A few years ago, the statue of Austrian composer Johann Strauss Jr. disappeared from a small park located on the corner between Linea and G streets here in Havana. At that time I naively thought that the sculpture of the “the king of waltz” had been removed for restoration purposes.
Read MoreFor years I’ve worked hard to understand the role of trade unions, at least those here in Cuba. In history classes they taught us that these had emerged as vehicles for workers to stand up against factory owners and companies. I assumed that membership was voluntary here as one of our rights as workers.
Read MoreChurch-state relations in Cuba are now at their best since 1959. They are even better than during the 1998 visit by John Paul II, but the atmosphere isn’t the same.
Read MoreHavana’s public transportation system is in crisis. The official media is pointing the finger at “transportation workers and public negligence.” They advocate more control and repressive measures.
Read MoreA couple of days ago I heard a story in which they criticized the United States for having so many homeless people on the streets. That was something that made me laugh, but at the same time I felt a certain unease. In my view, the author of the story must live in another world, or they drive to work every day, or hasn’t walked the streets of Havana for quite a long time.
Read MoreThe recent occupation of several Catholic church buildings by opposition groups — including one which a dozen protesters maintained in the capital for 48 hours — is putting on the table another sign of how politics in Cuba is beginning to be played.
Read MoreEveryone knows that when it comes to weddings, the bride’s grown always has to be the most beautiful. That is why it is the tradition in many countries for the guests never to wear white dresses or light colors, so as not to overshadow the bride.
Read MoreI didn’t spare words or irony to question the existence of a single political party here in my country. The same goes for a constitution that only allows us freedom of speech and the press in accordance with the aims of “socialist” society, and an electoral system designed so that we can’t choose.
Read MoreDue to my almost non-existent internet access (a distressing condition), I’ve had no dialogue with you, the readers of my articles, though I always appreciate your attention. This time I would like to dedicate a few words that were prompted by the comments to my post titled “Civility Threatened in Cuba”.
Read MoreThose who assert that the government in Cuba is a dictatorship are deliberately lying. In my previous article I explained how all members of government are elected, be it the most modest member of a municipal assembly or a deputy to the National Assembly.
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