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YEAR IX Nº 12 avana eporter SEP 27, 2019 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R HAVANA, CUBA A Monthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency ISSN 2224-5707 Price: 1.00 CUC / 1.00 USD 1.20 CAN Cuba-USA: Plan vs. Plan

P. 3 Tourism Economy MITM Americas Returns Cuba and EU Continue on a Path of Cooperation and Respect to Cuba

P. 2 P. 13 Spotlight Sports Latin America and the Oscar Awards First Cuban Woman to Commentate Baseball

P. 7 P. 15 2 TOURISM MITM Americas Returns to Cuba

Text and Photos: TinoMANUEL Havana, declared a World Heritage Site by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). HAVANA. The 23rd edition of MITM The event will come to a close at the Americas, one of the most important gardens of Hotel Nacional de Cuba, one events of the MICE tourism sector of the most famous Cuban hotels and an (dedicated to conferences, events and international example of event tourism incentive travel) returns to Cuba this year over the past century, the organizers to highlight Cuban authorities’ intention stressed. to diversify what the country has to offer. The participants of the upcoming fair The spokespeople of Spain’s GSAR will also have the opportunity to take Marketing Company have publicly training courses of tourism professions, expressed their satisfaction of the which will be taught by professors of upcoming MITM Americas meeting this prestigious institutions. October at Hotel Nacional de Cuba in These experts will come from the Havana. University of Nebrija, MICE Training, A report released to the press showed the Latin American Confederation of that there are high expectations for the Congressional Organizers (COCAL), event’s fair, celebrating the incentive among others. travel sector in the Americas and the The MICE training session is especially Caribbean. This is the third time that the designed to improve the competitiveness event will be held in Havana, the previous of the companies in the tourism sector. taking place at the Meliá Cohiba Hotel in In the meantime, GSAR Marketing 2018. Company confirmed in a report that Set for October 14-17, the 23rd MITM 10 Spanish hotel chains will attend the Americas Fair offers the opportunity to enjoy 23rd edition of MITM Americas:Meliá, some of the celebrations marking Havana’s Iberostar, Barceló, Be Live, Riu, ROC, 500th anniversary on November 16. Evenia, Bahía Príncipe Hotels & Resorts, The event is sponsored by the Cuban NH Hotel Group and VP Hoteles. Ministry of Tourism, Gran Caribe Hotels & In some cases, the Americas account Resorts, Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Cubatur for 25 percent of revenue for the Spanish and Iberia Airlines, with Meliá Hoteles, hotel chains, which are in the lead of the Iberostar Hotels and Muthu Hotels as the world ranking annually published by the sponsors of the post-tours. World Tourism Organization (WTO). Meanwhile, Caribbean Tours Other international hotel chains will Company will offer participants a tour participate in the fair together with the along Havana’s Malecón (sea wall) in Spanish hotels, including Accor, Louvre, classic American cars from the 1940s and Blue Diamond, Faranda, Gran Caribe, 50s, according to the organizers. MGM Muthu, Four Points and Sheraton, The event’s program also includes and Cubanacán, many of which were a tour of the four main squares in Old created in Cuba.

YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE THE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY HavanaReporter SPORTS.AND MORE President: Luis Enrique González. Art Direction: Anathais Rodríguez Information Vice President: Moisés Pérez Mok Graphic Designers: Fernando Fernandez Tito Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Editorial Vice President: Lianet Arias Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Prensa Latina, S.A. Chief Editor: Luis Melian Assistant Staff: Yaimara Portuondo Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. English Editor: Mitra Ghaffari Advertising: René García Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Yanely Interián Circulation: Commercial Department. Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3 Cuba-USA: Plan vs. Plan By OrlandoORAMAS

HAVANA.- The White House must be taking delight in the fuel shortage Cuba has been facing recently, while the island is implementing an interim plan with the people’s participation and understanding. Cuban authorities had warned long before that the tightening of the U.S. blockade would have new consequences on the island, which is experiencing a fuel shortage, majorly affecting production and services. In TV appearances accompanied by the Council of Ministers, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the threats against shipping and insurance companies connected to fuel supply. Actions related to the blockade impeded the arrival of tanks and caused the interruption of fuel supply, a temporary situation that is unrelated to the Cuban Government’s performance, the President stressed. He called the stance of the Trump Administration criminal and genocidal, making Cubans’ lives difficult in an effort to cause a social outbreak. They want to complicate the social framework to force political concessions, the President pointed out. That scenario has obligated the adoption of interim measures to minimize the negative consequences on the population, limiting power and fuel usage. Production with high diesel consumption has been temporarily postponed, as the arrival of tanks is expected to be normalized in October. The country is not coming to a standstill nor is it entering a new ‘Special Period’ like Cement and steel industries, for example, will reduce their activities because the one suffered in the 1990s with the fall of the Soviet Union. the objective is to concentrate the present resources on food production, the retail At that time, Cuba suffered the loss of 80 percent of its markets and the Gross network and the tourist sector, announced Cuban Minister of Economy and Planning Domestic Product abruptly reduced by more than 30 percent. Alejandro Gil. “We are not facing a Special Period because today we have strengths that we didn’t The Ministries of Economy, Transport, Energy and Mining, among others, are have before. It’s a totally different scenario and we can rely on our economic and social adopting measures and strategies that aim to save fuel and, above all, ensure services development strategy,” President Díaz-Canel reiterated in his appearances on the radio to the population. and TV program Mesa Redonda, where he talked about the energy situation. This entails economizing public transportation and freight services, mainly by the He referred to the development and contribution the tourism sector offers the railroad service. island, with more than 70,000 rooms. He also mentioned the export of medical The strategies are also directed at making the best use of the workforce, together services, the increase of foreign investment and the impact of the non-State sector, with adjustments by organizations belonging to the central administration of the with significant and increasing economic contributions. State and other entities, including the provincial and municipal governments. Similarly, Díaz-Canel spoke on the diversification of commercial relations, with Plan vs Plan, said Díaz-Canel in relation to the strategy adopted to minimize the strong ties to Europe, Venezuela, Russia and China, among other partners. impact on the population. In this regard, people were urged to strengthen the patriotic “The national production of oil guarantees 40 percent of electricity generation, sense of national unity, as well as adopting conservation practices to make good use of which wasn’t the case in the 1990s and is a current strength of the country,” he resources. stressed. 4 CUBA-U.S. Trump’s Anti-Cuba Crusade Attacks Family Remittances By MarthaANDRES members of the Communist Party of Once more, the U.S Government anyone, noted the Engage Cuba Coalition. Cuba or their close relatives.” said that the measures allegedly aim at Washington’s Office for Latin America In addition, the U.S. agency cancelled supporting the Cuban people, despite said on Twitter that the remittances play an WASHINGTON.- Committed to an the authorization allowing money repeated denunciations that the important role in helping Cuban families aggressive policy against Cuba, which has transfer in the form of donations but administration’s stance actually hurts and by imposing a limited figure, the U.S. been criticized within the United States maintained the possibility to send the Cuban people, in addition to Cuban- government will not attain its objectives and abroad, the Trump Administration “unlimited remittances to certain people Americans and U.S. nationals. to change Cuban politics or economy. passed a new regulation that limits money and non-governmental organizations,” Following the new measures that Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel transfer to the island and bans U-turn which will be extended to private sector tightened the blockade Washington has announced that the U.S. government transactions. workers, according to the new regulation. imposed against Cuba for nearly 60 years, resorts to lies, calumnies and hypocrisy Issued by the State Department’s Likewise, the authorization that allowed the Democratic Representative of Florida, as pretexts to tighten the blockade, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Cuba to process U-turn transactions – Kathy Castor, wrote on Twitter: “Trump that they “cruelly attack Cuba” because the new restrictions were published on transferring funds through U.S. banks continues to hurt Cuban and U.S. families their offensive attack on Venezuela failed. the Federal Registry on September 9 and while neither the sender nor the payee are with his tough and inhumane policies.” With these actions, which have joined will take effect the following month. subject to U.S. jurisdiction—was annulled. More bad news for normal Cubans. previous measures such as the Cuba According to the OFAC changes, a In order to justify the implementation of The Trump Administration drastically cut travel bans for U.S. citizens, the activation person living in the United States can those restrictions, the Trump Administration the amount of dollars that the Cuban- of Title III of the controversial Helms- send up to $1,000 every three months in once again appealed to the same argument it Americans can send to their families Burton Act and the long list of Cuban family remittances to a Cuban national. always uses when adopting measures against in Cuba. Damaging the U.S. people’s entities that are banned for U.S. nationals, The transaction recipients cannot be Cuba: the Caribbean island’s solidarity with possibility to maintain their families in Cuba the Trump Administration sticks to a cruel “prohibited government officials, banned Venezuela and the Nicolás Maduro government. is unnecessarily cruel and does not help and failing policy. Internet PHOTOS:

