The process of monetary unification would order finances and increase the economic changes initiated in 2008; but it will not solve all the current problems of the Cuban economy, Jessica Leon Mundul, a professor and researcher at the Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy, based in Havana, said Inflationary and fiscal pressures in different types of markets, the complex macroeconomic situation and the absence of lenders to deal with the process of changes, are some of the major tensions identified by the expert. In an interview published in the local weekly Opciones, Leon Mundul said they are currently working on determining adjustments in the corporate sector, considered the one with the major problems. This would imply a needed devaluation to achieve the exchange rate adjustment. In March 2014, the Ministry of Finance and Prices Cuban established regulations for the setting of wholesale and retail prices by legal persons that will be applied after the monetary unification. Although there no accurate forecasts on the date of reunification, Leon Mundul said that so far there have been some experiments in sectors such as tourism. In this case, it allows their purchases to the agricultural industry- whether cooperative or private, using...

The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC by its acronym in Spanish) published in the Gaceta Oficial (Official Gazzette), in PDF format, the Regulations on bank accounts to be used by first degree non-agricultural cooperatives (CNA by its acronym in Spanish). In less than a year from the start of the experimental process of creation of these cooperatives, there are already 200 in operation and more than 500 have been approved so far. Whether for state-owned or self-employment non-agricultural cooperatives, it is useful to review Resolution No. 35 de 2014 by the Minister-President of the Central Bank of Cuba, published on May 21, 2014 in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba. According to the Juventud Rebelde newspaper, the Resolution states that candidates to become founding partners of a first degree non-agricultural cooperative (those being created these days) who wish to contribute with a certain amount of money in Cuban pesos for the constitution of a cooperative must apply for a deposit account at sight in Cuban pesos to place that amount. This step can be performed in every branch of Banco Popular de Ahorro (BPA by its acronym in Spanish), Banco de Credito y Comercio, BancoMetropolitano S.A.; or in...

Statements by Ana Teresa Igarza Martínez, General Director of the Office of Mariel’s Special Development Zone (ZEDM by its acronym in Spanish) focused on the advancement in ZEDM’s infrastructure, the opportunities it has for Cuban entities and on possible investments. The official noted that the first part of the Zone for Logistic Activities will be finished by June 30, as well as the railroad with a modern double track that will join ZEDM with the national railroad. “This will reduce costs of the imports coming through Mariel’s harbor in terms of the transportation and distribution in the domestic economy”, Igarza explained. She also talked about ZEDM’s current objectives and future perspectives. “We are doing our best to continue the construction works. We are working on the draft designs of the first parcels and their construction will begin with the culmination of the railroad works, when that labor force will start working on the movements of land and the north-south road. There will be a road from the roundabout that gives access to the container terminal to the north that will join the center of the Development Zone to the high technology area and the area reserved for oil. We are...

Eugenio George Laffita, considered by the International Federation of Volleyball as the best women's teams coach of the twentieth century, died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 81 from cancer. The outstanding and renowned coach directed and led to glory the Morenas del Caribe, that won three gold medals in Olympic Games (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000) and two World Championships (gold in Leningrad 1978 and Sao Paulo 1994 and silver in 1986). In recent years he served as President of the Cuban Volleyball Federation. They got back to back titles in the World Cup in Japan, 1989, 1991, 1995 and 1999, and silver medals in the 1977 and 1985 versions, the title in the Grand Champions Cup in 1993 and silver in 1997, two gold medals and four silver in Grand Prix. Master of generations, since 2005 he was inducted to the Hall of Fame of Volleyball and deserved among many other awards as the Golden Collar Order of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB by its French acronym) granted by the NORCECA Confederation, which was until his death president technical committee and coaches. Eugenio George is already a legend, because his greatest merit...

