Despite what appears to be efforts by the Obama administration to negotiate with Cuba over softening the language of the UN resolution condemning the US resolution against Cuba, US administration officials have said they must oppose the resolution because its current form doesn’t “fully reflect” the new spirit of engagement between the countries. The US … Read more
By Alexander Britell WILLEMSTAD — It’s not yet certain when the US and Cuba will ever sign an air services agreement that would pave the way for regularly-scheduled flights. But several airlines are already operating frequent charter service between the US and Cuba, most notably JetBlue, which has been serving Cuba through charter flights since … Read more
By the Cuba Journal staff The Environmental Defense Fund and the Cuban government are joining forces on a plan to implement new protections for sharks in Cuban waters. Scientists believe that the area is home to nearly 20 percent of the world’s 500 shark species, many of which have been in steep decline in recent … Read more
According to reports by Russia Today and Russian news agency RIA, the Russian government has ratified an agreement to provide generators at Cuba’s Maximo Gomes and Este Habana power plants, among other concessions. The Maximo Gomes power plant in Mariel municipality will be equipped with a new 200 MW unit, while Este Habana in Santa … Read more
By Carol Fletcher, photographer and The Aniplant Project board member If you are a dog lover and have ever been to Cuba–or to any third world country for that matter–you know the helpless heartache of seeing painfully thin and sick animals on the streets. And while Cuba is a highly educated, healthy and empathetic population, … Read more
Jardines del Rey (English: Gardens of the King) archipelago, a stunning string of keys off Cuba’s northern coast about 250 miles east of Havana. The keys range from the size of a sandbar to 4,000-acre Cayo Romano. There are many interconnected shoals and sandbars that appear and disappear with the tide. With more than … Read more
By Alexander Britell HAVANA — The food scene in Havana has changed significantly in recent years. As in, now, there is a food scene. Or a nascent one, at least. With the birth of the paladar, or privately-owned restaurant, several years ago, there are more and more ways to find high-quality food in Cuba. And yes, that … Read more
The word “Guantanamera” translates into, “girl from Guantánamo.” The song was originally written by José Fernández, who used it in his radio programs. Some claim Herminio “El Diablo” García Wilson should be credited as a co-composer. Fernández claimed the song was about a woman who rejected his romantic interest. Garcia claimed the song describes an … Read more
According to a report by Reuters, Cuba’s government is responded to a liquidity shortage by cutting imports and extending credit terms with trading partners. The effects of a severe drought and low commodity prices are the culprits in the latest challenge for the struggling island nation. Cuba is dependent on both exports of commodities and … Read more
By Alexander Britell HAVANA — If you’re wondering where the background is, you won’t find it. Because it’s you. The jazz singer’s voice is muted by the mic, slowly rising with the bass and the keyboard. She is looking at the small crowd, but not singing for them. She is just singing. Because in Havana, … Read more