For 4 News Headlines per day for just $1CUC / month, Send an SMS with the letters PL to 8100 HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

Cuba Says Goodbye to Analog Television By Ana LauraARBESU HAVANA.- Digital television signal has The idea is that people with the become a reality in Cuba. After several resources will be able to buy these months of setting it up on the island, devices directly while people with low the specialists of RadioCuba, a Radio- purchasing power will have access to Communication and Broadcasting loans, she stressed. Company, announced that the days One of the objectives of the Program of analog television are over in five for the Informatization of the Cuban municipalities of the central Cuban Society is to attain 100 percent coverage province of Sancti Spíritus and in the of digital television within a three-year southwestern municipality of Isla de la term. This program is already showing Juventud (Isle of Youth). tangible results in other spheres of This process aims at providing Cubans’ everyday life. the Cuban society with information According to experts, its

technology, beginning with the transition Latina Prensa PHOTO: implementation will not only ensure TV of the Educativo Channel, founded in signal with more services and functions 2002 with programs largely focusing on Those benefited with this technology digital signal during this initial phase, such but it will also influence the frequency cultural and educative learning, many of will enjoy higher quality, new services, as the decoder box, one of the receiving that the Cuban Telecommunications which are included in school curriculum. lower costs, a larger service area, and devices, and the hybrid television. The Company S.A (ETECSA) can implement 4G Specialists from the Information the radio electronic spectrum will be digital signal would then be gradually on the cell phones, which is now used by Technology and Communications prepared, Justo Moreno García, the extended to the housing sector. transmitters instead of the analog signal. Business Group (GEIC), who are heading General Director of RadioCuba, told the “This is a sensitive process,” GEIC Once the analog signal is completely this process, said that any blackouts press upon announcing this process. President Grisel Reyes León has said on abandoned, some frequencies would will be partial and will depend on the However, it is necessary to take several occasions. These actions will be open up and then there would be better conditions created in the teaching different factors into consideration so that accompanied by a strategy aimed at connection through the wide band, centers to receive the digital signal. schools and workplaces can receive the protecting the population at all times. experts say. Cuban Care of the Chernobyl Children By CiraGARCIA The idea was to take those children from the contaminated environment to a clean one, allowing the organism to recover faster. As many as 67 percent of HAVANA.- The stories of solidarity of the Cuban people the children being treated were suffering from thyroid and government in health, education and military disease, vitiligo, alopecia and psoriasis. missions are many and full of humanism, generosity and Also, a section of Tarará was assigned for placental love. histotherapy treatment for hair loss and psoriasis, Almost every Cuban was aware of the catastrophic alongside a mental care program. accident at the Ukrainian nuclear plant in Chernobyl on Teachers from the children’s countries of origin also April 26, 1986. formed part of the program, because conditions were Three years later, news continued to hit the headlines created for them to continue their studies in Cuba. There of the Cuban press when the humanitarian program was was one guide per 10 or 15 children and those seriously created to provide long-term medical attention to the ill came accompanied by a legal guardian. children affected by the explosion. This program, which lasted 21 years, was free of Cuba did not hesitate when the authorities of the charge, regardless of the economic crisis that the country former Soviet Union asked for help and immediately was going through, known as the special period of the offered assistance to thousands of children from the 1990s that resulted from the fall of the Soviet Union. most affected regions in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The Results According to reports at the time, while 31 people The high-quality medical attention provided to the died from contact with toxic waste, the amount of nearly 26,000 patients included in the Cuban Program radioactive materials released to the atmosphere was for Comprehensive Healthcare to children affected by 500 times greater than that generated by the atomic the Chernobyl nuclear accident was fully implemented bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. from March of 1990 to the end of 2011. Outside the plant, over 100,000 Ukrainian citizens It’s worth mentioning that the majority of the were evacuated and nearly 600,000 others took part in patients had more than one chronic disease. In the case the decontamination process; hence, many of them got of thyroid hyperplasia, patients improve just through sick. contact with an iodine-rich environment. Once patients According to the International Nuclear and recovered, they returned to their country with specific Radiological Event Scale, the Chernobyl catastrophe medical advice. was the most serious nuclear accident and one of the Due to the change in eating habits, the diagnosis, greatest environmental disasters ever. It generated a the treatment and the reduction of the stress in Cuba, wave of solidarity where Cuba stood out for being the children returned home either cured or showing only country that organized a comprehensive, free significant improvements. health program to assist nearly 26,000 people, especially For example, patients with vitiligo reported 90.3 children, between 1990 and 2011. percent repigmentation, 86.4 percent of the children First Actions with alopecia experienced hair growth, and 95.4 percent At the beginning of 1990, Cuban experts travelled to of those with psoriasis improved the time between Ukraine to assess the magnitude of the problem and the crises. A total of 117 cases with tumorous processes were kind of help necessary, according to data by the Cuban treated, 90.5 percent of them were malign. No death has Ministry of Public Health. been reported up-to-date. On March 29, 1990, the leader of the Revolution Fidel According to Dr. Julio Medina, who was the Castro received the first 139 children, who were taken to program’s director from 1998 on, the program “was the Juan Manuel Márquez and William Soler Children’s sustainable thanks to the political system that offered Hospitals and the Hematology Institute. resources, to the strength of the Cuban healthcare A comprehensive program provided medical attention system and the great humanism of Cuban health to 10,000 children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear professionals, who offered their services both to accident, with the main site at the Tarará beach resort east Cuban children and those from Chernobyl in the same of Havana, which was converted into a hospital. hospital wards of Havana.” Prensa Latina Prensa PHOTOS: 6 CULTURE

