Published Mon December 15, 2008 by Publisher in Cuba Politics.
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Rob Sequin | Havana Journal (*sticky - will stay at the top of the site for awhile)
When the 100% Communist Cuban propaganda rag Granma endorses a new Cuba news and information web site with a title like “New website in English presents reality of Cuba”, I find it offensive. This is not the first time I have been offended by the new Havana Times website which I am here today to expose as a pure propaganda tool of the Cuban government.
I believe that the Cuban government is promoting the Havana Times in order to counter the international popularity of Yoani Sanchez’s blog, Generacion Y (here in English) and put their own positive propaganda spin on blogging from Cuba. Let me say that Generation Y is the real truth about Cuba but has been warned by the Cuban government as being counter-revolutionary. Don’t let the Cuban government trick you into thinking that the Havana Times is some sort of an independent media source. The odd thing is that Yoani is not hateful or vindictive. She simply reports about everyday life in Cuba but apparently the Cuban government can’t handle it because they recently detained her for blogging.
Here is article in Granma praising the launch of Havana Times in Spanish (I have posted the Google translated version below in English.)
There was also this press release announcing the launch of Havana Times in Periodico26.cu. When two Cuban government publications promote a new Cuban website with “open minded thinking from Cuba”, you can be sure it is anything but open minded thinking from Cuba.
Havana Times management works for the Cuban government
Ihosvanny Cordoves, who is the English language translator for Periodico26.cu and writer for Radio Habana Cuba. He lives in Las Tunas Cuba and is the registrant in the whois information for the domain name HavanaTimes.org. Even though he lives in Las Tunas, he is using an address in Madrid Spain.
Circles Robinson who has his own propagandist blog at Circles Robinson Online offers a “fresh angle” on Cuba and casually “suggests” that you try HavanaTimes.org in his profile. Nowhere does he mention that he lives in Cuba nor does he mention that he works as a writer for many Cuban government publications.
Funny how Circles doesn’t want to have his name too much on HavanaTimes.org. It’s only here as an email address in the About Us page. Furthermore, I am not even sure how Circles Robinson can have a gmail address since he is living in Cuba. I would think Google would be in violation of the OFAC sanctions on some level. Then again, they probably don’t know that he is an agent of the Cuban government.
If you need proof, here are just a few of the articles that Circles Robinson has written for the Cuban government:
MINREX the Ministry of Foreign Affairs article by Circles Robinson
Radio Habana Cuba article by Circles Robinson
Adelante.cu Online article by Circles Robinson
ACN Cuban News Agency article by Circles Robinson
Cubarte The Portal of Cuban Culture article by Circles Robinson
Ahora.cu news agency article by Circles Robinson
Prensa Latina Cuba news article by Circles Robinson
(You may have to wait for some to load. If the pages are not there, check Google’s cache)
These many articles and sources are proof that Circles Robinson is a senior agent who is very active at high levels in the Cuban government. Here’s my little argument with Circles Robinson we had on GlobalVoices which is a recommended site at HavanaTimes.org.
HavanaTimes.org vs. HavanaTimes.com
The Cuban government should have been a little more thoughtful when they registered the .org version of Havana Times. HavanaTimes.com is owned by Havana Journal Inc..
First, they registered the .org which will “bleed” traffic to the .com unless the website is a pure non-profit organization. The HavanaTimes.org might be non-profit but surely not in the sense we Americans understand it to be. Second, they should have checked to see who owns the .com version and what they might think would happen when they try to fool the international public… and here’s why: HavanaTimes.com now points to this article you’re reading right now. 
So, not only do I have the Havana Journal to make my case against HavanaTimes.org, I have the HavanaTimes.com to use against them in order to show the international public the truth about the propaganda that the Cuban government tries to pass off as “open minded thinking from Cuba”.
The HavanaTimes.org domain name was registered in May 2008, more than four years after I registered my domain, HavanaTimes.com
There are other agents working for the Cuban government on travel sites who give positive reviews of Cuban hotels and offer travel advice yet they refuse to admit that they too are agents of the Cuban government. I wouldn’t mind the HavanaTimes.org and VoyHavana so much if they actually admitted that they are paid by the Cuban government to promote Cuba to an international audience.
