What People Are Saying....

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 13:36:42 +0000

Since the surprise announcement on December 17, 2014 between the United States and Cuba; the founding of Cuba Libro, the country's only English-language bookstore and coffeehouse in 2013; and the general and growing onslaught of people interested in what life is like on the confounding isle, I've been interviewed regularly by local, regional and international press. Here's a selection:

Interview by noted Cuban journalist Cristina Escobar for drops into Cuba Libro to talk about the impact of the US 'tourism tsunami' following the announcement of normalization of relations between the USA and Cuba. Airdate: 2 June 2015.

In-depth interview for , I talk about the myths surrounding Cuba, how I succeeded in moving to (and surviving) on the island, and how the entirety is infomring my forthcoming memoir. Publsihed: 9 March 2015.

One of a few in August 2013, as covered by the AP bureau in Havana. Airdate: 10 August 2013.

Mission & Vision

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 16:39:50 +0000

MISSION

Cuba Libro, a coffeehouse and English-language bookstore, is an ethically- and socially responsible cultural center dedicated to building, strengthening, and supporting the Havana community in which it operates.

Through a variety of services, cultural activities, and literary- and educational-related initiatives that are accessible to Cubans and visitors regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or financial resources, Cuba Libro serves as an example of socially-responsible business in Cuba’s emerging private economy.

Sharing our experience and know-how, we help other businesses and entities flourish while fulfilling social missions and commitments to the surrounding community – a critical component in Cuba’s evolving economy if the country’s social justice achievements are to be retained and fortified moving forward.

VISION

Cuba Libro is a coffeehouse and English-language bookstore providing a prototype of socially- and ethically-responsible business in Cuba’s emerging economy. Through free cultural programming, high-quality literature, community outreach and a variety of services designed to improve the health and well-being of our community, we demonstrate how new, private businesses can do good and do well.

Cuba Libro serves as a beacon of social entrepreneurship by supporting and building on Cuba’s social justice and humanistic achievements realized over the past 50+ years. Through policies and practices based on a philosophy of accessibility, equity, equality, and good cheer, Cuba Libro aims to provide a model for socially-responsible business in Cuba, with a specific goal of helping others replicate this model.

Founding principles include:

Cuba Libro will be accessible to all, regardless of national origin, race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or financial resources;
Cultural events will be free and open to the public;
Cuba Libro staff will earn a dignified salary and a share of the profits; they are guaranteed non-discriminatory hiring and firing practices, and healthy, comfortable working conditions;
Community outreach through educational initiatives, donations, cultural events, solidarity and consultation with our neighbors and community will inform all our of our policies and practices;
Core values at Cuba Libro – treating others fairly and with respect, honesty, transparency, understanding, and compassion will be emphasized and demonstrated at every available opportunity;
Promoting environmental stewardship and protection;
Supporting Cuban youth through skill-sharing, job opportunities, active consultation on decision-making and continuing education to help younger Cubans envision a future in Cuba, rather than on foreign shores;
Advocating and implementing a collective decision-making model;
Cooperation among many, rather than the control and direction of a few, to achieve excellence, will be used as both a means and end; and
Cuba Libro is an alcohol- and reggueton-free zone.

By pooling resources, energy, and ideas, Cuba Libro sets the course forward to a better, brighter, and healthier future for the country and its people. Through teamwork exemplified and motivated by all sectors – individuals, public, private, local and international – we are confident we can help build a stronger, more resilient society.

Want to learn more about Cuba Libro?

Published in August 2015 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, this a , published in MEDICC Review (where I serve as Senior Editor), explores what Cuba is doing (and not) about this critical issue.

The world is finally learning about Cuba's contribution to global health; .

Most people don't realize that in addition to old cars, Cuba teems with antique Harley-Davidsons - all pre-dating the imposition of the US embargo in the early 1960s.
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Original Article

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admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:18:31 +0000

Conner Gorry

What People Are Saying....

Mission & Vision

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