The Revival of the Capitolio’s Golden Dome By YosbelBULLAIN

the Republic, a sculpture located in the sculptures by Italian artist Angelo Capitolio that was reopened last July in a Zanelli,the Baraguá Hall, a meeting ceremony attended by First Secretary of space, and the José Martí Library. the Communist Party of cuba, Raúl Castro, At the crypt where the mortal remains and Russian Foreign Affairs Minister, of the unknown mambí (combatant Serguéi Lavrov. of the War of Independence) is kept, At that ceremony, Leal thanked visitors can also see the sculpture of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the the Homeland; the score of the Bayamo donation that allowed for restoring the Anthem and the Cuban Coat of Arms, statue, a 24-karat gold-plated work that is in addition to the flags of some Latin considered the third biggest in the world. American nations. The work conducted on the Capitolio The Cuban Capitolio building, which dome was part of a comprehensive covers 40,000 square meters, was inspired restoration project of this emblematic by the U.S. Capitol and inaugurated building that started in 2010. The main on May 20, 1929, during the Gerardo facilities were opened to the public in Machado mandate. With a neoclassical March of 2018. façade, the execution of this work cost Daily, national and foreign visitors about 16 million dollars. visit the Capitolio to appreciate the After the triumph of the Cuban

Prensa Latina, Internet Latina, Prensa PHOTOS: majesty of the Salón de los Pasos Revolution, the Palace became the seat of Perdidos (the Lost Steps Hall), which is several institutions, such as the Ministry HAVANA.- In time for the 500th anniversary meters above the ground, sparkled in the 120 meters long, and the Yara Hall, where of Sciences, Technology and Environment of Havana, the dome of the Cuban Capital sunlight. original sets of ceramic tableware are and the Cuban Academy of Sciences. At building, El Capitolio, is back to its golden During the unveiling ceremony, exhibited. Visitors can also appreciate present, it is the seat of the People’s Power color after careful restoration work by Havana city’s historian Eusebio Leal the Jimaguayú Hall, which features National Assembly (Cuban Parliament). Cuban and Russian specialists. explained that the sheets of copper By reinforcing its concrete and steel replaced those that were damaged by structures and restoring other decorative almost one century of exposure to wind elements, renovations granted the and weather. original color by coating the monumental Leal highlighted that the official building’s dome with sheets of gold- ceremony for the unveiling of the dome plated copper. will take place around the national The symbolic vault was unveiled at the holidays marking the beginning of the end of August after being concealed for War of Independence. several months with white and red tarps. The historian added that a tribute The unveiling of the dome uncovered the will be paid to those who worked on the mystery hidden behind those canvases, restoration of the dome, including the where the renovation was taking place. Russian experts who conducted the very Passers-by stopped in front of the specialized work of gilding metal. Capitolio when the canvases started The Russian specialists were also to fall. The golden surface, about 92 responsible for restoring the Statue of The Peace Train Project Makes its Debut in Cuba By MarthaCABRALES Abreu noted that in Santiago de Cuba, choir experiences for youth were fostered and promoted by the late Maestro Electo SANTIAGO DE CUBA.- The young singers Silva, winner of the National Music Award of the Peace Train Project will make their and pioneer of the Festival. debut in Cuba during the 33rd edition of “In other countries, parents are hardly the International Choir Festival, to take present during music lessons and choral place in Santiago de Cuba from October directors teach directly through the 28 to November 3. schools, while in Cuba, parents or other The President of the Organizing relatives accompany their kids to those Committee, Daria Abreu, told The Havana lessons and can enjoy that aesthetic Reporter that the initiative emerged in value,” Abreu mentioned. South Africa 27 years ago and is headed The Choir Festival will be attended by by musician/music therapist Sharon Katz, groups from Venezuela, South Africa, the who originated this project following United States, France, Ecuador and Mexico, Nelson Mandela’s liberation and the end which will exchange with Cuban groups of apartheid. such as the National Choir, including both She also explained that a choir workshop the De Profundis and Entre Voces units, for children will be held with the participation Vocal Leo, recent winner of an international of kids from South Africa, Cuba, the United award, and choirs from the Matanzas, States and Mexico. This event is inspired by Cienfuegos and Camagüey provinces. world peace and solidarity, regardless of Choirs from the National School of geographical, cultural or lingual differences. Arts will also participate in this event, “It will be a great opportunity for the together with those from the Villa kids, who will be able to sing together, Clara and Ciego de Ávila provinces, the to create friendships and discover other Telecommunications Company Choir, cultures,” said Abreu, who regards this Madrigalista, a choir from Santiago de initiative as one of the highlights of this Cuba created over 60 years ago, Música year’s festival. Áurea, and other amateur artists. Internet PHOTOS: SPOTLIGHT 7 Latin America and the Oscar Awards By YanisbelPEÑA

