THE © YEAR VI Nº 5 MAR, 10 2016 , avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN Despite the Blockade, Cuba- U.S. Trade Relations Improve P. 6

Bright Future For Renewable Energy in Cuba P.14

Historic Meeting Between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill in Cuba P.3

Cuba Health & Culture Economy Innovative Science Author and Journalist Brighter and Better Universities Essential Cuba Besieges Zika Stephen Kimber On Agriculture and For Sustainable Virus The Cuban Five Livestock Fair Development P. 4 P. 5 P. 10 P. 14 2 TOURISM Horse Auction In Aid of Breed and Environment By FranciscoMENÉNDEZ

A purebred horse auction held recently in Cuba and raising parameters, as well as the standard raised 541,000 Euro for the improvement of growth curve for this breed. The objective is to horse breeds and the protection the country’s achieve a balance between growth indicators flora and fauna, according to a spokesperson and the food and care needed for each stage. for the National Enterprise for Flora and Fauna Carulla said that magnificent examples of Protection (ENPFF). this horse breed, both mported and Cuba- Held at Havana’s Equestrian Club on February born, can be seen at the Equestrian Club in 13, in the framework of the 7th Elite Jumping Parque Lenin, a recreational center on the Horse Auction, the event was attended by buyers outskirts of Havana. They are trained by local from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Panama. trainers and riders, and are sold at the Elite The auction is organized on a yearly basis Auction held every year in the capital. by ENPFF, a institution that belongs to the The horse named Grandeur, born to Cuban Agriculture Ministry, in conjunction Indorado and Cálido, was the best sold at the with Holland’s VDL-Stud and the participation recent auction, for 48,000 Euro. of the Alcona S.A. company and the Ecotur S.A. The event last three days and during the first travel agency. two potential buyers examine the conditions of Edgardo Carulla, a specialist with the ENPFF, the horses through veterinaries, horse keepers explained that the first purebred Holland horses and trainers. raised at VDL-Stud, one of Europe’s best horse Some horses sold at these auctions have raising centers, were brought to Cuba in 2005 won Pan-American and Central American (four mares and 14 three-year-old fillies). competitions, the ENPFF added. Every year, Carulla noted, the Rancho This Holland breed originally comes from Azucarero ranch in Artemisa province, welcomes the northern region of that country and has a large group of horses age two to three years. been conceived for developing equestrian These animals are trained and raised with the sport competitions. same care that they are given in Holland. The origin of this specimen is relatively The ranch already has 30 mares and two recent; a group of trainers and horse experts stallions to increase the breed numbers and wanted a horse with the attributes of modern applies insemination techniques using imported horse riding champions: elegant, strong, semen from the best purebred stallions in Europe. good bone structure and high performance, A team of specialists working on the ranch to be able to meet the new requirements for is in charge of supervising all morphological this sport. CUBA 3 Historic Meeting Between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill in Cuba By Martha AndrésROMÁN

institutions held their first ever private benefit to the future of both Christianity Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral in Havana, meeting, signed a 30 point joint and human civilization and he confirmed saying that despite theological differences declaration relating to current political that both bodied could work together between East and West, “we understand and religious issues and jointly called going forward. our joint responsibility for what happens on the international community to end The Bishop of Rome let it be known in the world”. violence and terrorism. that a number of viable iniciatives that He added that, “we are responsible for The highly important meeting, at could bear fruit were being considered. peace on earth; so that human beings with which the religious leaders appealed as For Fidel Castro, historic leader of the vast political and economic differences brothers for Christian unity to bring about Cuban Revolution, the singular significance learn to live in harmony and that no peace, was held at Havana’s Jose Marti of the meeting in Havana between Pope foreign policy conflict leads to the use of International Airport. Francis and His Holiness Kirill is the hope force with which to beat others”. Kirill, who was on an official visit to that it has evoked for the world’s people. Both leaders thanked Cuban President, Cuba and Francis, who made a stop-over Shortly after the Russian primate had Raul Castro --present for the signing of en route to Mexico, also referred to other ended his official visit on February 14, the joint declaration -- and the Cuban global problems such as the refugee crisis he said that, “There is no doubt that the people for hosting their meeting and and the unequal distribution of wealth. fundamental objective of Pope Francis, wished prosperity and well-being for the

Vladimir Molina PHOTO: They stated that, “we cannot remain Pontiff of the Catholic Church and his Caribbean nation. Almost one thousand years since the indifferent to the plight of the millions of Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of and Kirill stated that Cuba is a heroic country Great Schism of Christianity occurred refugees knocking on the doors of rich all Russia, is to prevent the unleashing of and the events at Jose Marti International in 1054, Cuba became the location on countries. brutal wars”. Airport represented an extraordinary January 12 last for an unprecedented “Unfetterd consumerism, typical of According to Fidel, the struggle for detail for the island of liberty. embrace between the Roman Catholic the most developed states, is rapidly peace is the most sacred duty for all The Pope, for his part, thanked the Church’s highest authority, Pope Francis exhausting the planets resources”. humanity, regardless of religion, country Head of State for his generosity and and Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian After signing the document, The of origin, color, age or youth. hospitality and considered that, if things Orthodox Church. Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, told Kirill had referred to this responsibility continue as they are, Cuba would become The primates of both religious the press that the meeting would be of during a divine liturgy celebrated at the a capital of unity. Cuba-U.S: Scheduled Flights On The Horizon By CharlyMORALES Following three decades of charter only flight connections, economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba and the U.S. have signed a memorandum of Cuba since 1962, despite worldwide rejection. understanding on the resumption of regular flights According to experts consulted by The Havana between the two countries, a further element in the Reporter, regular flights will facilitate the sale of trips to process towards the normalization of relations agreed by Cuba and enhance the range of options that can even, both governments. thanks to Global Distribution Systems (GDSS), be reserved Once in effect, the accord will facilitate up to 110 flights from home. per day to 10 Cuban destinations from different states Major airlines such as JetBlue, United, American Airlines, within the union, in addition to those offered by charter Delta and Southwest have expressed their interest in companies currently operating. opening routes to Cuba. The important memorandum was signed in Havana’s Cuban and U.S, airlines could also have commercial Hotel Nacional by U.S. Transport Secretary, Anthony Foxx cooperation agreements with shared codes and aircraft and his Cuban counterpart Adel Yzquierdo, who later met rentals involving third airlines. in private. The increased number of fights will mean a rise in the As this was taking place in Havana, the Department of numbers of visitors arriving in Cuba and a boom for the U.S. Transport in Washington authorized the opening of talks tourist industry, even though U.S. citizens are still prohibited with airline companies interested in flying to Cuba. from traveling to Cuba.

Each such airline could operate up to 10 regular flights Miguel Guzman Ruiz PHOTO: Since the rapprochement between Havana and per day to any Cuban city with an international airport. Nevertheless, this agreement represents a giant step Washington commenced, there has been a 54% increase in These destinations presently are Havana, Camaguey, towards the normalization of relations announced on trips from the United States to Cuba and a 60% rise in the Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguin, Manzanillo, December 17, 2014. number of North American visitors. Matanzas, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba. The Cuban To date, Foxx is the fourth member of Obama’s cabinet Any further rise might put pressure on Cuba’s tourism aviation authorities are willing to listen to future requests to visit Cuba since the reopening of embassies. He followed infrastructure, which needs to work on improvements. to increase service levels. Secretary of State, John Kerry; of Trade, Penny Pritzker; and One step at a time and one flight at a time, distances However, such measures have not been reciprocated, of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsack. between both nations are becoming shorter, even though and aviation authorities in Washington have gone so far as Cuba has also received Congress members and the deepest and widest breach of all has still to be crossed, to rule out any possibility in the immediate future of Cuban Governors who – because they consider it to be obsolete the blockade that despite crumbling somewhat, still refuses aircraft flying to destinations in the U.S. and counter-productive – support the lifting of the to fall...

