English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
For any society, it will be frustrating if its history, instead of progressing forward, heads backwards by leaps and bounds. This is the case for Cuban society, whose situation with regards to freedom and rights is the same or worse than it was leading to the Ten Years’ War. In mid-nineteenth century Cuba, when the … Continue reading “Cuban History Marches Backward / Dimas Castellanos”
As peaceful pro-democracy fighters in Cuba we are filled with deep regret at the news of the death of the Czech playwright and politician Vaclav Havel. I’m sure there was also consternation in all democratic countries in the world. This distinguished intellectual born in Prague, condemned by the Soviet invaders who stole the Prague Spring … Continue reading “The Party of a Democrat”
Photo: Peter Deel The historical memory of a people is essential to achieve cohesion and unity. It is formed by positive and negative events and by their main protagonists through the ages. It is a continuous process without exclusions or black holes. It is not possible for us to imagine the world today without its … Continue reading “Historic Memory / Fernando Dámaso”
As peaceful pro-democracy fighters in Cuba we are filled with deep regret at the news of the death of the Czech playwright and politician Vaclav Havel. I’m sure there was also consternation in all democratic countries in the world. This distinguished intellectual born in Prague, condemned by the Soviet invaders who stole the Prague Spring … Continue reading “The Party of a Democrat / Rosa María Rodríguez Torrado”
Editorial 24 The Catholic Church and the official press have announced that His Holiness the Pope Benedict XVI “is considering visiting Mexico and Cuba during the spring of the year 2012”. At the same time, the spokesman of the Holy See has declared that the State Department of the Supreme Pontiff has told the Papal … Continue reading “The Pope’s Visit to Cuba: Expectations and Possibilities / Intramuros”
On Thursday November 10 Decree-Law 288 on the legalization of the sale of homes took effect. Complemented with six ministerial resolutions, the decree significantly changes the legislation in effect in this area since the 60′s of last century. With the new provisions Cubans, formal owners of property, become actual owners. Now they can not only … Continue reading “A First Step / Dimas Castellanos”
There are expectations on Cuba’s “multiple shores” regarding the new immigration law that the government of Raul Castro is working on. It’s not the first time we’ve heard about it; it’s already been alluded to more than once and the news has leaked out that it is in advanced stages. I wonder how much so. … Continue reading “Sequences and Consequences / Rosa María Rodríguez Torrado”
There are pathetic and laughable reports, which seem to be the result of manipulation and the desire to perpetuate at all costs by certain figures of the state, without looking at their reflection in the mirror. This is the case of Fidel Castro being in the Guinness Book of World Records for being “the person … Continue reading “Die Hard / Miguel Iturria Savon”
Diego, 35, already has a plump pig nearly ready to grill in his backyard in the village of El Calvario, south of Havana; an army of bottles of rum and half a box of Cristal beer. But his money didn’t stretch far enough to buy candies and grapes. “As I like, it will go well. … Continue reading “Christmases in Havana / Iván García”
There are expectations on Cuba’s “multiple shores” regarding the new immigration law that the government of Raul Castro is working on. It’s not the first time we’ve heard about it; it’s already been alluded to more than once and the news has leaked out that it is in advanced stages. I wonder how much so. … Continue reading “Sequences and Consequences”
The neverending story brings back bad omens. An official note from the Ministry of Interior – issued through the newspaper Granma on Friday – brings up again the perpetual drama of the rafters. This time 18 people were rescued off the coast of Palmarejo in the municipality of Santa Cruz del Norte, in the western … Continue reading “Rafters: A Neverending Story? / Jeovany J. Vega”
For those who doubt that things here are going to get worse, let me tell you that the first to implement the Chinese model are some of those in the emerging private sector. The obligation to remit high levies for licenses, in addition to salaries and loans to employees, puts a strain on those who … Continue reading “Capitalism Gone Wild / Regina Coyula”
My small end-of-year tribute to the commentators Water* falls from the balconies. It’s midnight and sonorous waterfalls spill from the windows and doors that give on to the street and terraces. It is the overflowing liquid of a slow scrubbing, the residue of a national bath taken under tossed buckets and without soap. The body … Continue reading “It’s Not The Same Water / Yoani Sánchez”
Patchwork, Rebeca Because of the 492nd Anniversary of the Villa of Saint Christopher of Havana, between the many television programs dedicated to this celebration,Hurón Azul, of the UNEAC (Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba), presented some interviews with renowned architects and artists, where they poured out their opinions about the deteriorating image of the … Continue reading “A Beautiful Lady Comes to Less / Rebeca Monzo”
Graffiti by an anonymous artist. If you think about it, Cubans really have very little to celebrate. But the mere fact of being alive, being healthy, and feeling real desire for change, are sufficient reasons to do so. Let us decorate our houses to make ourselves feel better and joyfully welcome visitors, and under no … Continue reading “Celebrating the Prospect of Change / Rebeca Monzo”