HAVANA.- There are still five months before the “Un Traductor” was also part of the official selection internationally famous Oscar Awards take place. This of films at the Sundance Festival in the United States. is undoubtedly the most prestigious and heated film The only Cuban film so far nominated for the Oscar award in the world. Awards has been “Fresa y Chocolate” (Strawberry and Preparations have begun for the upcoming Chocolate, 1994) by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Carlos Tabío, during the 67th edition of the much Sciences of the United States which, since its first edition coveted awards. in 1929, has been an aspiration of international films even This year’s candidates also include the Brazilian- more so when the category recognizing the best foreign German production “A Vida Invisível de Eurídece film (non-English-speaking) was included in 1956. Gusmão” (The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao), directed Latin American cinema has traditionally been one of by Karim Aïnouz and based on the novel of the same the strongest candidates for the foreign film award, having name, written by author and journalist Martha Batalha. received it more than any other region of the world. The film tells the story of two sisters from Rio de The films chosen to be included on the list of Janeiro who suffered the consequences of a sexist candidates for the best foreign film are now hitting the society in the 1940s. headlines. Colombia has pinned its hopes on Alejandro Landes A few weeks ago it was announced that a Cuban Echavarría’s feature film “Monos” (Monkeys), which film would be among the potential candidates, along is an analysis of the current Colombian society and with films from Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, the adolescence in particular. Dominican Republic and Mexico, which won last year’s “Todos Cambiamos” (All of Us Change) by filmmaker award with “Roma” by Alfonso Cuarón. Arturo Montenegro is Panama’s candidate, while “La The Cuban-Canadian production “Un Traductor” Mala Noche” (The Ruthless Night) by Gabriela Calvache, (A Translator) was nominated for this year’s award, represents Ecuador in the race for the nominations. sponsored by the Cuban Film Industry (ICAIC). The Dominican Republic bets on “El proyeccionista” Directed by the brothers Rodrigo and Sebastián (The Projectionist), directed by José María Cabral. Barriuso, the film takes place in Havana at the end of Mexico will by represented by¨La Camarista¨, the first the 1980s, when hundreds of children from the former feature film by Lila Avilés. It was chosen out of eleven Soviet Union came to the country to be treated after candidates by the Mexican Academy of Motion Picture they were exposed to the radiation of the Chernobyl Arts and Sciences to represent the country in the awards. Nuclear Plant accident. The film, starring Gabriela Cartol, tells the story of Evelia, The plot focuses on Malin (Rodrigo Santoro), a professor of a young worker at a luxury hotel who enrolls in an adult Russian Literature at the University of Havana, who is chosen education program in pursuit of a better life. to translate for the Cuban doctors treating the children. This process also incorporate the proposals of The film premiered in Cuba during the 40th countries such as Argentina and Chile, (La Araña) whose International Festival of New Latin American Film, with film industries are internationally renowned. good reviews by both the public and film critics. It’s worth stating that the films mentioned above are The film has an international cast, featuring the not chosen at random, as most of them have been largely performances by Brazilian Rodrigo Santoro and Cubans recognized by other important international events and Eslinda Nuñez, Jorge Molina and Osvaldo Doimeadiós. festivals. Produced in 2018, “El Traductor” has been featured The films nominated for the different categories in major film festivals and received the prize for Best of the 92nd edition of the Oscar Awards will be Filmmaker at the International Film Festival of Shanghai, announced on January 31, and the ceremony will take

together with nominations in the categories of Best Actor place on February 9 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater in Internet PHOTOS: and First Work of the Ibero-American Phoenix Film Awards. California. 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

UPCOMING EVENTS Havana Mozart Festival (Oct 25-Nov 2)

The International Festival International of New Latin Culinary American Festival Cinema (Oct 14-18) (Dec 5-15) THE CARIBBEAN 9 Dorian: Devastation and Relief Efforts in The Bahamas ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT By OdalysTROYA

HAVANA.- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) might not use the name Dorian for other hurricanes after the devastating damages caused to the Bahamas by the recent natural disaster. No one will forget the disaster caused by this hurricane, which reached Category 5 – the highest magnitude on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Dorian stalled in the country for almost three days, with winds stronger than 200 km/h.

The panorama is tragic, with dozens of confirmed Latina Internet, Prensa PHOTOS: deaths, over 2,500 missing people, flooding, oil spillage, torn down trees and electric poles, and large areas the government of the Bahamas – either with spoken or José Reinel García, representative of the Cuban completely devastated, especially on the Abaco and material support - to cushion the blow. Ministry of Education in the Bahamas, affirmed that Grand Bahama islands. On September 11, Cuba sent the first load of ¨Even though the impact was greater on the Abaco Desolation, sadness, uncertainty, panic and despair humanitarian aid, which according to the General and Grand Bahama islands, the strong winds and heavy swept the country as people search for their relatives, Director of Economic Collaboration at the Ministry of rains caused damages in the capital and other places. neighbors and friends, gathering what they can to Foreign Trade and Investment (MINCEX), Raciel Proenza, Members of the Cuban brigade immediately supported survive this great misfortune. was the first action of Cuban aid to the Bahamas. recovery measures.¨ According to the National Emergency Management Proenza affirmed that over the next few days, a Cuban All 55 members of the Cuban educational sector in Agency (NEMA), the devastation these islands faced is ship with more consumables would reach the country, Antilles also supported the relief work in the Caribbean unprecedented. because as President Miguel Díaz-Canel said, Cuba is willing and are contributing to the restoration of structures and “We are in the wake of a hurricane (…) unlike to contribute to the recovery of the Caribbean nation. cleaning up debris. anything we’ve seen in the history of the Bahamas. Proenza added that Cuba organized a medical brigade Bahamas is moving towards recovery, but years will pass This is probably the worst day of my life,” Prime Minister as part of the Henry Reeve Contingent, which was created by before the country will be able to return to its daily routine— Hubert Minnis said when Dorian’s powerful winds were the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro to for the houses to rise from the rubble, for the ships to return to finally leaving the archipelago. face situations of epidemic, catastrophe and natural disaster. sea, and for people to be less triggered by the name Dorian. When the first bodies were rescued, Health Minister Duane He noted that the brigade is ready to leave the country as The total damage that the Bahamas has suffered, insured Sands warned that “the number (deaths) was appalling.” soon as coordination is finalized between the parties. or not, rose to seven billion dollars, including the standstill In response to such sorrowful devastation, the country Havana also offered the aid of Electricity Union of buildings and businesses, according to the preliminary received several tokens of solidarity from organizations, specialists to help recover energy services in the estimates made by Karen Clark & Co -a consultancy firm that agencies, governments, cruise ship companies, airlines Bahamas, as well as a brigade to cut fallen trees. provides risk and catastrophic model management services. and individuals from all around the world. The school year started in the middle of this The recovery stage will only be alleviated with the The United Nations, the Caribbean Community, disastrous scenario in the Bahamas, with the support help of the international community, and that is the only Venezuela, Cuba, the United States, Japan and many of a group of Cuban teachers who are part of the Félix way the beautiful country will return to the paradise it others, expressed their solidarity with the people and Varela Collaboration Brigade. was known as. 10 CULTURE Cuban Dance Company Shines like a Diamond By MartaSANCHEZ The 11th edition was attended by representatives of Cuba and Colombia, but contestants from Costa Rica, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Mexico and HAVANA.- The company Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba (LADC) won Canada had participated previously. eight Diamond Awards during the 2019 International Active Never before in Panama’s most important dance contest Dance contest held in Panama, one for each of the performances had a dance school achieved the feat that LADC did this year: the dance group gave. Had it presented 20 choreographies, it all of its pieces received the highest award, as the “Diamond” is probably would have won 20 awards. ranked superior to the gold medal. Discipline and dedication to art, love and courage All eight choreographies presented by the Cuban dancers characterize this dance director, Lizt Alfonso, who knows how were awarded; five of them were among the top five in the to instill all these values in the new generations of dancers as a Group Category (intermediate level): Agobio, La Boda de Luis formula for success both on and off the stage. Alonso, De Cai a Sevilla, Renacer and De Contrabando. The LADC dance company’s goal is to train its students not The first three pieces mentioned above, in that order, also only as professionals but as human beings. The awards won in received the highest scores in the flamenco modality, due to Panama are proof of the quality of the one-of-a-kind teaching their excellence. center in Latin America. This is a school that has its own style; it The school’s only duo dance “Al Aire” also won second draws from the Spanish and African roots of Cuban culture, with place in the duo/trio category, while the school in general was influences from ballet, modern dance (developed on the island recognized with one of the jury’s special awards. in the 20th century) and a number of other popular styles. The contest included pieces with references to Life has not been a bed of roses for Lizt, but the difficulties contemporary culture such as the Spanish TV show La Casa de have strengthened the LADC founder. Her project is compiled Papel, the film La La Land, the impact of Jazz, Pop, Hip Hop and of professional dancers, children and youth ballet, and teaching the music video industry. Musically speaking, the event turned staff. It is located in front of the former Belen Convent in the out to be a festival of masterpieces, from classical pieces by historic district of Old Havana. Tchaikovsky up to Arvo Pärt, Astor Piazzolla, Edith Piaf, Bon With the same passion that always characterizes Cuban Jovi and Linkin Park. dancers and their beautiful, synthesized style, 10 students from “The key to success is to combine talent, flair, will, and the LADC captivated the audience of the 2019 International discipline, setting our goals in life. What is it that you want to Active Dance event held from August 30 to September 2 in achieve?” Lizt Alfonso told The Havana Reporter. That is a Panama. crucial life question for anyone. Created 11 years ago by sisters Neysi and Hannia Alfú, the “We do not work to win a contest, we work to win in life, contest welcomes all styles of dance: contemporary, flamenco, always competing against ourselves. We have to be better, and ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, along with the fusion of these styles, so this is we can leave a mark wherever we go. In this case when that the spectators enjoy the whole variety, with hundreds of we go to a competition, that mark means to win all of the youth and professional dancers competing for hours. Over 250 awards,” the director said after the event’s closing ceremony, contestants registered this summer for the event that took place where her students performed one last time, at the jury’s

