After two years of Covid I finally was able to return to Cuba. Getting there via Trinidad and Panama, with lengthy stop overs in both airports, was a long and tiring journey.
This time I re-visited some familiar places and some new ones. At first it did not appear that much had changed in the last two years. The process through the Jose Marti International Airport was quick and efficient. So was the taxi to Havana and bus to Camaguey. But once I settled in I realised that things are harder for the Cuban people. This is due mainly to the loss of the tourist arrivals due to Covid and the continued economic isolation by the USA.
This narrow minded policy will soon give the USA a lot of trouble as the Chinese are providing a lot of aid and support to Cuba, and the Caribbean as a whole. On the bus trip back to Havana I saw two large drilling rigs proudly flying Chinese and Cuban flags side-by-side. A very clear statement of intent.
Flags of Cuba and China fly side-by-side on a drilling rig operated jointly by Cuba's state-owned oil company Cuba Petróleo Union and China's China National Petroleum Corp. Source npr.
Flags of Cuba and China fly side-by-side on a drilling rig operated jointly by Cuba's state-owned oil company Cuba Petróleo Union and China's China National Petroleum Corp. Source npr.
It is only a matter of time before China sends a warship through the Caribbean on a “goodwill” visit.
However, the US embargo has had some good results for the Cubans. Cubans have learnt how to be independent and self-reliant. Their Medical industry is very advanced and the best in the Central and South America. All medical care is free for all Cubans. Over the past decades this investment by previous governments made it possible for Cuba to develop their own Covid-19 vaccine.
As of December 31st 2021 95% of the Cuban population have had 3 doses of their “home-made” vaccine which has proved to be very effective. They are in the process of administrating an additional dose to combat the new mutations. Every person I spoke to was very proud to tell me that they have the 3 doses and have either got the fourth or have an appointment to get it. In addition anyone can visit a medical centre and get tested in a few minutes.
In August 2022 the Cuban medical team were administering their fifth Covid-19 booster . There are very few new cases and almost no Covid Related deaths among the population. Cuba is open for business again with no restrictions.
The result is that schools and businesses re-opened on 15th November 2021. Compare that to Barbados, where the vaccination rate is about 60%, where partial face to face education resumed in February 2022.
The only sign of the virus is that everyone wears a face mask when in public. I spent 3 weeks traveling on public transport, visiting shops and restaurants and staying in private homes. There was no requirement for social distancing in a shop, restaurant or bus. I was Covid free when I took the test to leave the country.
One aspect I was happy to see is the increase on electric powered motorcycles, bicycles and small vehicles. At times it seemed like every other vehicle was electric powered.
Electric motorbike.
Another example of a home built transport. It was waiting to collect some packages that arrived on the Via Azul Bus.
The Battery is where the engine usually is and the electric motor is in the rear hub.
These Motorcycle based vehicles are used to transport people and cargo around the cities.
These Motorcycle based vehicles are used to transport people and cargo around the cities.
These Motorcycle based vehicles are used to transport people and cargo around the cities.
These Motorcycle based vehicles are used to transport people and cargo around the cities.
The Cubans are also masters at taking old equipment, that would either be scraped or put in a museum, and keeping it working for its original purpose. More often than not modifying it to meet current needs.
This hand well-pump has been modified and is powered by a washing machine motor, an old gear box and a modified connecting rod. I saw several of various versions.
Truck converted into a bus.
A Russian built tractor delivering fresh vegetables. The engine seemed to be original but some parts were modified to those that were available as spares.
A mix of old and new farming equipment.
A mix of old and new farming equipment.
Modified Land Rover.
Cuba is famous for its 1950’s and 1960’s American and Russian cars and trucks. Most have had their V8 engines removed and are now powered by a 4 cylinder Diesel engine. These are much more fuel efficient that the original engines.
Classic American cars in Havana, Cuba.
Classic American cars in Havana, Cuba.
Classic American cars in Havana, Cuba. These are not museum pieces but are working as taxis.
Classic American station wagon Cuba.
Classic American car Cuba.
A 1970's Triumph Herald.
Old Dodge truck converted into a bus.
A fleet of modern coaches provide a reliable service between the major cities.
At Santa Lucia, on the North Coast, are beaches with calm and shallow sea. The Hotels are spaced far apart so that it is possible to have space alone as you relax. There are no beach salesmen to harass you. An area is set aside where you can go to buy a wide range of locally made craft and souvenirs.

Fernando’s Restaurant is owned by a Cuban family in Santa Lucia. It is popular with locals and tourists. We had many meals there.

In Santa Clara I visited the monument to Ernestro “Che” Guevara and the museum dedicated to him and his comrades in the battle against the government forces in December 1958. This is well worth a visit and gives a good record of “Che” Guevara’s life and the times he lived in.
Santa Clara in Cuba played host to some of the Cuban Revolution’s fiercest fighting, including the decisive final battle fought by Ernestro “Che” Guevara, and today acts as the revolutionary’s final resting place with a monument, and mausoleum. Source: Wikipedia - Che Guevara Mausoleum.
The eternal flame commemorating Cuban Revolutionaries at the Ernestro “Che” Guevara Museum and Mausoleum in Santa Clara, Cuba. The eternal flame was lit by Fidel Casto on 17th October 1997.
