Diaz-Balart praised as he retires
December 21, 2010, Miami Herald - As his closest allies toasted the end of his congressional career Monday, outgoing Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart stayed true to form, urging Cuba's military to help the island's people free their country from Fidel and Raśl Castro. Read More
Raul Castro touts economic changes
December 18, 2010, Associated Press - Cuban President Raul Castro told legislators Saturday that the future of the country's revolution is at stake as the government tries to institute sweeping economic reforms, adding that the changes are meant to strengthen socialism - not replace it. Read More
US cable: Cuban opposition out of touch
December 17, 2010, Associated Press - A newly revealed U.S. diplomatic cable describes Cuban dissidents as old, riven by petty rivalries and hopelessly out of touch, with leaders so focused on funding their operations they have little time to mount any serious opposition to the government. Read More
Dissidents have little support in Cuba: U.S. cable
December 16, 2010, Reuters - Despite years of U.S. political and financial support for Cuban dissidents, the top U.S. diplomat in Havana said opposition leaders are largely unknown, badly divided and unlikely to ever run the country, according to a secret diplomatic cable obtained by WikiLeaks. Read More
US doesn't expect Cuba upheaval with Castro death
December 16, 2010, Associated Press - ...U.S. diplomats in Havana don't expect the revolutionary icon's passing to generate any immediate unrest on the communist-run island, or even an upsurge in Cubans seeking to leave, according to a newly released diplomatic cable. Read More
Cuba claims it made economic strides in 2010
December 15, 2010, Reuters - Cash-strapped Cuba achieved some of its economic goals in 2010, but will have to improve its performance if it wants to emerge from its chronic economic funk, a top government official said on Wednesday. Read More
Cuba parliament meets ahead of big party gathering
December 15, 2010, Associated Press - Cuba's parliament convened Wednesday to discuss the government's make-or-break plans to retool the island's economy, the first - and likely last - time legislators will get a chance to discuss the changes ahead of a major Communist Party congress next year. Read More
New anti-terror rules thwart US Cuban cigar trade
December 13, 2010, Associated Press - Tighter scrutiny and month-old Homeland Security restrictions on incoming air-cargo parcels have inadvertently stymied the common but illicit practice in the United States of ordering Cuban cigars from distributors in Europe. Read More
Diplomats spoke of "fatal" Cuban economy in cable
December 10, 2010, Reuters - "All diplomats agreed that Cuba could survive this year without substantial policy changes but the financial situation could become fatal within two to three years," said the cable, classified confidential and apparently authored by Jonathan Farrar, chief of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana. Read More
US cable: Cuba to be insolvent within 2-3 years
December 10, 2010, Associated Press - A newly released confidential U.S. diplomatic cable predicted Cuba's economic situation could become "fatal" within two to three years, and detailed concerns from other countries' diplomats - including China - that the communist-run country has been slow to adopt reforms. Read More
Peaceful protests mark human rights day in Cuba
December 10, 2010, Reuters - In contrast to years past, there were no known clashes between government opponents and supporters, but at least two dissidents were reported detained by authorities on their way to a demonstration. Read More
South Africa cancels Cuban debt, offers new credit
December 7, 2010, Reuters - South Africa on Tuesday canceled approximately $137 million in debt owed by Cuba and offered $30 million in fresh credits in hopes of reviving trade with the Communist-run Caribbean island. Read More
Cuban leader reaches out to religion amid tense times
December 6, 2010, El Nuevo Herald - Cuban leader Raśl Castro lit a candle in a Havana synagogue during the fifth day of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday. Read More
Big jump seen in U.S. travel to Cuba in 2010
December 6, 2010, Reuters - More than 1,000 travelers from the United States are arriving every day in Cuba on average, most of Cuban origin, making Havana's long-time foe its second source of visitors after Canada, travel industry and diplomatic sources said Monday. Read More
Cubans stage rallies, test new openness
December 2, 2010, Miami Herald - In separate actions, ordinary citizens in Cuba are increasingly protesting everything from high taxes to poor bus services. Activists say civil unrest could result. Read More
USAID Cuba programs still controversial
December 3, 2010, Miami Herald - U.S. government aid to Cuba is in the spotlight as contractor Alan Gross marks one year in a Cuban prison. Read More
FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Cuba
December 2, 2010, Reuters - The success or failure of Cuba's economic reforms will be the key issue to watch in the next year as the government moves to strengthen the economy and ensure survival of the island's communist system once the current aging leadership is gone. Read More
Amid doubts, Cubans pursue private sector dreams
November 30, 2010, Reuters - At municipal labor offices around the country, Cubans are filing in with plans that include everything from opening small restaurants to renting out rooms as they seek one of 250,000 self-employment licenses to be issued in Cuba's biggest reform in years. Read More
Cuba deal boosts China's Latin American oil plans
November 24, 2010, Reuters - China is taking another great leap forward in its Latin American energy plans, raising Cuba's energy importance in the process, with a deal to lead a $6 billion refinery expansion project on the communist island, experts said this week. Read More
Cuba creditors hopeful as storm season nears end
November 24, 2010, Reuters - With hurricane season almost over and Cuba having passed its second year in a row without a major storm, creditors are hoping the communist country will be in better financial shape to pay its bills. Read More
As Cuba cuts back, security appears to grow
November 21, 2010, El Nuevo Herald - As 500,000 workers are trimmed from Cuba's public payrolls, public security sectors appear to be expanding. Read More
Fidel Castro says delegated powers as party head
November 18, 2010, Miami Herald - Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said his frail health had forced him to delegate his powers as head of Cuba's Communist Party, suggesting that perhaps he had resigned his last leadership post. Read More
Havana frees up markets -- with a caveat
November 9, 2010, El Nuevo Herald - Cuba's food rationing card will be eliminated. Private economic activity and foreign investments will be allowed to expand, and the government will reduce controls of agriculture and state enterprises. Read More
"I recently traveled with an IntoCuba group on a trip to Havana and other parts of Cuba. They facilitated my ability to travel around the island, conduct meetings with business contacts, some of which they were able to refer to me, and communicate with the people directly. It was an eye-opening look into the future of Cuba and the considerable promise of that future. For me, IntoCuba will be an integral part of bringing any of the business opportunities I witnessed first-hand, to fruition."
Anthony Mecca, IT Consultant, AJM Associates