Special Report: Chronicling Cuba, bloggers offer fresh hope
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has recently published a special report on the independent blogging culture that is emerging in Cuba.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Current Events in Cuba
Cuba-The New York Times
A Cuban blog hosted by the New York Times that gives the latest information on Cuban relations.
Kennedy Library Gets Hemingway Papers From Cuba
October 29, 2009-Cuba's Ministry of Culture is giving copies of 3,000 letters and documents, amassed during Ernest Hemingway's years in cuba from 1939 to 1960, to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
U.S. Embargo on Cuba Again Finds Scant Support at U.N.
October 28, 2009-Trade between the United States and Cuba remains strict as a result of the American trade embargo against Cuba.
Cuba Magazine Slams "Bad Taste" Castro Sister Book
November 2, 2009-An official Cuban publication is labeled as "a bad taste commercial operation" after revealing that the younger sister of Fidel and Raul Castro worked for the CIA in Cuba in the early 1960s.
Cuba Cuts Back on Rationed Products
November 7, 2009-Cubans are now forced to pay full price for potatoes and peas, two foods that are essential to islanders and were once rationed at only a fraction of the cost; making the decades-old subsidies become nearly eliminated.
New England's 7th Spanish-language Paper Begins Publishing
November 6, 2009-A group of Latino journalists in Massachusettes has launched New England’s seventh Spanish-language weekly newspaper.
A Cuban blog hosted by the New York Times that gives the latest information on Cuban relations.
Kennedy Library Gets Hemingway Papers From Cuba
October 29, 2009-Cuba's Ministry of Culture is giving copies of 3,000 letters and documents, amassed during Ernest Hemingway's years in cuba from 1939 to 1960, to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
U.S. Embargo on Cuba Again Finds Scant Support at U.N.
October 28, 2009-Trade between the United States and Cuba remains strict as a result of the American trade embargo against Cuba.
Cuba Magazine Slams "Bad Taste" Castro Sister Book
November 2, 2009-An official Cuban publication is labeled as "a bad taste commercial operation" after revealing that the younger sister of Fidel and Raul Castro worked for the CIA in Cuba in the early 1960s.
Cuba Cuts Back on Rationed Products
November 7, 2009-Cubans are now forced to pay full price for potatoes and peas, two foods that are essential to islanders and were once rationed at only a fraction of the cost; making the decades-old subsidies become nearly eliminated.
New England's 7th Spanish-language Paper Begins Publishing
November 6, 2009-A group of Latino journalists in Massachusettes has launched New England’s seventh Spanish-language weekly newspaper.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Attention RWU Students & Faculty
Tonight there will be a Cuban inspired dinner in honor of Normando Hernandez Gonzalez in the upper commons dining facility.
Between 5 and 7 pm members of the PEN Collaborative will be available to provide information on Normando's story as well as distributing letters to be signed and mailed to various government officials in hopse of getting the word out about Normando and bringing justice to an imprisoned journalist.
For all who attend, we look forward to meeting you and hope you enjoy a taste of Cuban culture!
Between 5 and 7 pm members of the PEN Collaborative will be available to provide information on Normando's story as well as distributing letters to be signed and mailed to various government officials in hopse of getting the word out about Normando and bringing justice to an imprisoned journalist.
For all who attend, we look forward to meeting you and hope you enjoy a taste of Cuban culture!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Cuban Blogger Wins Top Honor in Journalism
Yoani Sanchez: Virtually Outspoken in Cuba
October 17, 2009-A 34-year-old Cuban writer, editor and linguistics scholar, Yoani Sanchez, became the first blogger to win one of the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes given by Columbia University for journalism that advances inter-American understanding.
Cuba News (October 2009)
Justices to Decide if Detainees Can be Freed in US
October 21, 2009-The decision to allow prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba a fair trial has been up for discussion among the Obama administration.
October 19, 2009-Spain's foreign minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, met with Cuban leader Raul Castro and other government leaders this past Monday, but passed on a chance to visit dissidents, political activists, independent Cuban journalists or members of Havana-based human rights organizations in fear of enraging the Cuban government.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Cuba in the News (Week 10/5/09)
The Cuba Feed
October 14, 2009-The Cuba Feed is a frequently updated news feed of current events in Cuba, published by The New York Times.