English translation of Granma article “New website in English presents reality of Cuba”
ELIZABETH REYES TASÉ
The Havana Times website, designed to facilitate knowledge of the reality of the English-speaking country, was presented today at the headquarters of the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC), in the Cuban capital.
Available since last October in the e-mail http://www.havanatimes.org, the project responds to one of the objectives of the Eighth Congress of the UPEC, aim to increase the informational proposals that reflect, in English, currently in Cuba on the Internet.
With an attractive, lightweight design, the initiative shows journalistic work and views of non-professionals about life in the largest of the Antilles, through cultural notes, pictures, interviews, feature stories, news and other sections.
Circles Robinson, editor of the site, said the idea offers a clear and truthful about Cuba and from Cuba, with an open mind, to encourage an intelligent and respectful debate.
Open to partners within and outside the country, the digital portal on the premise that the diversity of approaches is not a weakness but a strength, and has reported increased number of visits in nations like the United States and Canada, he said.
Tubal Paez, president of the UPEC, pointed out that the site fosters a closer dialogue with American society, implementing a kind of communication base for understanding the social reality of Cuba.
Havana Times is a tool to defend the revolution in the fight media, the principal means currently used by the enemies of the island to distort reality, he concluded Páez. (AIN)
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On Tue December 16, 2008, Cubana wrote:
I must admit the only use I make of Cuban government websites is for weather reports - surely they are accurate and truthful? Aren’t they…?
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On Wed December 17, 2008, Curt wrote:
, Publisher, Havana Times.org is much more objective and truthful than your right wing views. You are just like those right wing fascists in Miami when it comes to criticizing the Cuban government. Have you actually traveled to Cuba? For your information Cuba is neither the tropical gulag depicted in the US nor the socialist paradise claimed by some advocates. Get your facts straight before you talk shit.
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On Thu December 18, 2008, gframe wrote:
Cuba has problems with supply of foodstuffs and building materials for its people but as Colin Powell said"Fidel has done a lot for his people” The gains of the revolution in education, health and job security have been significant.
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On Thu December 18, 2008, Publisher wrote:
He has also stolen their freedom.
Job security. That’s funny. I’ll give you job security too if you want to work for $20 per month.
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On Fri December 19, 2008, Publisher wrote:
Seems as though the Cuban government doesn’t like this article much so of course they attack with lies rather than anything truthful. They attack me with words like “slander” and “scam” and “ranting” while the Havana Times management hides the truth about their ties to the Cuban government.
“Cuba Expert” Slurs Havana Times
I am happy to address the points brought up in their article:
1. “HAVANA, Dec. 17.- Somehow our two-month-old Havana Times website from and about Cuba is causing lost sleep for a Massachusetts businessman who claims to be the world’s leading expert on Cuba.”
Nope. I sleep even better knowing that I have “outed” HavanaTimes.org as a Cuban government operation so its readers are not tricked by its propaganda.
2. “Sequin appears fixated on convincing the world that HT is unworthy of reading…”
Propaganda is a lie and should always be exposed. I never said that the Havana Times is unworthy of reading and I actually like many of the stories posted there. My problem is that the management refuses to admit that they are agents of the Cuban government while claiming “open minded writing from Cuba”.
If the management would state the fact that all media in Cuba is regulated, controlled, reviewed, sanctioned (or in the case of Yoani Sanchez, discredited), so Havana Times readers know the bias of the website, then, I have no problem with Havana Times… other than of course the fact that it is one sided information.
3. “Guys like Sequin have a win-win situation. Their attacks on the Cuban government often allow them to tap into US congressional funds allocated to try and bring it down.”
I actually agree with this. I do not like USAID. I have never applied for USAID grants and I have never taken any public or private funding (other than advertising revenue).
4. “One of Mr. Sequin’s many scams is to purchase every Internet domain he can think of and to try and turn a big profit if the Revolution cries uncle, enabling guys like him to move in for the kill.”
I wouldn’t call it a scam. I call it an entrepreneurial business model in preparation for a post-Embargo post-Castro Cuba. BOTH need to go away before our business model can reach maximum valuation. (I have always been anti-Embargo for new readers.)