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] 4 CUBA Innovative Universities Essential For Sustainable Development By José GabrielMARTÍNEZ

THE FORMATION OF VALUES

The prestigious writer and theologist Frei Betto enriched the debate with his assurances that to attain harmonious development, compatible with social and environmental need, it is not enough to perfect the capacity for innovation of universities only. This also demands that academic formation be guided by humanitarian principles that embody values such as solidarity, cooperation, the fight for justice and experts participated. United Nations Developmemt Agenda the protection of the environment. The perception of universities as for 2030, approved in Paris last year. Argentinian sociologist and political institutions with a high degree of The Sustainable Development scientist Atilio Boron, in keeping with social responsibility and the capacity to Objectives (SDO) of that program the Dominican friar, urged for work to re- contribute to humanity’s progress and contemplate the importance of convert universities into critical centers PHOTOs: Vladimir Molina PHOTOs: well being was constant throughout the improvement of Universities, that -- in the name of justice, democracy, Between February 15 and 19 this year, the Ministry of Education organized institutions vital for global development sustainable development and pluralism more than 1,400 delegates from 63 event In this regard, Rodolfo Alarcón, and growth. David Atchoarena, -- defy neoliberal uniporality. countries attended the 10th edition of head of the Cuban branch, stressed in a director of UNESCO‘s Planning and According to Boron, they are no longer the University Congress 2016 in Havana, number of his interventions that centers Development Division, reaffirmed in creative centers of progress, but devices the theme of which was “Innovative of higher education are fundamental this regard, the body’s commitment to for technological innovation that only Universities for Sustainable Development”. to production, diffusion, use and higher education by outlying strategy benefit big transnational corporations. The conference facilitated frank and knowledge processes. for the promotion and consolidation He emphasized that universities informed exchanges between academics Alarcón told The Havana Reporter of a university sector that integrates held the potential to retake their and students, consultations about that the event was taking place at a time measures that favor better cooperation historic role as critical interlocutor of projects, networks and new commitments when the world needed universities to and technological exchanges. the established order, in the interests to examine the most pressing problems unleash their potential to transform, as The importance of this level of of sustainable development, a facing higher education. a contribution to the preservation of life education to compliance with the 2030 relationship that will be more closely Analysis sessions and debates took on earth. Agenda was reflected in the presence scrutinized during the next edition place in 19 workshops and scenarios This was a view that arose frequently of 11 Ministers of Higher Education and of the event in 2018, the centenary such as round-table talks, conferences during the Congress in relation to ties more than 150 rectors from universities year of the University Reform of and panels, in which highly qualified between higher education and the of different countries. Cordoba, Argentina. President Humala of Peru Visits Cuba By ErnestoVERA

Cuba and Peru ratified the good state to explore opportunities. of their friendly relations and the He spoke of the importance of cooperation that exists between the two deepening cooperation in areas such as Latin American nations, in the context of health, education and sport, given that a visit by president Ollanta Humala to the Peru will host the XVIII Pan-American Cuban capital. Games in 2019. During his stay in Havana on February Humala described the announcement 18, the Peruvian leader had official of the visit to Cuba by Barack Obama, talks with his counterpart, Raul Castro, scheduled for March 21-22, as positive after paying tribute at the memorial and stated that it would be an historic to Antillean independence figure and moment in bilateral relations. Cuba’s National Hero, Jose Marti, at the In conversation with the press, the Revolution Plaza. President of Peru called for the lifting of At the meeting both presidents the economic, commercial and financial conversed about the state of bilateral blockade that Washington has imposed relations and agreed that there on Cuba for more than half a century. was mutual goodwill to continue This was Humala’s second visit to strengthening the historic ties that unite Cuba as Head of State, having previously the Cuban and Peruvian people. participated in the II Summit of the They also touched on current regional Community of Latin American and and international issues. Caribbean States (Celac in Spanish) in In a statement made at the Jose Havana in January 2014. Marti International Airport, Humala Shortly before becoming president of emphasized interest in expanding his country on July 28, 2011, the leader bilateral trade, saying that a visited Cuba as part of a regional tour, delegation from the Peruvian business during which he met President Raul community would soon come to Cuba Castro for the first time. PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO: HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Cuba Besieges Zika Virus By Ana LauraARBESÚ fever symptoms are being analyzed to allow for its early detection. He noted it is crucial to keep the transmitting agent under control to prevent it from spreading. Cuba has carried out an intense campaign to reduce the presence of the mosquito, with a comprehensive anti-mosquito program for the state-run and residential sectors that involve institutions, grass-root organizations and the community. It is necessary that all Cubans alike take on this campaign as it if were a personal affair, a problem that concerns us all, mainly because it entails great responsibility, starting with the family, he stressed.

THE ANSWER

Led by the Cuban Public Health Ministry, a strategy involving all Cubans has been conceived. “It will be a

Fausto Torrealba Fausto PHOTO: unique opportunity to clean up our cities and towns,” With not one single case reported, Cuba spares no Latin American and the Caribbean, while its spreading said Cuba’s Health Minister Roberto Morales in press preventive efforts to fight the zika virus, which has and possible connection with the rising number of round when announcing the national action plan. spread worldwide and records a high number of cases microcephalic babies born to infected mothers have The production and distribution of insecticide in . triggered the alarm within the World Health Organization products against the mosquito are guaranteed, and Cuban President Raúl Castro called upon the Cuban (WHO), the Cuban president said. the Hydraulic Institute will develop a comprehensive people to fight the virus starting with prevention Though there is no scientific prove that the virus is program to eliminate all water leaks, he said. measures, based on the country’s experiences in dealing the cause for all microcephaly cases, a significant relation Cuba has no cases of zika, chikungunya or yellow with other diseases also transmitted by the Aedes between the disease and the increase in the number of fever; however, 55 of the country’s municipalities record aegypti mosquito. Once more, the population is in this congenital malformation has been established. high infestation levels of the mosquito that spreads charge of performing this task, now with the support of In his call to the Cuban people, Raúl Castro said those diseases. The accomplishment of these measures members from the army and the police. not one single case of the virus has been detected in will enable the country to have a favorable health The zika virus is already affecting 32 countries of the country; however, all cases of people with unclear situation, the official noted. Cuba and Russia Bolster Biomedical Cooperation By JorgeHERNÁNDEZ ÁLVAREZ

A group of Russian companies belonging those related to patents and licenses to the Skolkovo Foundation and Cuba’s and the exchange of specialists. Heber Biotec S.A company signed According to Chernov, these four memorandums of understanding agreements pave the way for the Russian intended to strengthen strategic party to access Latin American markets cooperation in biomedicine. through Cuba, while allowing Cuban R-Pharm and Chemrar companies, products to enter the European market the Stem Cell Institute and the Center of through Russia. Oncology signed the agreements with Sponsored by the Russian state, Heber Biotec S.A, which has the patent the Skolkovo Foundation’s objective right for the commercialization of the is to promote and market innovations products and projects developed by the in five key areas such as information Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering technology, energy, space technology Center (CIGB) and other leading suppliers and telecommunications, nuclear of the Cuban pharmaceutical market. technologies and biomedicine. It means a lot to have signed these Worth mentioning is the memorandums of understanding with SkolkovoInnovationCenter near four leading Russian partners, not to Moscow, which aims to create an ideal mention Skolkovo’s support for the CIGB, situation in Russia to modernize the said the president of Heber Biotec S.A, industry and promote innovation with Eulogio Pimentel. development goals. Referring to the signing of the Meanwhile, the CIGB –founded on documents in Havana, Pimentel noted an July 1, 1986 by the historic leader of the arduous and busy process begins now for Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro- is Cuba’s turning those documents into contracts, leading biotechnological center. “hence enabling to rapidly bring forward This scientific institution currently and market our projects.” has more than 50 research and

