Who denies Cubans their right to travel freely to and from Cuba?

Declining Credibility

The waters of the Almendares River were not always polluted. At the end of the XIX Century General Máximo Gómez, heroe of the independence wars predicted that soon his horse would drink from the clean waters. Today, when we walk along the small and beautiful forest of the Metropolitan Park, among the neighborhoods of Vedado and Playa, the least destructed in Havana, we maintain the hope that the old promise will be kept and that the river will be cleaned.

CUBA: TRANSITION OR DISASTER

In 1950, Akira Kurosawa brought us Rashomon, a disturbing movie placed in the 12th Century, wherein four protagonists of a horrendous crime told contradictory versions about what really had happened. To deal with the current situation in Cuba and its likely outcome, it might be a good idea to adopt the Japanese director's technique and place ourselves in the role of each of the basic actors in this old and never-ending drama.

Raúl Castro consolidates power

The fact that Raúl Castro has had enough time to prepare for taking over power seems to be unquestionable. For forty seven years he was waiting for temporary leadership, whereas one year and nine months it took him to consolidate power. It appears impossible though to restore on Cuba the leadership which could concentrate power in the hands of one person.

PRIVATE PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT

In a speech last July 26, General Raúl Castro made reference to the possibility of structural and conceptual changes in Cuba. Conceptual transformations are indispensable in Cuba if there is any intention to establish a coherent process of changes for the benefit of the community in general. Today, old fallacies, prejudices and dogmas are still in effect, which represent formidable obstacles that must be overcome to advance into the future.

Reflections on Fidel Castro

In 1959, after traveling triumphantly through the island dressed like a guerrilla, bearded, with a rosary around his neck, Fidel Castro was seen by many as the new Messiah.  It was clear that the great majority of Cuban people began to love it – the image of it.  Merchants, political, journalists, middle-class, priests, lawyers, prostitutes and even the aristocratic elites applauded him and hoped that he was the best man for the country. 

WHAT CHANGES?

Once again, the Cuban press addressed the need for changes in Cuban agriculture. This time in the second part of the article “Travel to the Center of the Earth”, published by the newspaper   “Juventud Rebelde” last December 23rd. The article confirms the existence of a consensus with regards to the urgent need to transform Cuban agriculture to increase production at the time when the prices of imported food continues to grow.

Looking to the future

Today, when people are talking about still not specified transformations, we have to consider the internal debate, without exclusions, about the seriousness of the national situation and methods that have to be applied in order to get out of the crisis.

No Ruptures, No Complacency

The EU Council presented on June 18, a document consisting of five points stating its plan towards Cuba for next year. This is an open hand to the Cuban government and Cuban people; a contribution made in order to help finish a crisis that affect the entire nation. On the other hand, clearly state that apart from the will for dialog, contact with the opposition, dissidents and other sector of the civil society will be continued.