CubaNews articles from February 2002

CubaNews archives from February 2002

Corruption, poor management deal blow to fishing sector.
February 1, 2002... Three years ago, the Cuban fishing industry was one of the better performing areas of the economy, with catches and exports rising and incentives and improved technology boosting productivity. However, the past year has seen a series of...

Castro says he'll buy more American food.
February 1, 2002... WASHINGTON -- Fidel Castro's government appears to have reversed itself on his position that a recent purchase of $35 million worth of American farm products would be a one-time deal. During a lengthy meeting in Havana on the evening of...

Government unemployment figures offer little insight into true situation on jobs.
February 1, 2002... Although government officials concede that unemployment rose in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States as tourist arrivals fell sharply, they appear to be unwilling to address the full magnitude of the problem. ...

Cuban firm provides travellers assistance, insurance coverage.(Asistur)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... HAVANA -- It's not unusual for tourists to get into trouble while they are abroad and many buy travel insurance to protect themselves against accidents, lost luggage and theft. Since its founding more than 10 years ago, state company...

Fox moves to address Mexico-Cuba relations: relations solid but not like before.
February 1, 2002... WASHINGTON -- While Mexican President Vicente Fox said his nation's relationship with Cuba was "solid," things may have shifted a bit between the neighbors. Mexico has always been an ally of Fidel Castro's government--it was the only Latin...

Congress renews effort to allow greater travel to Cuba.
February 1, 2002... WASHINGTON -- After abandoning plans to seek an end to enforcement of US travel restrictions on Cuba in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) vowed during an February congressional hearing to try again this year. The...

Cuba reports progress in sugar harvest but doubts remain.
February 1, 2002... The sugar harvest has entered its peak, when all mills are active, cane shows the highest sugar concentrations and weather conditions are the best. At this time, both Cuban officials and outside analysts--having a access to different...

History of honey industry is not all that sweet.
February 1, 2002... HAVANA -- Although it is not a major industry, the production of honey and related products is an important source of hard currency for Cuba's battered agriculture sector. Honey is produced in most areas of Cuba, though it is most...

Commodity export markets.
February 1, 2002... SUGAR After a short improvement in late December to early January, sugar prices plummeted in the second half of the month to set a 22-month spot record low of 6.41 cents/lb on February 11. Monthly averages settled at 7.96 cents/lb for spot...

Canadian venture expands online shopping options.
February 1, 2002... Some years back, Canadian firm ICC brought the web to the Cuban government, starting the popular web portal Cubaweb (www.cubaweb.cu)--which helped Havana market its tourist sector and promote its political point of view. Now ICC, which has...

Rumor of the day.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Two former officials who were ousted in the past reportedly are close to political rehabilitation. Former Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina--a young, popular reformer who was dumped after he fought with Fidel Castro over foreign policy issues,...