The immobility of Cuban baseball, in some ways, gradually disappears. Already some Cuban players have signed to play in foreign leagues. It is also striking the change of players from one team to another regardless of their province of origin. If in other times you could hardly see these transfers now "signings" are a regular. In the history of our national series there were always players who had to move to other provinces because of their little chance of playing or family problems. I remember the case of Mario Veliz, Lazaro Lopez, and Carlos Eduardo Cárdenas Kindelán. More recent cases were Acebey Orlando, Adir Ferran Yusniel Ibanez, and Darian Gonzalez Also some players were scrapped in junior tournaments by their provinces, and then became true idols under new uniforms as Villa Clara Maels Rodriguez and Santiago´s Alfredo Despaigne. Even there were real "globetrotters" as Villa Clara pitcher Luis Vizcaino Armenteros is one of two players (the other is also from Villa Clara, José Pérez) who participated in National and Selective Series with six different teams and ended his active career in Isla de la Juventud. His latter teammates always received many players from the Big Island, especially from Pinar del...

Alexander Rodríguez is a young cartoons producer who was born in the 70’s. He declared an heir of anime Japanese from the screening of “VOLTUS-V” in Cuba. However, as a professional he doesn’t dismiss the legacy of Disney and Cuban animation for young producers. He is particularly interested in taking renowned literary and cinema productions to Cuban animation. Some of his works include the story of Nene Traviesa, by Jose Marti, and Quietud interrumpida, inspired in El Herido, the first story in the film Historias de la Revolución, by Tomás (Titón) Gutiérrez Alea. Nowadays, he is working on a new project based on the homonymous piece Las Aventuras de Juan QuinQuin en pueblo Mocho, by Samuel Feijoo. This project pays homage to that Cuban intellectual, who devoted his life and work to rescue our rural culture. OnCuba met with Alexander Rodríguez to talk about this new animation project. Why “Las aventuras de Juan QuinQuin”? Juan QuinQuin is very Cuban, that’s the first motivation found in the characters of our literature. To me, Juan QuinQuin reflects the classic Cuban and that led me to include music from the 20’s, the beginnings of son, which is the roots of salsa, and to...

Idol of millions of Spanish speakers, Ricardo Arjona premieres "Viaje": immediately included among the top sellers in Latin America with just a month since its launch, 14 new songs, and over six music producers in its gestation, including Israel Rojas and Yoel Martinez, leaders of Cuban band Buena Fe Last Friday, May 23, the Cuban group posted on its Facebook page a photo of them along Arjona where they announced a meeting in Mexico with the Guatemalan singer also recommend the song "Viaje" which Israel Rojas co-produced, guitar player Darion R. Lobaina wrote the arrangements and the rest of the band took part in the recording of the song that gives name to the album. Speaking to Argentinean newspaper La Nacion, Arjona explained that the album began to take shape a few months ago when, without knowing why, almost crazy, he decided to hop on planes to go anywhere, and about Buena Fe he told a Uruguayan publication, he feels safe in this importance of this collaboration in the "Viaje" and confessed his difficulty finding authors of attractive work while on the Cuban group, he got interesting in their production arrangements. The participation of Buena Fe in the latest album...

Today you, our reader, got up and OnCuba was different. You probably noticed it instantly. The Picture Gallery was no longer as usual, and also the heads, the news, or authors columns or the headlines. Today OnCuba launches, dear reader, a new design according to web standards, best to have the best reading experience no matter the device from which you see the site, say smartphones, tablets, and computers. Since March 2012 we work for you, the reader, to feel at ease with OnCuba , so you get the information from us, read to complacency, and then say: wow! these people are trying to do journalism! With the intention to connect the realities of Cuba and the United States, to narrate and comment on stories, is OnCuba, a magazine with permanent correspondent in Havana, edited by Fire Media Group, a company belonging to Cuba Business Development Group, Inc (CBDG ) presided by Hugo Cancio. Here's the new design: check it out, taste it if you like, browse a bit, and try if you like it. If you do, then, reader, everything went as we wanted.

