World
Cuban Leaders Beef Up Police Patrols After Rare Protests
Published
5 years agoon
By
Willie DavidHAVANA (AP) — Cuban police are out in force on the country’s streets as the president is accusing Cuban Americans of using social media to spur a rare outpouring of weekend protests over high prices and food shortages.
The demonstrations in several cities and towns were some of the biggest displays of antigovernment sentiment seen in years in tightly controlled Cuba, which is facing a surge of coronavirus cases as it struggles with its worst economic crisis in decades as a consequence of U.S. sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Many young people took part in Sunday’s demonstrations in Havana. Protests were also held elsewhere on the island, including in the small town of San Antonio de los Baños, where people objected to power outages and were visited by President Miguel Díaz-Canel. He entered a few homes, where he took questions from residents.
Authorities appeared determined to put a stop to the demonstrations. More than a dozen protesters were detained, including a leading Cuban dissident who was arrested trying to attend a march in the city of Santiago, 559 miles (900 kilometers) east. The demonstrators disrupted traffic in the capital for several hours until some threw rocks and police moved in and broke them up.
Internet service was spotty, possibly indicating an effort to prevent protesters from communicating with each other.
“We’ve seen how the campaign against Cuba was growing on social media in the past few weeks,″ Díaz-Canel said Monday in a nationally televised appearance in which his entire Cabinet was present. “That’s the way it’s done: Try to create inconformity, dissatisfaction by manipulating emotions and feelings.”
In a statement Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden said Cuban protesters were asserting their basic rights.
“We stand with the Cuban people and their clarion call for freedom and relief from the tragic grip of the pandemic and from the decades of repression and economic suffering to which they have been subjected by Cuba’s authoritarian regime,″ Biden said.
The U.S. urges the Cuban government to serve their people ’’rather than enriching themselves,″ Biden added.
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq on Monday stressed the U.N. position “on the need for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly to be respected fully, and we expect that that will be the case.”
The demonstrations were extremely unusual on an island where little dissent against the government is tolerated. The last major public demonstration of discontent, over economic hardship, took place nearly 30 years in 1994. Last year, there were small demonstrations by artists and other groups, but nothing as big or widespread as what erupted this past weekend.
In the Havana protest on Sunday, police initially trailed behind as protesters chanted, “Freedom!” “Enough!” and “Unite!” One motorcyclist pulled out a U.S. flag, but it was snatched from him by others.
“We are fed up with the queues, the shortages. That’s why I’m here,” one middle-age protester told The Associated Press. He declined to identify himself for fear of being arrested later.
Later, about 300 pro-government protesters arrived with a large Cuban flag, shouting slogans in favor of the late President Fidel Castro and the Cuban revolution. Some assaulted an AP videojournalist, smashing his camera. AP photojournalist Ramón Espinosa was then beaten by a group of police officers in uniforms and civilian clothes; he suffered a broken nose and an eye injury.
The demonstration grew to a few thousand in the vicinity of Galeano Avenue and the marchers pressed on despite a few charges by police officers and tear gas barrages. People standing on many balconies along the central artery in the Centro Habana neighborhood applauded the protesters passing by. Others joined in the march.
About 2 1/2 hours into the march, some protesters pulled up cobblestones and threw them at police, at which point officers began arresting people and the marchers dispersed. AP journalists counted at least 20 people who were taken away in police cars or by individuals in civilian clothes.
Although many people tried to take out their cellphones and broadcast the protest live, Cuban authorities shut down internet service throughout the afternoon Sunday.
On Monday, Cuban authorities were blocking Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram, said Alp Toker, director of Netblocks, a London-based internet monitoring firm.
“This does seem to be a response to social media-fueled protest,” he said. Twitter did not appear to be blocked, though Toker noted Cuba has the ability to cut it off if it wants to.
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World
Caribbean Tourism Open for Business, CTO Says as Travel Operations Remain Strong
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 8, 2026By
Willie DavidBARBADOS (FNN) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) on Monday reaffirmed that the region remains fully open for business, emphasizing its resilience and operational stability following temporary airspace disruptions linked to geopolitical developments in Venezuela.
CTO officials said the organization and its 25 member destinations closely monitored the situation over the weekend and worked with industry partners to minimize traveler disruptions.
Travel Operations Remain Stable
Cruise and air travel throughout the Caribbean continue to operate normally, with advance bookings remaining strong, according to the CTO. Airline partners added capacity to accommodate affected travelers, while hotels and resorts demonstrated flexibility in supporting guests whose plans were impacted.
Tourism leaders noted that the Caribbean has extensive experience managing external disruptions and has consistently demonstrated the strength and adaptability of its tourism sector, which serves as a vital economic engine for the region.
CTO Encourages Travelers to Proceed With Plans
The organization encouraged travelers to move forward with their travel plans, assuring visitors and industry partners that destinations across the Caribbean are safe, accessible, and prepared to welcome guests.