5. “the fact that several of my commentaries on Cuba and US-Cuba relations have been published in the Cuban online media”
At least Circles Robinson finally admits to this. NEVER has he acknowledged this fact. Why is he not proud enough of this fact to post in his About Us section?
So, I welcome the challenge of truth vs propaganda. Freedom and honesty will always trump Communism and deceit.
I stand by everything I have said in this article and see no reason to change my position based on Mr. Robinson attack against me and our business model.
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On Fri December 19, 2008, Publisher wrote:
The Cuban propaganda machine at Havana Times is working full time to put a positive spin on the stupid comments Raul Castro made about gesture for gesture swap for his political prisoners for our convicted Cuban Five felons.
Cuban agent Circles Robinson of the Havana Times writes Cuba Makes Overture to Obama which is so bullshit it’s funny.
His article quotes the BBC as saying the “Cuban leader makes an attractive offer that would please his compatriots on both sides of the Florida Straights”. Well, if you read the BBC link above, there is no such wording of an “attractive offer”.
More lies from Circles Robinson who refuses to admit that he works for and is edited by the Cuban government.
Of course his article is once again printed in the state controlled Ahora.cu propaganda rag .
Apparently Raul Castro and Circles Robinson don’t mind making stupid statements to the international press.
Just type in HavanaTimes.COM and you will come back to this page where will will continually keep you updated on the lies from the Cuban government.
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On Mon December 22, 2008, Publisher wrote:
Now Mr. Robinson is resorting to leaving comment spam for the only purpose of marketing HavanaTimes.org.
In case the comment is removed by the owners of the site, here is Mr. Robinson lame comment with a link out to HavanaTimes.org:
“Very refreshing to read how a call for change in Washington’s Cuba policy unites so many US religious leaders along with 33 Latin American and Caribbean presidents and prime ministers, and 185 of the 192 United Nations member states. To read more about this issue and other aspects about Cuba check out: http://www.havanatimes.org.”
That is pure comment spam. Now it appears that the Cuban government is being proactive in it’s efforts to drop links in other sites in order to try to gain page rank and credibility.
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On Mon December 22, 2008, paul wrote:
That website is yet a new low from the Cuban government. Making a cutesy-esque site with a “hey guys we’re just a little .org” feel. Even worse is when that guy attacks your opinion on the site, and he responds with a “hey i’m just a little random nobody” front.
I bet that most of those “comments” are all done by him or other government approved individuals.
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On Mon December 22, 2008, Publisher wrote:
Thanks for that.
One comment says I am anti-Cuba. I respond by saying that Raul Castro is anti-Cuba.
How about that?
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On Wed December 24, 2008, Asoka wrote:
What a foolish comment by Publisher @ #9 !
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On Wed December 24, 2008, Publisher wrote:
Fair enough.
What I mean by that is that Raul Castro wants to keep the Cuban people poor and dependent on the state so he can keep them oppressed.
Raul Castro’s worst enemy is freedom and prosperity for Cuba.
To me that means he is anti-Cuba.
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On Fri December 26, 2008, gframe wrote:
I have read it and I see no propaganda in the stories. Just human interest man on the street stories.
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On Fri December 26, 2008, Publisher wrote:
There are good stories there but so long as the management refuses that they work for the Cuban government and that ALL articles are filtered, reviewed, edited and/or written by the Cuban government, it is propaganda.
Just be clear that there are no independent journalists working for HavanaTimes.org.
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On Sun December 28, 2008, Publisher wrote:
In pure Cuban propaganda fashion, the Cuban media controlled Havana Times is reporting Fidel to Lead Cuba’s Golden Anniversary.
Of course as you read the article you find the caveat “whether or not his health allows him to be there personally.”
I love this “open minded writing from Cuba”.
What a farce.
I’m happy to report that our HavanaTimes.COM (which points to this page) has enjoyed steady traffic from people typing in the .com instead of the .org.
I guess they are in for a surprise when they read the truth about the deceptive nature of HavanaTimes.org and the fact that they intentionally hide any ties to the Cuban government.
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On Wed December 31, 2008, gframe wrote:
I read all I can on Cuba including the Havana Journal and I see no falsehoods in the Havanatimes.org. More like human interests stuff.