The Chamber of Commerce of the United States (USCC), one of the most powerful groups of political influence from that nation will make a senior trip to Cuba in the coming days, with no details on the exact date. The goal, according to Diario Las Americas review, is to explore the economic transformations undertaken by the government of Raúl Castro. Two members of the USCC with links to the Cuba Working Group confirmed that Thomas J. Donohue, president of the organization and supporter of lifting the U.S. blockade of the island, will chair the delegation. A businessman who requested anonymity ensures that the event "will have much impact in Washington." He said that in addition to Donohue, the delegation would consist of two heavyweights of American business: Steve Van Andel, director of the board of the conglomerate Amway and current vice president of the USCC, and Patricia A. Woertz, president of Archer Daniel Midland (ADM). This trip takes place in the context of the implementation of the Special Area Development Mariel (ZEDM) and before the entry into force of the Law on Foreign Investment 118. Also, a few days after the release of an open letter to President Obama, signed...

Ballplayer Alfredo Despaigne arrived in Cuba on Monday, coming from Mexico, after playing during the last month with the Piratas de Campeche in the Mexican summer circuit, Triple -A category. After holding an exchange with Pedro Cabrera, director of International Relations of INDER , and Higinio Velez , head of the National Baseball Directorate, Despaigne told reporters that he and the Cuban Baseball Federation were completely unrelated to the alleged possession of a fake Dominican passport , news unveiled last week by journalist Enrique Rojas of ESPN. “I am confident that my image will not be damaged in Mexico and much less in Cuba, because we have nothing to do in the case of passports. Now I’ll spend time with my family, waiting for the authorities of the Mexican League and the Piratas to clarify the situation, "said the burly outfielder, who has received no news about it in the past hours. His dismiss caused a tremendous gap in the lineup of the Piratas , because in 20 games Despaigne was batting 346 with 407 on-base percentage, slugging of 603, 15 RBIs , 16 runs scored and ten extra-base hits , including five home runs in and two stolen bases...

That Saturday afternoon I left from Benny Billy’s place, which was close to Trocha Street, and I found him like three blocks away. He was walking in the opposite direction; I blocked his way and kindly explained him the purpose of my interview. For the first time I could analyze him from close. He is a guy that definitely gets people’s attention. It seems to come from the set of a movie from the 50’s, wandering around downtown in Santiago de Cuba in the 21st century. He doesn’t care if the sun is really hot, over 30 degrees Celsius. While everyone wears the latest fashions, light clothes, he always wears a suit, two- color shoes, a hat and a cane. Benny el Santiaguero, as people also refer to him, is one of the characters that, as well as Rita la Caimana in Bayamo or El Caballero de Paris in Havana, distinguishes the city streets and becomes their eternal icon. As the others, he may have a touch of insanity or some addiction; however, unlike the rest, he owns a unique talent. For days I wandered around the streets with my camera looking for his whereabouts in Plaza Dolores, in bars...

The participants in the festivities on the occasion of the International Museums Day, on May 18, in Old Havana, realized that there was something unusual in this year’s celebrations: though there is a festive atmosphere and a diverse program of activities, its main promoter, City HistorianEusebio Leal, is not present. His presence constitutes, rather than a tradition, a required element for the Cuban audience to be pleased. This time, his health condition prevented him from giving a speech. However, a cultural program by the slogan “Las coleccionescreanconexiones” (Collections create connections), a proposal by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), is taking place in the city since May 15. This program pays homage to museums, spaces that treasure fragments of the essence and folklore of the country. The event was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at the Museums of Colonial Art and La Casa de la Obrapia, with a speech by LesbiaMaría Méndez, Director of Patrimony of the City Historian’s Office, who asked Leal to focus “all his strength and his vocation of restorer to recover his health”. On the Museums of Colonial Art and La Casa de la Obrapia, Mendez referred to a rehabilitation process, which was carried out based on...

