THE © YEAR VI Nº 9 MAY, 3 2017 HAVANA, CUBA avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN

P. 3

ALBA Promotes POLITICAL COUNCIL Unity and Peace P. 4

Cuba Economy Economy Sports Raúl Paz: Biennial Eco Oil Exploration Cuban´s Return to Songs for Life Tourism Seminar in in Cuba on the Can-Am and Optimism September Increase Baseball P.10 P. 13 P. 14 P. 15 2 Caracol at “30th Holguin Meeting of International Partagas´ Tourism Fair Friends”

The Caracol S.A. Business Group run La Casa del With an extensive nationwide branch network, the Habano Partagás will host the 30th “Meeting of Cuban Tourism Ministry run Caracol chain of stores Partagás´Friends” gathering later this year. carries a fine selection of popular brands. So many years after the event was first held, the The chain’s almost 700 outlets within and outside organizers are delighted that the number of friends hotels, promote exclusive and high-quality products. who participate in the annual celebration continues to In the province of Holguín -- the venue for this year’s grow every year. 37th International Tourism Fair -- Caracol has a number Caracol is once again inviting cigar lovers from of special offers available to customers. around the world to join them for the forthcoming Their stores respond to the needs of an ever growing festivities between November 13 and 17 2017. number of tourists who want to buy Cuban souvenirs With special events scheduled for each of the five for themselves or relatives and friends. days, our friends can enjoy an exclusive experience of The chain’s cigar shop network caters to tourists the place where the world’s best tobacco grows. who appreciate quality Cuban cigars. Internationally renowned brands like Cohíba, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta and Montecristo are always in stock at both the La Casa del Habano El Cuje in Activities Include: Guardalavaca and the Behique cigar shop in the heart of Holguin city, where Caracol staff offer excellent • Accreditation reception at La Casa del Habano personal attention. Partagás. Products on sale in Caracol’s branch network include • Welcome dinner in an emblematic Havana the traditional rum-cigar-coffee triad, exclusive clothing location, to include cigar and rum tasting, artistic brands, casual, sports and dress footwear, a range of show and other activities. high-quality saddlery and leather items, perfumes for every occasion and photo and film services. • Countryside excursion including rural Caracol S.A.’s recent strong and steady growth has recreational and leisure activities and cigar tasting. ensured that the company enjoys a privileged position within Cuba’s retail sector. • A day on the beach that includes nautical activities, cigar and rum tasting and lunch. Facebook: @tiendascaracolcuba Twitter: @tiendascaracolcuba • Gala dinner with rum and cigar tasting, an awards ceremony, cultural activities and humidor auction.

Information:

Date: November 13 to 17, 2017.

Place: La Casa del Habano Partagás, Industria # 520, La Habana, Cuba.

Telephone.: (53) 7 8623772

Email: [email protected] CUBA 3 Holguín Hosts International Tourism Fair By Roberto F. CAMPOS

Steeped in history and boasting beautiful beaches, on Holguin, the provincial capital city of which is stunning landscapes and exciting dive sites, the popularly known as The City of Parks. province of Holguín is all set to host Cuba´s International This eastern Cuban region attracts more than of Tourism Fair for the first time. This year’s 37th edition two million tourists per year, 48 percent of whom come has Germany as guest country and is dedicated to the from Canada, 25 percent from the United Kingdom and promotion of circuit options. 6 percent from Germany. Behind only Havana and Varadero, Holguin, in Home to more than 700 kilometers of wonderful Cuba’a northeast is home to some of the country´s coastline and 41 kilometers of strand, Holguín has principal tourist resorts with 220 highly attractive some 5,500 rooms on offer in a variety of three, four spots, 170 of which relate to natural settings and 50 to and five-star hotels. socio-cultural activities. The Pesquero and Guardalavaca beach areas Holguín’s most magnificent landscapes, such as the have excellent hotels, an abundance of endemic beaches of Guardalavaca and Pesquero -- also the names plant species and crystal clear waters that provide of the region´s most popular hotels -- are by the sea. the ideal settings for both leisurely nature walks The 2017 International Tourism Fair from May 3-6, and maritime activities like snorkeling, diving

will include a number of promotions and presentations Campos Roberto F. PHOTO: and seafaris. US Yachts Set Sail For Cuba By BenjamínMICERINOS

Cuban Recreational Yacht Club authorities and Cruising World Magazine executives from the U.S. met recently in Havana, in the context of the growing interest in sailing the waters of the Cuban archipelago. Mark Pillsbury, Cruising World’s Chief Editor, and David Gillespie, a magazine specialist, spoke to executives from Cuban recreational sailing companies like Marlin Marinas y Náuticas, at the Hemingway Yacht Club, in western Havana. Cruising World’s editor, Jennifer Brett, also formed part of the visiting group. The April meeting dealt with issues arising from increasing interest by visiting US yacht owners in berthing

in Cuban ports, to experience the Island for them. Campos Roberto F. PHOTOs: Topics such as sea routes and the infrastructure restrictions imposed by Washington on Havana, ensure US required to service the growth in this sector, were also visitors can only travel to Cuba under one of 12 categories addressed at the talks. approved by the Treasury Department. Cuba currently has two yacht clubs: Marina Díaz Escrich explained that if such restrictions were Hemingway, in Havana and Meliá Marina Varadero, over lifted, Cuba would make an ideal stopover for sailors and a 100 km east of the capital city, in the province of Matanzas. perfect meeting place for people from different countries At the meeting, Hemingway International Yacht Club and continents. Commodore and president, José Miguel Díaz Escrich The talks coincided with the Cruising World Rally, in which and his guests agreed that the still enforced commercial 60 yachts and 267 people from 22 US states participated.