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On Wed December 31, 2008, gframe wrote:
Periodistas independientes en Cuba? No but Sun Sentinel etc. have their reporters in Cuba. Where does the publisher obtain his news?
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On Wed April 01, 2009, Publisher wrote:
HavanaTimes.org is not so “open minded” when it comes to accepting comments.
A 21 year old rich girl from Boston studying in Havana for three months has clearly been hypnotized by the Cuban propaganda machine so much so that she feels compelled to write for the Cuban propaganda rag that is the HavanaTimes.org.
“In Boston, where I attend Northeastern University, I study journalism and international affairs.”
In her defense, her childish naivete (and most likely socialist upbringing in Boston and Vermont) is simply being exploited by the Cuban propaganda machine.
She ends her When Culture is Affordable article with “To me, this is one of the greatest triumphs of the Revolution.” which is the sign of a good young Communist therefore she is welcome to write for the HavanaTimes.org.
However, if you look around the site, most articles have ZERO comments. I am not surprised since the Cuban government does not like comments. So, I wanted to prove it for myself.
I posted this comment to the article above:
Sounds like you are learning to be a good Communist while you are there.
“To me, this is one of the greatest triumphs of the Revolution.”
To have everyone educated but equally poor?
END - START SECOND ARTICLE
In this article Close to Vedado by Francisco Castro, the young man talks about housing in Havana. A rather sad look inside the mind and situation of a good young Communist but that’s not my issue here.
I posted a simple question: “Are you related to Fidel Castro?”.
Well, I guess that was inappropriate since that comment was not allowed either.
Since neither comment made it to the site, I sent in this request:
“I left two comments on two different stories. I’m wondering if they are still awaiting moderation or if they were not accepted.”
I received this reply back:
“Rob, what makes you think you deserve an answer?”
So much for “open mindedness” at HavanaTimes.org.
Note to the HavanaTimes.org: Thanks for developing the .org. This page (which is the landing page for our domain name HavanaTimes.com) has enjoyed an increase in traffic. I would imagine some good Communists are surprised when they type in HavanaTimes.COM instead of HavanaTimes.ORG.
I don’t know why the Cuban government decided to support this project using HavanaTimes.org. The .org domain was registered in May 2008 while we registered our HavanaTimes.com in January 2004.
Anyway, we’re happy to do our duty and keep the Cuban propaganda machine in check.
By the way, Circles Robinson and anyone else, you are free to leave any comment you like here (so long as it is on topic and without obscenities) and it will not await moderation, be screened or edited because THIS site is truly “open minded”.
As a professional courtesy, I have sent this comment post to Circles. We have nothing to hide here.
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On Thu April 02, 2009, grant wrote:
Several of the bloggers in Havanatimes are not pro government at all. In fact they are more radical than Yoani in their comments.
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On Thu April 02, 2009, Publisher wrote:
Please paste in one URL that you think is the most “radical” and we’ll see if we agree with your comments.
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On Thu April 02, 2009, Malo wrote:
Havana Times best feature is their “fun” link, where you are supposed to look for eight things that are different in the two pictures they have posted. Actually, the differences were pretty easy to spot. In the first picture there is a group of disgruntled Cubans hanging out in front of a government store where there is never anything to buy. In the second picture eight of the Cubans are missing having fled to Miami for a better life.
Next week Havana Times will post two pictures of the Cuban Central Committee so readers can have “fun” trying to spot which eight Central Committee members have been purged.
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On Thu April 30, 2009, doblevay wrote:
the publication is headed by an American andhas Americans writing for it who are not in any way associated with the Cuban governement
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On Thu April 30, 2009, Publisher wrote:
You mean Circles Robinson is an American?
When is the last time he was in the United States?
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On Fri May 01, 2009, doblevay wrote:
i dont know that, and maybe he has views that coincide with the cuban governement, but my friend wrote for them and she is a college student from the U.S. who is a democrat and in no way associated with the cuban government. if they are going to let people like her write openly about their experiences and views of cuba it cannot be too closely associated to the government can it
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On Fri May 01, 2009, paul wrote:
If it praises the island and looks like open minded writing, it’s allowed on that site.
Havanatimes.org= Giving Communism a kewl and laid back gloss. It’s only open minded if you criticize anything but the Cuban government.
