International Slipstream

Most Cubans hadn’t heard of the Varela Project until former US President Jimmy Carter talked about it in an uncensored broadcast to the Cubans last week. The Project, named after Rev Felix Varela (1788-1853), a Cuban padree who highlighted human rights injustices in 19th century US, demands changes in Cuba—its organisers have submitted to the National Assembly 11,020 signatures seeking a referendum asking Cubans whether they favoured human rights and electoral reforms. Before the visit, the US accused Cuba of developing biological weapons. Carter said he didn’t find any such evidence, and praised Cubans for their healthcare. He said: "Because the US is the most powerful nation, we should take the first step."