In a trip intended to strengthen ties, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week expressed an interest in increasing the number of Congolese young people studying and receiving medical training in Cuba. A group of 850 Congolese students accompanied the Congolese delegation that included the Congolese Ambassador to Cuba who began their … Read more
According to a report by Reuters, the US may end a program that encourages Cuban doctors and nurses on overseas assignments to defect, a senior aide to President Barack Obama said. Started under President George Bush in 2006, The Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program targets one of Cuba’s proudest achievements: sending doctors, nurses and other … Read more
Hoping for a hurricane is the latest sign that Cubans are suffering from an epic drought that appears to offer no foreseeable relief. In August, Cuba placed its civil defense system on alert and made plans to repair and replace its water infrastructure that is reported to be losing half its volume due to leaks. … Read more
Last week, we named our inaugural Best Hotel in Havana 2015, the lovely Hotel Saratoga in Old Havana. Now, we launch our newest award, the Cuban Resort of the Year, and the new Grand Memories Varadero rises to the top of the pack. The resort, which first launched in April, has quickly become one of the … Read more
Reuters has reported that Obama could further relax the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba. A senior State Department official said on Tuesday that Washington would not first demand human rights progress from Havana. “We are making progress. We are making regulatory changes. We’ll make more,” said David Thorne, a senior adviser to Secretary of State … Read more
Every year for the past 23 years Cuba has introduced a resolution at the UN’s General Assembly criticizing the US embargo against Cuba and demanding its end. The US has lost all previous UN votes by an overwhelming margin. Last year’s tally was 188-2 with only Israel siding with the US. This year, Obama may … Read more
by Cuba Journal staff In the first episode of Discovery Channel’s five episode series Cuban Chrome, a Havana mechanic restores a 1958 Chevy Bel-Air and a taxi driver desperately searches the city for parts for his 1953 Oldsmobile. The series, which first aired July 13th, aptly portrays what could become a new TV genre, Cuban … Read more
by Cuba Journal staff In early 1962, President John F. Kennedy called his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, into his office to discuss an urgent matter. “I really need some help,” said Kennedy. “What do you want, Mr. President?” Salinger replied. “I need some cigars,” JFK replied. “Fine,” Salinger answered. “How many do you need?” “A … Read more
By the Cuba Journal staff As relations between the United States and Cuba continue to show signs of improvement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a report expressing the potential for mutually beneficial agricultural trade and resultant economic growth. The report points to the benefits of the resumption of normalized economic relations with Cuba, … Read more
Guantanamo Bay Naval Station (GTMO), the oldest overseas US navy base, is at the top of Cuba’s list of matters to resolve as US-Cuba negotiators try to normalize diplomatic relations. The 45-square-mile outpost symbolized America’s resolve to oppose Soviet intrusion in our hemisphere – and more recently serves as a modern haven for mysterious methods … Read more
