Caimanera
Caimanera | |
|---|---|
 Caimanera City in Guantánamo Province | |
| Country |  Cuba |
| Province | Guantánamo |
| Municipality | Municipio de Caimanera |
| Population (2004) | |
| • Total | 10,600 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Caimanera is the municipality and city in Guantánamo Province on the eastern tip of Cuba. It is a fishing village and port of 10,600 people. Built on the West shore of the sheltered Guantanamo Bay, just North of the US naval base. Ships chiefly sugarcane and coffee.
Residents of this remote city are the closest Cuban neighbours to the US military camp and currently prison for unlawful combatants from a war in Afghanistan. The community of fishermen and salt mine workers flourished at the beginning of the 20th century precisely because of the base’s construction. It was a magnet for Cuban workers and a popular spot for visitors, including Cubans from across the island and people from nearby countries such as Jamaica.
At the present time (July 2007) entry to Caimanera is restricted to its inhabitants and those with special permission. Foreign nationals are not currently being granted permission. The Hotel Caimanera is thus unavailable for international tourism.