Courtesy of LADC PHOTOS: at the Megapolis Convention Center in the Panamanian capital. request.

Cimafunk in USA: Cuban Music Reaches Beyond Barriers Text & Photos: IbisFRADE him, which they did on August 31, at the Madison Square Garden. Cimafunk, one of the Latin artists NEW YORK.- After becoming a musical that the U.S. magazine Billboard sensation in Cuba, Cimafunk aspires to recommended to listen to this year, win over international stages, starting opened the two concerts that the Spanish with the band’s successful performances singer gave in Florida on September 7 in the United States. and 8. It has joined the list of Cuban artists Cimafunk performed in the U.S. for that have won over the affection of the first time in March at the SXSW Music the U.S public, although Washington’s Festival in Austin, Texas, where the band restrictions have hindered the band’s called the attention of prestigious names performances time and time again. within the music industry. It is ever more difficult for Cuban Organized by U.S. businessman artists to attend cultural events organized Collin Laverty, who is fostering actions in the United States since the obstacles in favor of trade and investment to obtain U.S. visas –which are seldom between the United States and Cuba, granted- are ever increasing. the tour included New Orleans, Chicago, Amid such a complex context, it makes Asheville, Nashville, Charleston, Atlanta, sense that Cuban artists living on the island Miami, Providence, Hartford, Los always attract the audience’s attention Angeles, San Francisco, New York and when they’re able to perform in the U.S. Washington. It’s clear that music has helped bridge The last city had already been granted many people and cultures, and achieving Cuban culture in May of 2018 during the a strong connection with the public was Festival of Cuban Arts at the emblematic one of the main objectives that Cimafunk Kennedy Center. had set when they arrived in New York. Over 400 Cuban artists, both living on This young band gave a free concert the island and abroad, attended the big at the Summer Stage in Central Park on event. August 25, followed by a performance Cimafunk had performed on several Having thrown a concert there makes But the political scenario has changed a at the Blue Note, one of New York’s most New York stages in March, when its me even more inspired to keep playing, lot since then, and the most recent actions iconic clubs, on August 26 and 27. “runaway funky” got good reviews by the ”Cimafunk told The Havana Reporter. adopted by U.S. President Donald Trump At first, they worried they might not be public and music critics. Another surprise of the New York visit aim at inhibiting those exchanges ever more. “on the same level” as the Blue Note, but “Returning to and performing at Central was that the Spanish singer Alejandro However, culture remains to be they were proven otherwise when the Park was a dream made true: I had been Sanz invited the band to perform his a peaceful intersection for the two show sold out and the crowds went wild. hearing about that place since I was a child. famous piece “Corazón Partío” alongside countries. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Chinatown and Havana’s 500th Anniversary Text and Photos: RobertoF. CAMPOS

HAVANA.- One of the most important Director of the Cuban Wushu School, known as the coolies the wave of laborers actions conducted in the Cuban Capital for Roberto Vargas Lee, stated his satisfaction following the slavery of Africans. From 1869 its 500th anniversary (November 16) has with the Chinatown renovations, which will to the first half of the 20th century, a new been the renovation of Havana’s Chinatown, become one of the city’s most attractive sites. round of immigration brought free Chinese an emblematic and colorful area that is Havana’s Chinatown, located on the people coming from the United States. visited by tourists from all over the world. streets of Amistad and Dragones just The renovation of the Chinatown started The Zanja Alley has been revived a few meters from El Capitolio was the in 1990, with the usual ups and downs, but as part of the celebratory renovations, largest and most important in the New the legacy of Chinese culture has always been where newly-refurbished commercial Continent. The area has been maintained preserved, like the celebrations for the New establishments highlight Chinese culture beautifully thanks to the spirit of the Lunar Year. and its relation to Cuba. Chinese descendants that uphold it. In this regard, Specialist of the Director of the Chinese Arts and Traditions Chinatown covers five streets: Calzada Chinese Arts and Traditions Center, María Center Teresa María Li Cecilio explained that de Zanja, Calle Rayo, Calle San Nicolás and Antonia Arozarena, highlighted that the most of the commercial centers with Chinese Dragones, the most representative one. Cubans are not fully aware of the role that influence in Cuba are located in the Zanja Alley. The legend of the area began in 1858 Chinese culture has played in Cuba. Even Reopened last month,the area hosts eight when the first Chinese people settled in locals in Havana don’t fully understand restaurants, an ice-cream parlor and a teahouse. Havana, including Chang Leng, who had the Chinese influence on Cubans’ food The Bonsai Garden was also renovated a small, inexpensive restaurant and Lam habits. as part of those actions, and new Siu Yi, who had a fruit and vegetable Although only 70 native Chinese additions include an aromatic herb shop stand. people live in the area, everyone attached to the CIMEX shopping chain About 150,000 Chinese people came still identifies this zone as Havana’s and a tourist information desk. to Havana from 1847 to 1874, mainly men Chinatown. 12 LATIN AMERICA