A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE THE YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY HavanaReporter SPORTS.AND MORE President: Luis Enrique González. Graphic Designers: Laura Reyes. Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Alfredo G. Pierrat Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Maitté Marrero Canda. Advertising: Irina Hernández Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Chief Editor: Ilsa Rodríguez. Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Fax: (53)7833-3068 Translation: Dayamí Interián/ Sean J. Clancy/Yanely Interián Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels. E-mail: [email protected] 4 CUBA ALBA Promotes Unity and Peace By ErnestoVERA

The recent XV Political Council of the Bolivarian countries of origin. Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ The declaration in support of Venezuela calls for Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP, in Spanish) in Cuba, reaffirmed unity within Latin American and Caribbean diversity the bloc’s commitment to regional unity and peace. and the promotion of friendly and cooperation Foreign affairs ministers and senior representatives centered relationships, in line with the Proclamation from the integration mechanism’s 12 member states of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Peace Zone. concentrated on the urgent need to support the Other documents expressed the region’s support progressive processes in several nations of the region for the electoral victories in both Nicaragua and by in the face of an offensive by a right that is abusing the Citizen Revolution in Ecuador, in opposition to the legal, judicial and media powers to create a platform “conspiracy of the ultra-reactionary mafia within the for conspiracies. US Congress.” The meeting in Havana in April, resulted in According to ALBA-TCP representatives, the so- declarations of full support for Venezuela, Ecuador called NICA-ACT represents a sinister plot to impose and Nicaragua – hounded by the reactionary forces – an economic blockade on the government and people and condemnations of the interventionist attitude of of Nicaragua that infringes on that nation’s right to the Secretary General of the Organization of American wellbeing, security, work and peace. States (OAS), Luis Almagro, to Venezuela. Consensus was also reached on the need for a ALBA-TCP leaders repudiated Almagro’s endeavors united front to face the challenges of sustainable to manipulate the entity he chairs to sanction development in the Caribbean – because of its Venezuela, based on false claims of violations of the vulnerability - and on a commitment to cooperate Inter-American Democratic Charter. with Haiti on the priorities of its government, on the Dignitaries demanded that the OAS explain its basis of respect for its sovereignty. selective policy of endorsing coups and subversions In the ceremony in support of Venezuela – which against elected progressive and revolutionary was attended by Cuban President, Raúl Castro and governments, while forced disappearances and the marked the meetings closure – Venezuelan President murder of journalists and social and political leaders Nicolás Maduro robustly reiterated his country’s in the region go unquestioned. a wall along its border with Mexico and on the commitment to its revolutionary course in spite They also called the Inter-American body to end mass deportation of Latin American and Caribbean of threats and pressures from imperialists and the its conspiratorial silence on the US decision to build migrants, fleeing from poverty and insecurity in their conservative ultra-right wing. JetBlue to Open Havana Sales Office MasielFERNÁNDEZ The U.S. airline JetBlue, that in August 2016 launched the first direct scheduled Cuba-USA flight in 55 years, is opening an office in Havana. During a visit to the Island, JetBlue President Robin Hayes, said he had looked at several possible locations for the office in Havana which is to open in the coming months. Hayes told Cuban TV that he considered it a great honor for JetBlue to have restarted scheduled U.S.-Cuba commercial flights eight months ago, a project that required a significant investment. The airline president said „we have developed a very sound partnership with Cuba‘s civil aviation authorities,“ and praised the nation’s airport and aviation operations security infrastructure, which compares favorably to those in other markets around the world. The first direct Cuba-USA flight in Vladimir Molina PHOTOs: more than 50 years landed on August 31, Americans and citizens. 2016, having flown from Fort Lauderdale, airports in Cuba. but would change their strategy to However, the blockade imposed by Florida to the central Cuban city of Santa In June 2016, a number of U.S. focus on seeking further concessions to Washington on the island for over 50 Clara’s Abel Santamaria International Airline companies including Delta preserve what they have attained. years, still bans U.S. citizens from traveling Airport. Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue, According to The Hill website, which to Cuba as tourists. The flight marked the resumption were authorized by the U.S. Transport specializes in legislative affairs, having an James Williams, who leads the Engage of commercial flights that had been Department of to operate direct flights approved air route is not the only obstacle Cuba Organization, said recently that discontinued back in 1961. to Cuba. facing airlines, because routes to Cuba “with these newly re-established direct In February 2016, the two countries John Kavulich, president of the United are subject to numerous prohibitions. commercial services to 10 Cuban cities, signed a Memorandum of Understanding States-Cuba Economic and Commercial The Barack Obama government we expect the airline industry to continue to facilitate direct flights between the Council, said recently that airlines would (2009-2017) eased the travel restrictions to push for the removal of arbitrary U.S., Havana and nine other international not stop promoting their Cuba operations in 12 specific categories for Cuban- restrictions on traveling to Cuba.“ HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Cruel US Blockade Affects Robotic Surgery in Cuba AdrianaORTIZ

