Weekly Cuba News Roundup: April 1st, 2022
“One factor is the failure of the United States to provide a viable alternative — in the form of broad political and economic engagement — to Russia’s influence in these nations.” 
Everything is connected. Remember that when you read William Kelly’s March 29th, perspective below on why Cuba continues to parrot the Russian line on the invasion of Ukraine. There have been options to the United States for years. And, we came close to traversing one path, only to be derailed and pushed down another. Nothing is black and white of course yet we continue to impose policy as if it is. Umph.
In other news, a referendum on Cuba’s new liberal family code is getting closer, UNICEF donated 19 tons of powdered milk to Cuba, two who left Cuba on a motorized sufboard and once feared dead have been found alive, Cuba sentenced a recent protestor to five years for “enemy propoganda,” and Cuba is talking with Germany about energy transition. Will anything come of it? Who knows but talking is good. Always.
By the way, none of the opinions in any of the stories shared on this page represent ours; we’re just sharing them with you. If you are a journalist or you have seen a story that you’d like us to consider for future weekly news roundups, please send us a note and a link to the story here.
LGBT activists Eberto Garcia Abreuin (L) and Felix Ortiz Ramos play with their cat during an interview with Reuters in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2022. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer
Cuba’s communist government is seeking to rally support for a new family code that would open the door to gay marriage and boost women’s rights, but experts and a recent survey suggest an upcoming referendum vote may not provide a rubber stamp. Read more at usnews.com.
December 1, 2023
Top bartenders and mixologists from around the world pitched up in Cuba’s top beach resort last year to compete in the IBA World Cocktail Championship shining a spotlight on global drinks and craft cocktails.
Photo: La Prensa Latina
Cuba’s government expressed gratitude here Tuesday for a Unicef delivery of 19 tons of powdered milk, a donation that bolsters its health care capabilities amid the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more at laprensalatina.com.
Havana’s modern “international” architecture has Cuba’s urban planners worried.
A migrant boat made of a surfboard, pontoons and a plastic chair floats in the waters off Bimini in the Bahamas Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Two men aboard the vessel were found alive after being lost at sea for a week. Photo: SEAMAN ERIC RODRIGUEZ/U.S. COAST GUARD
Two men who left Cuba more than a week ago on a homemade boat made from a surfboard and pontoons have been found safe near the Bahamas, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Read more at miamiherald.com.
A Cuban man who staged a rare protest over the detention of a dissident rapper has been slapped with a five-year prison term for disobedience and “enemy propaganda,” according to a sentencing document seen by AFP on Wednesday night. Read more at france24.com.
Since Vladimir Putin’s devastating invasion of Ukraine, much of the world has aligned to decry the bloodshed and to sanction Russia for its dangerous violation of international norms. As many nations have spoken in one voice to condemn Putin’s war, it has been illuminating to observe which countries have not joined the chorus. Read more at washingtonpost.com.
PhoCuba’s Minister of Energy and Mines Liván Arronte and Dr. Simone Peter, President of the German Renewable Energy Federation had a working meeting on the occasion of the Energy Transition Dialogue in Germany. March. 30, 2022. Photo: Twitter/@arronte_livanto: Getty
On his official Twitter account, the minister said that the business people were willing to resume negotiations with Cuba to move forward in the energy field. Arronte participated in the Dialogue on Energy Transition held in Germany, where he met with Klaus Ernst, chairman of the German Parliament’s Committee on Economy and Energy. The minister also discussed with Dr. Ajay Mathur, director-general of the International Solar Alliance, Cuba’s prospects in developing renewable energy sources (RES). Read more at telesurenglish.com.