The eternal flame commemorating Cuban Revolutionaries at the Ernestro “Che” Guevara Museum and Mausoleum in Santa Clara, Cuba. The eternal flame was lit by Fidel Casto on 17th October 1997.
Santiago de Cuba is located in south eastern Cuba, and is the second largest city on the island after Havana. It has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, and has played a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural development of Cuba.
Santiago de Cuba, Town Hall.
Diego Velazquez's House was built between 1516 and 1530. It is one of the oldest buildings in Latin America and was the seat of the first government of the island. It is now a museum and has a collection of furniture and artifacts.
Santiago de Cuba's Cathedral is built overlooking the Cespedes Park.
Beautiful restored buildings border the other sides and are now 5 Star hotels.
The large bay of Santiago de Cuba is guarded by the San Pedro de la Roco Castle, better known as the Morro Castle. The narrow inlet is very similar to Cienfuegos.
It was built to guard the city from pirates that roamed the area in the 18th century. Today it is a world heritage site and is well worth a visit.
Bay of Santiago de Cuba is guarded by the San Pedro de la Roco Castle
San Pedro de la Roco Castle - Santiago de Cuba,
The Moncada Barracks was attacked by Fidel Castro and his small band of fighters on 26th July 1953. This coincided with another attack on Carlos Manuel de Cespedes garrison in Bayamo . Both attacks failed and Castro spent time in prison for his part. After his release he went to Mexico where he organised and equipped a small band of loyal followers.
They were joined by a young Argenina doctor on a motorcycle tour of South America. His name was Ernesto Guevara.
On 2nd December 1956 they landed at Las Coloradas and after an initial setback they made steady progress in changing the government.
This time they were joined by the university students and together they waged a guerrilla war against the Batista government. On 1st January 1959 Batista fled to the USA and Castro and became leader of Cuba.
Moncada Barracks- Santiago de Cuba.
Antonio Maceo was the Cuban general when they were fighting for independence from Spain.
Fidel Castro is interred at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.
Dagoberto Ramos made these life sized sculptures in The Prehistoric Valley of animals from the Jurassic Period. They are spread over a large area in a realistic setting.
Dagoberto Ramos made these life sized sculptures in The Prehistoric Valley in Santiago de Cuba.
Dagoberto Ramos made these life sized sculptures in The Prehistoric Valley in Santiago de Cuba.
Dagoberto Ramos made these life sized sculptures in The Prehistoric Valley in Santiago de Cuba.
In January 2023 I made my 5th visit since 2019 and I have stayed in over 12 “Casas Particulars”. These are private owned houses that you can rent a room.
I got the opportunity to mix with the family and share their meals. All of them were clean, safe and friendly and had a TV and a full range of kitchen appliances.
I was free to travel wherever I wanted to without any restrictions on where I, or any Cuban, could go. There are very few police on the streets and the few I saw are relaxed and not aggressive. But it is a country where there is a punishment for every crime and it is adhered to. It does not depend on how much you can pay a lawyer.
Cuba is a safe and friendly destination for a traveller who wishes to enjoy the beach and the many historical sites all over the country. It is a country that is proud of its history. Every city has many museums that record the 500 years since the first Europeans arrived and the centuries before. Old buildings are carefully restored and returned to their past glory.
For the nature lover there is an abundance of flora and wildlife in the many parks. The island is surrounded by coral reefs that make for good diving.
Hiking is not well developed at present but it is possible to organise walks in most of the towns. On a previous visit I was able to walk unaccompanied for hours through the fields of Vinales without any restrictions.
These books by Sharon Milagro Marshall give a good account of some of the Bajans, and West Indians, who migrated to Cuba in the early 1900’s. They will give the reader a better understanding of the political and cultural ties between Barbados and Cuba and of the economic and political changes experienced by Cuba since the early 1900’s. These books are available at all good book stores and online from Amazon.
Tell My Mother I Gone to Cuba - stories of early twentieth-century migration from Barbados by Sharon Milagro Marshall.
A Return To Roots - "Cubajans" in Barbados by Sharon Milagro Marshall.
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I visited there in 2009 N had an amazing experience . Met some wonderful people and friends. I will return as soon as I can . I love Cuba N it’s wonderful people. Plus I’m a Bajan .
My uncle went to Cuba , but never came back .
I wonder if he had any family.
George Thomas
Initially, make no mistake. The Chinese do not provide aid and support for free.
Trust me. At some point there is a “favour” to be returned. And apparently the oil industry are being infiltrated by the Chinese as we speak.
The Chinese now own 70% of the Nigerian oil industry. Local people are being violently removed from their properties by Chinese Officials and pristine jungle habitats are being cut down for oil. Local people do NOT benefit from this, only Government officials who are paid off to look the other way.
The Chinese have lent vast sums of money to Barbados’s traffic infrastructure and one day there’s a bill to be paid.
The normal modus would be in form of oil leases or beachfront property to be developed at the expense of local Barbadians and already threatened eco-systems.
The Chinese war ships are already here, everybody were just sleeping and Caribbean islands are being sold under it’s peoples feet…
You have made me want to visit this island soon.
Thank you
My grandfather went to work in Cuba as a youth.
Your story has encouraged me to get those mentioned books.
Thanks
Exactly as we have found it in our 4 visits since 2004.
We just love it.
Such an interesting insight into Cuban life as it is today.
Thank you William