Chris Barker

The average monthly salary in Cuba, according to the U.S. Department of State, is $20 a month. A high-quality statistics textbook may cost $100 in the United States, which is unaffordable for many in Cuba. Consider making a gift of textbooks to our Cuban statistics colleagues and the mathematics statistics library in Havana.

During a recent visit, I brought an extra suitcase with about 30 pounds of textbooks—about two dozen books. Upon arriving at customs, an agent searched my suitcase and flipped through the pages of each textbook, but there were no problems.

While travel to Cuba is not widely advertised, it is possible and reasonably convenient for Americans to visit. Most important is to arrange a trip through an organization that has or can obtain a license(s) and arrange the visas for travel.

For more information about Cuba or to donate books, contact me at chrismbarker@yahoo.com.