“What remains to be done now is to Manuel Muñoa PHOTO: development projects that include move on so as to build a stronger relation In the meantime, the vice president The signed agreements are pragmatic, human and animal vaccines, based on mutual benefit, because we of the Skolkovo Foundation, Alexander it means cooperation, hard and recombinant proteins for therapeutic consider Russia a priority market for our Chernov, said the signing of the productive work, he noted after saying use, synthetic peptides, monoclonal products (CIGB) and this is a new step documents corroborate the high level of that they will allow for pharmaceutical antibodies and diagnostic systems, forward,” he commented. cooperation reached by the two sides. cooperation in different areas including among other products. 6 SOCIETY

Despite the Blockade, Cuba-U.S. Trade Relations Improve By WaldoMENDILUZA WASHINGTON._ Even though the blockade impact on the finance and travel sectors. U.S. Trade Representative, Michael Froman, say it’s all over,” he sustained. imposed by the United States on Cuba During his U.S. visit, Malmierca praised the governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, During his meetings, Malmierca remains fully in force and that the U.S. is facing these executive actions but noted they and the leader of the U.S.-Cuba Business referred to the possibilities that Cuba the complex internal policy issues resulting are still insufficient, because the blockade’s Council (USCBC), Carlos Gutiérrez. offers as a market, namely its stability, from an election year, the two countries aim main prohibitions continue and the Gutiérrez urged U.S. companies qualified labor, geographical location, to enhance their trade relations. decision to lift it is in the hands of Congress. interested in entering the Cuban market and achievements in sectors like tourism, In the second half of February, Cuba’s “We know Congress must act and we to demand the lifting of the sanctions biotechnology and pharmaceutics. Foreign Trade and Investment Minister are aware of the political implications against the island. The vice president of the Americas Rodrigo Malmierca, fulfilled a large of this issue; however, the president has “The greater the number of U.S. for the International Division of the U.S. agenda in Washington D.C., where he authority to go far beyond that,” he said companies interested in the Cuban market, Chamber of Commerce, Jodi Bond, warned reiterated that the economic, financial in one of the meetings he attended, the greater the pressure exerted on that the blockade places U.S. companies and commercial blockade imposed on accompanied by officials from the Cuban Congress,” he told The Havana Reporter. at a disadvantage with regard to other Cuba for more than fifty years is the main Ministries of Foreign Trade and Foreign The economic, commercial and companies in the world when it comes to a obstacle in bilateral relations. Affairs, the Central Bank, the Chamber of financial blockade of Cuba became law market as promising that of Cuba. At the Chamber of Commerce, the Commerce and other Cuban entities. with the approval of the Helms-Burton Act “Foreign competitors can easily Cuban minister met with its president Obama can exercise his prerogative to in 1996; hence, the decision to bring it to an access the Cuban market, but we do not Thomas Donohue and vice presidents annul prohibitions such as those related end lies with Congress, which is polarized know when we will have those same Myron Brilliant and Jodi Bond, as well to the use of the U.S. dollar in transactions between Democrats and Republicans. opportunities,” she stressed. as with business people, including with the island, to access to the U.S. market According to Gutiérrez, the ongoing Two transcendental events for bilateral representative of leading companies in for Cuban products’, and the possibility for election race ahead of the November relations took place when Malmierca the tourism, biotechnology, machinery U.S. companies to invest in Cuba. presidential elections hinders all efforts for visited Washington: the signing in Havana and food sectors. Pritzker said there are many U.S. getting the sanctions annulled by Congress. of an agreement for the resumption of He also opened, together with U.S. business people interested in gaining “It would be hard for Congress to direct flights between the two countries, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, the access to the Cuban market, something vote in favor of eliminating them all, so and the announcement on Obama’s visit second round of regulatory talks, a bilateral that is prevented by the blockade it seems easier to do so step by step; but to Cuba on March 21 and 22. mechanism intended to discuss business policy. However, Obama’s measures are it must happen,” the USCBC leader said The White House described the possibilities and their scope amid the beginning to open possibilities. and he called for advantage of the current president’s announced visit to Cuba as executive measures announced by President According to the Secretary of Commerce, rapprochement phase between the historic, as it will be the first one made by a Barack Obama to change the blockade policy. the objective of the second round of countries to be taken in order to convert U.S. president in almost 90 years. Ever since the announcement on regulatory talks is to learn more from each the search for better relations into an Obama’s assistant Ben Rhodes noted December 17, 2014 by Presidents Raúl other and identify areas in which Washington irreversible process. the objective of the visit is to make the Castro and Obama about the process could approve new licenses for U.S. companies “It’s necessary to have more investment ongoing process for the normalization of to normalize bilateral relations, the interested in doing business on the island. opportunities and transactions approved, bilateral relations irreversible. White House chief has announced three Malmierca also had talks with the and that the harmonious work between “We are very excited; nothing could packages of executive decisions, the most U.S. Secretaries of State, John Ferry, and the two governments continues. This way, help bring the two countries closer than recent one in late January which will Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, respectively, the it would be harder for anyone to come and this trip to Havana,” he said.