The Polish embassy to Cuba is celebrating a Cultural Festival in the island. The festival has organized theater plays, exhibitions and concerts with the purpose of offering a different view of that European nation blended with the Cuban vision. The recent presentation of jazz versions of musical pieces from the Polish cinemaconfirms it. The young band Cuban Evolution, in charge of paying homage to the creators of famous Polish music bands, interpreted pieces by Krzysztof Komeda, WojciechKilarandZbigniewPreisner, such as Rosemary’s Baby of the film by the same name directed by Roman Polański. Cuban Evolution was born four months ago and brings together talented Cuban jazz figures as for instance, Michel Herrera, Rolando Luna, Emir Santacruz, YissiGarcía, RuyAdriánLópez- Nussaand Adel González. They are musicians and directorsof different projects but came together in this band to make music and not only jazz. Their idea is to alternate as their individual projects with other bands allow it. According to its members, it is like a shorter Jazz Band, with a single interpreter per instrument for the purpose of achieving different sounds, harmonic combinations and arrangements with a few instruments. The polish diplomats to Cuba extolled the performances by Cuban evolution. In this regard,...

The first priority is to institutionalize a relation that has been out of the ordinary. If a bilateral agreement is reached, it would be a contradiction for the EU to maintain the Common Position, stated Eduardo Perera, expert on European affairs. Cuba might cease to be an exception in the European foreign policy if the group of the 28 and the Caribbean nation reach a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. The first steps in this regard were taken on April 29 and 30 in Havana during a meeting where representatives from Cuba and Brussels agreed on the course and the bases and procedures that would define the long and complex negotiations to come, considering the tension that has characterized the links between both parts. This meeting was arranged almost two months after Cuba accepted a proposal by the high representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton —presented on February 10–, with the purpose of retaking negotiations on the standardization of relations. PhD. Eduardo Perera, professor of Contemporary History at the University of Havana, talked with OnCuba about the context of these negotiations, the position of the parts, the political significance of the agreement they aim...

Granma slugger Alfredo Despaigne, an undisputed star of the Cuba team, from the previous has been playing with the Piratas de Campeche, for which he shows an overall .337 average (69 hits in 205 at-bats) with 13 homers and 38 RBIs in 51 games. According to ESPN.com, in an article written by well-known journalist Enrique Rojas, the league of that country has opened an investigation into the case after it was confirmed that the passport of the outfielder was made with data from two Dominican nationals and a fake ID. We offer our readers the official statements of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FBC by its Spanish acronym) and the Piratas de Campeche organization. Note by the Cuban Baseball Federation (FBC) Havana, May 15, 2014 In recent days, several media have echoed a report published on espn.com on a fraud directly related to the Cuban ballplayer Alfredo Despaigne , member of the Piratas de Campeche team that participates in the Mexican Baseball League (LMB ) . According to the said website, Despaigne´s registration in the tournament was conducted using a fake passport of Dominican origin, which flagrantly violates the ethical principles of the Cuban Baseball Federation, an organization that has led...

The Interests Section of Cuba in Washington today announced that it will renew expired passports of Cuban residents in the U.S. who plan to travel in the coming months to the island. This is a "temporary" measure that will “create conditions in our Consular Office to renew expired passports or coming due of those citizens residing in United States who are booked to travel to Cuba in the period between May 15 and August 31, 2014, "said the statement from the Cuba Interests Section in Washington. The procedure must be done through travel agents who have “working relations “with the Consular Office at its headquarters in Washington. And although it is considered that the measure is temporary until a more permanent solution is found, it indicated that the deadline “could be extended if the implementation of the alternative solution takes more time than planned.” In February Cuba announced a new suspension with immediate and indefinite character of consular services in the United States due to the "impossibility" of finding a new bank to carry the accounts of his diplomatic mission. The delegation reiterated today, as it has done in recent months, that it has not yet managed to find a...