Cuba now has center to train professionals in the use of robotics for medical purposes, a practice limited to training however, because of the blockade imposed by the US She noted that the training of doctors government. will include the use of simulators to carry out Dr Julián Francisco Ruiz, director of specialized oncology, otorhinolaryngology, the Luis de la Puente Uceda National neurosurgery and gastroenterology Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, in procedures. Havana’s 10 de Octubre municipality, told The center will also train nursing The Havana Reporter that “for the past professionals and health technicians, few years, our Public Health Ministry has principally in electro-medicine, to keep the wanted to purchase equipment exclusively equipment in good working order. manufactured by a US company, but The Deputy Director also stated that Washington prohibits the sale”. one of the center’s primary aspirations is Francisco Ruiz, a Doctor of Sciences, to become a center of reference for Latin explained that “we have been in touch with America and the Caribbean in the formation the company and have all the requisite of specialists and nurses. economic resources and government Courtesy of granma.cu PHOTOs: To this end, one particular goal is to support to buy the equipment to hand, but de la Puente Uceda Hospital, will prepare wounds are very small and there is a much certify training standards according to ISO our efforts have proved fruitless”. professionals to provide over one hundred lower risk of infection. Patients can be norms, in order to endorse the procedures He added that if the necessary minimally invasive surgery services discharged 24 to 48 hours after surgery. and services provided there. technological equipment was available, nationwide and other colleagues from According to Doctor of Sciences Rosalba Prestigious medical clinics in developed Cuba would be in a position to commence the continent through international Roque, the new training center can train countries use robots, either autonomously or robotic surgical interventions, because the postgraduate courses. more than 700 doctors per on a course that semi-autonomously in surgical interventions nation has in excess of 20 years experience in The professor explained that the facility includes exchanges with experts in the field and the supervision and correction of minimally invasive surgery and has specialist has been the subject of significant public from state and private clinics worldwide. pathologies with geometrical precision in institutions, lead surgeons and doctors investment to restore and modernize the The Deputy Director of the National incisions and sutures. qualified in the field. hospital and consulting areas, to enhance Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre added In spite of the continued imposition of He stressed that “everything now both surgical capacity and patient comfort. that “work philosophy, training, teaching and the economic financial and commercial depends on the only company that Since the 1990s, the institution has research must go hand in hand to facilitate blockade by the US, Cuba will not give up on produces this equipment in the United undertaken laparoscopies (minimally experimentation before new technologies endeavors to introduce the provision of such States approving the sale.” invasive surgery), a technique that facilitates that the country acquires are distributed to services as part of it’s renowned universal The new training center in the Luis faster post-operatory recovery because municipal and provincial hospitals.” free public health service. The Beauty of Breast Milk Banks By ReinaMAGDARIAGA The milk, better by far than any other recently that there are presently 8 THE ORIGINS OF BREAST MILK BANKS food for babies, not only provides the breast milk banks operating in Cuba necessary nutrients newborns need, and that a further 3 are expected to be The first Breast Milk Bank established in it also contains a series of essential finished this year. Vienne (Austria) in 1909 was followed bioactive compounds. “Breast Milk Banks have really by one in Boston (United States) in There are always some mothers revolutionized breastfeeding here 1910 and another in Germany, in 1919. however who, for a variety of reasons, because of their level of acceptance Later, in 1921, a bank was created in cannot breastfeed their own babies, and sensibility. There have been Buenos Aires (Argentina) and in 1943, creating the need to feed them milk increases in both the number of one opened in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). from other women. donor mothers and the volume of milk The Aids epidemic led to the closure This need inspired the creation of collected,” he said. of some banks because of the fear of Breast Milk Banks, which in Cuba date Álvarez added that mothers who infection through mother’s milk. right back to the beginning of the produce an excess can ask for a bottle As a consequence, Brazil proved Courtesy of radio reloj Courtesy of radio PHOTOs: 20th century. to store their extracted milk, which pasteurization of the milk by the Correct feeding from the moment of From the turn of this century, can then be kept in a fridge for up to 7 Holter method (thermic treatment birth guarantees normal development the Cuban government has been days before being brought to a breast of heating the milk for 30 seconds for life and Cuba goes to great lengths particularly committed to the milk bank for processing in accordance at 62.5 degrees and then cooling to ensure that newborn babies get construction of such facilities and with established hygienic-sanitary it at 5 degrees) removed 100% of their very first vaccine: mother´s milk. the acquisition of the necessary measures to avoid contamination. pathogens and eliminated 99.9% of The United Nations Children’s Fund specialized equipment, lab supplies, According to the MINSAP official, all microbial floras. (UNICEF) considers breastfeeding very furniture and fittings. the practice inspired the creation of a Ever since, through the application beneficial for babies, mothers and Roberto Álvarez, Head of the group called Hermanos de leche (Breast protocols for the processing and families and an effective investment Women and Children Department at Milk Brothers) which brings babies fed control of breast milk, HIV/Aids and in public health, producing long-term Cuba’s Public Health Ministry (MINSAP by the same woman’s milk together, in other disease transmission has been government savings. in Spanish), told The Havana Reporter recognition of their solidarity. effectively controlled. 6 CULTURE The High Value Video Clip By MarthaSÁNCHEZ

