CONDOLENCES

Jabiru Books Belize LLC expresses its Deepest Sympathy to the Family, Friends, and Fans of Aurelio Martinez who passed tragically on March 17, 2025. May His Music Play Forever. 

CELIA CARIDAD CRUZ ALFONSO

Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso (21 October 1925 – 16 July 2003), known as Celia Cruz, was a Cuban singer and one of the most popular Latin Artists of the 20th century. Cruz rose to fame in Cuba during the 1950s as a singer of Guarachas, earning the nickname ‘La Guarachera de Cuba.’ In the following decades, she became known internationally as the ‘Queen of Salas’ due to her contributions to Latin music. She sold over 10 million records, making her one of the best-selling Latin music artists. She began her career in her native hometown of the Santos Suárez neighborhood of Havana, possessing mastery of various musical styles and instruments, singing hits in bolero, rumba, afro, son, and guaracha styles. Cruz later turned her focus towards salsa music and continued to churn out hits even as she aged, such as La Vida es un Carnaval. Overall, Cruz composed 37 studio albums, won two Grammar words, earned three Latin Grammar Awards, and appeared in numerous telenovelas

For an original video of La Vida es un Carnaval, please view the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUNpqm3ZALE

For a video of La Vida es un Carnaval done by Victor Manuel in a Tribute to Celia Cruz concert, Celia being present, please view the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyDmRx_-gm8

For a video of La Vida es un Carnaval that shows scenes from Cuba and the lyrics so you can sing along, please view the link below. (Has an Advert.):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z7m_bmDC54

Cuba boasts many artists: famous singers, novelists, painters, sculptors. Among these singers are Gloria Estefan and Alpharetta Constantia Marley, commonly known as Rita Marley, and Jon Secada.

A famous Cuban writer was José Julián Martí Pétrez (1853 – 1895). He was a Cuban poet, essayist, journalist, translator, professor, and publisher, who is considered a Cuban National Hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. He was very politically active, and is considered an important revolutionary philosopher and political theorist. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol of Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century and is referred to as the ‘Apostle of Cuban Independence.’

Armando Mariño (born in 1968) is one of the most popular contemporary Cuban artists in the world. He produces both oil paintings and watercolors and created an immense vibrant style that turn his paintings and drawings into mesmerizing works of art.

The list of Cuban artists is extensive.

In keeping with the Latin American artistic spirit, enjoy this video by Jossie Esteban y la Patrulla 15, a leading Merengue band from the Dominican Republic. It is called La Maleta and some of our Macho readers may have experienced it. Enjoy!!! (Has an Advert.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPbQKOvXpKU

CUBES and CUBA

THE NINTH VISITOR: Simón, the Venezuelan – The Freedom Fighter

CUBES, a book of the Creative Non-fiction genre, is meant to provoke thought, not to condemn. The book deals with issues of importance and relevance to the United States of America, past and present. The above chapter delves into the role the United States of America played in Central America and Cuba before, during, and after the 1960’s. There are also discussions about what part the USA played in other worldwide conflicts. There are many questions about the USA’s participation in the past struggles of Central America, the answers to which we should all know; many are discussed in CUBES.

Have you ever wondered why Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926 – 2016) became a Cuban revolutionary and politician? He was the leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008, serving as the Prime Minister from 1959 to 1976 and President from 1976 to 2008. Ideologically a Marxist-Leninist and Cuban Nationalist, he also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1965 until 2011. Under his administration, Cuba became a one-party Communist State; industry and business were nationalized, and Socialist reforms were implemented throughout society. The United States of America opposed Castro's government and unsuccessfully attempted to remove him by assassination, economic embargo, and counter-revolution, including the Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961. Countering these threats, Castro was forced to align with the Soviet Union. Why he became a Cuban revolutionary and politician is discussed in CUBES.

Then there is Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara. Why did he become a revolutionary? Che, (14 June 1928 – 9 October 1967), was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, his stylized visage has become a worldwide countercultural symbol of rebellion and global insignia in popular culture.As a young medical student, Che travelled throughout South America and was appalled by the poverty, hunger, and disease he witnessed. His burgeoning desire to help overturn what he saw as the capitalist exploitation of Latin America by the United States prompted his involvement in Guatemala's social reforms under President Jacobo Árbenz whose eventual CIA-assisted overthrow at the behest of the United Fruit Company solidified Che's political ideology. President Árbenz had introduced a Land reform programme which would take away land from the rich foreign owners and give to the people who were forced to become serfs: agricultural labourers bound to work on their ‘Lords' estates. It was not only in Guatemala that millions of Latin American people were suppressed but throughout Central America and Cuba. Any government that tried to correct the prevalent Human Rights abuses were overthrown. The Human Rights abuses that occurred formed the basis for the Immigration issues that occur today.

CUBES provides a truthful format through which you can explore what history knows. It provides much more detail on what happened in Central America and Cuba that led to Revolution. You deserve to explore these very important happenings.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’S EMBARGO ON CUBA

The United States maintains a comprehensive economic embargo on the Republic of Cuba. In February 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba in response to certain actions taken by the Cuban Government, and he directed the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury to implement the embargo which remains in place today. Economic sanctions are defined as actions taken by one or more countries to limit or end economic relations with a target country to influence policy changes or achieve regime change. The latter has been the aim of the sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on the Cuban economy since the 1960s. The Cuban government, however, has found ways to reorient international alliances, manage fiscal budgets, and regulate the economy to minimize the impact of sanctions on its businesses and priority projects.