New York Philharmonic Won't Go to Cuba Without Patrons
October 1, 2009-The New York Philharmonic has cancelled its trip to Cuba at the end of October because the United States government is preventing a group of patrons from going along, thus leaving the orchestra without the necessary donations to support the trip.
Showcase: Sisyphean Days in Cuba
September 30, 2009-A photojournalists blog of Cuba using multimedia to depict the country in its current state.
Leader Ousted, Honduras Hires U.S. Lobbyists
October 7, 2009-The U.S. demands to restore power to Manuel Zelaya as Honduran president have been resisted by the de facto goernment and its supporters.
House-Senate Panel Offers Plan for Gitmo Detainees
October 5, 2009-Terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba are being allowed the opportunity to continue to be transferred into the United States to face trial.
House Approves Defense Policy Bill Over Objections
October 8, 2009-A major defense policy bill that calls for continued development of a costly alternative engine for the Pentagon's next-generation fighter jet was passed by the House last Thursday.
October 14, 2009-The Cuba Feed is a frequently updated news feed of current events in Cuba, published by The New York Times.
New York Philharmonic Won't Go to Cuba Without Patrons
October 1, 2009-The New York Philharmonic has cancelled its trip to Cuba at the end of October because the United States government is preventing a group of patrons from going along, thus leaving the orchestra without the necessary donations to support the trip.
Showcase: Sisyphean Days in Cuba
September 30, 2009-A photojournalists blog of Cuba using multimedia to depict the country in its current state.
Leader Ousted, Honduras Hires U.S. Lobbyists
October 7, 2009-The U.S. demands to restore power to Manuel Zelaya as Honduran president have been resisted by the de facto goernment and its supporters.
House-Senate Panel Offers Plan for Gitmo Detainees
October 5, 2009-Terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba are being allowed the opportunity to continue to be transferred into the United States to face trial.
House Approves Defense Policy Bill Over Objections
October 8, 2009-A major defense policy bill that calls for continued development of a costly alternative engine for the Pentagon's next-generation fighter jet was passed by the House last Thursday.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Bringing Attention to Imprisoned Bloggers in Cuba
Journalism Watchdog Calls for Cuba Blogger Freedom
September 11, 2009-Earlier this month, the Boston Globe published an article on a U.S.-based journalist watchdog group calling for an end to what is described as "systemic harassment" of bloggers and independent journalists in Cuba, urging the international community to step up its lobbying on the bloggers' behalf.
September 11, 2009-Earlier this month, the Boston Globe published an article on a U.S.-based journalist watchdog group calling for an end to what is described as "systemic harassment" of bloggers and independent journalists in Cuba, urging the international community to step up its lobbying on the bloggers' behalf.
The United States and Cuba Relations
Cuba Somewhat Conciliatory Toward Washington at UN
September 28, 2009-Cuba tells the United Nations that the communist regime is ready to normalize relations with the United States.
US Beats Cuba 10-5 to Win Baseball World Cup
September 27, 2009-The United States defended its baseball World Cup title with a 10-5 victory over Cuba.
AP Newsbreak: US, Cuba held Unannounced Talks
September 29, 2009-Representatives of the U.S. and Cuban governments held "high-level" talks in Havana, raising hopes for a thaw in long-icy relations.
U.S. Official Meets With Cuban Authorities
September 29, 2009-Ways to improve cooperation on migration and the fight against drug trafficking have been recently discussed between Cuba and the United States.
September 28, 2009-Cuba tells the United Nations that the communist regime is ready to normalize relations with the United States.
US Beats Cuba 10-5 to Win Baseball World Cup
September 27, 2009-The United States defended its baseball World Cup title with a 10-5 victory over Cuba.
AP Newsbreak: US, Cuba held Unannounced Talks
September 29, 2009-Representatives of the U.S. and Cuban governments held "high-level" talks in Havana, raising hopes for a thaw in long-icy relations.
U.S. Official Meets With Cuban Authorities
September 29, 2009-Ways to improve cooperation on migration and the fight against drug trafficking have been recently discussed between Cuba and the United States.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A More Conciliatory Ahmadinejad at the U.N.