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To subscribe please contact : Gerencia editorial Prensa Latina www.cubaplusmagazine.com Email: [email protected] Telf. 7833 2279 CULTURE 7 SPOTLIGHT ON Lucky Luciano‘s Deportation By CiroBIANCHI ROSS repatriation file had been opened. pressure on Havana. the day. The process that started once U.S. Luciano had arrived in Cuba towards Frank Sinatra provided the authorities discovered that the boss the end of September 1946: the palm entertainment. The sessions closed and of all crime bosses was in the Cuban trees reminded him of Miami and the participants departed as secretly as capital was thus drawing to a close. blue sea of Naples. they had arrived. Luciano had made inexcusable «But I was 90 miles only from the But Luciano would stay in Havana. mistakes here for a man of his standing. United States, meaning that I was back He felt untouchable and indifferent to Enthralled by a young U.S. girl he had in America» he says in his memoirs. U.S. Narcotics Agency agents who had met in Havana by chance, they were He had come with one pressing and him under observation. seen together in public and even had specific goal in mind: to prop up his On February 23, 1947, as Luciano their photographs taken. empire as it was losing ground in the was having lunch, an officer of the Luciano felt pretty safe in Cuba face of Vito Genovese’s determination. Secret Police asked him to go with him. because he had friends; but he had Once released from jail, Luciano had The capo of all capos never lost his bitter enemies as well. been repatriated to Italy. composure. The Cuban press soon realized who He had cleared the way from afar He bid an amicable farewell to his the rich, kind and generous man who for Genovese’s plans in New York and Cuban bodyguards and got into to a car had entered the country with a legal California. with official number plates. passport and a visa stamped by the Buggy Siegel was openly betraying He was facing no charges other Cuban consulate in Rome. him. A call to order was urgently than the repatriation order issued by By then, the U.S. Narcotics Agency required and the heads of the main Washington, which the government of knew everything it needed to about families needed to meet to discuss President Grau were obliged comply with. Luciano’s connections on the island and spheres of influence, territorial issues, Once at the Tiscornia Station, he suggested to the Grau government that drug trafficking and the opening of the told his right hand man Meyer Lansky, Despite pressure by the U.S. they send him back to Italy. Las Vegas empire. his concern for the syndicate members government, President Ramón Grau San Grau said there were no reasons Havana was the perfect city for who were still in Cuba. Martín would not give in. He finally did to expel a legally documented and the meeting, being a mid point for But none of them were ever bothered. so when Washington interrupted the peaceful man. But the United States trafficking heroin into the United States The U.S. shipments of medicine were shipment of medicines to Cuba. would not give up to its objective. at the time. resumed and drug trafficking would At that time, Lucky Luciano, the tsar The Narcotics Agency turned to Convened for November 22, 1946 continue its unstoppable course. of all offenders, had been respectfully President Truman for support, whilst at the Hotel Nacional, the meeting ran On March 29, 1947, Charlie ¨Lucky¨ arrested by Cuban police and taken the U.S. Departments of State and the until November 26 and was attended Luciano was heading for Italy in a luxurious to the Tiscornia Station, where a Treasury contemporaneously applied by the most notorious crime lords of cabin, aboard the Turkish ship Bakir. Fitting Artistic Tributes By AlainPLANELLS Beyond the levels into which it is sectioned – installations, interventions, paintings and video – there is the added possibilty of experiencing these as a journey through the various stages of this artist’s creative trajectory. Also during February, on the far side of the city, the “La Acacia” gallery is hosting “Line Up”, a collective exhibition of drawings in which creations by almost 40 Cuban artists of the genre converge. Works by Víctor Manuel, Fidelio Ponce, Wifredo For some reason, fitting tributes never fail to arrive Saavedra delights again in renewing his affair Lam, Eduardo Ponjuán, Tonel, Roberto Fabelo, Glenda and having found an ideal time and place to interact with the institutions, that has been marked by an León, Kcho, René Francisco and Glauber Ballestero with others, often from an earlier time, they also pay extensive career of concessions to galleries, which in which, combined with the other contributors, seem homage to artistic mastery. turn facilitated broad debates about society and the to comply with the curatorial intention to a provoke In such a fashion, two exhibitions, one collective art that encircles it. generational dialogue. and another individual, of great Cuban masters The building itself is amenable to the counter- Line Up, through an endeavor to unite works in stand out amongst those recently organized and placing of conceptual works that allude to a Marxist this form that traverse more than century, celebrates associated with the visual arts. philosophy prominent since Marx borrowed license the 15th annivesray of Genesis, a company dealing “Base/Superestructura“ is the title of the from architectural categories to explain his theory, in the sale of Cuban art and responsible for the exhibition by 2014 National Arts Prize winner, and in this regard the artist jokes that “when a thief administration of a number of galleries, including Lázaro Saa vedra, at the WifredoLamContemporary steals from a thief, all are forgiven”. The Acacia. ArtsCenter in Havana. In one way, this exhibition addresses diverse Whatever one decides, these are two excellent In part suspended since it’s opening from levels – an upper and a lower – in a clear reflection shows: the new scenario and the fidelity of Saavedra structural beams, this is a show that has challenged of it’s title, intentions that later become fragments to projects from the 80’s, with Line Up offering a the traditional concept that it is on only the walls or on canvas and walls and swing to counter arguments visual chronology resolved in works that travel from floors of the Museum of Fine Arts that work can be that the artist describes as a reference to what binds the vanguard to the most contemporaneous of exhibited. the creator to his work. Cuban sketches. 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

MUSIC

Teatro Nacional (National Theater)

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GETTINGMuseo Nacional de la Antiguo Casino Español AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] Música (Museum of Music) (Former Spanish Casino) Calle Obrapía e/ Bernaza y Paseo del Prado esq. Ánimas. Villegas. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Centro Habana. Sala Ignacio RECOMMENDS 863-9862. Cervantes. Sun. March. 20 • Dionaea, Celeste Wed. Mar. 9 (5:00pm): Piquete (6:00pm): Lontano Duo. and Paquita by Ballet Típico Cubano band. Thu. 17 Nacional de Cuba (5:00pm): Pancho Amat’s club Centro Hispano- (Cuba’s National Ballet) and guests. Wed. 23 (5:00pm): Americano de Cultura at Gran Teatro de La Singer Elina Calvo. (Spanish-American Cultural Habana Alicia Alonso. Center) Loma y 39, Plaza de la Casa de Africa Revolución Tel: 7 878-5590. Casa Balear Oratorio San Felipe Neri Sala Covarrubias. Sat. Mar. 27 Calle G e/ 23 y 21. Vedado. Tel: 7 (8:30pm): German Duo Lontano 830-4524. Sun. Mar. 6 (4:00pm): performs. Maguaré band’s club. Sun. 13 (5:00pm): “Jóvenes Clásicos Casa del Alba Cultural del Son” club (son music). Sun. Calle Línea e/ C y D, Vedado. 27 (4:00pm): Gloria Matancera Tel: 7 833-2151.Sat. Mar. 12 band. (8:00pm): “La Academia” (The Academy) Club. Director: Ruy Basílica Menor San López-Nussa. Sun. 20 (5:00 Francisco de Asís pm): “Tardes Líricas” (Lyrical Afternoons) Club directed by Ramón Centeno. Thu. 24 (6 pm): “El canto de todos” (Everbody Singing) Club with Vicente Feliú (trova music).

Centro Cultural Fresa Y Chocolate Obra Pía e/ San Ignacio y Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel: Calle Aguiar esq. Obrapía. 861-5798. Sat. Mar.12 (3:00pm): Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-3243. Obiní Batá folk band performs. Sat. Mar. 12 (4:00pm): Concert Thu. 24 (10:00am): Singer Raúl pianist Fidel Leal. Wed. 16 Iglesias performs at “Con Amor” (7:00pm): Vassar College and (With Love) Club. D’ Profundis Choirs perform, director Ladys Sotomayor. Plaza de Armas Malecón e/ Capdevila y Paseo. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866-0775. Museo Nacional de Bellas Sat. Mar.12 (5:00pm): Nuestro Artes (National Museum of Tiempo instrumental music Fine Arts) band.

