Odds and ends

• Some time ago I linked to an article by independent journalist Jaime Leygonier where he wrote critically of Cuba’s opposition and its strategy. He heard from a few readers and elaborates here.

• The Inter-American Press Association slams the imprisonment of journalists in Cuba and the “intimidation” of journalists in Venezuela. The Herald’s coverage is here. Venezuela’s communications minister cries “defamation” and compares the IAPA meeting to a conclave of Salem witches.

• New customs regulations set conditions for importation of car parts and engines by Cubans traveling abroad and show that the bureaucracy’s imagination is alive and well – parts for the traveler’s car only, and with the approval of Customs and the traveler’s boss. Regulations issued last April covered those who receive shipments of auto parts from someone outside Cuba.