September 23, 2009-American politics including Cuba.
Belafonte Calls for Better US-Cuba Relations
September 18, 2009-American singer speaks about about US-Cuba relations and hopes for progress in the right direction.
Timeline: Castro's Cuba
A slide show of video and images of Cuba, specifically a general overview on Castro's Cuba.
September 23, 2009-American politics including Cuba.
Belafonte Calls for Better US-Cuba Relations
September 18, 2009-American singer speaks about about US-Cuba relations and hopes for progress in the right direction.
Timeline: Castro's Cuba
A slide show of video and images of Cuba, specifically a general overview on Castro's Cuba.
Attention RWU Students & Faculty
There will be a Cuban inspired dinner on Friday, November 4th in the commons in honor of Normando.
The goal is to provide information on Normando's story and ask for your support in bringing justice to imprisoned writers in Cuba.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
RWU's Pen Collaborative
The goal is to provide information on Normando's story and ask for your support in bringing justice to imprisoned writers in Cuba.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
RWU's Pen Collaborative
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Cuba in the News
The Cuba Feed
A continuously updated news feed on Cuba published in The New York Times.
September 17, 2009-a brief article in The New York Times on re-establishing a direct mail service between the United States and Cuba.
September 9, 2009-traveling to Cuba is becoming less strict leading people to take vacations to the island with a focus on Cuban culture.
September 12, 2009-A ferry between the U.S. and Cuba is cheaper than flying.
September 17, 2009-the Boston Globe goes into detail on mail service between the U.S. and Cuba, particularly how mail would be transported, methods of payment and postal security.
September 17, 2009-Despite the U.S. desire for some reforms that will lead to better ties, Cuba refuses to cooperate.
September 15, 2009-President Obama says he will not lift the embargo until Cuba undertakes democratic and economic reforms.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Concert Causes Controversy
Concert Plans in Havana Start Furor in Miami
Semptember 18, 2009-Juanes, a Latin music superstar, has caused turmoil among the Cuban generational divide with his Peace Without Borders concert, an event he believes should bring the country together on a cultural level, not divide them based on circumstances from the past.
Huge Crowd Turns Out for Cuba Peace Concert
September 20, 2009-This article, published in The Washington Post, covers the concert and the positive impact it made on the hispanic population. Half a million people filled Havana's Revolution Square wearing white clothing as a sybmbol of peace. The concert used music as a way to bring together Cubans here and in the United States.
Semptember 18, 2009-Juanes, a Latin music superstar, has caused turmoil among the Cuban generational divide with his Peace Without Borders concert, an event he believes should bring the country together on a cultural level, not divide them based on circumstances from the past.
Huge Crowd Turns Out for Cuba Peace Concert
September 20, 2009-This article, published in The Washington Post, covers the concert and the positive impact it made on the hispanic population. Half a million people filled Havana's Revolution Square wearing white clothing as a sybmbol of peace. The concert used music as a way to bring together Cubans here and in the United States.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Jailed for Blogging
Freed Vietnamese Blogger Agrees to Stop Writing
September 14, 2009-In an article published today by The Washington Post, a Vietnamese woman is being released from jail after agreeing to stop blogging. It appears that Cuba is not the only country that imprisons writers for being critical of the government. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh was one of three online writers arrested and released by the Vietnamese authorities since late August. All of them wrote critically about Vietnam's policies toward its powerful northern neighbor, China.
September 14, 2009-In an article published today by The Washington Post, a Vietnamese woman is being released from jail after agreeing to stop blogging. It appears that Cuba is not the only country that imprisons writers for being critical of the government. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh was one of three online writers arrested and released by the Vietnamese authorities since late August. All of them wrote critically about Vietnam's policies toward its powerful northern neighbor, China.
Freedom of Expression in Cuba
Speaking Out for Free Expression-Cuba
This website comments on the legal restrictions placed on members of the Cuban population looking to express themselves through various media outlets.
Judge: Cuba Must Pay $27.5M for Jailing Journalist
September 2, 2009-A federal judge declares that Cuba must pay money in lawsuit for circumstances suffered by an imprisoned journalist.
Hanging On
September 9, 2009-An opinion article published in the New York Times ranking Cuba on freedom of expression.