Patio Bar -Egrem San Miguel e/ Campanario y Lealtad. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 864-2006. Mon. Mar. 7 (5:00pm): Vocal Retro vocal ensemble Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, performs at Nisia Agüero’s Club. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862- Wed. 9, 16, 23, 30 (5:00pm): “El 9683. Sat. Mar. 5 (6:00pm): Caimán Barbudo” club featuring Performance by Ventus Ihosvany Bernal, Samuel Águila, Habana quintet. Director: Alina Diego Cano, Juan Carlos Pérez Calle 23 e/ 12 y 14. Vedado. Blanconv; Ébanos de la Habana and Benito de la Fuente (trova Tel: 7 836-20-96. Wed. Mar. 23 quartet; the all-female band music). Fri.4, 11, 18, 25 (4:00pm): (5:00pm): Singer Marta Sánchez of the National Arts School, Rumberos de Cuba folk band. and guitarist Jesús Fleites pianist Odalis Villavicencio; Calle Refugio e/ Zulueta y perform. Vivace quartet; Universo vocal Monserrate. Habana Vieja. Tel: Palacio de la Rumba ensemble. Direction: Marta 7 861-0241. Edificio de Arte Calle San José e/ Aramburu y Pabellón Cuba Jacqueline Ramírez Torres. Sat. Cubano. Sat. Mar. 20 (7:00pm): Soledad. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 Calle 23 esq. N, Vedado. Tel: 7 19 (6:00pm): Amadeo Roldán ADROID band performs Obispo y Mercaderes.Habana 873-0990. Tue. Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29 832- 4921. Fri. Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 quartet. Sat. 26 (6:00pm): (electroacoustic music). Mar. Vieja. Tel:7 860-9530. Fri. Mar. (4:00pm): Septeto Habanero (5:00 pm): Silvio Alejandro (trova Performance by Camerata 20 (11:00am): Performance by 4, 11, 18, 25 (4:00pm): National band performs.Thu. 3,10,17,24 music) performs. Guests: Juan Romeu chamber music Cantoría Mi-Sol band. Director: Concert Band. Conductor: Igor (10:00pm): Soul Party Festival Carlos Pérez and Erick Méndez. orchestra. Claudia Moreno. Corcuera. Hip Hop DJs. ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING AROUNDFactoría Habana Casa de la Obra Pía Club La Zorra y el Cuervo Sauce MUSEUMS AND Obrapía e/ Mercaderes y Calle 9na e/ 120 y 130, MUSEUMSGALLERIES AND GALLERIES San Ignacio, Habana Vieja. Cubanacán. Playa. Tel: 7 204- Tel: 7 861-3097. Thu. Mar. 17 7114. Sun. Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27 Casa Oswaldo (5:30pm): Opening of the (5:00pm): Club “Máquina de la Guayasamín exhibition “Ethos- Sociedad Melancolía” with trova musician consumista que me consumes” Frank Delgado. (Ethos-Consumer society that Consumes me) by Eurico Borges. Dos Gardenias Curator: Yanet Oviedo Matos. Calle 7ma y 26. Playa Miramar. Tel: 7 204-9517. Tue. Mar. 8, 15, Palacio de Lombillo 22, 29 (10:00pm): Singers Héctor Téllez, Freddy Vera, Mundito González, Ela Calvo, Cary D` Castro and Elizabeth D` Gracia; pianist Carlos Gaitán and guitarist Onexis Solano, among other guests. Calle O´ Reilly e/ Habana y Calle 23 y O, Vedado.Tel: 7 833- Aguiar. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 864- 2402. Sun. Mar. 16 (11:00pm): Rancho Palco 9518. Thru Mar: Signs exposition. Canela band performs (jazz). Calle 140 ave. 19, Cubanacán. Art and industry and vice versa, Playa, Tel: 7 537 208-9346. Sun. reunites objects, texts, artifacts, Club Submarino Amarillo Mar. 6 (11:00pm): Señores del photographs, ceramics, graphic Calle 17 esq. 12, Vedado, Humor band. work, videos and printed Habana. Tel: 7 830-6808. Sat. Mar. materials, with the aim to 5 & 19 (11:00pm): La Tierra del Jardines de la Tropical make the creative experiences Cover band. Wed. 16 (9:00pm): Ave. 41 y 46, Playa. Tel: 7 203- Calle Obrapía e/ Oficios y stand out. A balanced fusion Dimensión Vertical rock band. 5322. Sun. Mar 7 (7:00pm): Mercaderes. La Habana Vieja. Tel: of art, design and industry is Oderquis Revé y su Changüí 7 861- 3843. Thru Mar: Pottery created alongside the particular Casa de la Música de band. Guest: El Niño y la Verdad exhibition of Carchi culture, elements of the arquitectural Galiano band. Ecuador. and urbanistic scene. Galiano e/ Neptuno y Calle Empedrado, esq. Concordia, Centro Habana. Tel: 7 Castillo de la Real Fuerza Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. 862-4165. Tue. Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29 DANCE DANCE Casa Natal Jośe Martí (House Tel: 7 861- 5798. Fri. Mar. 11 (11:00pm): El Niño y la Verdad (4:30pm): Opening of the band performs. Gran Teatro de La Habana photo exhibition “Secuencia” Alicia Alonso. (Sequence) by Robin Pau. Casa de la Música de Paseo de Martí esq. boulevard Miramar San Rafael. Centro Habana.Tel: Museo Napoléonico 7 861-7391. Sala García Lorca. (Napoleonic Museum) Fri. Mar. 18, Sat. 19 (8:30pm) San Miguel # 1159. Vedado. and Sun. 20 (5:00pm): Dionaea, Plaza de la Revolución. Tel: 7 Celeste and Paquita by Ballet 879-1412. Fri. Mar. 4 (10:00am): Nacional de Cuba (Cuba’s Exhibition “Príncipe imperial National Ballet). Napoleón IV” (Imperial Prince Napoleon IV), marking the 15th edition of the 160th anniversary of his birth. “Guillermo Barreto in Memoriam” International NIGHTCLUBS & Drum Festival/Contest, Havana, NIGHTCLUBSCABARETS & CABARETS with the participation of famous musicians and percussionists Hotel Habana Libre from Cuba and around the Calle 23 y M. Vedado. Tel: 7 834- world, Cuba’s leading salsa 6100. El Turquino. Tue. Mar. 8, 15, bands and dance companies, (Castle of the Royal Force) 22, 29 (11:00pm): Nelson Manuel Calle 5ta y 94. Miramar. Tel: 7 jazz bands and folk bands. The Calle O’Reilly e/ Avenida where José Martí was born) y la Corte band performs. Wed. 203-7676. Salón te Quedarás. program includes percussion del Puerto y Tacón. Habana Calle Paula e/ Egido y Picota, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (11:00pm): Caribe Sat. Mar. 26 (11:00pm): Osain del and dance master classes. Vieja. Tel: 7 864-4490.Thru. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-3778. Girls all-female band. Monte folk band. Mar: Exhibition of toys and Thru Mar: Photo exhibition small ceramic products on “De Martí a Fidel, de Dos Ríos Café TV del Focsa Diablo Tun Tun. archaeological sites in Havana, al Moncada, hasta la Victoria Calle 17 e/ N y M. Vedado. Tel: Calle 5ta y 94. Miramar. Tel: 7 from the 16th to the 18th Siempre” (From Marti to Fidel, Wed. March. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & 203-7676. Mon. Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, centuries,miniature crockery, from Dos Rios to Moncada, Thu.3, 10. 17. 24 (10:00pm): (11:00pm): Singer Rosaliz Date: March 1 to 6, 2016 whistles, human figures Forever onward to Victory) by Singer Pedro Jorge Gómez and guests. Sat. 5, 12, 19, 26 and ceramic animals would Julio Ángel Larramendi Joa, Llerena (salsa) Tue. 8, 15, 22, 29 (11:00pm): Gens rock band. Main venues: Teatro Mella, sporadically appear on these curatorship by the National & Sat. 5, 12, 19, 26 (10:00pm): Sun. 6, 13, 20, 27 (11:00pm): Los Teatro Karl Marx, Sala Avenida. sites. Heritage Council. Singer Alex Bell. Takson rock band. 10 CULTURE Cuba’s Spanish Ballet Shines By CossetLAZO during the fashion show and again later during their performances at the hall bearing the famous Spanish writer’s name. The eclectically designed theater reopened recently having been fully restored. Cuba’s Spanish Ballet Company began 2016 with ambitious projects and a busy program. It will put on the show inspired by the work of Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, “Aquel brujo amor” (That Bewitching Love) again in March, having first staged in 1996. Their June program features the shows “Sonata y Fandango” and La Casa Alba (The Alba House). Company has shone during its first season One of the year’s greatest attractions of 2016, with an attractive and varied is a revival of the work, “El Fantasma” (The program at the Federico García Lorca hall of Ghost), which will involve a collaboration the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso with artists from Cuba’s National Circus. (Grand Theater of Havana). Based on Gastón Leroux’s (1910) With performances on February 19, 20 Gothic novel, the highly energetic and 21, the company once more exhibited choreography for dancers and acrobats the great talent of is dancers and musicians will return to the stage of the Gran Teatro with the show Con puro acento español de La Habana Alicia Alonso. (With An Authentic Spanish Accent), in In the summer, the company will hold which the stage was shared by soprano the International “Ballespa 2016 Contest” María Eugenia Barrios and flamenco singer from July 11 to 17 in Havana, for people Andrés Correa. of all ages interested in taking their first Everyday before performing, the Spanish dancing steps. company put on a fashion show in the Founded in 1987 with the support of theater lobby to showcase clothes made “Prima Ballerina Assoluta”, Alicia Alonso, PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: by Cuban designer José Luis, as well as the company has won the hearts and Twenty nine years old and directed by .950 silver jewellery and the semiprecious admiration of thousands of people in professor, choreographer and dancer stones of Rosana Vargas and her Rox brand. Turkey, Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Eduardo Veitía, Cuba’s Spanish Ballet Some of the dancers modeled them Colombia and Nicaragua. Author and Journalist Stephen Kimber On The Cuban Five By DamiánESTRADA In the presence of Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González, Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino and René González – collectively known as the Cuban Five -- the Canadian author said, “what inspired me to tell this story was the ethical principles and sense of courage, honor and valor that the men exhibited throughout their sentences”. In the book’s prologue Rene Gonzalez, who was behind bars in the U.S. from 1998 to 2011, writes, ”humanity is a new species that faces extinction, but for that to happen the truth must first disappear so that they can convince us to kill one another.” Fondly known in Cuba simply as Rene, he also shared his view that Kimber never allowed his religious or political differences with the Five affect the integrity of his intention to discover and expose the truth without pandering to anyone‘s agenda. Antonio Guerrero thanked Kimber, presently the Intern Director of King’s University of Canada’s School of

