Odds and ends

• Cuba’s Catholic Bishops issue their Christmas message (see front page of this site) and expressed hope for “necessary changes that may improve and transform national life,” in the face of “difficulties that are oppressive and have lasted too long.” “It is necessary to give space for personal initiative and creativity,” they added.

• In Cancun, a murder apparently related to smuggling of Cubans. The Cuban-American victim was about to talk to authorities about the murder of his brother, also in Cancun, three months ago.

• In a Herald op-ed, the son of Jorge Mas Canosa examines his father’s legacy, and draws some lessons.