The Language of the Enemy / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

Decades of stigmatization of the English language weigh on Cubans’ collective unconscious Cubanet.org, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, 27 November 2015 – It was Saturday night at a restaurant located on the downtown corner of O Street and Avenue 23. The bathroom was closed but, at least not completely. A sign, placed on the door … Continue reading “The Language of the Enemy / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

“El Sexto,” on a Hunger Strike and in a Punishment Cell / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

The artist’s mother denounces her son’s treatment Cubanet.org, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, 17 September 2015 – Danilo Maldonado, “El Sexto,” is being held in a punishment cell, and his hunger strike continues. His mother, Maria Victoria Machado, managed to visit him on Wednesday afternoon in the Valle Grande Prison, located on the outskirts of … Continue reading ““El Sexto,” on a Hunger Strike and in a Punishment Cell / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

“If You March this Sunday, You Won’t Leave the Country Again” / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

Ultimatum from the political police to musician Goki Aguila, participant in the peaceful marches of the Ladies in White. Cubanet.org, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, 6 August 2015 – Tuesday, August 4, Gorki Aguila, leader of the punk band Porno for Ricardo, was visited at his home by an official from the PNR Sector (Revolutionary … Continue reading ““If You March this Sunday, You Won’t Leave the Country Again” / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

They Arrest Gorki Aguila, Leader of the Rock Band Porno Para Ricardo / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

Cubanet.org, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, 5 August 2015 – Around noon Wednesday, musician Gorki Aguila was arrested, and his whereabouts are unknown. The vocalist for the rock band Porno para Ricardo managed to communicate via telephone with this reporter just when two police officers presented themselves at the door of his home in order … Continue reading “They Arrest Gorki Aguila, Leader of the Rock Band Porno Para Ricardo / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

Professionals of ‘Snitching’ / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

Cubanet.org, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, 18 June 2015 – An old man is going out of his house in the little village named Henequen Viejo, near the Port of Mariel. Everyone there knows him as Alfonso. In reality, his name is Idelfonso Estevez. At first glance he seems like an old man like so many … Continue reading “Professionals of ‘Snitching’ / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro

Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro Born in City of Havana,September 14, 1970. Screenwriter and researcher. He has participated in theorist events in almost all the rock festivals that have taken place in Cuba from 2001 to the present. Workshop for screenwriting, production and staging of musical events (UNEAC, CARICATO) 2004 Graduate of television script and drama course … Continue reading “Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro”

Mariel, the Past and Present of an Exodus / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

“They left through here and will never return,” recited a sign on the wall of the power plant. Nevertheless, those who “left” became the support of those who stayed. Today many share the Miami exile with those who said goodbye to them by throwing eggs or rocks Cubanet.org, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, 28 May … Continue reading “Mariel, the Past and Present of an Exodus / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

Being Forty Years Old in Cuba / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera

They are referred to as old folks, half-timers and the pure. They are shipwreck victims of a capsized island. They cling to debris, trying to stay afloat. Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, February 27, 2015 — Men and women in Cuba who have reached the age of forty are referred to as tembas (old folks), medios tiempos (half-timers) and los puros … Continue reading “Being Forty Years Old in Cuba / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

Cold War, Hot Motors / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro

Is the Cuban government considering declaring as “heritage assets” the classic cars that roam the streets? Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro, Havana, 2 January 2015 — Apropos of the imminent reestablishment of relations between Cuba and the US, General Motors (GM) recently expressed interest in exploring the possibility of doing business on the Island. Perhaps … Continue reading “Cold War, Hot Motors / Cubanet, Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro”

Where to Have Sex in Havana? / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro

Havana, Cuba. It happened in the Motel on 11th and 24th streets, near the iron bridge connecting Vedado and Miramar. In a room rented for two hours, the unpleasant whisper was heard: “Mami, you have a wonderful stench!” It was the 1980’s, Cuba was still receiving 5 billion in subsidy from the Soviet Union, the … Continue reading “Where to Have Sex in Havana? / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro”

Artists on the General’s Farm / Camilo Ernesto Olivera

HAVANA, CUBA.  Each day we awaken, and the dinosaur is still here.  The delegates of the National Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC) will meet with the master generals of the island-farm on the 11th, 12th and 13th of this month. In the tedious lines that the UNEAC members stand in for the Internet, … Continue reading “Artists on the General’s Farm / Camilo Ernesto Olivera”

18th Century Mansion – Forgotten but Not Gone / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro

The Casa de las Cadenas, in Guanabacoa, could collapse on several families. It has withstood hurricanes, but now needs help. HAVANA, Cuba. – The walls have stood for nearly 270 years. But the degree of deterioration in the old house is worrying. Wood and tile ceilings on the second floor have been collapsing, not only … Continue reading “18th Century Mansion – Forgotten but Not Gone / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro”

Venezuela is not Angola / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro

Cuba is not the same as 40 years ago, but its leaders are the same HAVANA, Cuba, February — Cuba intervened militarily in Angola on the side of the MPLA in August of 1975.  In 1977 Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) supported the government of Agostino Neto in order to suppress by blood and fire an … Continue reading “Venezuela is not Angola / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro”

“I’m For Sale From the Neck Down” / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro

Habana, Cuba.- The girl rests beside me, as naked as a country without rights. She turns tricks on weekends to keep alive her mother, who became infected with HIV when she herself was a prostitute over a decade ago. “My mother had to do it to raise me, when things got tough during the nineties. … Continue reading ““I’m For Sale From the Neck Down” / Camilo Ernesto Olivera Peidro”

Happy New Deception / Camilo Ernesto Olivera

HAVANA, Cuba, January 6, 2014 / www.cubanet.org – Twelve midnight rang on 31 December, and 2013 ended. Havana said good-bye with its streets half-empty streets in Vedado and the speakers all reggaeton in the indigent heart of Buenavista. Apparently almost no one paid attention to the televised speech, where the government tried to wish Cubans … Continue reading “Happy New Deception / Camilo Ernesto Olivera”