Current Shortages in Cuba ?

[stevensc]

When I was in Havana for two weeks at a Sugar conference in the early 90's the Cubans would give just about anything for a can of Coka Cola, even people with good jobs. Being foreigners we could buy cokes at the dollar store and passed lots of them around. Then they would bring the empty cans home so they could display them. It was quite sad actually, I hope things have improved for them.
Steve W

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by Boracay

What about anti fungal medicines. Its a warm humid country(?) so once someone gets infected they may have to stay that way.

I'm thinking Selsun Gold and tinea, fingernail fungus and ringworm treatments.

Most are cheap enough, though some of the good stuff is quite expensive.

Dont know about Cuba but in Jamaica any antibiotics and fungal creams .I used to dive in the dumpsters behind Doctors offices and get samples that they would throw away..dont think thats a good idea without good gloves ..last time I did it I had a friend that worked at a Pharmacy and she would tell me if anything "good" was in the garbage ..

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by sarafina

I'm watching for ideas for when we visit (finger crossed) in May!

Oh? Didn't think you were Canadian. So what's the trick or will we need to set up a CF fund to collect bail money for Sarafina?

[downunder]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

Seriosly....why trade with a country that is holding an American Hostage....for bringing computers in.

One can always not visit if that's your position. Having visited Cuba myself things are tough for most and I certaily not hold the majority of Cubans responsible for their leaderships views.

They are a very friendly people. Even basics such as toilet paper are in short supply or non existant for many of the populace.

Most of the items mentioned would be well recieved and I did give away a couple of USB drives.

[vmohome]

I've been to Cuba over a 100 times may i suggest;

-asprin
-hair spray
-clothes that are decent, maybe some warm stuff hats etc
-baby strollers, baby stuff
-chocolate, junk food really of any kind
-old computers, computer stuff
-old cameras
-vitamins
-

Cheers

[AllezCat]

cash - the rest is trash

[sarafina]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Oh? Didn't think you were Canadian. So what's the trick or will we need to set up a CF fund to collect bail money for Sarafina?

Wish I could say we were sailing in, but no, we will fly from Miami... on cultural exchange visas, with a university chorus.

So while the gallant thought is appreciated I think I can behave myself well enough to avoid the need for bail!

Well I hope so anyway ; -)

[DeepFrz]

Its been a long time but when I was in Cuba one of the crew knew someone that owned a shoe shop. He got a big bag of returned shoes, all kinds of shoes. The folks loved them. Kind of amusing but sad to see a man in a nice suit with a pair of fluorescent running shoes.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

If you had ever been there you would know that. These are the things you can't go wrong with, soaps,toilet paper, toothpaste, and brushes, deodorant, pens and paper pads for school, kids sunglasses, candy, shampoo, hair accessories for both adults and children, moisturizers, cleansing creams, aspirin, razors. You will really be a big hit if you bring a lot of different sizes of fish hooks.

Been there many times.. even been married there Agree with most of your list above, but my point is don't be cheap when you pickup your presents they aren't stupid or ignorant and know quite well what's the real value of your gift.
And to add something anything with stars and stripes is a hit.. like my Dometic cap with the tiny flag
About my prev recommendation..
Multivitamins, drugs for high blood pressure, astma, pretty much anything we need prescriptions here.

[blgklr]

You can never go wrong with sewing items and stuff for fishing and masks and fins for the kids.

[sarafina]

Not complicated guys.

Sailing forum. Sailing topics.

Political forum. Political topics.

[Adamante]

Originally Posted by sarafina

Not complicated guys.

Sailing forum. Sailing topics.

Too bad... I was winning, too! Had them on the run, I tell ya, I had them on the run...

[atoll]

........

[Jimbo485]

Who is going to be cruising the south coast of Cuba this coming season?

[Nauti-Nauti]

We are. Where are you departing from and when? This will be our first time. Get in touch.