THE © YEAR VI Nº 10 MAY,17 2016 HAVANA, CUBA avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN

Cuban Tourism Trade Fair Points To Bright Days Ahead P. 3

Tourism Politics Economy Sports First U.S. Cruise Ship Cuba-U.K. Relations New Cuban Brazil Dominates Pan- in More Than 50 Years Have Potential to Bio-Material American Judo Contest Arrives Prosper Advances in Havana P. 2 P. 4 P. 13 P. 15 2 TOURISM First U.S. Cruise Ship in More Than 50 Years Arrives By FranciscoMENÉNDEZ

A further touch of spice was added to the arrival by the nostalgia of Cuban-Americans such as Milly Martin on the cruise, who had not set foot in her homeland since she was four years old and was now returning in her role as an official of Carnival. She shared the joy of her return with the media present. The Carnival supplied t-shirts worn by passengers before sailing again for Miami, the port of departure. were emblazoned with “Fathom, Making History, Even though 12 regulations have slightly eased such Inaugural Voyage Cuba 1-8 May 2016”. contacts, the restrictions by the U.S. administration on Notable amidst many declarations of excitement by free travel to the Island by U.S. citizens are still to be those returning to the country after decades, was that removed, which form part of the unilateral economic of Carnival’s executive director and president, Arnold and commercial sanctions imposed on Havana by Donald, who spoke of the pride he felt that the trip Washington for more than 50 years. had been executed by his company, an experience he Cuban spokespersons said that cultural exchanges PHOTOs: Emilio Herrera PHOTOs: described as “unforgettable”. such as the present People to People program now form The 700 passengers -- 20 of whom were Cuban- He expressed his hope that many more North and part of the first phase of a new Havantur agenda, which Americans -- aboard the first U.S. cruise ship in 57 years to Cuban Americans would soon arrive, saying that this was foresees the arrival of a further 10,000 such U.S. visitors berth in Cuba, relished the atmosphere that surrounded indicative of a bright future for the two countries. during 2016. the occasion. He referred to growth trends within tourist related Velozo is of the opinion that the number of The arrival of the cruise ship Adonis, belonging to industries but said that the human link between two North American visitors should continue to rise with the Carnival subsidiary company Fathom, was seen as great peoples was of even greater significance. consequential economic benefits on both sides. a symbolic manifestation of the decision announced Víctor Velozo, president of the Cuban tour operator He emphasized though that the single most on December 17 2014 by both countries to reestablish Havanatur, expressed his hope that on the basis of this important things arising from the cruises were the bilateral diplomatic relations. inaugural voyage, Carnival would form part of the new opportunity to show visitors how beautiful Cuba is, and The visitors, on a cruise that has a strong cultural range of businesses included in his company’s portfolio for the two peoples to share this moment in time. content, were welcomed by traditional Cuban dancers. of products on offer. The arrival of the Adonis follows the signing of The first to disembark were members of the Carnival He explained that Fathom line cruisers planned contracts between Carnival and Cuban firms on March management team, two of whom carried the flags of fortnightly weeklong cruises visiting Havana, the central 22 to commence operations between the U.S. and Cuba each nation whilst the others spoke to the press. city of Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba in the east, from May 2. Cuba for Excellence in Catering Services By WilfredoALAYÓN

in general and those of the local cuisine. This annual event becomes ever more important each year, so it is necessary to preserve and expand it, the minister noted. Companies from ten countries and three other international consortiums attended the festival held at the Plaza América Convention Center in Varadero, Matanzas, a province located 140 kilometers east of Havana. The Varadero Gourmet-2016 Festival was also attended by representatives from the private sector, which is “an inspiring element because we advocate a type of tourism that complements all choices alike, so that Cuba becomes a leading Courtesy of Trabajadores.cu Courtesy of PHOTO: gastronomic destination,” commented The 8th Varadero Gourmet-2016 Festival Palmares Company’s manager, Jorge Luis recently held at this famous Cuban Acosta. Courtesy of Cubadebate.cu PHOTO: beach resort fulfilled its objective of The three-day event made way for conferences completed the agenda for private sectors and professionals and encouraging the exchange of experiences lectures, presentations, tasting sessions, the festival sponsored by the Cuban academics from the catering sector. and knowledge between businesspeople workshops, panels led by experts, Tourism Ministry, Palmares Company, the The event also highlighted the and gourmet experts and world services. exhibitions and contests. Higher Group for Business Management, importance of quality and excellence as According to Cuban Tourism Minister The main topics discussed included and the Professional Training System for key elements for competitiveness among Manuel Marrero, this event posed a gastronomy and enology as cultural Tourism. tourist destinations. challenge for rescuing Cuban catering heritage, styled Cuban cuisine: challenge The Varadero Gourmet-2016 Festival Held at Cuba’s largest sun-beach services. and reality, contemporary cuisine, and convened businesspeople and experts tourist destination, this edition of the In a meeting with the accredited a combination of cigars, chocolate and in the management, training and festival brought together people in charge press, Marrero urged professionals from coffee. commercialization of food and beverages, of developing internationally renowned the sector to enhance the quality of the Bars, cocktails and tapas, Cuban both from Cuba and abroad, as well as gastronomy and enology services through services and rescue the Cuban traditions rums, secrets, new features, and training representatives from the state-run and high quality and excellent choices. CUBA 3 Cuban Tourism Trade Fair Points To Bright Days Ahead By Roberto F. CAMPOS

