Miami's Cuban Connection

Radio Mambi Commentator Dies

Agustín Tamargo, the gravelly voiced, fast-talking Spanish-language radio commentator known for his passionate and insightful analysis of local politics, Cuba and Fidel Castro, died last night of a heart attack. He was 82.

http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/35313.html

Romney: Keep the Embargo

Statement from Mitt Romney's campaign:

In An Interview With WIOD Radio (3/8) Today, Governor Romney Called For The Continuation Of The Cuban Embargo. “I am in favor of the embargo. I believe that any effort that would put more money in the hands of the Castro brothers in not a good idea,” said the Governor. “I think we need to continue the pressure and to develop a Latin American strategy that will move more countries towards us and away from the Castro brothers and individuals like Hugo Chavez.”

Bush Talks Cuba Democracy on Eve of Trip

WASHINGTON, USA (Reuters): Communist rule of Cuba should end when ailing leader Fidel Castro dies, US President George W. Bush said as he prepared for a Latin American tour seen as aiming to counter a regional shift to the left.

Bush's trip, starting in Brazil on Thursday, is widely viewed as offering a counterpoint to the populist appeal of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, whose nationalization plans he criticized.

"I strongly believe that government-run industry is inefficient and will lead to more poverty," Bush told newspaper reporters on Tuesday in remarks released on Wednesday.

"If the state tries to run the economy, it will enhance poverty and reduce opportunity."

Bush also made clear he is keeping an eye on Cuba and its long-time leader.

http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-343--5-5--.html

Battle Over Cuba Policy Heats Up

Supporters of U.S. sanctions against Cuba are mounting a congressional counteroffensive to keep the U.S. policy in place.

BY PABLO BACHELET

pbachelet@MiamiHerald.com

Related Content

WASHINGTON - Rep. Albio Sires gets personal when he asks fellow lawmakers to reject efforts to ease economic sanctions against his native Cuba. ''I just tell them about my story,'' says the New Jersey Democrat.

http://www.miamiherald.com/884/story/31466.html

President Honors Former Political Prisoner

It's not everyday POTUS honors a Cuban exile's passing:

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Cuban patriot Mario Chanes de Armas was a political prisoner of the Castro regime for 30 years, one of the longest sentences of any political prisoner in the world.  Like so many Cubans, he sought a democratic Cuban society only to see his quest betrayed by a Castro dictatorship.  Mario Chanes was one of the original plantados, Cuban political prisoners who were unyielding in their fervent desire for a free Cuba.  His patriotism and strong sense of purpose are examples to all freedom-loving people.  Laura joins me in sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/24398.html

Cuba Sentences Three Dissidents

Five Cuban dissidents arrested 19 months ago and held without trial ever since finally got their day in court -- and two-year prison sentences.

Emilio Leyva Pérez, Manuel Pérez Soria, Lázaro Alonso Román and René Montes de Oca Martija were sentenced to two years in prison. Independent journalist Roberto de Jesús Guerra Pérez, a correspondent of the Miami-based Payo Libre and Nueva Prensa Cubana news agencies, was sentenced to 22 months.

Their sentences were announced Monday.

They were arrested July 13, 2005, after attending a protest to commemorate the 1994 deaths of 41 people who drowned when the Cuban Coast Guard rammed the tugboat in which they were trying to flee the island.

http://www.miamiherald.com/884/story/27473.html