PHOTOs: Emilio Herrera PHOTOs: Journalism “for his courage as a man and audacity as a Canadian author Stephen Kimber highlighted in Cuba journalist for revealing everything that happened since the courage shown by the five Cuban anti-terrorists that fateful day of our arrests on September 12, 1998”. who until one year ago, were unjustly imprisoned in To applause, Guererro finished by saying ”that was the U.S. the date, when we were faced in a matter of seconds During the presentation of the Spainish version of with who we were within the context of the entire his book “What Lies Across The Water; The Real Story history of our people, from our heroes to our most Of The Cuban 5” during the recent February 11-21, humble, and we decided to take the right path”. XXV International Cuban Book Fair, Kimber lauded the Kimber’s book – winner of the prestigious Evelyn eventually released on December 17, 2014 – was first qualities that defined the men during their almost two Richardson prize for putting into print the truth about launched back in 2013 and has since been in circulation decade long detention on North American soil. the five Cuban anti-terrorists, the last of whom were in many countries. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Varadero, Beauty In Perpetual Renewal By Roberto F. CAMPOS PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs:

Varadero, Cuba’s largest beach resort, representing the ten families that kilometers east of Havana, Varadero is a Varadero was also the home to such always offers tourists and photographers founded the town. municipality that comprises 26.6 square famous persons as gangster Al Capone, some new image arising from its Officially established on December 5, kilometers and boasts Cuba’s most whose former residence today serves as beautiful landscapes, the movement 1887 by the “Los Decembrinos” society, important tourist resort. a hotel (Kawama). of waves and the creation of new Varadero’s first houses were made of According to historians, U.S. citizens The triumph of the Cuban Revolution recreational centers. wood and Spanish tiles. The site would were the first ones to discover its potential, in 1959 would provide another major This fascinating destination later be renowned for the paddle boat setting up a real estate agency there back boost to this territory with the creation captivates most of the tourists coming races, its shells and sea horses. in 1917, in a small wooden palace built by of the National Tourism Institute, focused to Cuba, due to the quality of its beaches Its geological formation dates back R.H. Johnson of the Johnson Construction primarily on the domestic tourism market. and its setting in general, is now further to the quaternary era, while the name Company of Wayne, Pennsylvania. Later, in 1990, it was given a further enhanced by nautical activities and of the Hicacos Peninsula is derived from In 1926, U.S. tycoon Irenée Du Pont boost by developments based on tourism cultural and historical choices. a green thorny leaved tree that used to Dehaumors settled there, in the former as a world industry. Varadero’s coat of arms speaks for grow in this 22-kilometer long area. Xanadu Mansion, today the Golf Club. But the beauty of this setting is what itself: concentric circles symbolizing Its northern coast features a unique He founded the Henequenera de most captivates visitors, making it a the aboriginal presence, a Spanish fort sand strip and the Bay of Cárdenas Cárdenas S.A. company, and opened special place for photographers, both for recalling the colonial period, and strokes lies to the south. Located some 140 other business ventures. its variety of colors and its daily life. 12 POLITICS Russia Central To Peace In Syria By JorgePETINAUD