126 proposed projects related to the list for holidays, a figure that is expected to of opportunities for foreign investment rise to 1,800 million. and said that by the end of April, 76 He also reflected on the ties in the administration and sales contracts had sector between Cuba and Canada, saying been approved with 17 foreign hotel that both nations are well placed to chains. further develop the sector. He added that 27 joint venture For its participants, the recently companies were currently operating 500 concluded 36th FitCuba International four and five star hotel rooms. Tourism Trade Fair confirmed the There are also now more than 1,700 industry’s growth spiral in trips to the private restaurants (known as Paladares) Island. and 18 cooperatives in the sector. Marrero confirmed that on average 2,500 rooms per year would open in Cuba

PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: and that in 2019 such investments would The 2016 FITCuba International Tourism double to 5,000 per year and surpass a Trade Fair confirmed that thanks to 62,000 room total. very well-preserved natural landscapes, He reported that flight operations had friendly people, safety and outstanding risen by 8.3 %. to 25,792 in 2015. beauty, Cuba -- and Havana in particular The Minister of Tourism emphasized -- are very much in fashion. that although in the previous year 161,233 This 36th edition of FITCuba, at which North Americans had visited Cuba, travel Canada was the guest of honor, was held restrictions from this neighboring country jointly in the Morro-Cabaña Complex and remained in force. the Habana Libre 200 business people and Hotel between May 3 and 7. It was representatives from the U.S. participated the largest to date and was dedicated to in FITCuba. cultural tourism products. He said that the number of foreign At the opening of the trade fair, visitors to Havana in 2015 of 1,685,000 Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero, said had shown a 37.4% increase, reaching that this sector was the second biggest 572,000 for the first three months of 2016. source of hard currency for Cuba. Bardish Chagger, the Canadian At a conference in the Ambassadors Minister of Tourism, said at the trade fair Hall of the Tryp Marrero Habana Libre that her country (the guest of honor) Hotel, he said this was the biggest of wanted not only to reinforce its ties to the events convened, with delegates Cuba in the recreational sector, but also in accompanied by 173 photographers from other spheres. their 53 countries in attendance. Regarding this she referred in Marrero spoke at the 60th Meeting particular to the potential of her country for the Americas of the World Tourism to cooperate with commercial exchanges Organization (OMT in Spanish), that was in the renewable energy, agriculture and held in Havana on May 3 and 4, which technology sectors. had 26 member delegations, including Last year, 1,300,000 Canadians 17 ministers present and was chaired by visited Cuba and the country’s tourism secretary general, Taleb Rifai. authorities hope to match or surpass that The minister said that Cuba had figure again this year. welcomed a total of 3,524,779 visitors in In line with this, OMT secretary general, 2015, a 17% increase on the previous year. Taleb Rifai, praised the growth of the He revealed that the ten principal markets Cuban industry during his participation in for tourism to Cuba were Canada (1,300,000 both the 36th fair and the 60th meeting of in 2015), Germany, U.S., U.K., France, Italy, the organization in Havana. Spain, Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina. The official said that almost 1,200 The official noted that there were million people per year traveled abroad