Pedro Vázquez is a young Cuban audio- something and is at the same time an visual producer with plenty of dreams on “action film”. the back boiler for shooting action packed „I think action films, even those feature films, should an opportunity to do considered commercial, can carry a so arise. message, can inspire reflection and at the In the meantime, he focuses his same time, entertain.“ creative energies onto the production of Vázquez really loves to tell a tale and video clips. he tries to make his video clips relate to Entitled „Pegadito al piso“, his most films as much as possible. recent offering was shot on location in Such is the case of videos he made for Havana with home town band the Orishas the Cuban artist El Chacal, the Spanish and the La Tribu de Abrante group from singer Beatriz Luengo, which he shot here Puerto Rican. and for the Mexican singer Reik, entitled The producer set the clip in an „Más que suerte“. amazing old El Vedado neighborhood He directed the latter together with building, located in a natural hollow with Orishas leader, Yotuel Romero. most of the floors below street level. He also made „Sastre de tu amor“ and Vázquez, who professes to be now „Every day“ for this same group just a few besotted by this audio-visual genre, days ago in Havana, with Cuban actress considers it a unique form of publicity. Ana de Armas playing the lead. He believes that the video clip is „Pegadito al piso“, his latest clip, is for about the best way to show Cuba to the a song that attracted his attention due rest of the world. its fusion of folklore and electronic music He cannot deny his love for Hollywood with Afro-Cuban and Afro-Puerto Rican REYES DAVID PHOTO: and still aspires to a cinema career some drumbeats. for audio-visual producers because culture to the world. Through our video day, but he’s not in any rush. “I particularly love the music the sometimes institutions can make work, people abroad can see what we’re In an exclusive interview with The Orishas make and think that the way shooting difficult. Permits sometimes doing here in music, dance and culture Havana Reporter, the rising star said, “I their unique blend of electronic, hip hop, take up to 4 months, time neither Cuban and in general.“ now make my own short movies within reggae, rap and other genres reaches the director´s nor foreign artists have. He concluded by explaining that my video clips.... and I love them.” younger generation, is great.” According to the young producer, when a location is chosen, it’s because we “Making a full length feature film Vázquez plans to make further video certain songs can age in a few short want to show that place to the world, and requires high degrees of preparation and clips with the Orishas and hopes to make months and artists inevitably also have he regretted the fact that some people financial backing. When my time comes, I a clip for every song on the new album very tight agendas. think that shooting a video clip is not want to do it right and without economic from Cuba‘s best ever hip hop band, He issued a strong appeal in this such a serious thing. limitations.” having won 2 Grammy Awards and been regard, saying “most young producers are He stressed that such videos are He added, “I would love to tell a story nominated for 8. simply trying to be artistically creative essentially short films that involve all the of significance, that teaches people He has called for more support and positive. We present Cuba and its demands of film production. SPOTLIGHT ON 7 SPOTLIGHT ON

Hand Held Fans Are Back in Style Najarro David Lázaro PHOTO: By CiroBIANCHI ROSS

Hand fans are are making a fashion The koromi made its way to Europe comeback in Havana. and although first introduced to Spain in Ladies of a certain age have always the 15th century, it was not until the 19th carried them, but they have recently century that Valencia began to produce become increasingly popular with young fans, some of which were for export. girls as a traditional accessory that now There are now both finely made, compliments their modern day smart expensive fans that feature black shellac, phones. gold and silver representations and Fans, in addition to their obvious ivory colored or pearly shells and others practical value, add a particular touch of manufactured in bulk and cheap enough glamour to any woman´s image. to be used for promotions and advertising Hand fans were an essential everyday or political campaigns. item for most Cuban women of yesteryear. An amazing collection of precious

The best and most expensive were reloj Courtesy of radio PHOTOs: fans from between 1850 and 1900 is on those that produced a sharp snapping the hair on her forehead with its rim, she Catholic and fans were always used by display at the Havana City Museum, the sound on opening and closing. In the was pleading that he not forget her. the Roman Caesars and the Pontiffs in former Palacio de los Capitanes Generales hands of an expert, a fan could convey up If a woman fanned furiously with her their processions. (Captain Generals´ Palace). to 36 messages. left hand, the cool message to her lover Fans were first made from finely Today, young Cuban women, They served as a precursor to the SMS, indicated she was jealous, whilst slower woven palm tree and other leaves and especially on hot summer days, remind in times when it was almost impossible movements conveyed indifference. lacked flexibility. us once again that charming hand fans for a pair of lovers to find time alone. Fans often come with Egyptian, Ribbed fans were first seen in Japan still exist. The fan became a secret weapon of sorts. Etruscan, Roman, Greek or Chinese designs. in the 7th century, having been created Even though they know little or When a woman ran her index finger The Aztec emperor presented Cortes by a Japanese merchant who paid close nothing about their use to convey through the ribs of her fan she was with six feather fans. attention to a bat flapping its wings. The messages by their grandmothers, they insinuating she urgently needed to tell Columbus had by then already fan was named komori, which in Japanese certainly look more elegant and attractive her lover something and if she touched presented one to Queen Elizabeth the means bat. with a fan in their hands. 8 CUBA 9

Housing: New Measures for Better Protection By RaquelDÍAZ

Cuba’s recently approved five new legal people housed in shelters or living in difficult housing related regulations are an indication conditions. of the State’s commitment to protect its most A mechanism for the legalization of the vulnerable citizens and to allocate subsidies deed documents and land titles of families to those most in need. affected by weather events that don’t have Changes include the granting of legal documentation was also approved. subsidies and the transfer of unfinished state This is aimed at those living in the housing units to people for finishing and provinces of Artemisa, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, new tax reforms. Granma, Guantánamo, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Officials and specialists from the Holguín and Santiago de Cuba. ministries of Construction (Micons), Justice, The transfer of title documents for houses Labor and Social Security and Finance and allocated by the State and built with the Prices and staff from the Institute of Urban support of subsidies has also been updated, Planning explained the changes included in as has a provision for the referential value to decree-laws 242 and 243 and the scope of all be applied for calculating taxes associated the new regulations. with the sale, purchase and donation of Deputy Minister of Labor and Social houses. Security, Yusimí Campos, told The Havana Micons, the body that rules such policies Reporter that the new policy on subsidies in the country, explained that the reforms are was aimed at solving the housing problems outlined in the Republic of Cuba’s „Gaceta of the sick, the disabled and persons caring Oficial Extraordinaria“, issues 15 and 16 of for the very ill and the elderly. 2017 and will come into effect 30 days after Campos added that family size and the the date of publication.

circumstances of parents caring for several Vladimir Molina PHOTO: The modifications comprise two decree- children would be taken into consideration. has allocated over 3,862 million pesos, 2,743 recipients. laws, two agreements by the Council of One of the far-reaching legal million of which had been drawn down by The beneficiaries will include those to Ministers and 11 resolutions, of which 4 modifications covers the granting of the end of 2016 by subsidy recipients. whom the units were to be allocated before relate to Micons, 3 to the Ministry of Finances subsidies to individuals for construction 16,880 half-finished state house work was suspended. and Prices, 2 to the Justice Ministry and 1 work on their homes to which, since its properties have been exceptionally Should they not wish to proceed with each to the Ministry of Labor and Social implementation in 2012, the government authorized for transfer to be finished by the transfer, priority will then be given to Security and the Institute of Urban Planning. Conference on Topical Challenges Facing The Social Sciences Related

