English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
14ymedio, Eliás Amor Bravo, 30 September 2022 — It is not clear that getting everyone to pitch in is what is needed, or the most efficient way to restore normalcy in the aftermath of a hurricane. Though there are more appropriate ways of dealing with natural disasters, Cuba’s communist regime still prefers to rely on … Continue reading “The Post-Hurricane Landscape”
14ymedio, Madrid, 28 September 2022 — In the midst of absolute darkness on the Island, Cuban Television, in a special report at midnight this Wednesday, updated information about the general blackout, from which only citizens who had electric generators were spared. The technical director of the Electric Union, Lázaro Guerra, explained that the thermal power … Continue reading “Technicians are Trying to Restore Electricity in Cuba, at ‘Total Zero’ Since Last Night”
14ymedio, Elías Amor Bravo, Economist, 26 September 2022 — The goal of this blog is to focus on economic matters in Cuba. But from time to time, it’s necessary to pay attention to events that arise in reality, due to their immediate impact on the economy. And so, while Cubans were summoned by the regime, … Continue reading “The Two Hurricanes That Threaten the Cuban Economy”
Elías Amor Bravo, Economist, 16 September 2019 — Each dictator celebrates the inaugurations of what they can, or what they leave. There is a close relationship between authoritarian power and political celebratory openings. In the case of Franco, it was common to see him in the “News and Documentaries” — known as No-Do — inaugurating reservoirs for the … Continue reading “Of Inaugurations and Authoritarian Regimes: The Case of Tourism in Cuba”
14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez, Generation Y, Havana, 20 December 2018 — It wasn’t enough for them to extinguish social protests with blood and fire, nor to imprison hundreds of young people for exercising their right to protest. Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo needed to go further. In December of this year, the Nicaraguan police assaulted the offices … Continue reading “The Nicaraguan Press in the Eye of the Hurricane”
The Cuban Economy, Elias Amor Bravo, 27 August 2018 – Someone asks a naive question in Granma today: “Can a policy be more harmful than a hurricane?” The answer is yes, of course a policy can cause irreparable damage to a society by its application. The most obvious example is the policy practiced by the Cuban communist … Continue reading “Much More Damaging Than a Hurricane: Expropriations Without Compensation”
14ymedio, Ignacio de la Paz, Baracoa, 2 March 2018 — The darkness envelops Baracoa as the bus arrives at the main station. Despite the power outage, a swarm of people approaches to offer the new arrivals rooms for rent and taxis. Before arriving at the terminal, the vehicle loaded with tourists must avoid the bumps of the … Continue reading “Baracoa Struggles to Survive Hurricane Matthew”
14ymedio, Havana, 2 November 2017 — In the years of greater political closeness between the Soviet Union and Cuba several products arrived from the distant Eurasian country to fill the shelves of the stores on the island. Matryoshka dolls adorned thousands of living rooms throughout the country and the national tables were full of dishes … Continue reading “‘Russian Meat’ Returns To Cuba But It Is Brazilian”
14ymedio, Havana, 3 October 2017 — Carl-Michel Cloutier, a Quebecois married to a Cuban and a frequent traveler to the island, plans never to return after his last experience. The Canadian was arrested, interrogated, had his belongings confiscated and was threatened with prison and never leaving the country, after coming to the island with humanitarian … Continue reading “Quebecois Arrested in Cuba for Bringing Hurricane Aid Without Going Through the Government”
14ymedio, Havana, 4 October 2017 — This week the government began the sale of mattresses and household supplies for those affected by Hurricane Irma along Havana’s coastline. At least two points in the city, one for the municipality of Centro Habana and another for Plaza de la Revolución, offer the “module for victims” for a price … Continue reading “Sale of Mattresses Begins for Hurricane Irma Victims in Havana”
14ymedio, Zunilda Mata, Havana, 27 September 2017 – Three families are now bathing in Bernardina’s shower. “Everyone brings their own soap but the water is for everyone,” says the 86-year-old woman at her house on Calle Campanario in Havana. After Hurricane Irma the retiree opened her doors to her most affected neighbors, a gesture that is repeated … Continue reading “From Cuban To Cuban, National Solidarity After Hurricane Irma”
14ymedio, Caridad Cruz, Cienfuegos/Miami, 28 September 2017 — A strong smell of urine permeates the Russian-style apartment while Margot cooks a couple of pork steaks. “They are boar [the male pig], that’s why the smell,” she explains. Getting food in Cienfuegos, a city that was only affected by the edges of Hurricane Irma, has become an odyssey, … Continue reading “Cienfuegos Left Without Food After Hurricane Irma”
14ymedio, Havana, 25 September 2019 – The Promotion Division of Cuba’s National Council of the Arts and the Wifredo Lam Center for Contemporary Art announced that the 13th Havana Biennial, scheduled to be held next year, will be postponed until 2019. A press release on the Council’s website it explains that due “the extremely serious … Continue reading “Havana Biennial Postponed to 2019 Because of “Serious Damages” from Hurricane Irma”
14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana, 23 September 2017 – Hope is fading these days in Havana’s San Lázaro Street due to the closing of the Malecón, after the damages left by Hurricane Irma. The lives of the residents along the coastline are stalled, waiting for humanitarian aid that has never arrived. The San Leopoldo neighborhood and the … Continue reading “Hurricane Victims Along Havana’s Coastline Wait for Help That Never Comes”
Ivan Garcia, 18 September 2017 — TV Cuba is different. In the news, we see mechanical shovels collecting debris, brigades of electrical linemen repairing the posts blown down by the powerful hurricane and optimistic citizens who “trust that the revolution will not leave them helpless.” Real Cuba is something else. Garbage collection is done at a snail’s … Continue reading “Cuban Hurricane Victims Demand Cuts in Prices and Customs Fees / Iván García”