spokesman, Mayor General Ígor Russia, Vladímir Putin, and the United identify the regions occupied by Konashenkov, said that the center’s States, Barack Obama, in a telephone terrorists and create a direct line of primary functions are to facilitate conversation, the Russian president communication and possibly a task reconciliation talks between Syrian said. force to exchange relevant information authorities and the opposition - except In a television address, Putin said on Syria. for the Islamic State, the Al-Nusra Front it is important that Moscow and The two parties also agreed to fully and other terrorist groups- as well as Washington -- as co-chairs of the implement Resolution 2254 of the UN to reach ceasefire agreements and International Support Group for Syria Security Council on the negotiated organize delivery of humanitarian aid. -- be ready to launch an effective normalization of the crisis in Syria, a He added that representatives of mechanism for supervising the stance that is also shared by Moscow, the groups that agreed to put en end ceasefire on behalf of both the Syrian as it defends the leading role of that to hostilities and open peace talks government and armed opposition international organization in settling can make phone calls to Jmeimín all groups. the conflict. day round (one number only) and get Emergency numbers are available to Meanwhile, the Syrian government help to arrange contacts with Syrian help attain that goal and, if necessary, issued a declaration saying that the authorities. a team would be created to exchange Syrian authorities will accept the The Defense Ministry’s press service information, he added. ceasefire agreed by Moscow and PHOTO: Apimages PHOTO: also announced that a representative The agreement signed by Moscow Washington if the anti-terror war Russia has reaffirmed its leading role from the U.S. military attaché’s office and Washington establishes that a continues. in peace efforts for Syria, with the in Moscow had been invited that same ceasefire in Syria will take effect on Putin said in a special television establishment of a conflict resolution day to the ministry’s headquarters to be February 27 at 00:00 local time. address that the agreement represents center in the in the Arab country’s given informed about the provision of All the parties to the conflict that a tangible opportunity to stop the Jmeimín Air Base, just 24 hours after an emergency line of communication accept the agreement may take part in bloody conflict, that according to the signing an agreement with the United on the topic to them. the truce, except for the terror groups U.N., has left 250,000 people dead States. This was one of the points agreed Islamic State and the Al-Nusra Front. and nearly 12 million others displaced Russian Defense Ministry on February 22 by the Presidents of Moscow and Washington should since it commenced in March 2011. “No” Vote Wins in Bolivia with Narrow Margin LA PAZ_ The No vote on the constitutional Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) would referendum held in Bolivia prevailed with continue with its fight regardless of the a narrow margin, after a campaign marked voting results. by a dirty war intended to damage the “We will respect the results, whether the image of President Evo Morales. Yes or the No wins. That is true democracy,” According to the Election Supreme Court Morales said from the Government Palace (TSE), after 99.49 percent of the votes were in La paz. counted, the No had won 51.31 percent of Asked about the strategies that the support and the Yes, 48.69 percent. MAS leadership would carry out if faced On February 21, some 6,500,000 citizens with an unfavorable scenario, he noted went to the polls to vote a change on a it was premature to talk about it but “we constitutional article that would let the will identify our mistakes…there are many executive run again for the upcoming young leaders in our movement that are in presidential elections. conditions to continue with the process,” These results prevent President Morales sustained. Morales and Vice President Álvaro García The rightwing resorted to lies during the Linera from running again during the pre-referendum campaign, “because they 2019 elections. lack a plan outlining their program and A few weeks before the referendum, the want neoliberalism back to the country,” opposition had launched an intense media the Bolivian president reiterated. campaign against Evo Morales charging For ten years, the MAS movement led by him, without proofs, with alleged influence Morales has encouraged a policy focused peddling and manipulation of some on nationalization and investment efforts personal affairs. that has allowed for praiseworthy economic Before the results were made known, growth and achievements in the country’s the president had reiterated that the main social indicators. ECONOMY 13 Spanish Firm Benefits From Base In Cuba By CiraRODRÍGUEZ With the passing of the Mariel Special Profood Service S.A., executive, from Mexico, Brazil, Holland, Belgium and Development Zone (ZEDM in Spanish) Antonio Vicens, explained that the idea Cuba, highlight the importance to foreign Law Decree 313 and its complimentary is to start construction before the end companies of the favorable fiscal and regulations in 2013, Cuba opened of March this year in order to commence working conditions offered by the ZEDM investment possibilities at the enclave, with a six million unit capacity – a figure for the foreign investments needed to 45km west of Havana, to the world. Profood that could double in a second phase -- as drive the national economy, generate Service S.A., fully funded by Spanish soon as possible. exports, create jobs and attract further capital, embraced the opportunity. He added that since it’s inception, the inward investment. As a result, they are now one of project has envisioned that almost 60% The zone offers land at attractive 11 investments approved within the of cane derived raw materials such as prices, favorable installation and logistically promising ZEDM space, to sugar, molasses and rum used would be infrastructure costs for water, electricity Emilio Herrera PHOTO: establish a factory for the production of of Cuban origin. and communications technology supply contract by PSA International of juices, concentrates and soft and alcoholic To this end purchasing contracts and an advantageous and flexible “one- Singapore. drinks, destined for the hotel industry. have been negotiated with national stop shop” for services to Profood Service, There are two Belgian firms also on the Profood is a subsidiary of the companies like Tecnoazúcar and Cítricos or any other company interested in list: BDC Log S.A, dealing with transport, Spanish Hotelsa Alimentación company, Caribe for inclusion in their list. locating there. logistics and moving equipment supply; a producer of food and drink for tourist As output increases and the demands These are complimented by the and BDC Tec S.A, a producer of industrial consumption that has been supplying of the tourist industry are met, some ZEDM container terminal facilities electric screens and temperature sensors. the sector in Cuba for 23 years, that Profood Service products might, in for the exportation and importation Two entities fully financed by Mexican now has an opportunity to enhance it’s addition to being exported to primarily of products that investors need to Capital have also been accepted; meat competivity by developing some of its Caribbean countries, be directed to the undertake their ventures, and by processor Richmeat de Cuba S.A and lines here. domestic retail sector. links to a chain of national producers, paint, waterproofing and additive Since its approval by Cuban authorities, Should opportunities arise in the something valued for the security and manafacturer, Devoz Caribe S.A Profood Service S.A has been working on the southern United States, due to the stability it lends to operations. The joint venture with Brazil, Brascuba procurement of supplies and a works license lifting of the economic, financial and To date, 11 companies have been Cigarrillos S.A, the fully foreign funded, to erect a modern and technologically commercial blockade imposed on Cuba authorized, three of which are Cuban Compahia de Obras e Infraestructura S.A, advanced factory for the production and by Washington, the possibility of entering funded, one for logistical services, one for from the same nation and the joint Cuban- packaging of juices, cocktails and powders that market is not being ruled out. bank loans and the container terminal Dutch Unilever Suchel S.A company used in dispensing machines. The Spanish company, like the others operated on a 10 year administration complete the list of approved projects. El Niño Affects Sugar Cane Harvest By RobertoSALOMÓN Guantánamo and Granma in the east, where the use of machines is difficult in cane fields with uneven formations. A number of modern Brazilian harvesters fitted with tracks and trailers with special tyres for working in rain soaked fields have been used in places for the past two years with positive results. Nevertheless, the problem of roads in a poor state of repair remains and when flooded, the trucks carrying cane that use them, often become bogged down. Perez explained that the added problem existed of cane coming in with earth and other materials that are difficult to extract in the context of complex Unseasonal rainfall and the late arrival of winter are working conditions. mostly to blame for the harm caused – principally to Such objective difficulties, that resulted in a industrial sugar yields and cane gathering activities -- 30% time-loss to the industry during this campaign to the 2015/16 Cuban sugar cane harvest. notwithstanding, the targeted potential Cane Output Dionis Pérez, Director of Information, Efficiency yields (RPC in Spanish) for cane, once in the Communications and Analysis for the Azucarero factory, have been attained. Azcuba Group, told The Havana Reporter that Cuba Many of the 50 mills participating in this year’s had not been immune to the trail of anxiety and harvest had to delay starting because of the complex distress left by the El Niño phenomenon, because conditions created by El Niño. a prolonged drought followed by intensive and According to the Director, one of the strategies continuous downpours had lowered sugar production adopted to confront the consequences of the indicator results. phenomenon is the prioritizing of the “direct fire” “We have had days when between 250 and 300 harvesting of cane crops within 20km of a plant, to combine harvesters could not work due to water- reduce quality deterioration and ensure freshness. logged fields, which in turn resulted in lower quantities He stressed that on dry days, a mill industry of cane for milling and a drop in production” he said. potential yield target of 76% exploitation had been According to the official, virtually all cane -- with met and surpassed. a nationwide average index in excess of 90% -- in The object now is not to let efficiency levels slide the country is now mechanically harvested. Some and to reach the maximum possible production provinces such as Holguin in the east of Cuba and in this harvest, a serious challenge of itself, whilst Matanzas in the west cut all their cane with machines. maintaining the trend of increased volumes obtained

“Macheteros” are presently only employed in Cabo Gutiérrez Modesto PHOTO: over the past five years. 14 ECONOMY Brighter and Better Agriculture and Livestock Fair By Roberto SALOMÓN

to compliment auctions, a contest to choose the best purebred animals and concerts, among other activities.

BUSINESS AGENDA

For many years, FIAGROP was largely a livestock fair intended to boost the development of that sector within the Agriculture Ministry. In recent years, the Azcuba Sugar Group and the Food Industry Ministry have joined the fair with the objective of bringing the two sectors together and have thus added a business dynamic to the event. Now regarded as one of FIAGROP’s most important events, the business fair welcomes an ever increasing number of foreign and national companies that supply machinery, equipment, and consumables. Conferences, workshops and business meetings are held in parallel to the event. It’s worth noting that the updated version of the PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO: agricultural business portfolio is included as well, in line Members of the organizing committee told The with the one of the newest objectives of this kind of Havana Reporter that riders and cowboys from Panama, international event: to become the convention center for Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala and other the agro-industry in the country. regional countries will participate in the fair, as well as Companies from Germany, Panama, Mexico, the nearly 80 foreign and national companies, an increase on United States, Spain, Holland, among others, will exhibit the 2015 fair. their products at the upcoming 19th edition of the fair. The participants will have their products, supplies and The event provides room for intense competitive and equipment on display in the one thousand square meter commercial activity, festivities, and showcases the best

JOSE TITO JOSE TITO MERINO PHOTOs: plus exhibition area. animal breeds. The International Agriculture and Livestock Fair, Stalin Dupuy, principal specialist at the Rancho According to agricultural authorities, FIAGROP gives FIAGROP 2016, scheduled for March 12-20 at Havana’s Boyeros fairgrounds that opened in 1933, said that the continuation to the ongoing changes for efficient and Rancho Boyeros fairgrounds, is set to offer more rodeo main competition activities comprise the national rodeo sustainable agricultural production, in compliance with competitions and cattle shows and has a particularly busy championship and an international event. the guidelines for agro-industrial policy in the process for commercial and business agenda. The skills display by women will be an added attraction the updating of the country’s economic model. Bright Future For Renewable Energy in Cuba By MaríaJulia MAYORAL

