Ramiro Valdes Searches for Those Who Consume a Lot of Energy

14ymedio, Havana, 4 September 2020 — The energy consumption forecasts were exceeded this August by just 1.1%, but it has been enough for the Cuban authorities to ask the population to reduce consumption. On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés Menéndez asked the municipal energy councils to identify the high consumers in residences and state … Continue reading “Ramiro Valdes Searches for Those Who Consume a Lot of Energy”

When Ramiro Valdes Lost his Cable / Tania Diaz Castro

HAVANA, Cuba – I heard the story late, it happened a year ago. But the residents of Santa Fe, a coastal community to the west of Havana where about 50,000 people live, are afraid to say anything about Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, a “historic commander,” who is credited with numerous shootings at the beginning of the … Continue reading “When Ramiro Valdes Lost his Cable / Tania Diaz Castro”

Ramiro Valdes, Butcher of Artemisa and Diagnosed Psychopath / Juan Juan Almeida

While some imitated the exploits of Errol Flynn, others were startled with the reality of a man who is saddled with, even today, more legends than names. They call him the Antillean Gaddafi forhis eccentric arrogance; Donatien, the Marquis de Sade, for his sadism, perfectionism and radical atheism; The Goatee, for his sparse beard look; … Continue reading “Ramiro Valdes, Butcher of Artemisa and Diagnosed Psychopath / Juan Juan Almeida”

The Housing Construction Plan Is Not Fulfilled in Cuba Due to Lack of Cement and ‘Working Methods’

14ymedio, Madrid, 28 November 2023 — For some reason, the plan to build with clay has not penetrated the Island. In the middle of the year, the authorities of the sector spent a long time explaining to the population the benefits of this material, in which the Island is rich, when it comes to building … Continue reading “The Housing Construction Plan Is Not Fulfilled in Cuba Due to Lack of Cement and ‘Working Methods’”

The Anti-Imperialist Grandstand of Havana, Victim of the Shortage of Cement in Cuba

14ymedio, Havana, 14 April 2023 — In addition to seriously affecting the construction of homes, the lack of cement is delaying the restoration works of one of the most symbolic places of the Cuban regime, the Anti-Imperialist Grandstand of Havana, popularly known as the “protesto-drome.” The shortage of raw materials and fuel tops the list … Continue reading “The Anti-Imperialist Grandstand of Havana, Victim of the Shortage of Cement in Cuba”

Cuba’s Official Press Criticizes the Managers Who Squander the State’s Money

14ymedio, Havana, 25 March 2023 — Of the 63 Cuban state companies that operate in the province of Las Tunas, 25 received million-peso payments from the Government without any productive support. The fact, which the local press unequivocally described as a “scam,” addressed the total expenditure of 29,924,000 pesos [$1,246,830] in January alone and motivated … Continue reading “Cuba’s Official Press Criticizes the Managers Who Squander the State’s Money”

The Drop in Energy Demand Relieves the Blackouts in Cuba

14ymedio, Madrid, 23 December 2022 — The Electric Union of Cuba is about to achieve a week without announcing an electricity deficit. The blackouts, which were a constant during the second half of 2022, have made a partial truce with the Government, which pledged — after the failed prediction of May — that in December … Continue reading “The Drop in Energy Demand Relieves the Blackouts in Cuba”

In the Absence of Raul Castro, the PCC Plenary Avoids its Responsibility in the Cuban Disaster

14ymedio, Havana, 10 December 2022 — The leaders of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) took advantage of the closure, this Saturday, of the 5th Plenary of the Central Committee, to justify their actions, which have led the country to a generalized crisis  with daily blackouts. “It was a hard and difficult year,” admitted the … Continue reading “In the Absence of Raul Castro, the PCC Plenary Avoids its Responsibility in the Cuban Disaster”

Guantanamo Electric Company Trains ‘Fraud Hunters’

14ymedio, Havana, 4 November 2020 — Concern for the electricity sector is growing among the authorities, who are not willing to let a kilowatt escape without payment. A week after learning about the serious crisis in the Electric Company’s accounts in several provinces, Jorge Estrada, chief of commercial inspectors in Guantánamo, told the local newspaper Venceremos that … Continue reading “Guantanamo Electric Company Trains ‘Fraud Hunters’”

With the Blackouts, the ‘Temporary Situation’ Becomes Permanent

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 16 September 2020 — This Wednesday, September 16, the scheduled blackouts begin in Havana to reduce energy consumption and, according to the official press, stop “a tendency to overuse that the country cannot afford.” This completes prophecy made by the Government a year ago when Miguel Díaz-Canel announced, on September 11, … Continue reading “With the Blackouts, the ‘Temporary Situation’ Becomes Permanent”

Cuba’s New Ministers: Obey Blindly or Dare to Innovate

14ymedio, Reinaldo Escobar, Havana, 22 December 2019 — Along with the appointment of Manuel Marrero Cruz as prime minister, the deputy prime ministers were also appointed this Saturday and the holders of six government portfolios were renewed. In total, 19 ministers were ratified in their posts, including the most important, such as the Interior and … Continue reading “Cuba’s New Ministers: Obey Blindly or Dare to Innovate”

Few Surprises in Cuba’s New Council of State

14ymedio, Reinaldo Escobar, Havana, 18 Paril 2018 — The proposal of Miguel Díaz-Canel to be president of the Council of State confirmed widespread expectations, however the nomination of Salvador Valdés Mesa as first vice president surprised those who bet on Mercedes López Acea, who, from her position of vice president, was removed from the list … Continue reading “Few Surprises in Cuba’s New Council of State”

Raul Castro Will Do Everything Possible To Preserve His Immunity / Juan Juan Almeida

Juan Juan Almeida — The world has taken many turns since February 24, 2013, General Raul Castro himself officially announced that he would retire at the end of his second term in 2018. But a few days ago I read an article in the press where an experienced analyst suggest, as his own opinion, the possibility … Continue reading “Raul Castro Will Do Everything Possible To Preserve His Immunity / Juan Juan Almeida”

Housing Construction In Cuba Remains Very Slow / 14ymedio, Zunilda Mata

14ymedio, Zunilda Mata, Havana, 3 January 2017 – This week Luisa Camejo’s biggest headache  will be getting the rebar she’s lacking. For months she’s been piling up stacks of cement, bricks and other materials to build an improvised room in the Cerro district of Havana. If she’s lucky she’ll soon finish her house built with … Continue reading “Housing Construction In Cuba Remains Very Slow / 14ymedio, Zunilda Mata”

Sales Of Building Materials Under Scrutiny / 14ymedio

14ymedio, Havana, 1 September 2015 – When there is sand, there are no bricks,” protests a lady this week outside the market in Havana’s La Timna neighborhood. People’s dissatisfaction with regards to quality, quantity and variety of construction materials continues unresolved despite having been addressed at the accountability meetings of the People’s Power throughout the … Continue reading “Sales Of Building Materials Under Scrutiny / 14ymedio”