Feb 24th, 2010 · Orlando Zapata Tamayo, jailed since 2003 on charges including disrespecting authority, died Tuesday at a Havana hospital following a hunger strike, becoming the first imprisoned opposition figure to die in such a protest in nearly four decades. Raul Castro blamed his death on the United States.
Feb 24th, 2010 · A Cuban dissident imprisoned for seven years has died. Cuba's human rights community said Orlando Zapata Tomayo had been on a hunger strike for weeks before his death. He was arrested in 2003 on charges of disrespecting authority.
Jan 24th, 2010 · Haiti's medical needs were dire before the earthquake devastated what little infrastructure was available. Among those providing free medical were nearly 400 Cuban health workers. The day after the earthquake struck the Cuban doctors reopened two hospitals. Since the Cubans live in the poorest neighborhoods amongst the most disadvantaged Haitians they were actually the first responders.
Dec 8th, 2009 · When Christopher Columbus arrived in Cuba, he named the island's south-central coastal area Los Jardines de la Reina, or The Queen's Gardens. Five centuries later, the extensive and pristine coral reefs are still here. Rare cooperation between U.S. and Cuban research scientists is seeking to save them.
Dec 3rd, 2009 · Congress is considering a bill that would lift restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba. Opponents say U.S. tourism dollars would help the Castro government hold on even longer. But many ordinary Cubans and dissidents, too, say that's not a reason to keep the ban in place.
Nov 18th, 2009 · Cuban leader Raul Castro has maintained an abusive system that his brother put in place to repress dissent, according to Human Rights Watch. The report also calls for a change in U.S. policy, lifting the longtime trade embargo in favor of more targeted sanctions.
Nov 15th, 2009 · Alexis Puentes' father was so particular about his children's musical education that he controlled the music Alexis listened to. As Alex Cuba, he filters his father's musical influence through the likes of Ray Charles. Here, he performs songs from his new album.
Nov 10th, 2009 · Cuba's state-run economy has been in crisis mode for years, but it's facing some especially sobering arithmetic now. With trade falling and debt stacking up, President Raul Castro has warned Cubans that the island's socialist system must change. And he's asking them for something they're not used to giving in public: criticism.