Ben McGee Photography

Granma, La Habana Vieja, 2010

Granma is the official newspaper of the Cuban Communist Party and is Cuba’s only daily national newspaper. The article pictured “The Other Tragedy” is one of Fidel Castro’s regular newspaper editorials ‘Reflections of Fidel’. It discusses issues raised in Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s documentary on the ‘other danger’ (to nuclear war) to the human species – the destruction of the environment.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Bodega, Centro Habana, 2010

In the early years of the Cuban revolution, as the US economic embargo was initiated but before Soviet Union subsidies began, authorities employed a system of rationing to ensure equal access to scarce food resources. Beginning in 1962, all Cuban families received the Libreta de Abastecimiento (“Supplies Booklet”), a ration card that guaranteed access to state distribution centres (pictured), providing basics such as rice, beans, oil, sugar, eggs and a limited array of produce.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Fidel, Vinales, 2010

After four years without a public appearance due to serious illness, Fidel Castro began appearing on television in July of 2010 – shouts of excitement could be heard in the house as people rushed to the television. His appearance coincided with the announcement that Cuba would release 52 political prisoners under a deal brokered by the Catholic Church. Some believed that his appearance was deliberately timed to divert attention from the freed prisoners’ departure and to make a statement that he remains head of Cuba\'s Communist Party and still remains an important part of decision making in Cuba.

Prints: 1/5 sold

Street Games, Vedado, 2010

Looks of delight and disappointment appear on the faces of these Cuban boys, suspended in mid-air as their soccer ball passes through goals made from pieces of the crumbling city streets they play on.

Prints: 1/5 sold

Viva Cuba, Vedado, 2010

“Long live Cuba” drips down the walls of a dilapidated apartment building in Vedado. In May of 2011 the Communist Party newspaper Granma reported that more than one thousand independent shops selling building materials had opened around Cuba. This occurred in response to Raúl Castro loosening regulations in an effort to ease the severe housing shortage in Cuba.

Prints: 1/5 sold

Hips, Cuba, 2010

Man, woman or child, it seems everyone adopts this uniquely Cuban stance.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Girl with Auntie, Cuba, 2010

Family is an important part of Cuban life, often with several generations living, perhaps forcibly, under the same roof. In a country where very little material wealth exists, the importance and protection of children, their health and education is paramount and is amongst the best in Latin America.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Afternoon, Trinidad, 2010

The rocking chair is a characteristic piece of Cuban furniture, present in nearly every home. Hours are spent rocking – listening to the radio, conversing, smoking and watching the day pass by.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Gran Teatro de La Habana, 2010

This neo-baroque building is the oldest operating theatre in the western hemisphere, opening in 1838. These stairways are part of the central entrance hall, a four-storey, glass-roofed atrium adorned with stone and marble statues. Since its foundation in 1948 the theatre has been home to the Cuban National Ballet, which is among the world’s leading ballet companies.

Prints: 1/5 sold

José Martí, Plaza Tribuna Anti Imperialista, 2010

José Martí was an essayist, poet, political thinker and journalist amongst other undertakings. His writings played a fundamental role in raising consciousness for the cause of Cuban independence from Spain and establishing the David versus US Goliath mentality. In this statue Jose Marti shields Elían González, a young Cuban boy at the centre of an intense controversy between the US and Cuba, while pointing an accusing finger towards the United States Interests Section building in Havana.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Boy, El Malecón, 2010

An unknown future lies ahead for the youngest generation of Cubans as their country heads towards another period of social and political change.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Vedado, 2010

In many of Havana’s streets the lack of cars becomes particularly noticeable when rain falls, adding its own rhythm to the sounds of children playing in the street, people singing and the ubiquitous noise of television sets.

Prints: 2/5 sold

Policía, Vedado, 2010

A heavy police presence on the streets of Cuba, particularly in Havana, ensures order where crime rates are reported to be significantly lower than other major cites around the world.

Prints: 0/5 sold

El Malecón, 2010

The Malecon is an 8 kilometer seaside boulevard, popular as a meeting place for musicians, fishermen, poets, travelers and lovers. The atmosphere is particularly alluring at sunset as the sweltering temperature drops, fading yellow light filters through the pastels of Vedado and Havana’s population converges.

Prints: 1/5 sold

Havana Club, El Malecon, 2010

Despite their meager average monthly wage, the equivalent of US$20, Cuban’s are a gracious and generous people. They are resilient and survivors by nature and necessity, withstanding the US embargo for 52 years. But with Cuba close to bankruptcy, importing 80 % of its food and an ageing population, the difficulties are obvious on faces in the street.

Prints: 0/5 sold

Sombrerero (Hatter), Viñales, 2010

The quiet town of Viñales is nestled amongst striking limestone hills and the lush fields of the Pinar del Rio province. The rich and fertile rust-coloured soils are some of the best for tobacco growing in the world, responsible for the universally popular Cuban Cigar.

Prints: 1/5 sold

Señor Rodriguez, Trinidad, 2010

Taking rest from the midday sun in a shady plaza I was asked if I had a light. I didn’t, but nevertheless the man who later identified himself as Sr. Rodriguez asked me to sit with him. He spoke of a difficult life, farming sugar and coffee in the fields around Trinidad, evident from his furrowed face. After a short while of talking we discovered we had both lost our fathers as young men and with his permission, I photographed him as we discussed our loss.

Prints: 1/5 sold