Nonprofit Law Group Sues US in Cuban 5 Spy Case
September 9, 2009-A nonprofit law group attempts to free Cubans but is met with disappointment instead.
Journalism Watchdog Calls for Cuba Blogger Freedom
September 10, 2009-This article, published in the Boston Globe, reflects on a recent attempt to protect bloggers against the Cuban government.
Russia, Cuba Rekindle Partnership
January 31, 2009-Cuba and Russia reclaim ties after their presidents sign a strategic partnership and several other documents in hopes of economic and military change.
This website comments on the legal restrictions placed on members of the Cuban population looking to express themselves through various media outlets.
Judge: Cuba Must Pay $27.5M for Jailing Journalist
September 2, 2009-A federal judge declares that Cuba must pay money in lawsuit for circumstances suffered by an imprisoned journalist.
Hanging On
September 9, 2009-An opinion article published in the New York Times ranking Cuba on freedom of expression.
Nonprofit Law Group Sues US in Cuban 5 Spy Case
September 9, 2009-A nonprofit law group attempts to free Cubans but is met with disappointment instead.
Journalism Watchdog Calls for Cuba Blogger Freedom
September 10, 2009-This article, published in the Boston Globe, reflects on a recent attempt to protect bloggers against the Cuban government.
Russia, Cuba Rekindle Partnership
January 31, 2009-Cuba and Russia reclaim ties after their presidents sign a strategic partnership and several other documents in hopes of economic and military change.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Who is Normando Hernandez Gonzalez?
Normando Hernandez Gonzalez was arrested in his hometown of Camaguey, Cuba on March 18, 2003. Prior to his arrest, he was the director of Camaguey College of Independent Journalists and worked as a writer and independent journalist. Gonzalez was arrested along with 74 other journalists considered to be dissedents by the Cuban government. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for violating the terms under Article 91 of the Cuban Criminal Code. Under Article 91 the penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison or death is given to those who commit an act with the intent to cause damage to the independence of the Cuban State or the integrity of its territory. Unfortunately for Gonzalez, his reports on the conditions of state-run services in Cuba and criticisms of the government's management of issues such as tourism, agriculture, fishing, and cultural affairs led to his imprisonment back in 2003.
While imprisoned in Cuba, Normando Hernandez Gonzalez has faced horrifying conditions causing detrimental affects to his health. During the first several months of his imprisonment, he was kept in solitary confinement and allowed only four hours of sunlight a week. He had no access to television or radio and extremely restricted communication with his family. Along with these poor living conditions, Gonzalez' diet consisted of polluted water and inadequate food, he was denied the right to practice religion, and offered only the most basic medical services. His health began to fail him in December of 2006. Since then he has been in and out of hospitals, most lacking the resources needed to treat his condition. Due to a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, causing constant diarrhea, headaches and intermittent fever, Gonzalez has lost a staggering 114lbs. He was also diagnosed with tuberculosis in early 2007, but it is unclear whether he received treatment for this or not. On January 8, 2009 he spent six weeks at Havana prison hospital after developing an abnormal growth on his Adam's apple. He returned to Kilo 7 prison in Camaguey in worse condition than when he arrived. Despite his illnesses, Gonzalez remains in prison, held in complete isolation in life-threatening conditions.
While imprisoned in Cuba, Normando Hernandez Gonzalez has faced horrifying conditions causing detrimental affects to his health. During the first several months of his imprisonment, he was kept in solitary confinement and allowed only four hours of sunlight a week. He had no access to television or radio and extremely restricted communication with his family. Along with these poor living conditions, Gonzalez' diet consisted of polluted water and inadequate food, he was denied the right to practice religion, and offered only the most basic medical services. His health began to fail him in December of 2006. Since then he has been in and out of hospitals, most lacking the resources needed to treat his condition. Due to a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, causing constant diarrhea, headaches and intermittent fever, Gonzalez has lost a staggering 114lbs. He was also diagnosed with tuberculosis in early 2007, but it is unclear whether he received treatment for this or not. On January 8, 2009 he spent six weeks at Havana prison hospital after developing an abnormal growth on his Adam's apple. He returned to Kilo 7 prison in Camaguey in worse condition than when he arrived. Despite his illnesses, Gonzalez remains in prison, held in complete isolation in life-threatening conditions.