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On Wed June 10, 2009, Milagros wrote:
WoW Rob, is there anyone who does not support your agenda or way of thinking that escapes your hitmen? Reminds me of dejavu Meyer Lansk,y Bugsy Siegel crap..LOL
It seems real silly for you to be sitting here in the US espousing accusations that you cannot prove, trying to incite the people with fear mongering etc..Rob you are a hater… So my propostition to u is.
1 Bring your proof that Circles is an agent working got Pres Castro
2. Prove that there is jealousy coming from the Havana times and directed towards Yoani and the Y generation.
3. Tell us how that couple in Havana, arrested as spies? came under the radar..who outed them or is this a crock of miertha as well? hmmmm
Last, this is from my from my own knowledge i went to cuba May 4th and stayed until June 1st.. legally for the first time in 44 yrs.
I had previously traveled back and forth over 50 times without problems for that many yrs.. why?? Because i love my country and my people..all of them and i had to help.
This time, i was all over the island and no matter where i went people were not always impressed with Yoani. Many believe, and perhaps wrongly so that she is an egotistical frustrated and lonely nut who just wants some attn.
People in Cuba, are far from stupid, and when anyone.. that means anyone.. puts themselves ahead of the real prob in Cuba which is “NOT FIdel” but the embargo they have problems with that.
Now from my own perspective, i have no problem with Yoanis, efforts other than i believe that she is being used just like that Afro Cuban Jorge Garcia Antunez? a petty criminal who has been turned into a freedom fighter and whose wife was used to pen a searing letter to the CBC depicting Black americans as being unable to sit down on a bus had it not been for Rosa Parks?
I quickly responded to that letter and gently informed the mislead couple about the real story..i have lived in the US since i was 16 and i have fought that battle as well and proud to do so..Moving right along..
Some right wing scalawags or carpetbaggers from MIAMI??? duh! used an ignorant black couple to site the CR movement in amerikkka, not realizing that even though the CBC gets no respect from the people who are hungry and poor..African americans a strong defenders of those who they believe have done a good job.
However,for Antunez, and his wife, who are not freedom fighters, but rather he is a petty criminal (Yes he did go to prison but it was not for what he claims and i can prove this as well!!) and to allow themselves to be used by the Miami mafia is beyond me. To have the nerve and cajones to piggy back on the afro american experience is certainly a slap.. he failed to do his homework! Rosa was not the first..just the one who got the creidt.
What were the miami mafia hoping? To create a division or a race riot in cuba..NOT! The struggle of Afro Cubans is my struggle as well but i am shaming, naming and and exposing them for what they are…Guess why??? LOL
For me the only member of the CBC that most people respect are Maxine waters and Bobby Rush the rest are a bunch of Culo licking uncle toms..
Sorry Rob, just apeaking my piece and just so you know i will copy and paste this entire article to my blog..because from what i have been told about you is that you probably will remove this..shame on you..
Bring your proof or shut your lips!! And by the way i You can find me all over the web..bring on the truth! Rob bring it on! and stop your jealousy.
Milagros Villamil
native born Cuban
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On Wed June 10, 2009, paul wrote:
Your post should be deleted, just to give you the Cuban government censorship experience. I got the douche shivers from everything you wrote.
What a waste of an exit Visa, shows that Communists also wash up on our shores.
blablablamiamimafiamccarthyismrighwingpredictablereplycomingupzzzzblabla
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On Wed June 10, 2009, Publisher wrote:
Milagros,
1. There is plenty of proof in the original article.
2. Why do you have to bring Yoani and the Miami Mafia into this? Time to deflect the truth again I suppose.
3. “i have been told about you is that you probably will remove this..shame on you..” I don’t know who told you this but I have NEVER deleted a post that was on topic. NEVER.
4. Why are Communists always so long winded? I suppose the more time people invest in reading the lies and propaganda, the more they are inclined to believe it. Well, long winded crappy propaganda doesn’t work here.
5. “i will copy and paste this entire article to my blog” Great. Feel free to link to your blog. I have no problem with that. Let’s see what you have to say.
I stand by my assertion that Circles Robinson is an agent of the Cuban government publishing the HavanaTimes.org with their approval even if CNN publishes a puff piece about Circles Robinson.
