Opinion Archives - Page 366 of 499

The Flight of Young Cubans

A few days ago I was talking with a friend about the phenomenon of mass emigration among young Cubans, anxious to escape what they consider a zero future under the current economic and political system.

Cuba Has Its Sweet Dreams

The news that Brazil is managing the 5 de septiembre sugar refinery in Cuba’s province of Cienfuegos appears to be stirring up the passions and interests of Cubans living at either side of the Strait of Florida.

When Lunch Time Comes in Cuba

In keeping with the new policy of every man for himself decreed by a government suitably wrapped in a nice watertight life jacket to keep itself afloat, thousands of Cuban workers now have to take to the streets at noon to work miracles on a budget so tight they can hardly eat.

Cuba’s Role in Latin American Integration

All of the leaders who spoke at the Summit of Latin American and Caribbean States underscored Cuba’s efficiency as chair of the organization in the course of 2013 and congratulated the Cuban government for the extraordinary organization that characterized the summit’s activities.

Looking Over the Wall from Havana

It may just be how the victors portray things, or West Germany may have actually been a bastion of freedom and a bright-colored world. Footage from the time shows East Germans enthralled by everything that took place on the other side of the wall.

Cuba and Our Daily Farewells

Today, they are finally leaving. Days before, everyone had been anxiously waiting for Carlos, his wife and daughter to get the documents they needed to travel to the United States.

Local Cuban Newspaper Reports on Protest

The local paper in Holguin, Cuba published an unusual report on the events surrounding a protest by small private business persons that took place on January 21, after the Police forced them to close and confiscated some of the merchandise.

True Pluralism in Cuba Must Come from Within

I welcome the Havana Declaration, particularly its references to human rights and citizen participation. I hope the statements made in this connection go beyond mere “intentions”.

My Naivety and Changes in Cuba

Some rather disquieting thoughts have been going around my head as I’ve followed the most recent changes the government has set in motion to “make life easier” for people who work in the non-State sector. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the officials who work day and night to break the government’s inertia on certain State-related and social issues aren’t deserving of commendation.

Raul Castro’s Speech to Havana Summit

Latin American and Caribbean nations leaders are gathered in Havana for the second day on Wednesday for a summit that includes all countries of the Americas except the US and Canada. Host president Raul Castro addressed them at the opening session on Tuesday. Here is an official translation of his full speech.