A woman stands near an office for the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution. Set up in the early days of the Cuban revolution to counter saboteurs and counter-revolutionary activities, they have persisted as a sort of hybrid 'neighbourhood watch' and community welfare association. Critics contend they constitute little more than a vast network of informants for the government, while defenders claim they are essential for the local coordination of everything from vaccination campaigns and blood drives to hurricane evacuations.

Havana, Cuba
December 1999   ▪   Pentax ZX-M