The Major Issues Holding Up New US-Cuba Embassies

The Major Issues Holding Up New US-Cuba Embassies

Above: Havana (Photo: Cuba Travel Services) By the Cuba Journal staff They were even ordering office supplies that said Embassy instead of “Interests Section.” After US President Barack Obama’s surprise announcement that he would seek to normalize relations with Cuba, it seemed that it would only be a short time before the US opened its … Read more

The 4 Best Beaches To Visit In Cuba

The 4 Best Beaches To Visit In Cuba

Despite an uninterrupted boom in the world’s travel infrastructure in the last 50 years, Cuba’s relatively modest development has some hidden benefits.  One little known benefit from Cuba’s policy of isolation is the preservation of its coastline that remains mostly unspoiled by bulldozers and asphalt. Its pristine beaches sparkle with seashells and vegetation rather than the typical sprawl of highrises and parking lots so familiar to most Western tourists.  Cuba is a haven.  Here are four of the beaches you must see on your next trip to Cuba.

US-Cuba Embassy Announcement Expected Soon

US-Cuba Embassy Announcement Expected Soon

By Cuba Journal staff photo by: Anna Rydin On Friday, Reuters cited sources suggesting the Obama administration is expected to announce an agreement with Cuba to reopen embassies and restore diplomatic relations severed more than five decades ago.  The announcement is expected in July, clearing the way for Secretary of State John Kerry to visit … Read more

Cuba’s Most Famous Bar, El Floridita

Cuba’s Most Famous Bar, El Floridita

by the Cuba Journal staff image by Haydn Blackey El Floridita is a seafood restaurant and cocktail bar located in La Habana Vieja, the old section of Havana.  It occupies its original location at the end of Calle Obispo (Bishop Street). El Floridita opened in 1817 under the name “La Piña de Plata” (The Silver … Read more

Cuba’s $15 Billion Debt

By the Cuba Journal staff Cuba has reached an important first step in its debt negotiations with the Paris Club, according to the Voice of America. The two sides have agreed that the Caribbean island owes $15 billion relating to a default in 1986. “The final amount of $15 billion has been approved by both … Read more

What is Cuba, Inc?

What is Cuba, Inc?

By the Cuba Journal staff Philippe Pouletty had a proposal for a vaccine to treat chronic Hepatitis B. His idea was to work with the Cuban government to float a company on Euronext, with the government as shareholder, according to Reuters. But it’s a little too soon for these kind of “capitalist proposals,” as Pouletty … Read more

Cuba’s Financial Road to Economic Transformation

Cuba’s Financial Road to Economic Transformation

Despite President Obama’s recent initiative to normalize bilateral relations, US Congress remains a major obstacle to Cuba’s decades long political and economic estrangement. The Helms-Burton Act in particular requires outstanding claims against Cuba to be resolved before sanctions are lifted – and also limits executive authority to fully lift sanctions until Cuba’s government is democratically … Read more

Cuba Art Biennial: Between The Idea And The Experience

Cuba Art Biennial: Between The Idea And The Experience

by Ewa Wrońska, Cuba Journal Contributor President, CubaArt.pl Photo: Jorge Luis Rodriguez Aguilar (aguilarjlr), deputy director, teacher of graphic design, photography, drawing, audiovisual narrative “Entre la idea y la experiencia” (between the idea and the experience) is the title of the 12th edition of the Biennial event, currently held in Havana. Where does the title … Read more

Cuba’s Expanding Health Tourism Plans

Cuba’s Expanding Health Tourism Plans

By the Cuba Journal staff Given what is at least a strong perception of quality in Cuban healthcare, coupled with world-class beaches, it’s no surprise that Cuba is looking to expand its position in the growing area of health tourism. The island’s health officials have announced plans to expand the island’s health tourism offering, according … Read more