Respect for the Environment) said that this is just one turbines with a capacity to generate 1.5 megawatts, example of the country’s potential, amid plans to replace raising to a total of 51 megawatts, explained Adela approximately 50 percent of its dependence on fossil Álvarez, the head of the project. fuel imports with clean energy sources, as part of its The work is expected to be completed by the end sustainable development efforts. of 2017 or the beginning of 2018, according to EDIFRE According to the expert, by 2030 the use of renewable (company developing investment projects for renewable energy sources may well supply about 30 percent of the power sources). country’s total energy consumption, including demand Electrical engineer Miguel Casí said that less than on the national grid. one kilometer from this wind park the Herradura 2 wind In June 2014, Cuban authorities approved a plan to farm will be built, comprising 20 wind turbines with add 2144 megawatts of generating power through the greater capacity. installation of 13 wind farms, new photovoltaic solar Meanwhile, the photovoltaic park of Palmira, in farms and 74 small hydroelectric plants. the central Cuban province of Cienfuegos, is in full The project also aims to make better use of solar construction phase and will have 14, 400 solar panels, thermal energy, biomass from forests, urban solid experts with EDIFRE informed. JOSE TITO JOSE TITO MERINO PHOTOs: and organic wastes produced by the industrial and With 525 solar panels, the construction of the first The fuel content of the solar radiation Cuba receives in agricultural sectors. photovoltaic solar farm in Sancti Spíritus province a day is greater than the amount of oil consumed by the As many as 14 photovoltaic solar farms are currently continues as planned. country in five years, according to studies conducted operating in the provinces of Havana, Villa Clara, As part of efforts to encourage the use of renewable by the government to make the best use of renewable Cienfuegos, Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo power sources, Cuba encourages foreign companies energy sources. and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud (Isle to take part in investment processes, in line with the Cuba is considered to be one of the countries in the of Youth), according to the National Electricity Company. portfolio of business opportunities launched by the world with the highest levels of solar irradiance, with an The ongoing investment program includes the Foreign Trade and Investment Ministry. estimated potential of almost five kilowatts-hour per construction of what will be Cuba’s largest wind farm, in In February 2016, for example, the country signed a square meter per day. the Jesús Menéndez municipality of Las Tunas province. contract with China for obtaining 100 megawatts from Luis Bérriz, president of Cubasolar (Cuban Society Named Herradura 1 and an estimated overall cost of photovoltaic solar parks, the Cuban Foreign Affairs for the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and 174 million Cuban pesos, the wind park will have 34 wind Ministry informed in its website. SPORTS 15 Cuba Aims To Perform Well in Portland-2016 By DuberPIÑEIRO

participate in the IAAF World August 2015. The Cuban athlete and bronze medalists in Sopot, center of attention, while the Indoor Championships. featured as one of the favorites where Russia’s Lyukman Adams 100-meter world record holder Set for March 18-20 at the but her boyfriend, the Cuban won the gold should also return Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce could Oregon Convention Center, the high jumper Sergio Mestre, to competition in Portland. defend the gold won in the tournament will bring together Central American and Caribbean The members of men’s 4x400 60-meter race in Sopot. the world’s best champion in Veracruz-2014, had relay could also gain a place for Another athlete returning to athletes, at a time when the Rio an accident while training and the competition in Portland and form is Meseret Defar of Ethiopia, de Janeiro will she interrupted her training in put on an excellent performance the two times world record be on everyone’s mind. Europe to return to Havana and there, having been placed holder in the 3,000-meter race. The Cubans aim to put on be with him. seventh in 2015. With four titles in the a good performance and to Without Yarisley Silva, all Cuban athletes aim to women’s indoor 3,000-meter duplicate their 2014 results predictions point to the also maintain the prestige won race (2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010), in Sopot, Poland, where they Cuban pole-vaulter Jennifer Suhr, by the country with its sixth Defar features as one of the finished fourth on the medal who set a world record in late position on the general medal favorites for the upcoming event table with one gold, one silver January by jumping 5.03 meters. table: 16 gold, 15 silver and 12 in Portland. and one bronze. The other rival worth bronze, only preceded by the Only time will tell what it One notable absentee mentioning –if she finally United States (89-59-58), Russia is in store for the athletes who Cuban athletes will try to will be pole-vaulter Yarisley decides to compete- is Brazilian (69-60-50), Germany (24-23-28), will soon compete in the United reproduce or improve on the Silva, champion of the Polish , the runner-up of Ethiopia (20-5-9) and the United States, but one thing certain: the results of their performance tournament with a 4.70-meter Beijing-2015. Kingdom (16-26-19). winners will be on their way to two years ago, when they travel high jump and world champion Triple-jumpers Ernesto Revé Meanwhile, athletes from the Olympic Games in August in in March to Portland, U.S., to of the Beijing outdoor event in and Pedro Pablo Pichardo silver Jamaica will once more be the . Pan-American Triathlon Event in Havana By CarlosBANDINES

embassy in Havana. Spaniard Gustavo Rodríguez, 36, won the middle distance triathlon competition with an extraordinary performance in the running circuit. “I felt very good, mainly during the swimming and running circuits, though it was not the same during the bike ride because the wind was blowing hard and in the opposite direction. I hope to return PHOTOs: Miguel Guzman Ruiz PHOTOs: in 2017, because I liked the competition Held in February, the Pan-American Among the most prestigious For the women, Camila Alonso of Spain a lot and the circuit in general is very Cup Triathlon and the Ibero-American competitors were Colombian Carlos won the gold in a time of 1:01.40 hours, beautiful,” Rodríguez told THR shortly Triathlon Championship, Havana-2016, Quinchara, Argentinean Romina Palacio ahead of Canadian Alexandra Coates after crossing the finishing line. demonstrated that Cuba is an ideal venue and Spanish Gustavo Rodríguez. (1:01.42) and U.S. Taylor Spivey (1:01.49), The Spanish athlete won the gold for a sport that is becoming ever more Quinchara performed excellently, while Argentinean Romina Palacio came in a record time of 4:05.05 hours, (the popular around the world. winning the sprint modality with a time of fourth (1:02.05). previous record had been set by Spanish This was the second time that the 54:40, closely followed by Ecuadorian Juan “It makes me very happy to compete Marcel Zamora with 4:20.56). island hosted the tournaments. This time José Andrade (55:09) and Venezuelan Luis here in Cuba; the circuit is very good, it The silver and bronze medals were for around, 409 athletes from 29 countries Miguel Velásquez (55:44), the silver and allowed me to put into practice the tactics Italian Alberto Casadei (4:12.42) and Czech competed to add points to their rankings bronze medalists, respectively. we had conceived. Petr Vabrousek (4:34.47), respectively, for qualification for the upcoming Olympic In exclusive remarks for The Havana I focused on accomplishing my while Cuban Carlos Rodríguez finished Games in Rio de Janeiro. Reporter, the Colombian athlete said strategy,” Alonso told The Havana Reporter. fourth (4:42:26). The athletes competed in the following “the results were satisfactory; my body The elite sprint category took place Cuba will host the event until 2018, as categories: sprint –elite category (0.75 responded well while swimming; I at the Ernest Hemingway International agreed in a contract with the International kilometers for swimming, 10 for cycling improved during the cycling phase and Nautical Club, while the middle Triathlon Union. Havana will also serve as and 5 for running) - and middle distance knew how to keep a good pace during distance triathlon started there and venue for one of the world circuit events triathlon (1, 9/90/21). the race.” finished at the Flag Plaza near the U.S. in 2019. 16