By OsvaldoCARDOSA The Amazon, Bolsonaro’s Worst Crisis

BRASILIA.-Reluctant of building and evidently capable “Unfortunately, Bolsonaro and Salles (Minister of of destroying, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is trying Environment) seem to be committed to the destruction to avoid his responsibility to resolve the crisis of ongoing of the Amazon and the indigenous population, putting forest fires in the Amazon. the Brazilian exports and economy at risk,” Parliamentary Ever since his electoral campaign, the extreme Deputy Alessandro Molon warned. rightwing politician has shown his lack of interest in In the meantime, Parliament Member Raúl Henry topics connected to environmental preservation. called the fires one of the worst environmental The veracity of the fires, strengthened by the drought, disasters in Brazil, adding that they have “a first and high temperatures and deforestation in the Brazilian last name.” Amazon have launched an international campaign “It is named Jair Bolsonaro, who, with his stupid and against Bolsonaro’s failure to act; both, for trying to get trivial statements, has encouraged the land hoarding rid of previous and effective preservation policies, and that has devastated the Amazon.” for his administration’s delayed response in coping with The month of September began with 980 fire sources the natural catastrophe. in Amazon rainforest, according to the monitoring The military veteran is now facing the worst crisis of system of the National Space Research Center. his nine months in office, as the fire spread to territories THE LETICIA PACT of the Amazon that comprise almost 20 percent of the As if it were not enough, Bolsonaro was once again world’s fresh water reserves and are home to some stern in alluding to the defense of the sovereignty, while

30,000 plant and animal species. on September 6 in Colombia, seven of the nine countries Internet PHOTO: “His speeches do nothing but allege that the data that share the Amazonia were negotiating measures to is false, that the scientists are lying, that the satellite protect the grand rainforest. signed, in which we “work harmoniously for common is communist, that NGOs are creating the fire, that Bolsonaro was absent from the meeting due to objectives (...) that make us commit to and encourage indigenous people are responsible for a region that medical issues, but in a videoconference, he advocated the protection of our Amazon,” said Colombian President they do not deserve,” the representative of Greenpeace that the authority each country exerts on its part of the Iván Duque. Brazil, Marcio Astrini, denounced before a general Amazon was nonnegotiable. Increasing efforts for monitoring the Amazon forest commission that debated the preservation of the However, presidents and representatives from area, enhancing weather monitoring systems through world’s largest tropical rainforest at the Chamber of Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana and the exchange of information, and strengthening the Deputies. Suriname closed the presidential summit in the mechanisms that support and promote the sustainable The participants of the meeting came to the Colombian city of Leticia with the commitment to use of forests are among the key points of the conclusion that the Brazilian executive hasn´t taken implement concrete measures for the Amazon, which is agreement. the problem into consideration and supports mining essential for climate equilibrium. The signatories of the Leticia Pact will meet again exploitation of indigenous reserves and protected Only Venezuela -not invited, unjustly- and the French during the UN Conference on Climate Change to be held areas. Guiana did not attend the meeting. The Leticia Pact was in Santiago de Chile in December.

Roberto Lavagna, who reached 8.2 Argentina to Elect the Future percent of the votes. Macri appeared very hopeful to win the elections after a huge demonstration in support of his government, following which he affirmed that he will turn the results and is confident that the Argentineans will continue supporting his efforts. However, social turmoil lies amidst a difficult economic situation that has gotten worse after the elections. This has led the current government to a bigger crisis, to the point that it has resorted to urgent measures due to the inability to control the dollar.

Internet PHOTOS: In light of the visible issues the President Macri country is facing throughout the last By MaylínVIDAL decades which is more pronounced The other four formulas include the today as a result of the “Macrism” and Frente de Izquierda y Los Trabajadores “Kirchnerism,” the two political forces that (Left and Workers Party), headed by MPs BUENOS AIRES.- Next October, Argentina Frente de Todos has a good chance of Macri and Cristina represent are known Nicolás del Caño and Romina de Plá, will determine the future reality of the winning the first round as it also counts as the economy is setting the course of followed by the FrenteNos (Us Front), country, to be predicted by the primary on the most important opposition figure: the nation, with debt proving to be the headed by Juan José Gómez Centurión elections. The six presidential candidates former President Cristina Fernández, who central issue for the future president. and Cynthia Hotton and Unidad por la will measure their strength in the general is now running for the vice-presidency. In the last few months, the country has Libertad y la Dignidad (Unity for Freedom elections, which will be closely followed The results of the primary elections faced a financial collapse after the dollar and Dignity), headed by José Luis Espert by the region. dealt a severe blow to the expectations reached its highest value in just hours and Luis Rosales. Five candidates already consolidated of Macri and his team. The public gave after the primary elections. In addition, Regardless, the two forces that are their placement in the Casa Rosada him a piece of its mind as a result of the Argentinean shares plunged in the New York setting the course are Frente de Todos on December 10 and one is hoping increasing social dissatisfaction with Stock Market and domestic prices increased, (Alberto and Cristina Fernández) and to carry on with his project: President policies that have led to constant price which has also affected nearby nations. Juntos por el Cambio (Mauricio Macri and Mauricio Macri, who is facing the biggest hikes, unemployment, high poverty While President Macri resorts to Miguel Ángel Pichetto). governmental crisis during the final stage rates, business closures and the fall in measures such as freezing oil prices and These two fronts have more chances of his term of office. consumption. exempting the VAT for several foods, many of winning the votes and going to the Turning the page or following up on Against all odds and even the doubt that he has a clear path to lead,and second round, expected to take place on Macri’s policies will depend on about 34 surveys that predicted a technical tie, financial markets have put more and more November 24. million citizens. In fact, the president has the Fernández-Fernández vote swept pressure on the convulsed economy. With all these topics at stake, including been hit by poor results in the first electoral the primary elections, leaving Macri On the other hand, the Frente the Todos huge debt and a visibly polarized country, stage and is now facing a difficult situation behind. wing has put forward concrete proposals to Argentineans are putting their future at on the road to potential reelection. Also left in the dust was the candidate stabilize the situation and boost growth. risk in the forthcoming elections, in which In total, the president got 32 points positioned third of the six coalitions Other candidates, like Consenso they will have the opportunity to send a compared to the over 47 points received that will go to the polls on October 27: Federal, urge Argentineans towards clear message to the continent and open by the Frente de Todos (Everyone’s Front) Consenso Federal (Federal Consensus), formulating a comprehensive the door to a different cause, prioritizing political wing, led by Alberto Fernández. headed by former Minister of Economics development project. social issues. ECONOMY 13 Cuba and EU Continue on a Path of Cooperation and Respect By JoelMichelVARONA The agreement between parties generated a greater exchange and more opportunities,Mogherini explained. We have discussed agriculture, energy, climate change HAVANA.- The II Cuba-European Union Joint Council held this and the environment, and we are willing to share our month was considered successful and mutually beneficial. experiences on these policies to contribute even more to the The meeting showed that despite differences, both parties are modernization of Cuba, she noted. on track to cooperation. The EU strongly rejects the U.S. application of Title The one-day meeting was presided over by Cuban III of the Helms-Burton Act, which is as illegal as its Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez and the European unilateral and extraterritorial coercive measures, she Union’s High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security denounced. Policy Federica Mogherini. We will act on the appropriate measures to protect The meeting’s objective was to review the the legitimate interests of our citizens and companies, application of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation the official noted. Agreement(PDCA). Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez This second meeting of the Joint Council evaluated described the evolution of dialogue between the two the application of the PDCA, signed in 2016 between parties as positive. Cuba, the European Union and its member States. The It is clear that it is possible to build a mutually agreement was enacted on November 1, 2017 and beneficial space for cooperation, respecting any established a new framework for bilateral relations. differences, Rodríguez commented. The first Cuba-European Union Joint Council took The EU has been a key aspect of many important place in Belgium on May 15, 2018. projects, such as the development of renewable In 2018, Rodríguez visited France and Belgium to energy, agriculture, facing climate change and the hold meetings with his peers. Cooperative actions with modernization of the economy, the minister reiterated. 22 member States are being promoted and political There is always the potential to be exploited for the consultation mechanisms are in place with foreign affairs benefit of the other party when dealingin sectors with ministries of 26 States. common interests or objectives, Rodríguez added. Cooperation between Cuba and the EU includes areas We appreciate the EU for its long-standing stance such as food security, climate change, renewable energy and against the economic, commercial and financial the exchange of ideas to modernize the Cuban economy. embargo imposed by the United States for over 50 years, Mogherini told the press that the EU is very he stressed. interested in strengthening cooperation ties with Cuba That blockade is the main obstacle for the and emphasized that the EU is Cuba’s main commercial development of economic ties with the EU, and the partner and investor. extraterritorial application of those measures affect the