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On Wed June 10, 2009, Publisher wrote:
With regards to that article in CNN… how does Circles get paid from the Cuban government while he claims to be an American?
Also, why does he tell CNN that he is an American working for the Cuban government but he won’t post that in the About Us section at the HavanaTimes.org? I would think that Circles would want to link to his CNN page so his readers could know more about his operation.
Thanks to Circles for building on the .org so people will come to our .com by mistake and learn the truth about his Cuban propaganda site. (We have had HavanaTimes.com since January 2004 while HavanaTimes.org was registered in May of 2008.)
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On Wed June 10, 2009, paul wrote:
Funny how the friend of left wing dictatorships is always a seeming peacenik. There is indeed a relationship going on there. The peacenik gets privileges, and in return they use their soft front to wage a soft power public relations campaign.
It’s a carefully planned strategy, I would even call it a form of Psyops. I think it definitely deflects criticism, when you have someone dressed kewl and relaxed, talking warmly about things which take your mind away from the military dictatorship, and big brother CDR’s on every street.
It’s like the other peacenik that pipefitter mentioned on here. She lived in Cuba for twenty years, defends it in her writing, uses her position of influence to get people thinking a certain way, and looks like warm little arts & crafts teacher.
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On Thu June 11, 2009, Yeyo wrote:
Hey Milagros, if Cuba is so good why did you emigrate from it? You probably still have a chance to go back before Castro pass away. The only reason why you can go back and forth to Cuba is because you no longer live in Cuba right?
If you have a blog, you should choose your wording better, not for saying bad words (that by the way everybody knows them) your points become stronger.
Regarding Yoani, I also happen to know lot of people in Cuba that favour and support her. Every day more Cubans hear from her and in no way she is been used by anybody. She is very clever and the only problem is that she was initially dismissed by the Castro Regime and became a big problem when suddenly was selected among the most influential personalities in the world.
Regarding Circles, he may not be a G2 agent but he is certainly working for the Cuban Government, the reason is very simple, as you clearly know in Cuba everybody works for the government and to have access to internet and the freedom to write a blog as he does, you have to be approved by the Government. Otherwise why he can and Yoani doesn’t.
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On Sun September 06, 2009, rogdix wrote:
Quoted from Milagros…..... “This time, i was all over the island and no matter where i went people were not always impressed with Yoani. Many believe, and perhaps wrongly so that she is an egotistical frustrated and lonely nut who just wants some attn.”
Is that so? And where - do tell - are the folks across the island that you were “all over” supposed to have learned about Yoani’s very existence? From Granma perchance? La Mesa Ronda, or from the Internet they don’t have access to? Or did YOU explain it all to them?
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On Mon September 07, 2009, john wrote:
Also to quote Milagros (#25)....
“People in Cuba, are far from stupid, and when anyone.. that means anyone.. puts themselves ahead of the real prob in Cuba which is “NOT FIdel” but the embargo they have problems with that”
People in Cuba who speak openly against Fidel are jailed.
People in Cuba who speak openly agaist the embargo are praised.
People in Cuba must be careful when speaking openly, freedom and life depend on it.
One thing is for sure, people in Cuba really are far from stupid.
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On Fri October 30, 2009, John Richmond wrote:
I suppose the real question is how to engage in a meaningful and respectful debate over these issues. I am a member of the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association so you know my politics (no hidden agendas here). I really enjoy HavanaTimes.org - even though I find it painful to read (as a supporter of the Revolution). I don’t think one builds bridges with the kind of attack you attempt here - you only turn off the the many people inside and outside Cuba who more or less support the objectives of the Revolution even though they may or more not support the government. The same is true of course for people who viciosuly attack opponents of the Revolution. I’ve sent these kinds of comments to other Cuban Americans been threatened as a consequence. Let’s try to reach out - no more polemics and hatred….
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On Fri October 30, 2009, Publisher wrote:
To engage you in debate means that I have to believe in Communist propaganda like the content from Havana Times.
Since Circles Robinson refuses to be honest with his readers about his background, I cannot believe that there is much truth at Havana Times.
Why does he refuse to say that he used to work for the Cuban government.
Do you know that he was kicked out of Cuba for publishing the Havana Times?
