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Check FAQAbout Mario
Mario J Penton is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America. Mario Pentón, nació el 30 de diciembre de 1986 en Cienfuegos, una provincia central de Cuba. En la actualidad es reconocido como uno de los principales periodistas cubanos que en redes sociales da cobertura a los temas de inmigración desde Cuba y América Latina. Siguiendo su pasión, se matriculó en la Universidad de Cienfuegos, donde destacó en sus estudios y se graduó con distinción en Comunicación Social. Con un deseo ferviente de expandir su conocimiento y explorar una variedad de disciplinas académicas, Pentón emprendió un viaje educativo que lo llevaría mucho más allá de las fronteras. Pentón enriqueció su formación académica estudiando historia en la Universidad del Valle en Guatemala, lo que refleja su firme compromiso por entender las intrincadas narrativas que influyen en las sociedades. Posteriormente, se unió al ámbito de los medios de comunicación independientes, donde realizó valiosas contribuciones a reconocidas publicaciones como 14ymedio, el Nuevo Herald y el Miami Herald. A través de su trabajo periodístico, arrojó luz sobre los desafíos socioeconómicos que enfrentan las personas en Cuba y otras naciones de América Latina, a menudo ofreciendo ideas que, de lo contrario, permanecerían en la sombra. En octubre de 2023 estrenó su sitio web personal denominado MarioPenton.com, donde profundiza en la información y el análisis de los principales eventos en torno a los movimientos sociales, geográficos y culturales de diferentes comunidades Latinoamérica y en especial la cubana.
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They reveal how Cuba's multimillion-dollar businesses work in Angola
An investigative report exposes the operations of Cuba's multimillion-dollar businesses in Angola and highlights how the Cuban regime exploits the salaries of thousands of professionals.
Relatives of Cuban Rafters Ask Not to Be Sent Back
Relatives of 18 Cuban rafters who arrived in the United States are seeking assistance to locate them and prevent their return to Cuba.
Cuba remains on list of countries that don’t help the U.S. fight terrorism
The U.S. State Department has kept Cuba on the list of countries not fully cooperating with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts, alongside Syria, Venezuela, North Korea, and Iran. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his discontent on Twitter, criticizing the continuation of Trump's policies. Cuba was re-added to this list in 2019 and was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in one of Trump's final foreign policy actions. The Biden administration has not indicated any major shifts in policy towards Cuba, which is currently facing its worst economic crisis in decades, exacerbated by the pandemic and U.S. sanctions. There is growing discontent and calls for reform within Cuba, amplified by social media and an emerging civil society.
The program is not suspended: Immigration lawyer explains what is happening with humanitarian parole
An immigration lawyer clarifies that the humanitarian parole program is not suspended, addressing concerns and providing insights into the current status and implications of the program. The discussion highlights the importance of the program for immigrants and the legal nuances involved in its operation.
Protest in Cienfuegos: man damages government car and generates large police deployment (VIDEO)
A man armed with a machete damaged a government car in Cienfuegos, Cuba, leading to a significant police response. Residents expressed frustration with the socio-economic situation, including hunger, blackouts, and inflation. U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging indefinite parole for Cuban political prisoners Maykel 'Osorbo' Castillo Pérez and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. The Cuban government extended tariff exemptions for food and medicine imports until June 2024, a measure initially approved after the July 2021 protests. Human rights activist Sonia Álvarez Campillo was detained, coinciding with a visit by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to Matanzas. The city of Hialeah unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Cuban people. Lineman Leonel Barroso Machín died from an accident while working on electrical recovery after a storm in Havana.
Young man attacks a government car in Cienfuegos
A young man in Cienfuegos attacked a government car, causing significant damage. Images sent to Martí Noticias show the destruction and the moment of his arrest by the police.
Relatives of former minister Gil learned of his arrest on national television (VIDEO)
Family members of former Cuban minister Alejandro Gil Fernández learned of his arrest through national television. The Cuban regime accused him of corruption and insensitivity. Gil Fernández was a key figure in Miguel Díaz-Canel's government, responsible for implementing major economic reforms. His sister, María Victoria Gil, criticized the government's use of officials and predicted negative outcomes for Gil Fernández. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) released economic projections for Cuba, showing worse indicators than previously expected. José Raúl Mulino, Panama's president-elect, vowed to close a major migration route used by Cuban immigrants. Independent journalist Carlos Michael Morales remains detained in Cuba, facing charges of assault and disobedience. The U.S. State Department reported no significant changes in Cuba's human rights situation in 2023, highlighting various abuses and the lack of transparency in legal proceedings.
Senior Biden Official Asserts They Will Fight for Humanitarian Parole in Court
The Biden administration is prepared to defend the humanitarian parole program in court if Judge Drew Tipton rules against it. Blas Nuñez Neto, the US Department of Homeland Security's Undersecretary, emphasized the administration's belief in the program's legality and commitment to its continuation. The program, initiated in January 2023, has facilitated legal immigration for over 357,000 individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti. Concerns arose after reports suggested that an unfavorable ruling might not be appealable, causing anxiety among potential beneficiaries.