Colloquiums, panels and oral presentations will form part of the program for a conference on June 20 and 21 in the western Cuban province of Matanzas, on challenges facing the field of humanities and social sciences . Organizing Committee President Dariel de León, told The Havana Reporter that a broad range of issues are to explored, such as the Sustainable Economic Development Model in Cuba, Strategic Thinking in the Cuban Revolution and the Improvement of State Socialist Enterprises. The forum will create a space for dialogue between research institutions, leading organizations, education centers and the social communication and science communities. The impact of public policy on studies and proposals relating to family, school and community related state-owned enterprises, every aspect comprehensive production systems issues will also be explored. of local development, the social and with a special emphasis on food De Leon said, “we will analyze closed the interview by saying economic consequences of climate production and non state properties current affairs such as the impact of that crucial challenges with roots change and issues facing Cuba’s and enterprises and their social and climate change, related predictions in the theoretical, methodological younger generation in the new economic impact. and projected strategies to cope with it and practical development of this millennium will also be covered, he Social groupings in contemporary and the challenges facing Cuba’s youth branch of the sciences were the explained. Cuban society, demography, population in the context of a new millennium. primary inspiration for organizing the He continued to say that the aging, internal and external migratory The director of Cuba’s Science, conference, the second only of its kind Conference material focuses on processes, race and gender relations, Technology and Environment Ministry in the region. 10 CULTURE Raúl Paz: Songs for Life and Optimism By GlendaARCIA

Acclaimed Cuban singer Raúl Paz‘s latest when I mix electric guitars with funky disc is due for release early in 2018 and drum rhythms. This makes me feel at will comprise 12 pieces that reflect the ease because it keeps me honest. In artist´s ideas and experiences over the my songs, I like to honor life, optimism course of a year. and the need to move on and become Paz told The Havana Reporter, “I set better,” he said. myself the goal of writing a song every Having attained a degree in classical month and to then reflect on what singing and song from Havana´s Higher exactly had inspired each one. This is Institute of Art, Paz traveled to France very interesting process because it in the middle of the 1990s to complete results in both more consistent work and a master´s degree in musicology at the deeper degrees of introspection.¨ Paris Conservatorium. He added that fans will have to wait His album Mulata (2003) sold more until all the songs are finished before than 60,000 copies and was released hearing the album, entitled 2017 and internationally. which he says will be “neither nostalgic He has recorded and performed nor centered on past passions or tales”. extensively with, amongst many others, According to the composer of Tito Puente and his orchestra, Orishas, Revolución and Mulata, this new CD Isidro Infante, La India, Marc Anthony, touches on contemporary rhythms and Rosario Flores and Manu Chao. tones as a means to reflect on what is The singer explained that his return new artistic phase in his career. to Cuba was essential for him. The winner of various national and national tour, to commence on May 6 in influenced by his own origins and “Coming home to a family and a international awards, Paz is presently Guantánamo and close at the beginning different musical trends such as Afro- homeland was indispensable. Knowing also recording about 15 songs for the of June in Havana, together. American music, traditional country there is a place on earth where you Cuban soap opera Tiempos de amar The composer and producer says music and Cuba´s new trova movement. belong and that belongs to you, helps to and is putting the final pieces for a that his songs are a fusion of genres, “My songs portray who I am, even soothe one’s soul.” The LAYF ‘Family’ Photo Studio By DamiánESTRADA

The LAYF photographic studio in Cuba’s THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTION capital city, has earned a large and loyal customer base because of quality of In today’s world, it’s almost inconceivable its work and a warm atmosphere that that any industry could flourish without emulates a family tradition. adequate use of the channels and means So said studio director, Yureivis existing for diffusion. Garay, in an interview with The Havana With this in mind, LAYF works with Reporter. the experienced producer and publicist He complimented the work of each Dolys Martínez, who tirelessly looks for member of his team – from the most innovative ways to attract a potential skilled photographer to the coffee lady audience to a project. – and affirmed that since the very start, Martínez spoke about her they have worked “Monday through exploitation of different social media as Monday.” one of the most effective ways to win Garay is very aware that more than people over and to promote everything good intentions were required to create that the studio can provide to those who one of the country’s most renowned require their services. studios and explained that perseverance In this regard, she underlined the had also been a key element. value of initiatives such as granting He added that their portfolio had According to Massimo Daniele, cohesive team work. interviews to local radio and active likewise been enhanced by several an Italian and one of LAYF’s founders, The executive spoke about his participation in a potential television outstanding groups from the Cuban because Cubans have a very similar intention to liaise with a video clip project, a direct offshoot of the music scene seeking a new image, outlook on life to people from Southern expert in order to include such clips on highly successful Bailando en Cuba because design capability, as an Italy, since the studio’s inception back the LAYF platform and said that in his (Dancing in Cuba) program, a national individual discipline, is one of the in 2012, there has never been a “culture view, the audiovisual world has no limits. televised contest that was enhanced by attractions of the project. clash.” Daniele added that in order to collaborations with foreign stars. They have worked in this regard with Daniele stressed the importance of increase LAYF’s impact, they plan in the The LAYF team is convinced that bands and soloists like Haila Mompié, not leaving anything to chance and to middle and long term to export their once a concept and its objectives Alain Pérez, Alain Daniel, Qva Libre, Baby always being on the lookout for “new services to other countries, but that have clarified, everything else can be Lores, all of whom have expressed the angles”, to ensure a constant reinvention Cuba will always be at the epicenter of gradually attained, because an image high esteem in which they hold the of oneself in the audiovisual world, a their work, because everything started really is worth a thousand words, which team’s work. task that requires very consistent and here five years ago. in fact explains their very “raison d’être”. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Ciénaga de Zapata’s Stunning Wetlands By RobertoCAMPOS