Havanatur, the International Group of Tour operators and Travel Agencies -- with experience in the promotion of tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America, specifically in Cancun, Mexico D.F., Mérida, Guatemala, Nassau, Jamaica and others—has just added to its portfolio trips to the Dominican Republic with competitive prices and a sound infrastructure for services. As the president of the Group, Jose Manuel Biske, explained, “this is a significant step because the sales of multiple destinations is one of the most important elements of our development strategy. Though the Dominican Republic has a lot of similar products in contrast with Cuba, it is also a supplement that enriches our offer for increasing sales not only in Cuba but also in the different agencies we have, mainly in Europe”. TanianaStepochkina, executive director of Aclub, a tour operatoragency in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, noted that this venture with the Cuban agency is the result of a strategic and bilateral interest of promoting the Cuban and Dominican markets. The director expressed that Aclub made this decision due to its “good prices and dynamic and professional work. This offer includes reception, transfer, lodging and plain tickets.” Havanatur, founded 35 years ago, has branches in...

On the occasion of the 50thanniversary of the Guiñol National Theater –founded by Pepe and Carucha Camejo in 1963, which became a school for generations of puppeteers– the Publishing House Tablas-Alarcos hosts a photographic exhibit called Fotos Titiriteras (Puppets Images), which reveals images of some of the best performances in this manifestation during the 60’s. A total of 26 photographs make up the exhibit, which includes images by illustrious puppets plays such as La Loca de Chaillot, La viuda triste, Chicherecú, Ubú Rey, Farsa y licencia de la reina castiza, La loma de Mambiala, La corte del Faraón, or antological Don Juan Tenorio and La Celestina. As stated by Armando Morales, “These images reveal the significance of this manifestation among us, and its contribution to the national arts and culture. They define the excellence of “puesta en retablo de títeres” by Carucha, Pepe Camejo and Pepe Carril. Other figures such as Ernesto Fernandez, Tito Alvarez, Korda, Lux Chessex, Serrucha, Arrate, R. Gonzalez, Torreiro… captured unique moments where puppets rather than objects became main characters.” Those people interested can visit the Tablas-Alarcos Publishing House, located in Linea and B, in Vedado, in Havana, and enjoy wonderful moments from memorable performances at...

When Carmen Fiol welcomes visitors at her home in Vedado, with a welcoming smile that stands out in the bright and airy space, this Guantanamo woman of 90 years of age may give the impression of being a frail old woman. However, during the conversation she shows the force of her personality: it is enough to see the determination in her eyes and hear her speak with clarity and conviction of her ideas, to understand that it is no coincidence that Carmen is one of the great figures of fashion design in Cuba, with over 70 years of experience as a dressmaker. The keys to her success are revealed in her comments: her infinite patience, careful observation, attention to the exquisite detail and the genius to update traditional techniques while adapting to different styles and eras. But mostly it is a strong will that has allowed her to overcome obstacles and strive to achieve her goals; an effort that has paid off through national and international awards, respect for the new generations of artists and all who admire her beautiful creations. It is important not to weaken; we must fight, fight and fight until we achieve our purpose. And hopefully...

Same as our rumba, the Argentinean tango was born in the slums, son of rootlessness, of sadness and joy, presence and nostalgia. Since then, it has remained one of the most powerful international musical genres in the world, although in Cuba today, perhaps because of its complexity, we rarely see it on stage. However, the young company Neotango defends gaucho dance presence on the island and tries to modernize it through the merger with rhythms and dances such as the habanera, son, bolero, flamenco, ballet and contemporary dance. Under the general direction of Professor Rosa Elena Álvarez, the artistic direction of her daughter Carolina Balmaseda and theatrical advice of her husband, the renowned actor Mario Balmaseda, the group combines the freshness of the new with the experience. To keep abreast of the work of this one of a kind company OnCuba spoke to Rosa Elena during the rehearsals previous to their most recent previous presentation at the Mella Theater. "Neotango resulted from the desire of my daughter Carolina, who studied theater, but she became so passionate about tango that left it. She took classes for a while in a group of amateurs, and it turned out that she was good....

