English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
MAY DAY – Even Karl Marx would be surprised at the only parade of slave workers HAVANA, Cuba – All the official media is in a raging fanfare summoning to “the united people’s great mobilization which will take place in squares and avenues” this May 1st. Cymbals and trumpets are pleased with the wild benefits achieved … Continue reading “There’s Nothing to Celebrate / Miriam Celaya”
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION How did it occur to us to go to a concert by Pablo Milanes to ask for the liberation of Gorki? That is something that has the trademark of the spontaneous and the haste of that which can not be postponed or thought better of. Ciro, Claudia and I talked about … Continue reading “Brief chronology of a victory (Freeing Gorki “Last Time”) / Yoani Sanchez”
“In each neighborhood revolution” CDR (Committee for the Defense of the Revolution) Pretending has been the best weapon of survival developed against the dictatorial model of the Castro brothers. Lying was a requirement that always made them happier than constructive and professional criticism, which was not in favor of their caprices. Thus they educated our … Continue reading “Cuban Cynicism as a Form of Survival / Angel Santiesteban”
A crowd was waiting outside the mansion in Vedado with a statue of Abraham Lincoln in the garden. The language school opened its doors to new registrations and in the days that followed tested the attitudes of those interested. Everyone waited nervously, thinking that they would be evaluated on a pronunciation here… a mastery of … Continue reading “What’s-his-name? / Yoani Sanchez”
Official propaganda has always defended the view that the recognized social organizations in Cuba, are NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations). Although it is a lie, because they are organized and led by the party, but outside of Cuba they are deluded and believe it, and they even provide them with financial assistance, in addition to political … Continue reading “A Closed Circle / Fernando Damaso”
The first time Juan Carlos saw a Christmas tree, he was 43-years-old and working as a bricklayer inside the house of a top counterintelligence officer. “That was 19 years ago. Those were the harsh years of the so-called Special Period. People had nothing to eat. Avocado was a luxury and a pound of rice was … Continue reading “When Cuba Had No Christmas / Ivan Garcia”
Gorki Águila, leader of the punk rock band Porno para Ricardo, was released on bail a week ago, after a People’s Revolutionary Police (PNR) patrol stopped him in the early morning of Sunday, 29 September, and found in his backpack two tablets of a medication for epilepsy, an illness Águila has suffered from since he … Continue reading “I Don’t Know What They’re Accusing Me Of / Lilianne Ruiz, Gorki Aguila”
In recent weeks Cuba’s official media has been trying to constantly bring the figure of Fidel Castro to the foreground. Again I hear “this idea was our commander-in-chief’s” or simply “our beloved commander-in-chief…” Recently to celebrate September 28th* the blocks were bedecked with posters of his figure. Like a multi-colored flag his face was repeated … Continue reading “28 September / Luzbely Escobar”
The López Serrano building, a work of Mira and Rosich, architectural jewel, constructed in 1932 and located at No. 108 13th between 11th, L and M in Vedado, has suffered a progressive deterioration for years, with the authorities doing absolutely nothing to stop it. Looking around its exterior is to discover doors closed and boarded … Continue reading “The Lopez Serrano / Fernando Damaso”
To the President of the Councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, the words freedom, prosperity, love and family are plain and simple “persuasion” that, when it comes time for manipulation and pressure, have more of an effect than fear. He didn’t lie last Friday when, in feverish runaway of egotism and … Continue reading “The General Gains Time / Juan Juan Almeida”
Official secrecy and complicit silence The original sin of the “Cuban Revolution” in relation to prostitution lies not in the fact of its not being able to eradicate it, a clearly impossible task, but in denying its very existence. Such a denial doesn’t only retard the search for solutions for social problems — sexual slavery, … Continue reading “Between Neglect and Helplessness. Prostitution in Cuba, Part 3 / Miriam Celaya”
With satisfaction, I watched this week as a friend received an exquisitely wrapped gift. My friend took the package, looked at if for a moment, and tore the paper to take out the contents. Ripping wrapping paper is still a luxury, receiving a wrapped gift is a rare detail, receiving a gift…well, you can fill … Continue reading “Papers, Papers / Regina Coyula”
“Violence has reached critical levels in Cuba,” says activist Antonio Rodiles, and actress Ana Luisa Rubio, 62, just experienced it. The photo above is her face after a severe beating given to her by a group of supposed neighbors last Friday. “I am very sore, but mostly I’m very scared,” Rubio told Diario de Cuba … Continue reading “Actress Ana Luisa Rubio, Savagely Beaten by Alleged Neighbors”
HAVANA, Cuba , September , www.cubanet.org — For some time now we’ve noticed the absence of Elián Gonzalez and other members of his family from the pages of newspapers, radio broadcasts and television channels. We even know the failed attempt by a foreign press correspondent to interview Elián, who is barely seen in his native Cardenas. … Continue reading “Where is Elian Gonzalez and his Family? / Orlando Freire Santana”
Communication No. 1 Violations of the Rules of Social Coexistence. Everything seems to indicate that there are members of the administrative council (neighbors) who don’t know the rules of social coexistence, even though the president of the country, Cop. Raul M. Castro Ruz [dedicated] three-quarters of his speech before the National Assembly of People’s Power … Continue reading “The Notice With the Commandments / Lilianne Ruiz”
