Hummingbirds and redundant sugar refineries

<p style="text-align: justify;">The ghosts of Cuba's past, when rich sugar barons built elaborate mansions and planted out vast estates, still seem to linger in the sultry Caribbean air, especially around the central Cuban city of Cienfuegos. A relatively young town in Cuban terms, Cienfuegos was founded in 1819 by French settlers from America and Haiti. As a result there's a decidedly French provincial town feel about it and because of Cuba's isolation for so long, the entire town is almost as it was in its 19th century glory days.The entire old city of Cienfuegos is a UNESCO world heritage site and the square is an example of why it is considered a global treasure. Read More

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Hugo Chavez Expects Chemo or Radiation Treatment for Cancer

<p style="text-align: justify;">July 13, 2011. Fox News Latino. Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez expects to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment once he recovers from his cancer surgery, he said on Wednesday.Chávez said he is now starting a second phase of treatment and expects a third phase "that could be a bit hard, which is to try to armor the body against these malignant cells." Read More

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Microcapital Brief: Cuba May Allow Microfinance as Part of Modernization of Economic System

<p style="text-align: justify;">Wednesday, July 13, 2011.By Nisha Koul. A microcredit system reportedly may be launched in Cuba as part of a reform program adopted by the government which specifies that “the credit policy will be essentially oriented towards providing necessary support for activities that stimulate national production and generate hard currency income or replace imports, as well as activities that promote development ” Juan Diego Ruiz, general coordinator of the Spanish Agency for International Development Co-operation (AECID, in Spanish), an instrument of&nbsp; the Spanish government, said, “Today what’s being talked about more is credit policy.<br /> <br /> Read More

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Cuba’s Pablo Milanes Looks Forward To First Miami Gig

<p style="text-align: justify;">MIAMI (CBS4) — Cuban musician Pablo Milanes is coming to Miami in August. The singer said he chose to play in Miami because it is home to so many Cubans and Latin Americans.Yet for years, that’s precisely what’s kept the two-time Grammy winner from playing here. But times are changing. Milanes said Wednesday this is the first time he’s been invited to play in Florida.Milanes is one the most well-known Cuban artists outside the island. He helped found the Cuban musical movement known as Nuevo Trova. Read More

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In Cuba, reforms bring cheers but also jeers

<p style="text-align: justify;">By Marc Frank. HAVANA (Reuters) - Plumbing supplies salesman Luis Miguel is relieved he will finally be able to sell his Havana apartment and buy another under liberalizing reforms being introduced by Cuban President Raul Castro.But he is angry over the months he spent struggling with restrictive and labyrinthine bureaucracy as he tried to trade his property under the past strictly controlled housing regime on the communist-ruled island. Read More

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Cuba and China Reaffirm Their Interest in Strengthening Relations

<p style="text-align: justify;">2011.07.13 - 13:37:25 /radiorebelde.icrt.cu. HAVANA, CUBA.-&nbsp; Cuba and China ratified in Beijing their political will in further strengthen bilateral relations, during a meeting marking the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Asian nation (PCCh) held in the Cuban embassy to that country. Cuban ambassador Carlos Miguel Pereira said the occasion served to recognize the value and extraordinary willpower of the Chinese organization in defending the flags of Socialism, Prensa Latina reported. Read More

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Alabama in Cuba Study Abroad Program, a Rare Opportunity for Students

<p style="text-align: justify;">By Jasmine Cannon. July 13, 2011 12:07 AM CST. After almost 10 years, the Alabama in Cuba study abroad program continues to provide UA students and faculty with the opportunity to travel and learn in a nation many Americans are not allowed to enter. Every spring semester, the program, which is directed by UA professor Michael Schnepf, consists of students who are educated on different subjects inside and outside of the classroom. Read More

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‘Recognise Cuba graduates’

<p style="text-align: justify;">Wed, July 13, 2011 - 12:01 AM. REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS have been urged to pass laws that would give full recognition to the Cuban medical programme. The call came from the Cuban Barbadian Friendship Association, Cuban Scholarship Committee (Barbados) and the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration as the controversy around Cuban trained doctors and their competence continues. Read More

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Cuban lawmakers to meet Aug. 1 on economic changes

<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> HAVANA. The head of Cuba's parliament says lawmakers will convene on Aug. 1 as the island considers a battery of highly anticipated economic reforms.The changes promise to open up some space for more private activity in the tightly controlled economy. They include relaxing restrictions on the sale of private property and increasing opportunities for entrepreneurship and independent cooperatives. Read More

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Cuba Regulates Public Spaces for Setting up Private Businesses

<p style="text-align: justify;">Havana –&nbsp; The proliferation of newly legal small businesses almost everywhere has led Cuban authorities to launch a widespread campaign regarding specifically which public spaces may be used to set up such businesses with an eye toward maintaining order and "good taste." The Physical Planning Institute, or IPF, has printed thousands of brochures and posters to inform new entrepreneurs. Read More

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