Chronicle on Cuba - December 2009

Highlights

Domestic Affairs: Cuba is counter-attacking its cyber-foes with government backers calling them mercenaries and CIA agents. The Cuban government barely meets 60 percent of its modest annual housing construction goal. Ramiro Valdes is promoted to Vice President of Cuba’s Council of State. President Raul Castro warns Cubans of a tough 2010. Opposition organizations denounce an increase of repression against the dissident movement during 2009. Several social sectors make public expressions of criticism against the government.
 
Economy: Venezuela signs new billionaire cooperation agreements with the island. ALBA members plan to use the SUCRE as a virtual currency for trade among them. Cuba's economy grows 1.4 percent in 2009. Cuba resumes payments to Mexican exporters. Government authorities make calls to strengthen control of energy consumption plans. Cuba's nickel production is the lowest in a decade.    

Exile Community: The staff of Cubaencuentro.com splits to create Diario de Cuba, a new online information service. Exile organizations meet with Polish governmental authorities. 

Foreign Affairs: Cuba’s President meets in Havana with several Asian and African high-ranking officials. Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister visits Laos, Vietnam, and Japan. El Salvador’s Vice President meets with his Cuban counterpart in Havana. Raul Castro meets in Havana with Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary. ALBA member States hold a Summit in Havana. Cuba and Venezuela strengthen ties.      

Security: Cuban military authorities state that one of the most important goals for next year is to resume the building of underground tunnels throughout the island.

US-Cuba Relations: A group of prominent African Americans sparks public controversy after condemning racism in Cuba. Immigration talks between Cuba and the United States are postponed. A US government contract worker is detained by the authorities in Havana. Fidel and Raul Castro toughen their statements against Barack Obama.