By Laura Becquer Matanzas, Cuba, Aug 5 (EFE).- Burn scars are a constant reminder for firefighter Francisco del Toro of the events of Aug. 5, 2022, which saw the start of a blaze at an oil-storage facility here that would become the largest industrial disaster in Cuba’s history. “I was off that day, but they …
By Laura Becquer Havana, Apr 26 (EFE).- Cancelation of the May Day parade, suspension of in-person classes at some universities, and the accumulation of garbage due to delayed pickups are some of the visible manifestations of the fuel shortage gripping Cuba. Long lines at gas stations started appearing weeks ago, and recent days have seen …
By Laura Becquer Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba, Mar 4 (EFE).- Becoming the first female member of the select club of Cuban rum masters was the result of “effort, commitment and responsibility,” Salome Aleman told EFE. “You fall in love when you enter this factory,” she said during an interview at the Corporacion Cuba Ron …
By Laura Becquer Havana, Feb 2 (EFE).- An unprecedented study of giving birth in Cuba revealed numerous cases of “obstetric violence” and urged the island’s public health system to embrace the concept of Respectful Maternity Care. Put together by five independent journalists, “Broken Births” recounts the stories of 514 women who had should have been …
By Laura Becquer La Coloma, Cuba, Oct 15 (EFE).- Benito Perez Rodriguez, 59, continues to clear mud from what used to be his home in this village on Cuba’s southwestern coast that was pounded by Hurricane Ian. “I was in the (1975-1991) Angola war. I was a firefighter and forest ranger here,” he tells EFE …