Cuba

Introduction to Cuba

The Republic of Cuba consists of the island of Cuba (the largest of the Greater Antilles), the Isle of Youth and various adjacent small islands. The name Cuba is said to be derived from the Taíno word cubanacán, meaning "a central place." It is located in the northern Caribbean at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Cuba is south of the eastern United States, and the Bahamas, west of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Haiti, and east of Mexico. The Cayman Islands and Jamaica are south of eastern Cuba.

The Cuban constitution states that, "the Communist Party of Cuba...is the superior guiding force of society and the state". Members of the Communist Party of Cuba are selected by the party in a thorough process that includes interviews with co-workers and neighbors. Those selected are considered model citizens because they are viewed as strong supporters of the revolution. It makes recommendations concerning the future development of the revolution, and it criticises tendencies it considers counterrevolutionary. It has a relatively large influence in Cuba, but its authority is moral, not on any legal authority. The Communist Party of Cuba is the sole legal political party, and no other party is legally allowed to exist.

Elections are held by secret ballot and everyone age 16 or older can vote.

Cultural notes about Cuba

As Cuba is a meeting point of both European, African and Amerindian cultures, the culture of Cuba is unique and diverse. Much of it, especially Cuban music, is known worldwide.

Cuban music is the basis for may other Latin American musical styles, such as Salsa. The main musical form is Son.

The Caribbean island of Cuba has been influential in the development of multiple musical styles in the 19th and 20th centuries. The roots of most Cuban musical forms lie in the cabildos, a form of social club among African slaves brought to the island. Cabildos preserved African cultural tradition. At the same time, a religion called Santería was developing and had soon spread throughout Cuba, Haiti and other nearby islands. Santería influenced Cuba's music, as percussion is an important part of the religion. By the 20th century, elements of Santería music had appeared in popular and folk forms.

Fidel Castro's belief in the benefits of sports (he loves and has played baseball) has resulted in Cuba's relative international success (for a population of 11 million) in sporting events such as the Olympic games. Unlike in most of Latin America, football (soccer) is not a major game in Cuba but is gaining popularity. Baseball is the most commonly played game. Introduced by American dockworkers in Havana in the 19th century, the game has played a role in Cuban independence from Spain. Banned in 1895 by the Spanish, secret games funded José Martí's revolt. Cuban peloteros rank highly internationally and some have migrated to Major League Baseball in the United States. Boxing is also rather popular.

All Cuban food is rationed. A ration book called a libreta is supposed to guarantee sugar, rice, beans and cooking oil from shops, however, there are still massive shortages and even a libreta does not ensure that you will be able to purchase food.

The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 ended grain imports from that country, which were used to feed cattle and chickens. Since 1991 beef, chicken, milk and eggs became scarce. The egg shortage has led to the rise of a popular joke: Fidel Castro, at a speech: Comrades, God willing, we will have enough eggs for all the people of Cuba! - Raúl Castro, whispering: But comrade, we are communists, there is no God. - Fidel Castro: Don't worry, comrade, there are no eggs either.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Cuba

There continues to be an increase in the number of Canadians who are victims of pickpocketing, theft and assault, especially in Old Havana, Centro Havana and the Malecón, in various parts of Vedado, and on the beaches of Varadero and Playas del Este. The autumn months of 2005 have seen an increase in violent crime, including the stabbing death of a tourist. Exercise caution at all times, especially in tourist areas. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid wearing jewellery or showing signs of affluence. Incidents should be reported to local police, even though they will often just provide a slip of paper indicating that they took a statement on a certain date. Police officers may only speak Spanish. In cases where a Canadian has been robbed of all identification and money, it is advisable to contact the Canadian Embassy before contacting the police in order to avoid being held in jail until your identity is confirmed and your solvency restored.

Driving in Cuba is dangerous. Traffic accidents are the most frequent cause of the detention and trial of Canadians in Cuba, whether you are responsible for the accident or not. Accidents that result in death or injury are treated like crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove innocence. Prison sentences can range from one to 10 years. Regardless of the nature of the crime or accident, it can take five months to a year for the case to go to trial. In most cases, you will not be allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place.