We have tripled our investment in Cuba during the last sovereignty and interests of the EU’s companies and Miguel Latina, Guzmán Prensa PHOTOS: two years, from 50 million Euros to 140 million, she said. citizens.

Cuba and Russia Strengthen Economic Ties By IvetteFERNANDEZ

HAVANA.- Cuba and Russia continue to Zverev said that Cuba is an old partner strengthen their economic ties in a new and loyal friend of Russia. He added that joint operation at the Mariel Special the document includes the execution Development Zone, west of Havana. of specific investment projects in which The new entity, resulting from the Russian companies will participate. alliance between the Russian company In relation to the modernization of the United Composite Technologies and the Cuban railroad system, he noted that the Cuban Trading Company SimeanAut S.A., is conditions and contract of a specific plan are the first in Cuba that will produce polymer being finalized so that the both parties can sign bars and nettings reinforced by fiber glass. it in the near future. According to the executives of the new He also recalled that a cooperation company, the factory will be finished within agreement is in place to increase airworthiness one and a half years. Eighty percent of the in Cuba. In addition, an agreement was joint venture’s shares will be managed by reached for the training of pilots, to increase the Russian partner, while the remaining the qualification of aviation staff. twenty percent will belong to Cuba. Meanwhile, Alfonso mentioned that in The technology, to be used in a wide range relation to sea activity, there are plans to of construction materials such as traditional develop new companies for the country’s steel, stands out for its high resistance, ports and cabotage structures. anticorrosive properties, lightness and Since last January, advancements are being durability. made in the protocol and the modernization of After the establishment of the entity, the railroad infrastructure. The intention is to sign Russian experts indicated that this material, final contracts during Russian Prime Minister which has been experimentally used in Dmitri Medvedev’s visit to Cuba, she added. Cuba, has produced excellent results. During the XVI session of the Russia- Cooperation between Cuba and Russia Cuba Intergovernmental Commission, held also favors the development of the railroad, in Moscow this past January, both nations sea-port and civil aeronautics sectors on agreed on aspects of their cooperation in the island. This cooperation is endorsed by the energy, railroad and aerospace fields and the recent signing of a protocol agreement signed several agreements in those regards. between the two nations. According to statements made by Yuri This agreement, a product of Borisov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and the XI session of the Cuba-Russia Co-Chair of the Commission, an agreement Intergovernmental Commission was reached to draft a long-term cooperation Transportation Group, was signed by program (until 2030) with the fundamental Russian Deputy Minister of Transportation objective of increasing the effectiveness of Dimitri Zverev and his Cuban counterpart the energy infrastructure and mitigating Naima Alfonso. dependence on foreign oil supply. Prensa Latina Prensa PHOTOS: 14 ECONOMY Only the Essentials: Scouting Tourists for Costa Rica By AlejandroGOMEZ tourist campaign is precisely in line with this The U.S. advertising agency MMGY and plan. the Costa Rican production company Luz As stated during the launch of the campaign, Marina – which, for one week, shot landscapes SAN JOSE.- The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism to further increase the number of visitors this will be applicable for the next two years. of national territory produced this international (ICT) recently launched the international coming from the United States and Canada. In order to promote Costa Rica, billboards will campaign at the request of the ICT. campaign ‘Only the Essentials’ to promote the Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado go up in busses and taxis in the two target Before implementing ‘Only the country in its two main tourist markets: The highlighted the importance of tourist activity countries, including the Chicago metro. Essentials,’ eight focal group sessions were United States and Canada. because of its direct and indirect influence on The campaign will also be disseminated organized to validate the proposal. Four “The campaign proposes a personal the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through online digital media by travel agencies, of them took place in the Canadian cities connection with what’s really important in life, – 8.2 percent – and as the main source of specialized tourist organizations such as Trip of Montreal and Toronto, while the other and that’s what Costa Rica offers through a income for thousands of Costa Rican families. Advisor, personalized content, media such as four were conducted in New York and Los large number of experiences, through different “It’s a driving force of the Costa Rican Conde Nast, the AFAR travel magazine, and the Angeles. landscapes, nature, culture and adventure. This economy that the government wants to prestigious New York Times, among other sites The message the ICT hopes to get is a call to go back to the essentials,” indicated promote in order to continue generating such as Google, Bing and social media. across through ‘Only the Essentials’ states Minister of Tourism María Amalia Revelo. jobs, boost growth and support the The ICT indicated that the campaign will that “visiting Costa Rica is an opportunity ‘Only the Essentials’ is the conceptual wellbeing of the country,” he added. be activated in the U.S. cities of New York, to connect with the essence of life: nature, evolution of the country’s brand ‘Esencial He also mentioned that the economic Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, Las wellbeing, culture and adventure.” Costa Rica’ (Essential Costa Rica), Revelo growth plan presented last September 6 Vegas, Tampa, Orlando, Denver, Philadelphia, This is the fourth international campaign explained during the launch of the new addresses four main areas of action: public Phoenix, Seattle, Austin, Detroit, Los Angeles, that the ICT has launched to promote Costa tourist campaign at the Cubo de Cristal investment, private investment, promotion of San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Rica in North America. Hall of the National Stadium, in the capital hiring and the implementation of measures Boston and Chicago. In Canada, it will be The ICT informs that in the first half of 2019, city. Through this campaign, the ICT hopes aimed at protecting people’s pocket. The activated in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. Costa Rica received 1,549,812 international arrivals by air – 65 percent of which came from the United States and Canada. Official data indicates that tourism is one of the main driving forces of the Costa Rican economy. According to the Tourism Satellite Account of the Costa Rican Central Bank, the tourist industry makes a direct contribution of 6.3 percent to the national economy and an indirect contribution of 1.9 percent – accounting for 8.2 percent of the GDP. In addition, 8.8 percent of jobs in Costa Rica are directly linked to tourist activity. On top of this comes the indirect jobs and

Internet PHOTOS: the tourist industry-related networks. SPORTS 15 Lima Parapan American Games: A Message of Inclusion By ManuelROBLES LIMA.- The Lima Parapan American Games, held in the “You have taught us to raise our heads in the face of Peruvian capital from August 22 to September 1, sent a adversity. From now on, there are no more excuses; we strong and powerful message of inclusion to both the must overcome our own limitations,” he said. hosts and the whole world. President of the International Paralympic Committee The games, attended by athletes with different types Andrew Parsons noted that the main legacy that the of disabilities, were a resounding success with regard games left is the outstanding effort of the disabled to organization, infrastructure, and the reception of the athletes, which is “essential for the evolution of a society.” public. In fact, this event received the highest number of He also stressed the enthusiasm of spectators, which spectators compared to the six editions held until now. shows that “there’s a future for disabled people to be The number of participating countries also increased to seen as equal citizens.”

30, far greater than the 18 countries that attended the first “No other event has done as much as Lima 2019 to Andina PHOTO: Parapan American Games (Mexico City, 1999) and the 28 take an important step in favor of real inclusion, in the that participated in the previous edition, held in Toronto. Peruvian society and of all people with disabilities,” CUBA´S OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION This number is now expected to continue to increase in stated President of the Americas Paralympic Committee In addition to reaching seventh place, Cubans the next Parapan American Games, to be held in Santiago Julio César Avila. also stood out for the participation of multiple-time de Chile in 2023. The goal is to match the number of BRAZIL AT THE TOP Paralympic and Parapan American champion Omara nations that participated in the Pan American Games: 41. Lima’s main limitations were perhaps related to the Durand, who again won the gold medal in the 100, 200 GROWTH fact that, as a large city, its streets and buildings were and 400-meter sprint. Over 1,800 disabled athletes took part in the games, generally not very friendly to the physically disabled For her notable merits, the Organizing Committee competing in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Seventy- people. The lack of ramps around the city contrasted held a tribute in her honor, in which she was invited to five Pan American records were set and seven world with the facilities present in the sport halls and the imprint her hands on a cement block and received a Paralympic records were broken. athlete village that provided accommodation for commemorative plaque. Although less spectacular than the Pan American Games, competitors. Moved to tears, Durand, described as the fastest the opening ceremony of the Parapan American Games also Once again, Brazil ratified the hegemony reached Paralympic woman, appreciated the tribute and shared featured strong national identity. The central script was an in the Rio 2007 Parapan Am Games. In Lima, Brazil had it with her guide and coach. “I must mention the Cuban allegory of the fight for inclusion of disabled people; the an overwhelming lead, as they won 308 medals in total Revolution, that has supported all Cuban athletes,” she story of two kids who, in spite of their disabilities, were able (124 gold, 99 silver and 85 bronze), ahead of runner-up said. to climb a big totem and hug each other at the summit. United States, with 185 (58-62-65). According to a graphic published by the Committee, At the closing ceremony, President of the The next positions finished as follows: 3.Mexico (55- the three-time winner in the 100, 200 and 400-meter Organizing Committee Carlos Neuhaus congratulated 58-45); 4. Colombia (47-36-50); 5. Argentina (26-38-43); race (class T12-Visual disability) was placed first among the participants for the demonstrated values, such as 6. Canada (17- 21- 2); 7.Cuba (13-10-16); 8. Chile (11-12- the 19 most outstanding disabled athletes in Lima determination, equality, inspiration and courage. 11); 9. Ecuador (5-6-5); and 10. Peru 9(5-3-7). 2019. Melisa Blanco, First Cuban Woman to Commentate Baseball

and volleyball. In that regard, she said: “I would love to commentate on those two sports, which are difficult due to their fast pace.” “I help prove that Cuban women know about baseball and can perform this role equally, regardless of gender,” she said. Blanco described how good commentary can make any aspect of a game more engaging and interesting and therefore, it’s a huge responsibility, “especially when radio listeners are depending on the voice of the commentator.” Over the years, Cuban women have assumed more roles as sports hosts on the radio and television, doing interviews and

PHOTOS: Internet PHOTOS: commentary, carrying on with the work sportscaster Julia Osendi started. As the By WilfredoALAYON Radio 26, such as Dayron and Francisco “I studied ballet when I was growing first Cuban woman to commentate the “Pancho” Soriano, have helped me a lot,” up, but I always preferred sports. When I official baseball championships, Blanco Blanco said. started at the university, my classmates has spearheaded the representation and MATANZAS CITY.- In the province of Nonetheless, that baseball game even made fun of my interests sometimes, voice of women in a traditionally male- Matanzas, baseball fans are tuned into was not her first experience in the field. but I kept going with what I liked,” Blanco dominated sport. the voice of Melisa Blanco on the local Blanco, a senior journalism student at noted. “Society is changing and there are few station Radio 26. Blanco is the first Cuban the Matanzas University, also narrated For the last two years, Melisa has been things women haven’t done. I’ve been woman to officially commentate the the seventh and eighth innings of a a member of the sports team at the Radio very well received by listeners, I don’t national baseball series. three-match series between the visiting 26 station. She works there doing both know whether it has to do with my tone On August 15, Melisa made history in Cienfuegos team and the local Matanzas field interviews and commentary, passing of voice or with the commentary, but I Cuban sport commentary after covering team (nicknamed the Cocodrilos, the the rapid-fire test as a commentator. feel great,” she said. part of the baseball game between alligators). “I prepared a lot for this challenge. I “Preparation is really important. You Camagüey and her local team, Matanzas. “My father has taken me to baseball would record the commentary I made have to study a lot, read a lot and keep During the event, her colleague Dayron games ever since I was two. I always and give them to Dayron and Pancho to practicing. I am just starting on this path, Medina passed off the microphone for behaved well and paid a lot of attention correct any mistakes. That’s how I have which requires dedication and accepting her to commentate the six inning. to the games. I have always loved sports, honed the details but of course, I still have that we can’t know it all. I recommend for “It was a childhood dream and I although I haven’t pursued playing any many things to improve,” she stressed. women to go for whatever they want, we couldn’t let my nerves take over. The of them. I’ve been writing for some time Blanco also noted that she likes sports can achieve anything we put our minds advice of experienced colleagues at now but I prefer commentary,” she added. in general but her favorites are basketball to,” Melisa concluded. 16