CTO also expressed gratitude to airline partners and the accommodations sector for their swift response, emphasizing the collaborative effort that ensured continuity for travelers.
2026 Theme Highlights Unified Caribbean Experience
Looking ahead, the CTO highlighted its 2026 theme, “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” which underscores the region’s shared identity and diverse offerings. From world-class resorts and boutique hotels to eco-adventures, heritage festivals, and renowned cuisine, the Caribbean continues to offer a seamless and welcoming travel experience.
Beyond its attractions, CTO leaders emphasized the region’s defining characteristic — its people — whose warmth and hospitality ensure visitors feel at home while exploring the Caribbean’s rich cultures and natural beauty.
World
Dr. Rudolph Moise Aids Jamaica in Hurricane Melissa Relief as Jack Brewer Foundation Launches U.S. Evacuation Mission
Published
2 months agoon
November 25, 2025By
Willie DavidMIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Dr. Rudolph Moise, a distinguished Air Force Colonel, former Haiti Ambassador-at-Large, and global health care leader, joined the Jack Brewer Foundation on a humanitarian mission to Jamaica to support communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Emergency Relief Mission
Moise joined a team of 20 volunteers on a chartered humanitarian flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica, as part of the Hurricane Melissa response effort. The mission, sponsored by the Jack Brewer Foundation, delivered more than 15,000 pounds of critical aid, including tents, sleeping bags, batteries, pallets of meat, and food supplies intended for the regions hit hardest by the storm.
According to a posting on The Jack Brewer Foundation’s website, the organization is also coordinating an emergency evacuation and rescue mission for U.S. citizens stranded in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Working with government partners and humanitarian agencies, the foundation plans to facilitate safe passage for registered passengers on a special evacuation flight scheduled to depart Wednesday from Montego Bay International Airport (MBJ) to Miami International Airport (MIA).
Priority is being given to families, the elderly, and individuals with medical needs, and all travelers must register individually to ensure proper documentation and seat assignments.
Medical Assistance and Community Support
During the relief mission, Moise provided medical assistance to several individuals in need. He noted the resilience and optimism of Jamaican residents despite widespread damage and loss.
“We came to the Caribbean nation of Jamaica to provide support to its beloved people during this critical time,” Moise said, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in disaster response. “The Jamaican people are incredibly resilient. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort to confront this crisis, and despite the tremendous losses many have endured, most still managed to greet us with a smile.”
Video clips and photographs from the trip document Moise’s work alongside volunteers as they distributed supplies and assisted local families.
A History of Disaster Response
This relief effort is not Moise’s first humanitarian deployment. In January 2010, he traveled to Haiti with a Disaster Rescue Team just two days after the catastrophic earthquake struck the country. His team saved 11 lives during that mission.
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Sports
USA U 17 Mens National Team Tops Group At 2025 FIFAf U 17 World Cup Advances To Knockout Stage Against Morocco
Published
2 months agoon
November 12, 2025By
Willie DavidDOHA, Qatar (FNN SPORTS) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team continued its impressive run at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, clinching the top spot in Group I with a 1-0 win over Czechia at Aspire Zone Pitch 4. Substitute Mathis Albert’s 78th-minute goal sealed the victory, giving the USA a perfect 3-0-0 record in group play — the program’s best start in 34 years.
Ranked third overall among group winners, the USA will face Morocco—who finished third in Group B—in the Round of 32 on November 14 or 15. FIFA is expected to confirm the official match date and time by Wednesday.
Albert’s Late Goal Seals Historic Win
With the group title within reach, head coach Gonzalo Segares rotated seven players from the starting lineup that defeated Tajikistan 2-1. Despite early pressure from Czechia, including a 14th-minute shot that hit the post, the Americans steadily grew into the match.
In the second half, substitute Mathis Albert brought new energy down the left wing, linking well with playmaker Máximo Carrizo. Their chemistry paid off in the 78th minute when Albert received a through ball from Carrizo, slipped behind the Czech defense, and calmly slotted home the decisive goal into the lower right corner.
The U.S. defense held firm despite a late red card to Mateo Tsakiris in stoppage time, preserving its second clean sheet of the tournament.
Milestones and Match Highlights
Historic Achievement: The victory marks the first time in 20 years—and only the fourth time overall—that the U.S. has won its group at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (previously in 1991, 1999, and 2005).
Perfect Record: It’s just the second time ever the U.S. U-17s have won all three group-stage matches, matching the 1991 squad’s feat.
Key Performances: Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes anchored a strong back line, recording two shutouts in three matches. Carrizo tallied his first assist of the tournament, while Albert netted his first U-17 World Cup goal.
Discipline: Tsakiris received a red card in stoppage time after a VAR review and will miss the Round of 32 match.
FINAL SCORE:
USA 1 – Czechia 0
Goal: Mathis Albert (78′)
Assist: Máximo Carrizo
The U.S. U-17s now turn their focus to the knockout stage, where they’ll look to continue their unbeaten streak and push deeper into the tournament.
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