Why doesn’t he post that in his About Us section?
John,
You are a good Communist. Good for you. At least you are honest about it and don’t try to hide it like Circles and so many others that come to post here at the Havana Journal.
You want to reach out? Ask Raul to do SOMETHING… ANYTHING in response to the many efforts put out by President Obama.
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On Fri October 30, 2009, Publisher wrote:
I stand corrected.
Mr. Robinson has posted his article in his About Us section.
These are his words:
“Having worked for the Cuban media for seven years…”
AND
“As Havana Times celebrates its first anniversary, we continue an unabated rise in readership and I am editing the materials from Nicaragua, where I have lived since my Cuban residency ran out in June.”
END
So, basically after living in Cuba for seven years, Mr. Robinson was kicked out of Cuba six months after launching HavanaTimes.org.
Anybody else want to debate free speech in Cuba?
I wonder what Mr. Robinson thinks about his Communist utopia now and if he still believes in the Revolution.
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On Sat October 31, 2009, Yeyo wrote:
Hi John we agree with you, the real issue is to engage in meaningful and respectful debate over those issues.
However we the people that have lived and endure the oppression of the “Revolution” have not only the right but also the duty to offer our side of the history, to confront the opinions posted by people like you that travel to Cuba and enjoy the Mojitos and dance at the rhythms of the music played by the Castro regime while millions of my people are being oppressed daily.
If you are truthful to yourself, you probably remember been in several places where Cubans were not allowed for the only reason of being Cubans. Is that your idea of building bridges?
For me bridges are build with democracy, plain and simple. I recognize that it is better doing something than nothing but it is also clear that Castro and his cronies have used the Revolution word to perpetuate themselves in power at any cost, even when that means the continuous oppression and exploitation of the people.
Many well intentioned people like you were and still are brought to Cuba and sold the beautiful ideas on which the Revolution was build. However it is clear now that firstly there is no Revolution because Revolution means change and Cuba is an example of anything but change. Secondly those beautiful ideas were used by Castro from the beginning to infuse enthusiasm on his followers but the fact is that they were only ideas; very few of them are today a reality, and many of his first followers realized his lies and are now like me telling our side of story.
John I believe your good intentions but recommend you to check the facts.
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On Sat October 31, 2009, rogdix wrote:
Yeyo:
Extremely well stated - I admire your constraint. I (Canadian male) do spend a lot of time in Cuba behind the facade so to speak, and I see clearly the cognitive trap that occasional visitors fall into. My long-time novia and I have been peremptorally detained more than once by the Castro esclavos in uniform - for no other reason than that of being together. It’s a gross insult to her dignity; and it’s sickening. I’ve even been photographed by under-cover Castro retards just giving my novia a peck on the cheek on the beach! Then they went to her and “warned” her. For what?
And the brain-dead aduana al aeropuerto? For goodness sake, - we are trying to help. Don’t confiscate the food I bring.
I’ve seen (and helped) Cubans steal food from the tourist hotels in order to feed their under-nourished families. I’ve seen good neighbours in Santiago hump water up 4 flights of pisos in deteriorating apartment blocks, because the municipal water is all over the streets instead of in the taps. But never fear, the police are on patrol.
I have to take hygienic supplies to the family - and vitamins, - and shoes so that her son can go to school.
[Yoani Sanchez must be supported at all costs. I’d like to meet her some day.]
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On Sun November 01, 2009, John Richmond wrote:
Let me just say:
(1) I am not a “Communist” or a “communist” or a member of the Communist Party - but I hope if I was a “communist” you would still be respectful.
(2) I am a “socialist” in a loose sense - and I belong to a social democratic party here in Canada (the NDP).
(3) I also belong to Amnesty International and work for human rights everywhere.
(4) I have many friends in Cuba - my family and I stay with them when we visit and so I know first hand the reality of Cuba. Most of my Cuban friends are what you would call “poor” by any definition of the term, inside or outside Cuba. I never go anywhere they are not welcome.
(5) I have visited several other Latin countries such as Mexico and Chile - both countries have many of the same economic and social problems (amongst the poor, not the middle and upper classes or course) and these countries also have serious problems Cuba does not.
