English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
Photo: Orlando Luis “The first time you deceive me, it will be your fault, the second time, the fault will be mine” (Arab proverb) One of the skills we Cubans in the Island have developed in the face of the persistent ability of leaders to “speak without saying,” is figuring out official positions and intentions, … Continue reading “The “Decentralization” of Responsibility / Miriam Celaya”
A source that I’m not authorized to quote assures me that, on October 30, 2010, the privilege of the SEPSA agency will be withdrawn, by virtue of which the “blue” custodians – so nicknamed because of the color of their uniforms – have been paid a “stimulus” of 48 CUC a month (1,152 in the … Continue reading “Who Are The Debtors? / Miriam Celaya”
As everyone knows, the tendency of many Cubans to magnify the qualities of the Island’s nature and its natives, as if we had been chosen by divine grace, is proverbial. There are a few written works – some of them real satiric gems – whose sole purpose is to satirize this peculiar habit of ours … Continue reading “The Cuban Way? / Miriam Celaya”
Ever since the national organization that represents the Cuban workers elected itself as speaker on behalf of the olive-green bosses to announce the layoff of half a million employees in record time, a certain word has become fashionable and has circulated by word of mouth: appropriateness. To be “appropriate” has become the essential requirement to … Continue reading “Appropriateness / Miriam Celaya”
The dialogue between the government of General Raúl Castro and the top hierarchy of the Catholic Church continues to generate discussions between different opposition groups and the independent civil society sectors. It was expected that half a century of stagnation would bring, as its first consequence, the creaking of rusty hinges when trying to turn … Continue reading “The Cuban Catholic Church and the Opposition: An Unnecessary Conflict / Miriam Celaya”
For some time I have wanted to pause to respond to some doubts from readers of this blog, a practice I would like to maintain but that I cannot exercise with the frequency I would like, due to my limited access to the internet. I am going to explain to you, because my readers deserve … Continue reading “A Pause / Miriam Celaya”
It was an ordeal to go from La Vibora, my neighborhood, to Miramar, where Ricardo González Alfonso lived. There were only two options: catch Route 69, which could take two or three hours. Or the 100, with more buses, but with many more passengers, for its extensive run. The 69 stops near Ricardo’s house. But … Continue reading “Ricardo’s Smile”
The president of the bank pointed out that Putin “pays special attention to strengthening cooperation” between the two countries 14ymedio, Havana, June 23, 2024 — “Developing an independent financial infrastructure” capable of dodging United States sanctions is the main purpose of Novikombank, the first Russian bank on the Island. This was stated by Sergei Baldin, … Continue reading “The Installation of the Russian Bank Novikombank in Cuba Seeks To Avoid US Sanctions”
‘Prensa Latina’ once again remembers the goal of three and a half million travelers, very far from the more than four million in 2019 14ymedio, Havana, 28 April 2024 — A little more than a week after the National Office of Statistics and Information (Onei) reported that Cuba received 809,238 international visitors in the first … Continue reading “The Official Press Celebrates a Million Tourists in 2024 as an ‘Element That Confirms’ the Recovery”
14ymedio, Moscow, 14 March 2024–The Russian MIR payment card, accepted in Cuba since November 2023, is here to stay and will boost Russian tourism to the Caribbean nation to an expected half-million visitors, Cuban minister of tourism Juan Carlos García Granda declared today. “The Russian MIR card arrived in Cuba to stay,” García Granda stated … Continue reading “The Cuban Minister of Tourism Expects Half a Million Russian Visitors”
14ymedio, Havana, 15 March 2024 — With the arrival in Russia of Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuban Minister of Tourism, this week, the Island took a step further in its attachment to the Kremlin. Investment opportunities, inauguration of Russian-managed hotels and all kinds of facilities for tourists are Havana’s new promises to Moscow in exchange … Continue reading “Cuba Promises Russian Businessmen That They Will Be Able To Manage Hotels on the Island”
14ymedio, Havana, March 15, 2024 — With the arrival in Russia of Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuban Minister of Tourism, this week, the Island took a step further in its attachment to the Kremlin. Investment opportunities, inauguration of Russian-managed hotels and all kinds of facilities for tourists are Havana’s new promises to Moscow in exchange … Continue reading “Cuba Promises Russian Businessmen That They Will Be Able To Manage Hotels on the Island”
14ymedio, Havana, 29 November 2023 — Businessman Boris Titov, president of the Russia-Cuba Business Council and interpreter of the Kremlin’s will for business with Havana, recommended on Tuesday to the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) to accelerate the “digitalization of relations” between private companies and the State. The adviser argued that, “according to various estimates,” … Continue reading “Putin’s Adviser for Cuba Calls for More Digitization So That Private Companies Pay Taxes”
14ymedio, Havana, 20 May 2023 — Before the satisfied gaze of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Chernishenko, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel assured this Friday “Cuba’s unconditional support for the Russian Federation in its confrontation with the West.” The declaration of loyalty, offered in the 1930 hall of the Hotel Nacional, crowned the signing of eight … Continue reading “On the Eve of Republic Day, Cuban President Diaz-Canel Gives ‘Cuba’s Unconditional Support to Russia’”
14ymedio, Madrid, March 28, 2023 — Relations between Havana and Moscow continue to strengthen as evidenced by the announcement in Moscow on Tuesday of new business ventures on the island. The first and most fleshed-out is a joint venture with the state company Cimex that has already been approved by the Cuban government. “Many Russian … Continue reading “Moscow to Finance a Havana Wholesale Store and Promote a Hotel Exclusively for Russians”
