In the Face of the Authorities’ Inaction, Cubans Mobilize Themselves Against Coronavirus

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, March 20, 2020* — In front of the television screen, Cubans watch the days pass by without authorities ordering the closing of the borders, the suspension of classes, or more strict measures of quarantine. While life seems to continue at its normal rhythm on the Island, many citizens and private businesses … Continue reading “In the Face of the Authorities’ Inaction, Cubans Mobilize Themselves Against Coronavirus”

Concerts, Movies and Museums Without Leaving Home

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 18 March 2020 — The coronavirus is arriving in Cuba behind Europe and the US, but with ten people now infected the concern begins to grow. The cultural sector is one of the areas most suffering worldwide, with the suspension of collective events. Concerts, premieres, theatrical performances, museums… all the pieces … Continue reading “Concerts, Movies and Museums Without Leaving Home”

Kcho and Other "Official" Artists Call for the Liberation of Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara

14ymedio, Havana, 9 March 2020 — The movement for the liberation of the artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is growing every day and now includes ’official’ artist such as Alexis Leyva, Kcho, and Silvio Rodríguez. “Let’s stop this now, we don’t need it and Cuba’s future is not censorship,” Kcho writes in a comment posted on … Continue reading “Kcho and Other "Official" Artists Call for the Liberation of Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara”

The Strategy Against Otero Alcantara Seeks to Foster Terror, According to Letter Signatories

14ymedio, Havana, 5 March 2020 — A group of artists, art and literature professionals, editors, journalists and intellectuals from Cuba and other nations signed a letter this week in support of the artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, who as of Wednesday had been detained for 72 hours. The summary trial will be held in less than ten … Continue reading “The Strategy Against Otero Alcantara Seeks to Foster Terror, According to Letter Signatories”

‘Tips’ From Cuban State Security for a ’14ymedio’ Reporter

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 27 February 2020 — Citations from Cuba’s Ministry of Interior always leave many questions. What will it be for now? What do they want from me? What do I do when I face them? What to answer, what not to answer? Yes, because there are accusations it is better not to … Continue reading “‘Tips’ From Cuban State Security for a ’14ymedio’ Reporter”

A Year After Tornado in Cuba, Luyano Residents Still Swallowing Dust

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, January 26, 2020 — First it was necessary to see everything. To walk through Mangos, Pedro Perna, San Luis, Quiroga, Melones, Reyes. All those streets of Luyano which, a year ago, showed a scene of terror after a tornado passed through on the night of January 27. Later, returning the same … Continue reading “A Year After Tornado in Cuba, Luyano Residents Still Swallowing Dust”

Iliana Hernandez, Victim of Decree 370

14ymedio, Havana, 10 February 2020 — Less than a year after Decree 370 went into effect, regulating the use of the Internet in Cuba, Iliana Hernández will be prosecuted for “disseminating, through the public data transmission networks, information contrary to the social interest.” Along with Boris González and Nancy Alfaya, hers is one of the first … Continue reading “Iliana Hernandez, Victim of Decree 370”

Condemned to Live Among the Ruins

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 3 February 2020 — The “route” of the deterioration starts at any corner in Havana. If a map of the city marked with red dots the cornices about to fall, the broken balconies, the cracked columns, the map would look like it had the measles. An intense rash would cover Centro … Continue reading “Condemned to Live Among the Ruins”

Three Girls Die in Old Havana When a Balcony Falls on Them

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 28 January 2020 — Three girls died on Monday when a balcony collapsed in Old Havana, between Vives and Revillagigedo streets, in the Jesús María neighborhood. The neighbors said that the collapse of the structure occurred around half past four in the afternoon when the children had left school and were on the … Continue reading “Three Girls Die in Old Havana When a Balcony Falls on Them”

Cuatro Caminos Hasn’t Recovered

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 13 January 2020 — Although it is less than two months since the reopening of the Cuatro Caminos market, it has already suffered two temporary closures. This Saturday, the establishment reopened completely after five days with the food area closed. The state corporation Cimex confirmed to this newspaper that the market suffered breakdowns that made … Continue reading “Cuatro Caminos Hasn’t Recovered”

The Controversy Over The Identity Of The Clandestinos Is Growing

14ymedio, Luz Escobar/Mario J. Pentón, Havana/Miami, January 9, 2020 — Doubt, controversy and passion surround the Clandestinos, an anonymous group that through social networks says they have dumped pork blood on several busts of José Martí in Havana. The Government says it detained two of the members on Wednesday but the organization says it doesn’t … Continue reading “The Controversy Over The Identity Of The Clandestinos Is Growing”

Without Liquified Gas, "Lighting the Firewood, Like Our Grandmothers"

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 18 January 2020 — After one in the afternoon last Thursday, Eloísa and Miguel were preparing lunch for their grandchildren who were about to return from school when they were moved by a noise they felt in their window. It was the liquefied gas truck. The roar of the canisters crashing into each other … Continue reading “Without Liquified Gas, "Lighting the Firewood, Like Our Grandmothers"”

14ymedio’s 14 Faces of 2019: The "Regulated"

14ymedio, Havana, 26 December 2019 — One of Cuban government’s most used repressive strategies in recent times is to prevent activists, independent journalists and opponents from traveling abroad, and letting them know just before they boarded a plane, that they are regulated. This policy is proving very effective in blocking all participation in international events and workshops … Continue reading “14ymedio’s 14 Faces of 2019: The "Regulated"”

The Private Press in Cuba Gains Spaces Despite Repression

14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez, Havana, 29 December 2019 — The Cuban independent press has experienced one of its most intense and productive years in 2019. Despite the authorities’ censorship and increased repression against journalists, private media are gaining space in a country where the Constitution gives the state a monopoly over this sector. The arrest, prosecution … Continue reading “The Private Press in Cuba Gains Spaces Despite Repression”

In The Country of Scarcity, Rum Is Never Lacking

14ymedio, Havana, 23 December 2019 — In spite of the economic crisis, which makes it hard to put some traditional foods on the Christmas table, something will not be missing in Cuba at the end of this year: Alcohol. The figures from the World Health Organization (OMS) cite Cuba as the 15th country for alcohol … Continue reading “In The Country of Scarcity, Rum Is Never Lacking”