Nieces of Cuba's Prime Minister Enjoy U.S. Immigration Benefits
Giselle and Lorena Selcis, nieces of Cuba's Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, have benefited from U.S. immigration policies, including asylum and the Humanitarian Parole program. Despite their elite status in Cuba, they have settled in Florida, raising questions about the privileges enjoyed by the Cuban political elite. The article highlights the contrast between their luxurious lifestyle and the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans. It also discusses the broader issue of Cuban migration to the U.S. and the scrutiny of individuals with ties to the Cuban regime.
New Figures Revealed for Humanitarian Parole and CBPONE in September
The Department of Homeland Security disclosed new figures for the humanitarian parole program and the CBPONE asylum application for September, marking the end of the fiscal year. Over 28,000 individuals from Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were approved this month, with the program reportedly reducing irregular migration and exploitation by traffickers. By the end of September 2023, over 240,000 individuals from these countries legally arrived and were granted parole. CBP processed approximately 43,000 people with CBP One™ appointments at entry ports. Since January 2023, nearly 278,000 appointments have been scheduled through CBP One™, with Haitian, Mexican, and Venezuelan nationals being the majority. The U.S. government expressed concern over the record number of immigrants entering through the southern border in September, with over 341,000 immigrants arriving, and is pressuring Mexico to implement stricter immigration controls.
What can we expect from AMLO's summit on migration in Mexico?
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador will host a summit with Latin American leaders to address migration flows to the United States. The summit, titled 'For a Fraternal Neighborhood and Well-being,' will take place in Palenque, Chiapas. Leaders from Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador, Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela have confirmed attendance. The summit aims to coordinate regional strategies and discuss U.S. sanctions against dictatorships like Venezuela and Cuba, as well as work visas. Mexico is under pressure from the U.S., which is facing record immigration numbers and Republican criticism of President Joe Biden's administration.
Cuban regime claims that being on the list of terrorist countries is the cause of migration
The Cuban regime, represented by official Johanna Tablada, claims that the massive migration from Cuba to the United States is a consequence of the country being on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation reinforced by former President Donald Trump. Tablada argues that this has harmed the Cuban economy and triggered disproportionate migration flows. However, the article suggests that the real catalyst for the exodus was an agreement with Nicaragua, led by Daniel Ortega, to eliminate visa requirements for Cuban nationals. The Cuban government has historically used migration as a political tool, and the current situation is linked to the largest protests in Cuba's history on July 11, 2021. The State Department has called for an end to the migration flow, but the Cuban regime insists on the right to travel for its citizens. The regime is also campaigning to be removed from the terrorism list while maintaining close ties with US adversaries like Russia and refusing to condemn Hamas' actions in Israel.
President of Mexico reveals new details of summit with Cuba and Venezuela on migrants
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced details of an upcoming summit on October 22 in Palenque, Chiapas, named 'Encounter for a Fraternal Neighborhood and Well-being,' to address the migrant exodus. The summit will include leaders and foreign ministers from 11 countries, with Colombia's President Gustavo Petro confirming attendance. The meeting aims to reduce the flow of migrants to Mexico and the U.S. southern border, amidst pressure from the Biden Administration. Mexico is positioning itself as an intermediary between the U.S. and authoritarian regimes like Cuba and Venezuela, with López Obrador criticizing 'political tourism' and emphasizing concrete actions to help migrants and their countries.
Learn about new measures implemented by the US for immigrants who are victims of human trafficking
The United States has announced adjustments to the T visa program, allowing victims of severe human trafficking to stay in the country for up to four years. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized the victim-centered approach and the strengthened integrity of the application process. The article also highlights a significant decrease in migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border following an executive order by President Joe Biden. The CBP One app has facilitated border processes, and recent executive actions have increased deportations. Despite these measures, some Republican lawmakers criticize the administration's approach to border security. The article also mentions the extension of Green card validity and the release of Cuban migrants in Florida.
Cubans fear changes at the border and may not be able to enter the US
The article discusses the growing concerns among Cuban migrants in Mexico about potential changes in U.S. immigration policies under President Joe Biden, which could hinder their ability to enter the United States. It highlights personal stories of migrants like Yaneisy García and Ernesto González, who fear for their safety and the possibility of being unable to seek asylum. The Biden administration's CBPOne program and its challenges are detailed, along with the broader implications of U.S. border policy changes. The article also touches on the deteriorating economic and social conditions in Cuba, the impact of persistent rains on Cuban agriculture, and the Cuban government's approach to corruption. Additionally, it covers the statements made by Rosa María Payá at the OAS regarding human rights and democracy in Latin America.
Relatives of a group of Cuban rafters ask for help so they are not returned to the island
Relatives of 18 Cuban rafters who arrived in the United States are seeking help to prevent their return to Cuba. The group left Ciego de Ávila for the U.S. and was rescued by the U.S. Border Patrol after landing on an uninhabited island in the Florida Keys. The U.S. eliminated the 'wet foot, dry foot' policy in 2017, complicating the situation for Cuban immigrants. The article also discusses the broader context of Cuban immigration, the U.S. Coast Guard's repatriation efforts, and the Cuban government's inadequate investment in healthcare. Additionally, it highlights the economic challenges in Cuba, including the decline in tourism and the focus on hotel construction despite low occupancy rates.