(6) Building a better Cuba, a better Canada, a better USA and better Latin America depends on all of us who believe in human rights and democracy being respectful - whether we believe in socialism, capitalism or neither….
Cheers
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On Sun November 01, 2009, Publisher wrote:
”(5) I have visited several other Latin countries such as Mexico and Chile - both countries have many of the same economic and social problems (amongst the poor, not the middle and upper classes or course) and these countries also have serious problems Cuba does not.”
You can’t compare these countries to Cuba.
Citizens of Mexico and Chile and can vote for their leaders in a democracy and if they don’t like it, they can leave.
They also have the opportunity to work in a free market.
Cuba is not a democracy.
Cuban citizens cannot leave Cuba.
Cuban citizens cannot work in a free market.
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On Wed November 04, 2009, Yeyo wrote:
Hi John,
Nothing wrong with your way of thinking, in fact I respect Communists, Socialist, Capitalists and any way of thinking in general, but what I do not support is Totalitarian Dictatorships that throw people in jail and prosecute his own people for simple things like thinking differently.
I have one single question: If you really belong to Amnesty International and work for human rights everywhere, have you try to do work for human rights in Cuba openly?
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On Thu November 05, 2009, pipefitter wrote:
Well Pub, you did’nt tell the truth completely did you. I know there are lots of people in Cuba that do not work for the government, work for private companies and others that work for themselves.Lots of Cubans have left Cuba to visit relatives and gone back. Cuba may not fit into the U.S. dog eat dog democratic mould that you envision, but it is better than a lot of countries. I read everything I can about Cuba and evaluate it for what it is. Factual information is hard to find about Latin America in the North American spin press. I notice that you, being the unbiased person that you are, don’t like to post much positive info about Cuba so we have to look elswhere.
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On Thu November 05, 2009, Publisher wrote:
What do you refer to where I didn’t tell the truth?
Factual information is pretty hard to find inside Cuba too. No?
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On Thu November 05, 2009, paul wrote:
Pipefitter is anything but unbiased, and if it was up to him, he’d prefer that we get Cuban news from the spin press Granma.
Typical argumentative communist.
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On Thu November 05, 2009, pipefitter wrote:
Pub, post #39 Items 1- 3&4.
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On Thu November 05, 2009, pipefitter wrote:
Factual information on Latin America is hard to find in North America because the press here just doesn’t report it. There is lots of information in Latin American press you just have to look for it. I.E. KIA autos is going to put an assembly plant in Cuba next year, Japan is helping Cuba with rice production, a private farmer in Camague is producing super big vegetables Cubans just opened a 22 variety frozen bread plant that will produce 250 tons/mo. etc. This is how you could fill in the gaps Pub, report the good stuff too.
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On Thu November 05, 2009, Publisher wrote:
???
You mean these statements of fact:?
Cuba is not a democracy.
Cuban citizens cannot leave Cuba.
Cuban citizens cannot work in a free market.
Okay, how about this:?
Cuba is not a democracy. truth.
Cuban citizens cannot leave Cuba. without permission
Cuban citizens cannot work in a free market. truth.
So, pipefitter, enough from you. Go read the Havana Times to get the truth on Cuba.
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On Fri November 06, 2009, Yeyo wrote:
Hi Pipefitter,
The problem is not about if the press report or not that stuff, but because that stuff is kind of irrelevant independent journalists may have chosen to report something else. And that’s why people like you read Granma, while most people in Cuba buy it because there is no toilet paper.
I know that is hard for you to understand that, but in a FREE society journalists choose to report wherever they want and obviously they would write about stuff they feel is more important or that would attract more readership. Obviously there is no such thing with GRANMA. They have to publish all that bullshit about a private farmer producing gigantic vegetables. Come on man, what kind of relevance has that considering the devastation of the whole food production in Cuba.
Relevant news is that Cuba for many, many, many years was the first world exporter of sugar and is now importing sugar from the US, sugar that is being produced by the same Cubans, which farms and sugar mills were confiscated by Castro in the 60’s.
By the way for your information Japan has been helping Cuba with the rice production since the 70’s and maybe before. I guess for the results after so many years we can conclude that those Japanese technicians have no idea about rice. But obviously the problem is not the land, the rice or the water.
The problem is clearly ...well I’m sure you know what the problem is, right?