Teresa Paz, director of the Ars Longa early music ensemble, talks to OnCuba regarding the two decades of the group’s existence. 20 years ago, the first Cuban group specializing in ancient scores, which would become the main sponsor of the Early Music Movement, emerged in our country: the Ars Longa group. The group is named after the Greek physician Hippocrates thought, "Ars longa vita brevis" (Art is long lasting, life is short). "We were inspired by that phrase to name the group, as we perform the art that has endured since the Middle Ages," says Teresa Paz, director of the group. With the desire to rescue the entire musical heritage was forgotten, the group begins to investigate repertoires that dated between the Middle Ages and the Baroque, to improve it and spread it. A year after the foundation in 1995, the Office of the Historian of Havana, welcomed the assembly to form part of their cultural program. Teresa Paz illustrates the beginnings: "It started with a duet between my husband and I Aland López; but he was noticing the lack of more members and instruments and from there came to what is now ". From that hope, germinated a mixture...

Sacha Cosmetics, a line of cosmetics from Trinidad and Tobago specifically designed for exotic skin tones like the ones you find in the Caribbean, is the new proposal of the Cuban retail chain TRD. On several occasions this cosmetic line was the official makeup at international events such as the Miss Universe pageant, and now it has already started distribution in malls in Cuba. Featured in particular composition and potential audience, for decades the brand has been restoring itself as a sought after choice for women with diverse skin tones. Today due to the collaboration with the Cuban company TRD Caribe, this Trinitarian brand will be available to the Cuban women with multiple proposals in beauty. As its owner Kama Maharaj explains, “Ours is one of the most important Trinitarian companies worldwide. We are the only ones in the world that make products for different skin tones, so we are perfect for the Caribbean market, including the beautiful Cuban women since we have offers and colors for each and every one of their skin tones. "Our products are designed specifically for hot climates, providing long stay and beauty once applied because is designed for countries like ours where the sun...

The Cubaron SA Corporation launched four brands of recent addition to its portfolio. The new ultra premium products are designed to meet specific market segments. From low to high level in attributes, coming from Cubay, are the Elixir 33 and Carte Blanche Extra Aged, while from Santiago, it brought to light the Treasure Island rum and Siglo 1/2. "Elixir 33 is not rum as such, but it is not a liqueur either; it is a sweet drink that has a base of aging and to which other fruit attributes were incorporated, which can be grapes. This drink is designed for industry standard. The brand is designed to reach a commercial level in large volumes and mainly for the European market, “Omar Camero Vargas, director general of the Cubaron distributor said. According to Vargas, this number was used by its various meanings, primarily because 33 correspond to its content of alcohol, which is difficult to achieve and may be measurable at any certified laboratory as the ones Cubaron has. There is a religious element is that Jesus Christ was 33 when he was crucified and closer to our story when we realize that Commander in Chief Fidel Castro became of that...

The first round of “fruitful” negotiations for a Political and Cooperation Dialogue Agreement for normalizing bilateral relations, which would be the coup de grâce for the Common Position, was concluded in Havana. After two-days talks, Cuba and the European Union (EU) agreed a course for the negotiations of a Political and Cooperation Dialogue Agreement, which, if successful, would provide legal support to bilateral relations which have been atypicalso far and would constitute the last stroke to the so-called Common Position, the unilateral political instrument of the group of 28 nations that controls the linksbetween both parts since 1996. From Tuesday through Wednesday, representatives of the EU met behind closed doors in Havana to set the foundations and principles that would guide the negotiations of the Political and Cooperation Dialogue Agreement. At the end of this first meeting, the general director for America from the European Foreign Action Service, Christian Leffler,stated during a press conference at the EU’s venue in Havana, that along with the Cuban counterpart chaired by Abelardo Moreno Fernandez, Vice minister for Foreign Affairs, they reached an consensus on the main aspects to be included in the bilateral instrument they are pointing at. The Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry...