THE © YEAR V Nº 22 DIC, 17 2015 , avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN Tourism

Cuba’s Hotel Nacional Celebrates its 85th Anniversary P. 2 Cuba U.S. Blockade on Cuba: A Story that Goes on P. 4

World’s Finest Health & Science Crafts at Cuba‘s Oxfam Forum Addresses Drought and Disaster Fiart 2015 Risk P. 5

P. 10 Spotlight On Geraldine Chaplin – Lover of Latin American Cinema P. 7

Entertainment & Listings/P. 8-9 International Greater Oil , New Scenes Prospects /P.12 for Cuba Sports P. 3

Cuban Pole-Vaulter Aims Higher than Five Meters in 2016 /P.15 2 TOURISM Iberostar Gives a Helping Hand in Special Education By BenjamínMICERINOS

The Spanish hotel chain Iberostar province of Santiago de Cuba. raises its bets on Cuba whilst it also According to what has been takes part in helping with education announced, the new project will help on the island through its foundation specialists and children in the provinces which works alongside the Spanish of Matanzas, Villa Clara, Guantánamo, organization Unicef. Ciego de Ávila, Las Tunas, Sancti Spíritus, With this intention in mind an José Tito Meriño PHOTO: Mayabeque, Cienfuegos, Camagüey, La agreement between the Iberostar executive co-vice-president of the its first collaboration agreement with Habana, Holguín and the special area of Foundation and the Spanish committee Iberostar group Gloria Fluxá and the the Spanish committee Unicef in 2012 Isla de la Juventud. of the United Nations Fund for Infants president of the Spanish committee and another of this type was signed The Iberostar foundation, which forms (unicef) was formed and within the next Unicef Carmelo Angulo facilitates the in 2014 which allowed more than part of the group with the same name three years it will donate 300,000 euros hotel chain’s collaboration in its efforts to 294, 000 euros to be donated to the created 87 years ago, was established in to special needs teachers, around 900 contribute to the development of Cuba, rehabilitation of 10 daycare centers 2004 with the objective of developing students from nine trade schools and a country where it has been running for damaged by natural disasters. projects which would improve the social more than 40, 000 disabled children. more than two decades. Both mentioned projects benefited at and educational situation of people in The document signed by the The Iberostar foundation signed least 2,000 children in the eastern Cuban need and their welfare. Cuba’s Hotel Nacional Celebrates its 85th Anniversary By Francisco MENÉNDEZ

This month a varied program will accompany the celebrations for the 85th anniversary of Cuba’s Hotel Nacional, the most emblematic hotel of this archipelago and a symbol of its tourism said Antonio Martínez, general director of the venue.

Carribbean sea, the Nacional counts on the Famous Lounge (Salón de la Fama) where photos of celebrities that have stayed at the hotel during the last more than eight decades of its existence are displayed. The program will include meetings from any age group and from any part of Named the National Monument of between young painters, postcard the world, those who are up and coming Cuba, this 5 star hotel is run by the Cuban editions and the promotion of the and those from the past too. group Gran Caribe and is considered to new version of the book Revelations Although the 85th Anniversary party be the country’s tourism flag. of a Legend which tells the story of the is planned for this coming December 30, With its 426 rooms, the majority with a historical Havana establishment. several weeks prior to this date, the hotel sea view, the administration department Inaugurated with a magnificent party management have various activities and have recently begun a plan to rescue 90 in the Ball Room, known today as Cabaret exchanges planned, as well as promoting rooms where celebrities from all over the PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: Parisién, the Nacional also has planned to the date among the foreign tourists who world stayed. Among the most outstanding of redesign this night-time hub, one of the visit the Nacional and handing over the 30 of these rooms already reveal the the activities we find the presentation most famous in the Cuban capital. commemorative plaque to institutions name of the celebrity who stayed there of the Nacional’s 1930s Rum and Meetings and concerts will go hand in and personnel from the tourist sector. on their doors like Johnny Weismuller, perfume, both linked to the date of the hand with the 85th edition of the Hotel Known for its gardens and its beautiful Ava Gadner, Buster Keaton, Errol Flyn, inauguration of the hotel on December Nacional’s photography competition view with bedrooms from which one Frank Sinatra, numerous politicians and a 30 of that same year. which will accept fans and professionals can indulge in the intense blue of the long list of celebrities of all types.

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: Víctor M. Carriba. Chief Graphic Editor: Antonio Paneque 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/Caris Brooks Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels. E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3 Greater Oil Prospects for Cuba By Cira RODRÍGUEZ

Given that prospects for an oil find seismic tests and electromagnetic finding oil, this is an enormous within the Cuban Exclusive Zone in and aeromagnetic marine studies. challenge because of the complex the Gulf of Mexico(ZEE in Spanish) Company management geological profile and the extremely are by no means unlikely, Cuba will, and experts coincide that both deep waters of the zone. in conjunction with foreign partners, prospecting and exploring are very There are some 120 billion renew deep water exploration and complex and costly multi-dynamic (thousand million) recoverable drilling in this area, towards the end activities which is why an integral barrels of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, of 2016. body of research is required in meaning that it is one of the world’s This will be the second such order to promote scientifically greatest sources on a par with North campaign and follows confirmation based opportunities for inclusion America and the Middle East. by the Island in the middle of last in the list of businesses open to The research indicates that the year that the results of two and a half foreign investment. future of marine oil exploration years of prospecting and exploration Specialists also reiterated that in Cuba lies in the deep and very by Venezuelan and Cuban experts it is on the basis of all the available deep waters of both the ZEE indicate that there are potentially research compiled that interest has and territorial waters. There are vast reserves of oil in the ZEE. been renewed and decisions have presently 8 land blocks under Officials from the state-owned been taken, lending a degree of contract and a further three under CubaPetroleo (Cupet) highlighted scientific assurance to investors. negotiation with companies the validity of the positive scientific The decision to resume drilling from, , Russia, Venezuela, position resulting from the drilling of wells, taking these new indicators Australia, Angola, Vietnam and four wells. and interpretations and how best to Colombia, among other countries. Based on this, an announcement exploit them into account, confirm Given that Cuba is an was made recently that in late 2016 the initial concept of 15 years ago economically blockaded and and early 2017 drilling to depths in regarding oil reserve potential underdeveloped nation, this joint excess of 2,500m will commence within the zone. venture production model offers with contracted partners PDVSA of Cupet is hoping to discover oil in a beneficial option for exploration Venezuela and Sonangol of Angolan, the 112,000km square ZEE, which is and drilling to which as of yet in the part of the Gulf of Mexico that divided into 59 blocks, 11 of which undiscovered wells, employment belongs to Cuba. are contracted for joint ventures by foreign companies, fresh capital, Experts from the Cupet company involving foreign capital. modern technology and best have since undertaken a series of Even with assurances about exploitation practices all contribute. PHOTO: Vladimir Molina PHOTO: 4 CUBA U.S. Blockade on Cuba: A Story that Goes on By JorgeHERNÁNDEZ HAVANA._ The U.S. economic blockade on Cuba remains WHAT CAN BE CHANGED intact despite its strong rejection by the international community and after the two countries opened a new As warned by the Cuban Foreign Ministry, even chapter for bilateral relations on December 17, 2014. when the U.S. Congress has the authority to revoke Hitting the headlines during the current period were the regulations that rule the blockade policy toward the announced reestablishment of diplomatic relations Cuba and to order its lifting, this act may be preceded and the recognition by U.S. President Barack Obama that by the elimination of most of its restrictions through the U.S. policy toward Cuba, including the blockade, is executive actions. obsolete and must be brought to an end. That is why the Cuban government has repeatedly In January 2015, Obama urged the U.S. Congress urged the U.S president to make use of his executive to begin efforts for lifting the economic blockade, and powers, as it would mean that many of the prohibitions announced various measures for changing some of entailed by the blockade might be eliminated, thus the aspects of those punitive measures, as part of the benefiting the process toward the normalization of changes in the U.S. policy toward the island. Pak Cia PHOTO: bilateral relations. But, even when Cuban authorities have agreed to say States, cannot use the U.S. dollar in international The actions that the U.S. president could authorize that those measures represent a step made in the right transactions or have bank accounts in U.S. dollars in include the use of the U.S. dollar in Cuba’s international direction, they are still limited and insufficient, given the third countries. transactions, allowing for these services to be done magnitude and scope of the blockade laws for Cuba and Moreover, the island is not allowed to have access to through the U.S. bank system, and enabling Cuban the rest of the world. Those laws are still in place and are credits from banks in the United States or their affiliates in entities to open accounts in U.S. banks. imposed with the utmost severity. third countries, nor from international financial institutions Also within the scope of his powers, Obama could On this matter, the Cuban Foreign Ministry denounced such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund authorize credits, loans and funding in general to Cuba that, in spite of the new panorama, the tightening of the or the Inter-American Development Bank. for the acquisition of products on the U.S. market (except blockade policy has continued over this period, together The blockade affects the country’s normal for agricultural products, which are banned by law), and with its financial and extraterritorial character. development in all the spheres of economic, social and give the green light for direct U.S. exports to Cuba. Resulting from the monitoring of Cuba’s international cultural life. As for the health sector, the U.S. president could allow transactions, world banks and financial institutions have In spite of the new climate between the two U.S. citizens to receive medical treatment in Cuba. been imposed fines of millions of dollars, as shown in the countries, the hostile policy of the economic blockade Spokespeople from the Cuban Foreign Ministry report Cuba brought recently before the United Nations remains in place. Consequently, the Cuban delegation consider that Obama has almost unlimited powers to on the need to lift the blockade. presented, for the 24th consecutive time, a draft significantly change the restrictions in force and deprive Cuba, the report sustains, cannot yet freely import or resolution on the need to lift the blockade before the the blockade of its main content, which is vital for export products or services from or toward the United UN General Assembly for approval. normalizing bilateral links. Cuba for Improving Quality of Education By Nuriem DE ARMAS

“We are also focused on the priorities related to the school planning process, which is undergoing

PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: some changes aimed at making school hours better HAVANA.- Cuba implemented major changes in and more flexible, hence making the most of the education in 2015 with the objective of improving quality school day,” the minister said. in the sector, so that students from all teaching levels alike The Cuban state assigned $17, 500, 000 to would be provided with comprehensive training. guarantee school materials for the current school The 2015-2016 school year in Cuba has welcomed year, while the alternatives implemented to cope with more than 1,700, 000 students from elementary school the lack of professors are showing some progress. right through to middle higher and technological Likewise, around 8,000 new graduate students education. are already teaching, while the capacity in day care Over ten thousand teaching centers opened their centers (children 0 to 5 years) has risen by 2,700. doors last September, and are involved in changes related to the flexibility of teaching hours, self- HIGHER EDUCATION Emilio Herrera PHOTO: improvement of professors, and better school-family- has been extended to universities in the provinces of society links. This school year, higher education in Cuba has Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, Villa Cuban Education Minister Ena Elsa Velázquez said undergone changes and adjustments aiming for Clara and Pinar del Río. that the objective for this school year is to enhance better quality and henceforth better professionals. The positive results of this project were made the quality of education in Cuba, not only in terms The second phase of the project known as university known by the Minister of Higher Education, Rodolfo of knowledge but also in terms of comprehensive integration, which was implemented in 2009 with the Alarcón, who explained that this process is being training as well. objective of bringing different specialties together, implemented gradually in most of the provinces. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Oxfam Forum Addresses Drought and Disaster Risk By Ana LauraARBESÚ PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: EL NIÑO IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND Cuban meteorologist, Cecilia Fonseca, THE CARIBBEAN forecasts an adverse rainfall situation over the coming months. She said that intense but Disaster risk reduction and the effects Oxfam’s general director for Latin According to Oxfam figures, in excess of short rain storms could occur. Nevertheless, of the climatological phenomenon El America and the Caribbean, Simon Ticehurst, 3 million people have been affected by these will not affect drought conditions Niño were among the principal topics said “it is not coincidental that they have the drought and other effects of the event on but she warned that they require close for discussion at the Oxfam sponsored lowest disaster related human loss index in the dry Central American Corridor. monitoring due to the risk of coastal flooding. regional III Humanitarian Forum in Havana, the region”. The International Research Institute has Cuban farm meteorologist, Eduardo an international confederation working The main priority for Major General said that El Niño which occurs in erratic 3 Valdes considers it important that on such issues in more than 90 countries. Ramon Pardo Guerra, chief of the Civl to 8 year cycles and causes warming of the the agriculture sector know of the effects For one week, humanitarian Defence High Command, is hazard eastern equatorial Pacific, will remain active on their crops. These are not well understood coordinators and other experts from minimization. until 2016. in Cuba but such experiences are vital for Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, He said in a lecture that the region No country in the zone has been base diagnostics. Dominican Republic, Haiti, Peru, Bolivia, could also contribute to Cuba in this regard, immune. Cuba also shared its views in this He said that it is the farmer who plants Paraguay, Colombia and Cuba discussed emphasizing that “our world is subject to regard, primarily regarding early warning and we ought to consider his reflections in situations in their countries and exchanged increasingly complex and difficult potential and surveillance systems to mitigate our search for mitigation strategies. damage limitation experiences. and actual disaster scenarios”. against drought damage – one particular Valdes indicated during his intervention As the host-country, Cuba presented He further stressed the necessity to consequence of El Niño. that El Niño will continue to get stronger and advances, and indicated that that these redouble efforts for the creation of a culture Their system, which allows for real time that it warrants close attention during this could be attained regionally through of disaster risk awareness and the capacity diagnosis and harm prevention, has been new cold season, especially regarding sugar willingness and organization. of our communities to be resilient. worked on since the 1990’s. cane, coffee, tobacco and potato crops. Biometeorological Forecast Essential for Better Quality of Life By ReinaMAGDARIAGA

underway for extending that experience mitigate the effects caused by the to and the Caribbean. changes in temperature. Spanish academic Pablo Fernández “We want people to change their from the University of Cantabria, noted life style, their habits, so that the impact that the effects caused by meteorological is lower,” said Ecuadorian José Luís processes should not be assessed on Santos, from the Higher Polytechnic an individual basis only. People do not School of Guayaquil.

The actions carried out all over the world Ecuador and Cuba. for improving human beings’ quality of Regarding this, he mentioned heat life include debates among scholars on waves, lightning, the Sahara dust and the need to provide timely information pollution in industrial areas. with views to prevent some diseases. These events seriously affect the Hence, the Cuban capital recently health of vulnerable people –the elderly, hosted the first Meeting of Experts for pregnant women, children and people the Implementation of Biometeorological suffering from asthma- the Cuban expert Garal PHOTOs: and Bioclimatological Forecasts in Latin warned. America and the Caribbean, which Livestock and agriculture are also enjoy good health in a polluted society, The idea is to make the best use of what welcomed representatives from seven affected by these climate changes, he commented. we have available to improve our quality countries. said Lecha, who is the author of the Russian specialist Elena Ciomina of life, taking climatologic conditions into There are other risks that are not Biometeorological Forecast Model, took advantage of the occasion to call consideration, he warned. natural disasters, said Luis Lecha, a Cuban which was first presented in 1996 and upon tourists from far-off countries to Santos, who visited Cuba for the first specialist in geographic sciences, when implemented ten years later. get informed about the climatological time, praised the way the island shares addressing researchers from the United Born in the central Cuban province of conditions of the countries they its experiences in biometeorology with States, Brazil, , Russia, Panama, Villa Clara, the specialist said that efforts are intend to visit in order to be able to other countries. 6 CUBA Dog Beauty Contest: A Real Treat By MaylínVIDAL

HAVANA.- Dog is said to be man’s best represented countries, featuring two of friend. The beauty of dogs, but above its native dogs: the chihuahua and the all, the love that children and people of xocoitzcuintle. Ramón Serna, who owns all ages alike have for the canines could a xocoitzcuintle, arrived in Havana after be felt once more at a park in Havana, having won a world contest in June in where the best and most beautiful Milan, , where 29,500 dogs from 25 purebred dogs from various parts of the countries competed. world got together.

In comments made to The Havana Reporter by the president of the

Cynological Federation of Cuba, who is Vladimir Molina PHOTOs: also the president of the Judges School, The Cuban Kennel Club was founded Nelson Borroto, said that the eleven on December 27, 1987 with the objective clubs which exist in the country were of encouraging and protecting cynology represented during the event. and purebred dogs in the country. “We hold four events every year: a Pan-American show Organized by the Cynological in January to celebrate the Federation of Cuba, the international anniversary of the federation, event, which for several years has another in April, a third in turned out to be a great festivity for September and a fourth in dog lovers, this year welcomed guests November with international from countries such as Spain, Venezuela, judges in attendance,” he Curacao and Mexico, with the latter explained. being the most represented. Despite the inclemency of the weather, dog owners, trainers and passers-by turned this contest into a celebration. The meeting was held in line with the pedigree rules established by the World Canine Organization headquartered in , with Cuba’s purebred dog, the Bichón Habanero (The Havanese) undoubtedly represented there. The president of the Havanese Club -founded in 1991-, Evelio Fernández told The Havana Reporter that a total of 1,160 Havanese dogs of the Bichon breed are registered in the country, and have won contests in Spain, Portugal, , Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, among others. Havana’s Parque Metropolitano Also parading during the (Metropolitan Park) became a huge show were Dalmatians, English show featuring the beauty and skills cocker spaniels, Siberian huskies, of the contesting dogs, which totalled among many other breeds. around 200. According to Guatemalan After four days of competitions, the Pedro Teja, who has served as jury -made up of five dog experts from judge for five of the contests held Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia and Cuba- in Cuba over the pat 20 years, the chose the best dogs in the categories of English cocker spaniels stood out young puppy, puppy, young dog and this time. adult dog. Mexico was one of the most CULTURE 7 SPOTLIGHT ON Geraldine Chaplin – Lover of Latin American Cinema By IbisFRADE

HAVANA.- Geraldine Chaplin returned to Havana invited International Festival of New Latin American cinema, to the International Festival of New Latin American Charles Chaplin’s daughter received the 2014 Coral cinema and very excited by the idea of being a judge for Prize for the best leading female actress for the film the biggest cinematographic event in Cuba. Dollars of Sand (Dólares de arena. Dominican Republic, The British American actress claimed that the most Argentina, Mexico). interesting cinema is that which is created in Latin “I’ve been meaning to pick up this prize for a year America because there is very little novelty in Europe. “I now”, she joked. love being a judge but the only disadvantage is that at Geraldine Leigh Chaplin was born in 1944 and during the end you have to choose, it’s as unavoidable as death her large cinematographic career which began when and that’s when the bad moment comes”. she was only a child, taking part in her father’s films; she The daughter of the great Charles Chaplin reminded has compiled important awards like the Goya from the The Havana Reporter of how on one occasion she Spanish Academy. happened to meet Gabriel García Márquez when both In the 37th edition of the Havana Film Festival she of them were judges for the Cannes Film Festival in 1983: stood as president of the jury of fiction feature films. that was a very interesting experience in all senses. Since 1979, the Cuban capital has held the “Now, when I saw this festival’s catalogue, I cinematographic scene during the last month of the immediately realized that there are marvelous movies, year and attracts visitors from all over the island and I want to see the productions of this continent and from all around the world. here I will be served”. The 37th edition of this festival, born from the In other regions, she added, cinematographic sleeplessness of the great Gabriel García Márquez, the productions only look to fill many seats on the tireless Alfredo Guevara and the documentalist Santiago weekend; the cinema that I like to watch and make is Álvarez, will welcome 444 films from different latitudes here in Latin America. in their different sections of projection. On returning to Havana, the actress has felt as though The Argentine film El Clan by Pablo Trapero opened she was coming back to her second home she said. She the inaugural night; another film from this South would even like to work in Cuba. American nation following the projection of Wild Tales

On the night of the inauguration of the (Relatos salvajes) in 2014. Emilio Herrera PHOTO:

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GETTINGAntiguo Casino Español Casa Victor Hugo AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] (Former Spanish Casino) Calle O´Reilly e/ Habana y Paseo del Prado esq. Ánimas. Aguiar. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866- Centro Habana .Sala Ignacio 7591. Sat. Dec. 26 (5 pm): Show RECOMMENDS Cervantes. Sun. Dec. 20 (6 pm): by the guitarrist Susana Frade. • La Camerata Romeu, The duo Promúsica, comprising Sun. 28 (5 pm): Guitar show by directed by Zenaida Romeu, violinist Alfredo Muñoz and Luis Manuel Molina. celebrating her orchestra’s pianist María Victoria del 22nd anniversary at Basilica Collado. Patio Bar Egrem Menor San Francisco de Asis. San Miguel e/ Camapanario y Iglesia de Paula Lealtad. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 864- 2006. Tue. Dec. 29 (4 pm): Café Teatro Bertol Brecht Basílica Menor San Show by the Chapotín group. Francisco de Asís Wed. 30 (5 pm): Show by the soloist Abel Maceo. Thu. 31 (5 pm): Show by the Arsenio Rodriguez band. Fri. 25 (4 pm): Weekly meet of the folkloric group The Rumberos of Cuba. Sat. 26 (5 pm): Show by the soloist Roberto Orta Luis. Calle Dragones y Zulueta. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866- 7153. Palacio de la Rumba Sat. Dec. 19 and Sun. 20 (6 pm): San Miguel e/ Hospital y The First night in Cuba of the Aramburu. Centor Habana. Tel: Musical Les Misérables, by 7 873-0990. Tue. Dec. 29 (4 pm): Claude-Michel Schönberg and Show by the Havana Septet. Thu. Alain Boublil. 24 (10 pm): Show by the Soul Party Festival Hip Hop Djs. Sun. Anfiteatro del Centro 27 (6 pm): Timbalaye Show. Histórico. Avenida del Puerto e/ Cuba y MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Peña Pobre. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 863-9464. Sat. Dec. 26 and Sun. Castillo de la Real Fuerza 27 (9 pm): Aladdin the Musical. Calle 11 e/ J e I. Vedado.Tel: 7 Director: Alfonso Menéndez. 832-9359. Sat. Dec. 26 (4 pm): A Bolero for you with Rafael Espín MUSIC MUSIC (soloist vocalist). Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Casa del Alba Cultural Cetro Cultural Fresa y Sat. 19 (6 pm): La Camerata Paula esq. San Ignacio, La (Cultural Center) Chocolate Romeu, directed by Zenaida Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 860-4210. Fri. Calle Línea e/ C y D, Vedado. Tel: Romeu, celebrating her Dec.18 (7 pm): Concert by early 7 833-2151. Sun.Dec. 27 (5 pm): orchestra’s 22nd anniversary. music orchestra Ars Longa. Club “Nuestra América” (Our America) with Alicia Perea. Oratorio San Felipe Neri Casa Africa

Teatro Mella

Calle O´Reilly e/ Avenida del Calle Aguiar esq. Obrapía. Puerto y Tacón. Habana Vieja. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-3243. Tel: 7 864-4490. All of December: Thu. Sat.Dec. 19 (4 pm): Concert The Last Border, exhibition by the orchestra Soloists from comprising 50 large-scale Havana, conducted by Iván photographs forming part Valiente. Wed. 23 (7 pm): New of the “Secret Nature” series Calle Línea e/ A y B. Vedado.Tel: Year’s Eve concert by the ISA from the Latin World and the Thu. Dec. 17 (8:30 pm): Show Symphony Orchestra, joined Obra Pía e/ San Ignacio y National Center of Protected by Ernán López Nussa and his Calle 23 e/ 10 y 12. Vedado.Tel: 7 by the Lyceum Mozartiano of Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Arts, with the contribution from invited trio, the New Orleans 836-20-96. Fri. Dec. 25 (10 pm): Havana, directed by its owner 861-5798. Thu. Dec. 24 (10 am): the US NGO Environmental Jazz Orquestra Pura Birra Show (fusion music) José Antonio Méndez Padrón. Love Rock by Raúl Iglesias. Defense Fund (EDF) ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING FactoríaAROUND Habana to Thread exposition. Casa de la Música de NIGHTCLUBS & NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS Miramar DANCE DANCE CABARETS Gran Teatro de la Habana Casa de la Música de Galiano

Casa Oswaldo Guayasamín Calle Obrapía e/ Oficios y Calle O´ Reilly e/ Habana y Mercade. La Habana Vieja. Tel: Aguiar. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 7 861- 3843. Fri. Dec. 18 (5 pm): 864-9518. All of December: The Reecounter exhibition by Inauguration of the Signs the painter Irene Sierra Carreño.. Galiano e/ Neptuno y Concordia, exposition. Art and industry Centro Habana. Tel: 7 862-4165. and vice versa, reunites objects, Casa Juan Gualberto Wed. Dec. 30 (5-9 pm): ¨Casino Calle 20 esq. 35, Miramar, Playa. texts, artifacts, photographs, Gomez group¨ Tel: 7 203-7676. Mon. Dec. 28 ceramics, graphic work, videos Calle Empedrado e/ Habana y (11 pm): Show by Rosaliz and Paseo de Martí. Centro Habana. and printed materials, with Compostela. Habana Vieja. Tel: Club Submarino Amarillo others. Tue. 29 and Thu. 31(5 Tel: 7 861-3078. Sala García the aim to make the creative 7 866-4114.Fri. Dec. 4 (2:30 pm): pm): Show by the Habana Lorca. Fri. Jan. 1 (5 pm): Gala experiences stand out in Inauguration of the Harlequins D´Primera Orchestra. Fri. 25 (9 for the 57th anniversary of the which a balanced fusion of and Clowns exposition, a series pm): Show by the Chile and the Triumph of the Revolution - art, design and industry is put together by Ibáñez during Truth. Sat. 26 (11 pm): Show by Giselle (Choreography by Alicia created alongside the particular the early 70s. the folkloric group Osain del Alonso) elements of the arquitectural Monte. Sun. 27 (11 pm) Show by and urbanistic scene where Palacio de Lombillo the Taxón group. such experiences by the author’s team have been made. La Cecilia Internation Casa de la Obra Pía Crafts Fair

December 4-21 2015 Location: Pabexpo, La Habana

Internacional Jazz Square

Festival Calle Empedrado, esq. 17 al 20 de diciembre 2015 Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Calle 17 e/ 4 y 6 Vedado. La Calle 5ta e/ 110 y 112. Playa. Tel: Locations: Teatro Mella, Casa de Calle Obrapía esq Mercaderes. 861- 5798.All of December, the Habana. Tel: 7 830-6808. Tue. 7 204-1562. All of December (12 la Cultura Plaza. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861- 30 97. Come Back exposition by the Dec. 22 (11 pm): Show by the pm): Carribbean organ sounds Tue. Dec. 22 (10 am): From Iron artist Roniel Llerena Andrade. group la Tierra del Cover. show. 10 CULTURE World’s Finest Crafts at Cuba‘s Fiart 2015 By Cosset LAZO

Latin American, Chinese, Spanish, coats of natural fibers added to the fair 2015 exhibited and sold a wide range Indian and Romanian artists have held at the Cuban capital’s Pabexbo of furniture, shoes, fabrics and jewelry, brought an attractive and diverse exhibition center. and for those with more nature-based range of products to the XIX An exhibition of classical and artistic inclinations, a novel Bonsai International Craft Fair (Fiart 2015) in contemporary designer Argentinean display. Havana between December 4 and 20. urban crafts, made exclusively using A parallel event on theory entitled 925 engraved and embossed silver, “Ceramic Arts: Aesthetic and Useful” reflecting 19th century French was also held, a space to facilitate the influences, were a highlight at the fusion of legacies from a cultural past

exhibition‘s Spanish stands, whilst the area dedicated to India captured the attention of visitors with colorfully crafted dresses, blouses and shirts. Shawls from Ecuador, handmade with a technique thousands of years old, that long ago were an essential bottom drawer item for every bride

PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO: from the Andean nation were also on display in Havana. This Latin American nation also

exhibited a range of indigenous crafted Vladimir Molina PHOTOs: hats, scarves, trousers and bags made event. with more modern creative forms. from lamb’s wool and jewelry made Costa Rica came with cloth and Fiart 2015, known for it’s from ivory palm, the seed obtained bamboo purses, macrame bracelets convergence of many craft from an Ecuadorian palm tree. and rose and wallflower perfumes; a forms, hosted a singularly special Cotton textiles from Andalusia The shape and form of artistically favorite among exhibition visitors. presentation of the works of creative and much sought after pearls were crafted dolls, representative of Dedicated to pottery and the artist Raul Valladares, one of Cuba’s some of the items on show at the traditional Peruvian Andes dress and western province of Matanzas, Fiart finest sculptors and goldsmiths. Xico Visits Havana On Latin American Tour By IsabelMENÉNDEZ

Girls, the Mexican artist was inspired to create a representation that transmitted the cultural legacy of the Axtec nation. She thinks however that Xico “is a character that not only children can identify with, but the people in general too”. “It is very important that the pieces form a street exhibition because this facilitates interactions with many people”. The institution’s director told us how six years ago Cristina Pineda came to Old Havana’s Casa del Benemérito de las HAVANA.- Accompanied by legendary Américas Benito Juárez, with a small sliver

dreams and travels, 16 giant sculptures dipped sculptor of Xico and a mountain José Tito Meriño PHOTOs: of the mythical Mexican dog Xico of projects. In Cuba, the artists who partook in have arrived at Havana’s Plaza de San Other pieces began to arrive, inspired the project offered their own visions Francisco de Asis, the same place that was by the Xoloitzcuintle dog – a twin brother of the figure. For example, Havana temporarily home to the famous “Buddy of Quetzalcoatl - who guides his master’s painter, Francisco Gordillo, recreated the Bears” and their message of tolerance. soul to overcome his obstacles and to symbolism and significance of the dog in The site in Havana’s oldest district will that we managed to achieve this Latin reach his ultimate destiny. Afro-Cuban religion in his contribution. host the large pieces (1.8m high) in the American focal point. He told how Cristina had absorbed For the Muraleando community Xico’s Latin American Tour exhibition. “With respect to other Xico exhibitions, pre-colombian Mexican culture in order project promoter Victor Mora, the project Project coordinator, Cristina Pineda, this one holds the magic required to to create Xico and convert him into a also represents an opportunity to divulge told The Havana Reporter that eight rescue continental legends through the symbol of Latin American identity. the work of creators on the island. Cuban artists and others from Panama, little dog that represents a wise voice of Juan Jose Bremen, the Mexican The 16 works also pay tribute to the Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico the people.” ambassador in Cuba believes that the anniversary of the founding of Havana on contributed to the creation of the works Pineda explained that the idea Xico Latin America tour is the fruit of November 16. based upon pre-colombian Mexican now is to enrich the initiative through Pineda’s exceptional imagination, will, The pieces were on show until God-like tradition. collaboration with children and young and creative powers. December 12, the date that Catholics Bringing the pieces to Havana proved people who can also contribute with The diplomat said that the works hold honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, a symbol to be quite a challenge but we did receive versions of Xico molded from clay. an important metaphoric charge and that of Mexico, but they will remain in Cuba an immediate response to our request. Noticing that her nephews preferred the artist has created a new reality for a because Pineda has donated the exhibits She said that the initiative is the result of toys that replicated foreign characters symbol of Mexican culture and converted which she hopes to later bring to other all the volunteers and it is thanks to them such as Mickey Mouse and the Powerpuff it into a Latin American dog. heritage cities. PHOTO FEATURE 11 The Wondrous Santo

Tomas Cave System Located in Cuba’s westernmost 187m above sea level, at which province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba’s point the 7th level becomes By Roberto F. Campos largest cave system Santo Tomas naturally inaccessible. with 46km on seven levels offers Every week 300 mainly adventure-loving visitors an German, French, Italian, attractive option. Argentinean, Canadian and Speleologist Mikel Díaz, North American tourists, has spent 12 of his 31 years of accompanied by their Cuban age working as a guide to this counterparts and aided by the underground wonderland and expertise of their guide and the everyday he introduces groups of strategically placed handrails tourists to the hidden marvels of a and steps, take the hour and a world hidden by mountains. half tour. In this second cave system of Experts describe this as a Latin America – the first being most stimulating experience in Mexico – even inexperienced for nature and adventure loving visitors can explore up to level tourists who relish new forms of six; 120m above ground and stirring their adrenaline. 12 POLITICS Venezuela, New Scenes By MarioHUBERT ._ The opposition alliance Mesa public policies and displace the country’s de la Unidad Democrática (Democratic current leadership. Unity Roundtable, MUD) won the majority Amid this panorama, Maduro called of seats at the recent parliamentary for the new parliamentary authorities to elections, which were held in a peaceful work together for a better country and atmosphere. This result shows new scenes respect the Constitution of 1999. for the Bolivarian Revolution. The Bolivarian government is already The December 6 referendum was calling to face any circumstances possible the 20th referendum held over the past with moral and political will, even though 17 years, and it is the first time that the their historical adversaries might attempt rightwing has beaten the governmental to impose a project to disrupt the social forces at the one-chamber National and democratic state of law. Assembly. Faced with this situation, In this sense, Maduro urged the President Nicolás Maduro said it is members of the United Socialists party necessary to speed up an economic- of Venezuela to continue doing their productive transformation. house-by-house work and keep doing

When addressing the nation, Maduro Pérez Gómez Antonio Luis PHOTO: their best for the people. said that what he called “a temporary at damaging collective confidence in one It would also have powers to conduct He also called to go far beyond the setback for the Grand Patriotic Pole” is an of the country’s projects. A state of needs investigations on public employees, a economic model of oil dependence incentive and commitment for checking created by a policy of wild capitalism has witch-hunt already announced by the in order to stop being victims of on leaderships and contact with the incidentally prevailed; an unprecedented new parliamentary deputy and leader counterrevolutionary blackmail. bases on all levels. war, he said. of the Acción Democrática (Democratic Set to be constituted on January He noted that from now on with this What Venezuelan laws stipulate Action) party, Henry Ramos Allup. 5, 2016 for a five-year term, the new lesson of political ethics, the government is coming close now: with the simple Meanwhile, MUD General Secretary National Assembly of Venezuela will will advance with greater strength in majority in Parliament, the rightwing Jesús Torrealba bragged about the entail another scenario far beyond the constructing socialism and a new society. could approve the national budget and “cherished times of change,” which reshuffling of political forces, debates, This time the economic war additional credits, appoint parliamentary some analysts call an expected attack and the left wing’s battle for the defence triumphed for Maduro; a strategy aimed authorities or pass ordinary laws. by the legislative power to boycott of the poorest sectors of the country. Russia and Cuba Enter New Phase of Cooperation By OdalysBUSCARÓN

partaking in Cuba’s mid and long-term plans for social and economic development. According to Russian Vice President Dmitri Rogozin the signing of the six agreements was the result of “the major boost given by our two leaders to bilateral cooperation.” Worth $1.2 billion, two of the agreements signed will support programs that the Cuban government considers top priorities in the country’s strategy for socio-economic growth. One of them is related to the construction of four power blocks with 200 megabytes each, which are expected to be part of the national electricity network within two years. technical Cooperation. As stipulated by Prime Minister Dmitri Medvédev, ._ The co-presidents of the Russia-Cuba This marked the closing of an intense three-year the Russian executive approved granting a loan Intergovernmental Commission and delegations period that was crowned with the first visit to Russia to Cuba for some $100 million for enlarging and from the two governments have set the course for in 2009 by Raúl Castro as president. modernizing the Steel Factory, which is key for the the agenda that defines the immediate future of Major events have marked Cuba-Russia relations country’s industrialization. bilateral relations. from 2012 to date, chiefly over the past two years, They represent two crucial elements for achieving The road taken is clear, safe and in line with the Cabrisas noted. those goals: power and steel industry, highlighted objectives agreed upon by the two sides, said the Vice President of Cuba’s Council of Ministers Ricardo The regularization of Cuba’s debt with the former the Cuban vice president. “In spite of the financial Cabrisas in assessing the recent events related to Soviet Union was signed in October 2013, based on problems resulting from sanctions by the West, the bilateral relations. solutions that the two governments agreed to call agreements will allow for the largest injection of Cabrisas and Russia’s Vice President Dmitri satisfactory. Russian funds in the Cuban economy over the past Rogozin recently headed a multisectorial working The commission was presented with a bilateral 20 years,” he stressed. meeting that closed with the signing of six economic agenda that contains long and mid-term Another major achievement was the cooperation documents ranging from agreements to contracts priorities for the two countries. agreement signed between HEBER BIOTEC and and cooperation protocols. “It is the mechanism that rules our relations in the PHARMACO companies, which will enable Cuban “We are going through a new stage that is in line economic, commercial and financial sector,” the vice pharmaceutical products to enter the Russian market, with the goals agreed by the two governments,” president explained. especially Heberprot-P, a one-of-a-kind medicine for the co-president of the Cuban commission told The The talks held in July 2014 in Havana by Presidents treating diabetic foot ulcer and marketed in more Havana Reporter. Raúl Castro and Vladimir Putin were a major boost than 20 countries. By the end of 2008, a total of 36 documents were for mutual links. The portfolio of priority projects also includes signed in different fields of Cuba-Russia cooperation, „I’d rather call it the point of inflexion in our the sectors of oil prospecting, prospecting for fossil which resulted from the 9th Intergovernmental bilateral relations,” said Cabrisas, who added that fuels, renewable energy sources and transport – Commission for Economic-commercial and Scientific- the two governments support Russia’s effective particularly the railroad network. ECONOMY 13 Agroecology;An Essential Element of Food Sovereignty By Roberto SALOMÓN PHOTO: Manuel Muñoa PHOTO: HAVANA.- Participants in a specialized international Association of Small farmers (ANAP in Spanish) that do not take human health into account. conference agreed that agroecology is an essential in Cuba is a member, stressed the need to respect Having stated that Cuba is a reference point component for the attainment of food sovereignty ancestral cultures and traditional farming methods for the rest of the world in agroecology, Rosset and global sustainable development. from around the world. assured that this is key to achieving Sustainable Some 300 delegates – farmers, representatives They also advocated for the implementation of Development Objectives, the eradication of hunger, and specialists from the international Via Campesino integral agrarian reforms that would, along with the enhanced nutrition and to guarantee food security. agroecology movement – met over five days in implementation of social programs for farm families, Having lived for many years in Mexico, the U.S. Havana to analyze agroecology’s broad spectrum. facilitating access to the land and the right to work it. born official explained that Via Campesina is a In addition to debates and some 80 conferences Peter Rosset, from the Via Campesina technical global alliance of agrarian organizations and that 79 and workshops, team told The Havana Reporter of a stand-off nations are affiliated to the worldwide agroecology participants highlighted during their visits to between two models of agriculture in today’s world: movement. more than 100 farms in 45 Cuban municipalities, one which preferred to produce healthy foods for a Sixty farming organization leaders from Africa, the need for countries to implement social policies majority, through co-existence with nature and the Asia, America and Europe were in attendance at related to literacy, healthcare and housing. land, and that of fertilizer and toxic weed killing and the V International Sustainable Agriculture and The Via Campesina meeting, of which the National other chemical based profit seeking agribusinesses Cooperative Conference, held in Havana. Successful Havana Club Investment in Western Cuba By María Julia MAYORAL

The Havana Club International S.A. (HCI) between January 2007 and September adheres to strict security, work safety and company’s San Jose de las Lajas rum 2015 the plant had produced 127.6 environmental protection standards. factory in western Cuba is highly efficient, million bottles of rum and more than 29 The director outlined that the having maintained production targets million liters of distilled raw liquor. industrial complex operates under to within 99.7% of those set by client During the same period it also an Integrated Management System demand during it’s nine year history, produced 162 million liters of rum and certified since May 2010, having according to director of operations, aging foundation and that in excess of attained ISO 9000, ISO 22 000, the Ernesto Castresana. 140 million liters of foundation had been OSHAS 18 000, and the Integrated The executive told The Havana sent to and extracted from their units. Management System certification. Reporter that this modern industry gives He considered that figures showing that He added that since 2010 the Havana Club branded dark rums the 93% of maintenance works undertaken brand’s full range conformed with highest standards in order to satisfy the during this time were preventative, with only Cuban Standard Regulation NC 113 and ever-increasing demands of the domestic 5% being corrective, and that the remaining that in 2011 it attained the ISO 14 000 and international market. 2% were support or improvement related, certificate which the bottling laboratory Within a 21 hectare complex, indicated a distinctive level of industrial was granted with this year. In 2013 these the installation’s buildings occupy efficiency. certificates were validated as effective approximately 50,000 square meters HCI growth projections focus on until 2016. comprising a distillery for the production these lines with greater added value, The decision to locate the factory in of raw liquor, six units for barrel aging, a strategy that will be accompanied San Jose de las Lajas took into account a rum factory and two bottling lines, by new investments in the province the presence of one of the country’s most among others. of Mayabeque. significant underground water reserves Castresana told how between The company executive confirmed the (Jaruco-Mamposton) and the fact that the launching operations in January 2007 existence of a joint project between the province is one of the most industrialized and September 2015, the industry company and the Cuba Ron corporation in Cuba, he said. produced merchandise worth 538 million to repair and upgrade the Santa Cruz The plant represents a key element convertible Cuban pesos and amongst its del Norte factory and extend the San of HCI’s expansion strategy based on best results is the provision of 10.7 million Jose de las Lajas factories, both found in increased capacity to produce high liters of bottled rum for both export and Mayabeque. Studies underway indicate quality beverages. the domestic hard currency market. that the San Jose factory could double its Since its establishment in 1993, The expert said that Havana Club current capacity in the coming years. HCI has experienced a continuous Especial, Reserva, Ritual, 7 Años and Equipped with modern infrastructure, 10-fold increase in sales, which the Selección de Maestros are all part of the the plant’s processes combine state of the company executive said was an main range. art technology with more than 150 year- indication of sustained growth and The operations director also said that old traditional rum-making methods, and solid future projections. Jorge Pérez Jorge PHOTO: 14 ECONOMY IATA Refers To Cuban Tourism Growth By OliverioCELAYA less than the 4.1% forecast in their previous report. The IATA considers that in spite of the economic COPA AIRLINES: 20 YEARS IN CUBA slowdown in China, the Asiatic giant should overtake the U.S. as the country with the greatest number of air Having operated in Cuba for more than 20 years, passengers and will hold its position as the market with Copa Airlines will start operating seven daily flights the greatest growth in absolute terms with an expected between Panama City and Havana, having scheduled rise from 758 million in 2014 to 1,190 million by 2034. last November two such flights from the central