An Inside Look at Cuba
Cuba Protests Diplomats' Visit to Activist's Home
This article, published in the Boston Globe, is a Cuban protest against five European Union embassies visiting the home of a jailed activist in Cuba.
CubaNet-A Cuban Blog of Internal Affairs
This is a Cuban blog that provides various links to articles from Cuban newspapers. The first post titled, "A Mercenary and Dangerous Old Man," covers the story of an 80-year-old man imprisoned for what the government believes is a threat to Cuban authority.
This article, published in the Boston Globe, is a Cuban protest against five European Union embassies visiting the home of a jailed activist in Cuba.
CubaNet-A Cuban Blog of Internal Affairs
This is a Cuban blog that provides various links to articles from Cuban newspapers. The first post titled, "A Mercenary and Dangerous Old Man," covers the story of an 80-year-old man imprisoned for what the government believes is a threat to Cuban authority.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Recent Articles on Cuba
Boston Globe Article on Cuba's Economy as of August 2009
Cuba's failing economy has become a very serious crisis that is negatively affecting the island and those living there.
NY Times-The Cuba Feed
Various articles involving many different aspects on Cuba from late August to the present day. Articles vary from controversies faced by Cuba alone to those affecting their relationship with the United States.
NY Times-U.S. and Cuba Working Together
Portrays the ability of both Cuba and the U.S. to band together in times of crisis. As two very contradicting countries, we are capable of working together when faced in danger. This particular story focuses on the weather and how it has been a popular concern lately for all countries in its path.
NY Times-Cuba's Former Leader Fidel Castro Appears on Television
Since undergoing intestinal surgery in July 2006, Cuba's former leader, Fidel Castro, has not appeared in public. This article explains his appearance on Cuban television for the first time in over a year.
Cuba's Revolution at 50: Gains Fade, Despair Endures
This article, published in the Miami Herald, is about the Cuban government celebrating its 50-year anniversary of its revolution back in 1959 and its affects on Cuba in both the past and present day.
Cubans in Cuba 'excluded from everything,' says reader
Also published in the Miami Herald, this article discusses "The Cuba Puzzle," a multimedia series about the watch-and-wait game for democratic change in Cuba and the overwhelmingly positive response it received from readers.
The Cuban Experience-Current Events
This is a website covering all aspects of Cuban culture, history, and politics. It also discusses the people, places, recent events, and travel opportunities that it believes adds to the uniqueness of the island.
Cuba's failing economy has become a very serious crisis that is negatively affecting the island and those living there.
NY Times-The Cuba Feed
Various articles involving many different aspects on Cuba from late August to the present day. Articles vary from controversies faced by Cuba alone to those affecting their relationship with the United States.
NY Times-U.S. and Cuba Working Together
Portrays the ability of both Cuba and the U.S. to band together in times of crisis. As two very contradicting countries, we are capable of working together when faced in danger. This particular story focuses on the weather and how it has been a popular concern lately for all countries in its path.
NY Times-Cuba's Former Leader Fidel Castro Appears on Television
Since undergoing intestinal surgery in July 2006, Cuba's former leader, Fidel Castro, has not appeared in public. This article explains his appearance on Cuban television for the first time in over a year.
Cuba's Revolution at 50: Gains Fade, Despair Endures
This article, published in the Miami Herald, is about the Cuban government celebrating its 50-year anniversary of its revolution back in 1959 and its affects on Cuba in both the past and present day.
Cubans in Cuba 'excluded from everything,' says reader
Also published in the Miami Herald, this article discusses "The Cuba Puzzle," a multimedia series about the watch-and-wait game for democratic change in Cuba and the overwhelmingly positive response it received from readers.
The Cuban Experience-Current Events
This is a website covering all aspects of Cuban culture, history, and politics. It also discusses the people, places, recent events, and travel opportunities that it believes adds to the uniqueness of the island.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Getting to know Normando Hernandez Gonzalez
To begin, here are a few links of interest in the case of imprisoned Cuban journalist Normando Hernandez Gonzalez.
An overview of the case:
An article detailing the 2007 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award given in recognition of Normando's sacrifices:
Two poems Gonzalez has written while imprisoned:
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