2nd November 2015
Havana, Cuba
This week sees FIHAV take place. As in previous years, hundreds of companies from all around the world will converge on Havana, brandishing their wares and exhibiting their widgets. This year though FIHAV will be even bigger and even better. The rapprochement between the US and Cuba, the new investment law and the launch of […]
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29th October 2015
Havana, Cuba
One phrase stood out from the Italian Prime Minister’s speech at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana yesterday. Prime Minister Renzi said that even though Italy might not be a superpower in some areas, it should be considered ‘a cultural superpower’ given the strength of its architecture, music and art. Having spent a few […]
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14th September 2015
Havana, Cuba
15 September marks the UN International Day of Democracy, a day on which Governments are encouraged to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy. The UN General Assembly resolution establishing the day encourages all member states to bring the day to the awareness of their citizens. The resolution also reaffirms the […]
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10th September 2015
Havana, Cuba
Manuel Barcia Paz was a Chevening scholar 14 years’ ago. He is now Professor of Latin American History at the University of Leeds. A big thanks to Manuel for sending me his story. It seems like ages since I arrived at London-Heathrow airport all those years ago alongside fellow Chevening scholar Davide Casagrandi. Since then […]
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3rd August 2015
Havana, Cuba
Applications for Chevening scholarships for 2016-17 are now open. Chevening is the British government’s scholarship to study a one-year master’s course in a British university. You can apply here. Don’t worry; you don’t have to rush as you’ve got until the beginning of November to complete your application. But do make sure your application is […]
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31st July 2015
Havana, Cuba
A lot of people ask me which are the best books written about Cuba. This year, more than ever it seems, people are interested. The rapprochement between Cuba and the United States, the two countries re-opening embassies after 54 years, the Cuban government’s steady economic reforms; all of this, and the thought that it will […]
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16th June 2015
Havana, Cuba
I’ve written before about how more internet access for more Cubans is likely to spur economic growth so the rollout of the internet to more parts of the country is welcome. New internet cafes have been opened – although they are still relatively expensive – and wifi is being provided in a few parks in Trinidad, […]
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12th June 2015
Havana, Cuba
Last week, we held the first #BritTalk in my house. In a fascinating presentation, Lord David Triesman, in Havana on business, shared his experiences of working with FIFA and Sepp Blatter when he was Chair of the Football Association. The audience was gripped by Lord Triesman’s tales of sleaze and abuse of power, by his […]
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4th June 2015
Havana, Cuba
This is the third in a series of blogs by Cubans who received Chevening scholarships and have studied or are studying in the UK. This week, Carlos Rangel Irola writes about his experiences, studying an MSc in Finance and Banking at the University of Essex in Colchester. Thanks to Carlos for this great blog! Don’t expect this story to […]
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17th May 2015
Havana, Cuba
The Conga Cubana against Homophobia and Transphobia held in Havana on 9 May was a riot of colour and noise. With whistles, banners, flags and hand-written signs, about 1500 people marched up 23rd Street calling for their rights to be respected. I was honoured to be invited and to attend and was impressed by what […]
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