One of Cuba’s most attractive adventure latter exclusive to the Ciénaga de Zapata. excursions includes a visit to Ciénaga de The waters of Ciénaga de Zapata Zapata, home to a treasure trove of flora provide refuge to some marine fish and and fauna and the Island’s most important coral species. swampland. The area is recognized by experts as Located in south-west Cuba’s and part the insular Caribbean’s largest swampland, of the province of Matanzas, the area has extending over 300,000 hectares, 56% of an exceptional landscape with a natural which are covered by trees. savannah and various wetland ecosystems, Over 900 different species of plant including low, swamp and semi-swamp Mammals are represented by the are estimated to exist in the area and plains containing hydromorphic soil on endemic dwarf jutia and jutia conga (edible surrounding communities, many of which limestone deposits. beaver-like rodents) and a population of are autochthonous. This place is a photographer’s dream wild boar and deer, which were introduced For being home to all the and the Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lake), into the area. aforementioned natural wonders, the Basin of the Hatiguanico River - the Two very interesting species of aquatic the Ciénaga de Zapata is deservedly area’s principal fluvial route- and Playas vertebrates are to be found in the marshes and understandably, a designated Larga and Girón, the sites of important and lakes: manatees and manjuarí, the Biosphere Reserve. Cuban revolutionary battles, are especially Tomás and Ferminia birds, whose habitat is considered to be the most restricted on Earth. Over 100 species of other birds can also be found in the area, including Zunzuncito (hummig bird), Cabrerito de la Ciénaga, Catey, long-tailed hawks, parrots and partridges. Ciénaga de Zapata also provides a natural shelter for thousands of migratory birds from North America. It is home to 16 species of reptile, including both the Cuban and American crocodile and iguanas, lizards, snakes and frogs. PHOTO: Vladimir Molina PHOTO:

worthy of a visit. The Ciénaga de Zapata also has forests that grow on limestone rock in areas with poor drainage, extensive mangrove swamps and large stretches of often flooded lowland, such as Cortadera, Palmacana, Arraiján, Yana and Guanito, that form the region’s swamp meadows. Important animal species present include the endemic Gallinuela de Santo Campos Roberto F. PHOTO: 12 POLITICS Unjustified USA Force Against Syria By RobertoGARCIA Recent U.S. airstrikes against Syria, in the indicates that it had been planned for absence of a clear UN Security Council some time. mandate, seem to suggest that the use of The Military Times newspaper had force has once again become the central been suggesting for time that Pentagon pillar of U.S. foreign policy. chiefs were planning an imminent attack In an attack described as rash and on Syria. irresponsible by the Syrian Government, President Barack Obama’s Homeland 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were Security Strategy, approved in 2015 and launched from the eastern Mediterranean still in effect, stipulates that Washington Sea based destroyers USS Porter and USS must give priority to other elements of Ross, against the Sheyrat air base in the its power --including diplomacy and province of Homs in April. economic sanctions -- over the use of The airstrike against the military base military force against any enemy country. and surrounding areas commenced at Even though Obama kept his military 20:30 (Washington time) causing about commitments on Iraq and Afghanistan ten fatalities and considerable damage. and launched systematic ¨limited attacks¨ According to specialized sources, only in places such as Yemen and Pakistan

23 of the launched missiles hit hangars, Apimages PHOTO: that resulted in a significant number fuel and ammunition warehouses or the hostile indication that the president is should put his incongruities aside and of civilian deaths, he did not engage in radar and air-raid systems. willing to immediately use all the military articulate a more coherent strategy, major actions of the type Trump now has The remaining 36 targeted nearby power at hand on the international arena. ¨because the consequences of making a against Syria. villages. The air raids had not been approved false move would be grave indeed.¨ It is very hard to gauge what the About three minutes after the attack, by the U.S. Congress, where a bill As is usual when such decisions are magnitude of U.S. military operations President Donald Trump justified the authorizing the President to use force being considered, senior military and civil against Damascus might be, or if unilateral action by claiming it had been on very restricted occasions to allegedly advisors offered a number of proposals to the terrestrial forces deployed in northern to defend “national interest” ¨ and in fight the self proclaimed “State of Islam” president, who this time chose the airstrike. Syria to support up terrorist groups will response to the alleged use of chemical has been shelved for over a year. According to the U.S. media, the attack be substantially reinforced. arms by Syrian armed forces. Republican Senators John McCain ranked as the least drastic suggestion The primary concern in this regard, The assault commenced less than an and Lindsey Graham backed the missile proffered by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, is not whether Congress can control hour after an official dinner Trump had attack and called on to Trump escalate which speaks for itself for the magnitude Trump’s conduct and inconsistent with Chinese president Xi Jinping at his operations and to destroy Syria‘s air force. of the alternatives suggested. actions, but that the air raid is another Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. However, Senate Intelligence The speed of the unilateral action, flagrant violation of international law The New York Times described this Committee chairman Dem. Mark Warner about which Russian authorities had been which, like many before, will most likely ¨coincidence¨ as an undeniable and criticized the attack, saying that Trump informed shortly before it commenced, go unpunished. Brazil Railroaded by Temer‘s Exclusion Tactics By MoisésPÉREZ Constitution, by limiting primary government spending MARCH OF A MILLION for 20 years and adjusting growth to the inflation rate of the previous period. Since having been first announced, the reform of the According to the Applied Economic Research Institute pension system and the revision of labor laws has been (IPEA), the initiative will irreparably affect protection roundly rejected and has sparked mass mobilizations, mechanisms introduced by the Brazilian state in recent led by Brazil´s Popular Front and People Without Fear years and accentuate inequality. Front, with the support of the country´s largest trade PEC 287, also promoted by Temer, proposes changes unions. to retirement law and has been described by the Brazilian More than one million people took to the streets Workers´ Union leader, Vagner Freitas, as a Constitutional on March 15, National Mobilization and Standstill Day, Amendment Proposal instrument of destruction and not to express their opposition to attempts to curtail hard of reform. earned rights through a misleading and scaremongering He said that it means an end to the pension system campaign of lies. that cannot be undone, because there is no way to mend PEC 287 will mean that women and men and rural the tragedy. and urban workers will retire only having reached the According to economist and professor at the State age of 65 and having no less than 25 years of National University of Campinas, Eduardo Fagnani, the projected Social Security Institute contributions. reform profoundly impacts on the social security system Even those who qualify would have only 76 percent

