News from Cuba today, January 5, 2025: Miami barbers support young hairdresser in Bayamo; journalist questions dollar supermarket; police abuse in Matanzas

Today, Sunday, January 5, 2025, we highlight several news stories from Cuba that have made an impact both on the island and among Cubans abroad.

Barberos de Miami © Instagram / Adonay 01
Miami BarbersPhoto © Instagram / Adonay 01

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In Miami, the heart of the Cuban exile, Cuban barbers are showing their solidarity by sending tools to Christian, a 14-year-old who works as a barber in Bayamo, to support his family. From the Adonay 01 Barber Shop in Miami, these tools have reached the island as a demonstration of support for this young entrepreneur.

In Havana, journalist Ana Teresa Badia has questioned the rationale behind the opening of a supermarket that operates in dollars, sparking a debate over payment conditions that exclude many Cubans. Criticism arises from the exclusion of the use of cards in freely convertible currency (MLC), limiting access to those who have cash in dollars or international cards.

On the other hand, the city of Matanzas has been the scene of police abuse. A citizen was assaulted by agents of the Revolutionary National Police while begging for medical attention for his wife. This incident highlights the criticisms regarding the healthcare system and human rights in Cuba.

Additionally, we have reported on a robbery incident in Havana, where a thief was apprehended after stealing a mobile phone from a minor. Community cooperation and the use of security cameras aided in the arrest.

Additionally, a touching video has gone viral showing a Cuban woman fainting upon reuniting with her family at the airport, highlighting the deep emotion and the challenges of separation caused by migration.

The dollar and the euro have seen a sharp increase in their exchange rates in Cuba, reaching 320 and 325 Cuban pesos respectively. This rise reflects the economic instability and the impact of the partial dollarization promoted by the Cuban government.

President Díaz-Canel's statements from 2020 are now evident as the economy moves towards a partial dollarization, contradicting his previous promises not to dollarize.

Finally, the comedian Jardiel has made many people laugh by appearing at the new dollar supermarket with a peculiar look, amid the controversy that this business practice has generated among the Cuban population regarding the origin and management of these places.

In Santa Clara, the risks associated with storing motorcycles have been highlighted by a fire in a common garage, underscoring the need to implement stricter safety measures to prevent future incidents.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists dedicated to reporting on current events in Cuba and global matters of interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.