While there are arguments in support of U.S.A. sanctions on Cuba from a variety of quarters, there is wide agreement among scholars that it is a failed policy. The arguments supporting this view come from diverse perspectives whether focusing on the internal political impacts, foreign policy consequences, or the legitimacy and effectiveness of sanctions in defending human rights. As to economic impact, some authors highlight their ineffectiveness in isolating Cuba economically. Others stress that sanctions mainly affect families without leading to regime change or promoting Democracy in Cuba.

At the beginning of 2025, with the transition from the Biden administration to the current administration, the subject of sanctions on the Cuban economy has once again made headlines. In his final days in office, President Biden notified Congress of his decision to remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, a move facilitated by Vatican mediation and aimed at securing the release of 553 political prisoners. However, on his first day in office, the current President reinstated Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. With the confirmation of his Secretary of State—known for his radical stance against the Cuban government—many analysts anticipate that the new administration will implement stricter sanctions on the island and increase diplomatic confrontation with Havana. This outdated policy will not change the Cuban Government, it will simply increase the hardships of the Cuban people, a replication of what has happened before.

THE CARRIBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) AND THE CUBA SANCTIONS.

On January 17, 2025, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which Belize is a member, wrote that it was pleased to note the decision of the Government of the United States of America, on 14 January 2025, to issue a Certification of Rescission of the Republic of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This decision to remove the Republic of Cuba from the United States of America’s List of State Sponsors of Terrorism lifts the wrongfully imposed restriction that has inflicted significant hardship on the people of Cuba. This is a step in the right direction.

On January 20, 2025, CARICOM issued a statement: “Caricom has consistently advocated for the removal of the embargo of the United States of America against Cuba and urged the dismantling of outdated and discriminatory measures that have exacerbated Cuba’s economic and social struggles. In this regard, the community reiterates its call for the lifting of the financial, economic, and trade embargo imposed on the people and government of Cuba by the government of the United States of America.”

It will be interesting to note if these statements will be the end of CARICOM’s efforts. With respect to the USA, there is the question, Is it not better to have an ally rather than an enemy so close to your shores? Also, it must be noted that a strong Civil Society occupies a central position in Democratic Governance, serving as a vibrant arena for citizen engagement, advocacy, and collective action. Sanctions that ensure that a strong Civil Society does not develop, in itself, undermines Democratization.

BELIZE CELEBRATES 29 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH CUBA

Article by Belize Live News Staff:

Posted Monday, July 15, 2024

The Belize Cabinet today commemorated the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba. In a statement, the Cabinet expressed its gratitude for the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to further deepening and strengthening ties with Cuba, a fellow Caribbean nation. The statement highlighted the shared values and mutual respect that have characterized the relationship between Belize and Cuba over the past three decades.

The Anniversary serves as a reminder of the historical significance of July 15, 1995, when Belize and Cuba formally established diplomatic relations. Since then, the two countries have collaborated on various fronts, including healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.

The government of Belize looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with Cuba in the years to come.

Belize’s current Ambassador to Cuba is Her Excellency, Ann Lou Burns.

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BOOKS WRITTEN BY DR. HENRY W. ANDERSON

Add these great books to your personal library for your reading pleasure in 2025.

Are you looking for novels, short stories, poems, you will find nowhere else, a book like CUBES that explores USA Society, books that will take you from the depths of space to the eye of a hurricane? Or, perhaps, you would like to sail with the sea captains of Belize as they face violent storms, ghost ships, and specters on lonely islands. The great Sisimito Series invites you to live an unforgettable adventure within the pristine jungles of Belize, the dangerous world of Sisimito and the Jungle folk, the magnificent city of Ox Witz Ha and the Maya Civilization. Soon to be published is Dr. Henry W. Anderson’s latest book, I Dream of Obwaandi’eyaag (Pontiac), Buffalo and Prairies, which brings to you the mythology, battles, and struggles of the Indigenous Nations of North America in an outstanding adventure.

Dr. Henry W. Anderson’s books are available as E-books and Print-on-Demand at store.bookbaby.com (BookBaby Bookshop), recommended, and other worldwide retailers:

For store.bookbaby.com, go to: https://store.bookbaby.com/profile/jabirubooksbelizecom

Please visit our website at http://jabirubooksbelize.com

Soon to be published:

SISIMITO V - THE FALL OF YAXCHÉ; The final book of the extraordinary Sisimito Series.

I DREAM OF OBWAANDI’EYAAG (PONTIAC), BUFFALO AND PRAIRIES. BOOK ONE.

INFORMATION/LINKS

The works by Dr. Henry W. Anderson are available at the libraries of the Belize National Library Service and Information System. For more information, please go to:

https://www.bnlsis.org/

Once on the website, you may go to ‘Public Library Catalogue’ then to ‘Subject;’ select ‘Author’ and put in Henry Anderson; or use the link below to go directly to Dr. Anderson books:

https://bnlsis.mlasolutions.com/m5/catalog/(S(tsaodaxofc2mvp3zhpl4wwt2))/Default.aspx?internal=1&installation=LeoBradley

Dr. Henry W. Anderson books are also available as E-books and Print-on-Demand at store.bookbaby.com (BookBaby Bookshop), recommended, and other worldwide retailers:

Other E-Book Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Vearsa, Kobo, OverDrive, Copia, Gardners Books, Baker & Taylor, eSentral, Scribd, Ciando, hoopla, Playster, and many more.

Other Print-on-Demand Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s and thousands of other stores and wholesale bookstore catalogs like Ingram and Baker & Taylor, around the world.

For store.bookbaby.com, go to: https://store.bookbaby.com/profile/jabirubooksbelizecom

Visit us at:

https://www.facebook.com/JabiruBooksBelize

Visit our website at http://jabirubooksbelize.com

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