PHOTO: Apimages PHOTO: consolidated within the 1988 Constitution. of their pension payment guaranteed. When Michel Temer assumed the presidency following Fagnani explained that the Temer administration In order to justify implementation of the proposed a parliamentary-judicial coup against constitutionally plans to implement a ¨purely fiscal¨ reform, ignoring the reforms, the government cites a deficit of almost 150 elected President Dilma Rousseff, he promised put a reality that social security represents the country´s largest billion reales (over $46 billion) in social security accounts, ¨derailed Brazil” back on the track. system of collective protection and directly or indirectly a figure hotly disputed by experts. Almost one year later, the pretender president’s benefits almost half of the population or 100,000,000 In addition to the people´s robust rejection, PEC 287 predictions are being realized through Proposed people. suffered a severe setback when a Porto Alegre judge Constitution Amendment Proposals (PEC), and the Today, seven percent of Brazil’s elderly live below the ordered that the government’s national advertising country popularly known as the South American giant, is poverty line, but that number could jump to 70 percent campaign promoting it be withdrawn, having found running on the rails of exclusion. without social security, which also helps to stem the it harmful to democratic principles and guilty of The approval of CAP 55 – widely referred to as both exodus from rural areas, drives regional economies and transmitting a deceitful message to the population by socially evil and apocalyptic -- was the first and hardest plays an important redistributive role in the poorest claiming that the reform could not be rejected, modified blow to social protections enshrined in the nation’s 1988 municipalities. or enhanced by the executive power. ECONOMY 13 Biennial Eco Tourism Seminar in September By Roberto F. Campos

Cuba has a comprehensive National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) that control tourism developments in important national and local areas and so-called Special Regions for Sustainable Development, that include 77 National Protected Areas and 134 Local Areas as the result of a program that will continue until 2020. The Ministry of Tourism regulates technical-professional categories on the basis of a structure for Natural Reserves (for It was first held in the westernmost scientific work), National Parks, Ecological Pinar del Rio province’s renowned valley Reserves, Outstanding Natural Elements of Vinales and Flora Reserves. It has also been hosted in Cienfuegos, Cuba’s forthcoming XI International Eco and sustainable eco tourism model, The list also includes two fauna Granma, in eastern Cuba, Sancti Spíritus Tourism Seminar (TURNAT, in Spanish) based on environmental protection and shelters: Natural Protected Landscapes in the central region, in the city of Baracoa in the province of Holguín, will provide conservation. and Resources Protected Areas. - the first village founded by the Spanish an ideal opportunity for industry experts Nature, adventure and rural tourism, There are 120 well managed protected in Cuba and the easternmost city of and professionals to exchange views are modalities that make a considerable areas nationwide – 58.87% already the country -- in Ciénaga de Zapata in and to promote Cuban as an attractive contribution to the travel industry, both in identified and 86.73% with administration Matanzas province and Villa Clara. destination. Cuba but and a majority of other countries. potential – a good part of which are open TURNAT’s primary purpose is to The biennial gathering will take place It is a growing sector on the Caribbean to sustainable tourism. promote and foster eco tourism in Cuba from September 26-30 this year. island for reasons that the TURNAT events Initially an annual event, TURNAT on the basis of the potential of a beautiful Holguin, in the eastern region of highlight in particular and the endeavors now is held every two years at a different and immaculately preserved geography Cuba and other provinces nationwide, of the Ecotur Travel Agency that specializes location to promote Cuba’s stunning that includes the numerous protected are increasingly focused on a viable in the field. natural beauty. areas and natural parks. Cuba and Chile Collaborate on Mining By TeyunéDÍAZ generate $2 billion over 19 years. Mining general director Juan Ruiz told One part of the project will work on the THR that these so called tails, from which recovery of a raw material warehouse, an only nickel had been extracted to date, initiative that will entail an environmental also contain high concentrations of other plan and the consequent transformation metals like iron and chromium. of the zone. He added that its exploitation could be Muñoz said that in addition to the very profitable for the country. transfer of technology, levels of expertise The Chilean ambassador in Cuba would also be enhanced, because Chilean Ricardo Herrera, also spoke to this iron and copper specialists are to teach newspaper about economic relations at the University of Moa in the eastern between the two countries, saying that the

