castro’s “reform” program.
Read MoreAldo Menendez is a Cuban artist who left Cuba in 1991 and currently lives in Spain. There, he has organized a campaign “Raul Castro: Unrestricted Internet Access for all Cubans.” In Cuba, he was a member of the ArteCalle group and, in Miami, he created the visual arts space La Clinica del Arte (“The Art Clinic”). He is also the author of the book La Obra Entornada (“Half-Open Works”) and the blog Castor Jabao.
Read MoreHavana is a city of loud people. No sooner has the sun risen (before the roosters start to crow) than yelling begins to be heard over every other city noise: the voice of the neighbor who wakes up those who have no alarm clock, the mothers getting their kids out of bed on school days, the street cries of the baker and screams of an elderly woman asking someone on the curb to turn off the water pump.
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