Lázaro David Najarro David Lázaro PHOTO: Cuban city of Santa Clara, allowing tourists direct The International Air Transport Association (IATA) access to the Villa Clara province and surrounding has registered interest in the growth of Cuban tourism, leisure destinations. referring to it in one of their most recent publications MORE IBERIA FLIGHTS TO HAVANA In celebration of their twenty years in Cuba, Copa’s which dealt with nations who are increasing executive president Pedro Heilbron said that since management capacity in what is referred to as the The Spanish airline Iberia has announced an starting in Cuba in 1995 with three flights per week the “smokeless” industry. increase in the number of flights to Havana company had grown, with its hub now in Tocumen. Despite numerous economic problems and armed from December 1, just six months after it The airport, located 24km from Panama City, is conflicts in the world, the international body heralded resumed operating 278 passenger Airbus referred to as the “Hub of the Americas”, with Copa future benefits for airlines, an indication that tourism A330/300 aircraft on the route. connecting to 74 destinations in 31 regional countries. growth seems inevitable. Henceforth, Iberia will have six flights Heilbron said that a large number of the passengers Their report forecasts that passenger numbers will per week to the Cuban capital, offering more that travel to Cuba with the airline are tourists from double between 2015 and 2034 and is considered Business and Economy Class seats with a Panama and all over South and Central America. by analysts to be a stimulant for the travel industry, schedule that facilitates connections to The executive added that Copa is considering although it does also inform of a slight slowdown in air 90 European, Middle Eastern and African even more frequent flights in addition to those already travel because of China’s economic problems. destinations. announced. The IATA expects that air routes destined for the This means that Iberia will land in Cuba Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, Cuban greatest growth over the next two decades will be those every day except Thursday. Civil Aviation Institute president, Alfredo Cordero bound for Asia, South America and Africa, and that Iberia is the leading company with routes expressed his thanks to Copa for their years of travel to both Cuba and Iran; nations with tourism and connecting Europe and Latin America, and flies uninterrupted service to the country and operations business openings, have real growth potential. to more than 120 destinations in 46 European, characterized by high degrees of professionalism, The Association’s report also points to the likelihood American, African and Middle Eastern nations. safety and punctuality. that air passenger numbers will rise from the 2014 figure of 3.5 billion to 7 billion in 2034, a rise of 1.4% per annum, SPORTS 15 Cuban Pole-Vaulter Aims Higher than Five Meters in 2016 By CarlosLUIS

Cuba’s world and Pan-American titleholder, the pole- vaulter Yarisley Silva, said she hopes to jump higher than five meters in the upcoming season. “I was able to beat the five meter mark during training this year, and I’m seriously considering accomplishing that goal. I think I will be ready to jump five meters in the next season,” she told The Havana Reporter. “I always have my sights set on winning; I’m always positive and focus all my strength on victory. This has awarded me with excellent results, “Silva added. The Cuban pole-vaulter is currently immersed in the general training period, which is “the most important phase because one accumulates the strength needed for the competition. I feel good, both physical and Vladimir Molina PHOTO: psychologically,” she noted. Her highest aspiration now is to win the gold medal Silva considers herself to be a mature athlete “because for the jump to be able to beat the desired height,” Silva at the 2016 in . Though I have been able to overcome some psychological issues; commented. she is highly aware of the huge potentialities of her rivals therefore, I’m more self-assured now.” The Cuban athlete said that she never imagined -Brazilian , Greek Nicoleta Kyriakopoulou On August 2 this year, the world champion broke jumping that high or being placed in the world ranking. and U.S. Jennifer Suhr, among others- Silva thinks she her personal record in the German city of Beckum by “It was always a dream. I was very surprised when I could climb to the top of the podium. jumping 4.91 meters, which has earned her first place on jumped 4.90 meters and won the gold medal in . “I won the silver medal at the 2012 Olympics in the world ranking. I could not believe it. Everything has happened so fast… with 4.75 meters, but I dream of winning the Upon the moment of jumping she thinks of nothing but I have realized that when you train hard, there come gold and I´m training hard for it, “said the 28-year-old but the technique, because “being completely focused is great achievements that make you set your sights on athlete from Pinar del Rio, Cuba’s westernmost province. fundamental to being able to win. I study the elements new challenges,” she concluded. AFIDE-2015 Highlights Social Impact Of Sporting Expatriation By CotoWONG

Speaking in Havana, renowned Brazilian sports psychologist Regina Brandao of the San Judas Tadeus University, said that of the 2,029 Brazilian footballers signed to overseas clubs over the past two years, 683 (33%) had returned to the country. The academic’s criteria are contained in her paper, “The psychological implications of football expatriation” which was presented at the VI International Physical Activity and Sporting Convention (AFIDE in Spanish) in Havana which was attended by more cultures, exacerbating the inner conflicts than 700 delegates from 39 countries. of expatriated players.

The celebrated university professor She emphasized that cultural Miguel Guzman Ruiz PHOTOs: said that the phenomenon of athletes adjustments such as separation from to be perfect and beautiful, after which Her paper concludes with a signing for foreign clubs has a significant the family, not knowing how to speak the culture shock is most difficult. This is proposal for the intercultural training social impact because it requires a the language, different food, other in turn followed by a transition during and preparation of the footballer for multidimensional adaptation in order to tactical and strategic approaches to the which the player adapts to his new the general and specific culture of the overcome the barriers presented by the game of football, the weather, and the environment, which eventually allows his nation. This includes the teaching of the full range of circumstances that arise. interpersonal dynamics of relationships sporting ability to flourish”. language spoken in the region of play, an Her paper, which showed the results with team mates, require great sacrifice. She stressed however that the cycle effective social support network within of research undertaken with 23 members She recalled how “The King” Pele, is not always completed in this way and the host team, and help with day to day of the Brazilian national football squad, Edson Arantes Dos Nascimento, once told that in countries that have rigid religious tasks like shopping, where to eat and shows how what seems to be a perfect her that he found everything unfamiliar, and cultural norms, where there is armed among other things, advice on suitable world is “often complex and frustrating in from the food he ate to the ball he played conflict, racial discrimination, extreme places for family outings. reality”. with and even the pitch he played on. heat or cold, poor performances or a Brandao outlined that that the greater Brandao told how many of the players In her paper, Brandao shows that there lack of goals scored, the sadness and the gap in faith, values and language, had formulated different points of view, is an initial “honeymoon period” during loneliness experienced can become even the greater the potential for negative reflecting the collision between two which the footballer finds “everything more profound. implications. 16