PHOTO: Courtesy of cubadebate PHOTO: province of Holguín. passing of the Cuban Foreign investment Cuba´s Commercial Caribbean Nickel S.A. the undertaking of a comprehensive The projects will stimulate Law bode well for a promising future. (CCN) Company and Chile´s RM Asesorías technical-economic feasibility study. development and the industrialization He added that the Chilean business have signed an international economic If results are favorable, a joint venture the city and provide employment for the community is willing to invest in Cuba, a association contract for mining activities, will be created and the whole process residents of Nicaro, also in Holguin. country interested in traditional capital that will result in financial benefits, should be concluded within a two year Entitled Concentrated Environmental and dynamic investors in a position to technological advancement, shared framework. Passive Iron Mining in Nicaro, the project contribute both financing and innovation. expertise and enhanced environmental In conversation with The Havana reflects Cuba’s strategic increase in He said that a logistics projects at protection. Reporter, RM Asesorias executive, investments and exports. the Mariel Special Development Zone The signing of this agreement is Ronny Muñoz, praised the financial, The initiative will favor the international is also under consideration, together to be followed, in accordance with environmental and technological sale of iron, complete with the other with another for environmental waste Cuba´s Foreign Investment Law, by advantages of the project which could mineral elements that it contains. reconversion in Havana. 14 ECONOMY Oil Exploration Activities on the Increase A special THR report by RobertoSALOMÓN

Cuban specialists, assisted by foreign companies, have mastered the horizontal, long-range technology, which is very important. The country presently produces some 4 million tons of oil, including extra-heavy crude and gas, sufficient to meet 45% of domestic energy consumption. One of Cupet and Minem’s most important lines of work for the country is the ongoing promoting of foreign investment, especially in this field, in which US companies are welcomed to participate. Manuel Marrero, an advisor at Cuba’s Energy and Mines A number of business community delegations from Ministry (Minem in Spanish), has told The Havana the US have visited the island to explore opportunities Reporter that the nation “needs foreign investment in in the hydrocarbon sector, and significant scientific This will be vital for when possibilities to invest on order to develop, particularly in expensive and high and technical exchanges have taken place. the island open up. risk sectors such as oil exploration and production.” “We are very optimist that sooner or later the China’s BGP company -one of the world’s most He added that “nature blessed our archipelago blockade will be lifted and allow cooperation between important in its field– recently concluded a more than and adjacent waters with hydrocarbon resources of the two neighboring nations. Then, a collaboration, 25,000 km two dimensional seismic study. importance, resulting in favorable beneficial to both parties could be established,” the Cupet is working tirelessly to extract more oil from geological-oil scenario.” specialist said. wells in the northern zone. To this end, it commenced The Cuba-Petróleo Union (Cupet) and Minemare Short-term prospects could include US companies a state financed an exploratory campaign and are currently conducting a promotional campaign working in Cuba’s Mexican Gulf Economic Exclusive continues to promote a higher degrees of foreign to encourage further foreign investment in oil Zone and provision by North American firms of investment. exploration and production. equipment, as a way to start doing business with Cuba The advisor said however, “in my opinion, our The country currently drills long-range wells with and Cupet. greatest volume of oil lies in the Gulf of Mexico equipment that has a horizontal segment in the lower As geographical and geological neighbors, joint in- Economic Exclusive Zone, where scientific studies end that has perforated to 7,000m. depth analysis on geology and oil industry expertise conducted by Cuban and foreign specialists indicate This work is underway on some 8 km long oilfields in the US and Mexican zones is essential to assess gas the presence of up to 15,000 million barrels of that stretch out from the coast to structures revealed and oil prospects in Cuba. extractable oil.” by seismic studies. Mexican specialists are presently conducting He concluded by explaining that there was no Drilling in such conditions is expensive because comparative studies on Cuban geology and some US Cuban law preventing US companies investing or submersible platforms are required. companies are also engaged in research. working in the industry. SPORTS 15 Cuban“s Return to Can-Am Baseball By YasielCANCIO

Cuba represents so much for baseball, it’s great for us to have the team.” Yurisbel Gracial; shortstops and Yosvani Aragón, Acting Baseball Commissioner in , fielders and Julio Pablo Cuba, explained that the “contracts reflect the quality of Martínez, and pitchers and Lázaro Blanco, and the interest in Cuban baseball players.” the latter considered the best in the National Series. He added that talks between Cuba and the Major As before, the agreement also allows the Cuban Leagues on the legal inclusion of Cuban players in the U.S. national team competes in the championship. This time and other Caribbean leagues under the aegis of the MLB around the team will be made up of young players with are ongoing. the potential to participate in the 2019 and 2020 pre- As things stand, Cuban players must renounce their As an historic agreement between the Cuban and United Olympic tournaments. citizenship in order to play on baseballs “center Stage”, and States Major League Baseball (MLB)organization is Michel Laplante, Can-Am Deputy President, told The in most cases illegally abandon the island, putting their awaited by many, the Can-Am Independent League (Can- Havana Reporter that “the hiring of these Cuban players lives in the hands of human traffickers, a key issue in the AM) has again welcomed the addition of talented Cuban is great for performance and development on both sides present negotiations. players. and is very welcome. This is the oldest of the leagues This is one result of the more than 50 year old -- and still The Quebec Capitales and Ottawa Champions clubs – and it’s reinforcement with the Cuban national team is in effect -- unilateral blockade imposed by Washington on the latter current champions – will have Cubans line out important. Havana, causing harm to all sectors of society. for them in the 13th Can-Am championship, a tournament He said that being the first league in Canada and Meanwhile, Canada and other countries like Japan franchise that operates independently of the US Major the US with an international team playing was also and Italy, take full advantage of the possibility to legally League. significant.” Lapland added that this participation was contract Cuban players through agreements with all The players already under contract are third baseman about both sports and cultural exchange and “because parties involved. 16

Orthopedics and Traumatology Program

This specialty is backed up in Cuba by advanced therapeutics that range from welfare orthopedics and traumatology, sports medicine, development of prosthesis and orthesis techniques, to a long research and teaching tradition, with far-reaching development supported by up-to-date scientific grounds, with high competence at international level, such consolidated applications as arthroscopy, external fixers, sports traumatology, and research on osteoporosis, hip fractures in the elderly, hip cox-arthrosis, among others.

www.smcsalud.cu