Brian Nichols: Nicaragua uses migration 'as a weapon', and Cuba's inclusion on terrorism list 'is not negotiable'
Brian Nichols, US Under Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, stated that Nicaragua uses migration as a weapon against neighboring countries, including the US. He clarified that Cuba's inclusion on the terrorism list is non-negotiable and emphasized the importance of human rights. The article also discusses the US policy to prevent irregular migration and the recent suspension of the humanitarian parole program due to fraud. Additionally, it highlights the challenges faced by Cuban migrants and the economic difficulties within Cuba, including price controls and power outages.
How Cuba's Billion-Dollar Businesses Operate in Angola
The article investigates the economic relationship between Cuba and Angola, focusing on how the Cuban government profits from exporting medical professionals to Angola. It highlights the exploitation of Cuban doctors by the Cuban military-run company Antex, which retains a significant portion of their salaries. The investigation reveals that the Cuban regime uses these earnings to fund other ventures, such as hotel construction, rather than improving healthcare in Cuba. The article also touches on the broader implications of Cuba's economic activities in Angola, including involvement in oil and gold mining, and the presence of Cuban personnel in high-level positions within the Angolan government.
Appeal Judicial Ruling on Humanitarian Parole After Biden's Victory
A group of Republican-led states has appealed a federal judge's decision to uphold the Biden administration's Humanitarian Parole program, which allows up to 30,000 individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti to enter the U.S. monthly as refugees. The appeal follows a ruling by Judge Drew Tipton, who found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate harm to their states. The program, which has facilitated the entry of over 350,000 people, remains active despite the appeal. Legal experts suggest that the appeal process could take several months. The Department of Homeland Security has temporarily paused travel authorizations due to reported fraud in applications, but those with valid travel permits can still enter the U.S.
Yes Bread and with more blackouts: Cubans on the island give their opinion on the serious crisis they have had to live through
Cuba is facing a deepening crisis characterized by shortages of bread and electricity, affecting the most vulnerable populations. Even rationed bread, which is of poor quality, is scarce. The energy crisis is exacerbated by the outage of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant, leading to widespread blackouts. The Cuban Electric Company has been criticized for its handling of the situation, and international agencies report that the government is seeking alternative solutions, such as a contract to increase megawatts produced by a Turkish company, which is concerned about Cuba's outstanding payments.
Cuba’s Prisons Full of Political Prisoners, 1 Year after Massive Protests
The article discusses the repression of demonstrations in Cuba on the anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests. Over 550 protestors have been sentenced to prison by the Cuban regime, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for their release. The Spanish NGO Prisoners Defenders reported over 5,000 detentions, and Human Rights Watch detailed systematic repression in their report. The Cuban courts have convicted protestors, including children, with some trials held in military courts against international law. Opposition leaders and critical voices, such as artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Castillo, have been imprisoned. Amnesty International criticized the criminalization of these individuals. NGOs Cubalex and Justicia 11J also reported on state violence and irregularities in the trials of protestors.
Cuba Pushes Kremlin Disinformation
The article discusses how Cuba's state-run media, particularly the newspaper Granma, has been disseminating propaganda and disinformation in support of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The Cuban media has been portraying the Russian invasion as a 'special military operation' and echoing Russian state media narratives. The article highlights instances of false reporting by Cuban media, such as the claim that American journalist Brent Renaud was a CIA agent and misinformation about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant bombing. Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego and editor Reinaldo Escobar criticize the Cuban media's lack of journalistic integrity. The U.S. Embassy in Havana has condemned the Cuban state media's role in spreading Russian disinformation. The article also touches on the Cuban government's refusal to allow the Ukrainian Embassy in Cuba to present its side of the story on national television.
Cuba remains on list of countries that don’t help US fight terrorism
The U.S. State Department has kept Cuba on the list of countries not fully cooperating with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts, alongside Syria, Venezuela, North Korea, and Iran. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his discontent on Twitter. The inclusion on the list means Cuba faces restrictions such as a ban on exporting arms and defense services. This follows the Trump administration's 2019 decision to re-list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, reversing the normalization of relations that began under Obama. The Biden administration has not prioritized Cuba in its foreign policy, maintaining Trump's sanctions. These sanctions, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, have plunged Cuba into its worst economic crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse, leading to soaring inflation and public discontent.
Cuba's Budding Civil Society Asks to Be Heard
In Havana, Cuba, a burgeoning civil society movement is manifesting as protests and demands for more freedoms and rights. Young artists have gathered outside the Ministry of Culture, and even musicians who previously supported the government are now expressing dissent through music. Rights activists are also marching for animal protections. This wave of civil unrest is occurring as the Communist Party Congress approaches, an event where Raúl Castro is anticipated to pass leadership to a new generation. This period of transition is marked by both a severe economic crisis and a push for societal change.
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