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: Alejangro Gómez 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 Cuba-U.K. Relations Have Potential to Prosper By Martha AndrésROMÁN PHOTOs: Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: The visit to Cuba by Philip Hammond, education, cultural, professional services Philip Hammond described the the President of Cuba, Raul Castro, the United Kingdom Secretary of State and financial sectors. opportunity to visit Cuba as a privilege during which both sides recognized for Foreign Affairs was the first by a British These mechanisms were adopted by and said that “a lot more can be done the advances made in bilateral Foreign Minister to the Island since the the Cuban Ministers of Energy, Mining, in terms of trade relations, tourism and relations and the potential that triumph of the Revolution in January 1959. and Higher Education as well as the Cuban people to people exchanges“. existed to deepen them in areas of It broadened the ties between Central Bank and on the British side they In later statements to the press joint interest. both nations with the signing of four were adopted by the Minister for Foreign he highlighted the willingness Furthermore, they celebrated the memorandums of cooperation. Affairs and the Commonwealth of the to strengthen bilateral talks in a signing of an accord to structure the The esteemed visitor arrived on United Kingdom. constructive spirit on matters of debt owed to the U.K. by Cuba in the January 28 and was received by his Cuban The Cuban chief said that bilateral ties mutual interest. medium-term and long-term, which counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, during were at a promising stage and had the Hammond also ratified his country’s will contribute to the development of a meeting in which the participants potential to develop. position in favor of lifting the more than economic, trade and financial relations expressed their satisfaction with the He also recognized the notable fifty year-old economic, commercial and between the two countries. positive manner in which bilateral progress made with the European financial blockade imposed on Cuba by These were the principal activities relations were progressing. Union (EU) in the signing of a Political the United States and confirmed that undertaken in Cuba by the British It was also within the framework of this Cooperation and Dialogue Agreement this was also the position of the other EU Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, meeting that Cuba and the U.K. signed between Cuba and the community member states. who referred to the great potential that four memorandums of agreement to block and thanked the British for their The British Foreign Minister’s existed to further improve ties over the enhance exchanges in the energy, higher contribution in this regard. agenda included a meeting with coming months and years. Key Tasks for Cuba’s Telecommunications Company By José GabrielMARTÍNEZ

were updated in the PCC Congress held last month. “We must enhance internet services, which are As a delegate attending this congress, Arevich said that in great demand by the people, and do so safely,” the all the institutions connected with telecommunications ETECSA president said, while admitting that this is one are aware of their missions and commitments. of the entity’s greatest responsibilities and main goals. “We must contribute to the process of development Among the achievements attained by the company and informatization of society by introducing new in 2015, its president said that a considerable increase information, communication and automation was seen in internet connection within education, technologies; hence having a positive impact on the the banking and law systems and public health. This country’s economic development,” she commented. tendency, Averich noted, is likely to be continued and Averich admitted that ETECSA is the key element will be extended to the rest of the country’s sectors. for developing infrastructure. Regarding this, she noted Regarding internet Access for the population, she that the company staff feel as though they can identify commented that the Wi-Fi areas and the cyber rooms with their missions, which has already and will continue opened in almost all the country’s municipalities have to allow for the implementation of new services with had a positive impact among the Cuban people. higher quality and more accessibility for the population. Both choices are still insufficient compared to the Main Guidelines. Projects demand, but the company plans to increase these ETECSA plays a leading role in the Cuban strategic services both in quantity and quality, she explained. PHOTO: Courtesy of Juventudrebelde.cu PHOTO: development plan by helping to successfully attain its Similarly, ETCSA is getting ready to conduct pilot Cuba’s Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) is sustainability goals and consolidate the results achieved programs for home and cell phone internet services. coping with major tasks amid the ongoing process for as part of the informatization process of the Cuban “These are huge projects that will have a great updating the Cuban economic model, with guidelines society. impact on the population and the country’s economic that were recently ratified during the seventh Congress Additionally, it must make investments in the development as well. In addition to economic resources of Cuba’s Communist Party (PCC). information technology and communication industry in we need highly qualified human resources to be able to So it was stated by ETECSA President Mayra accordance with the country’s economic situation, and materialize them,” Averich said. Arevich, who told The Havana Reporter that the help attain greater technological sovereignty. “Technologies become obsolete very rapidly, so our telecommunications sector plays an important role in Even though ETECSA has obtained major results over workers are being constantly trained. They assume this attaining the goals set by the PCC and the Revolution the past five years in regards to business management task with commitment and promptness, aware of their concerning the guidelines for the economic and social and the accomplishment of its social objective, Averich leading role in building a truly Cuban socialism,” the policy. These guidelines had been agreed in 2011 and recognizes they still have a lot to do. ETECSA president added. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Anti-homophobia Campaign in Cuba By DanielURBINO

within the PCC, and that some progress is being made,” the CENESEX director added. The highlights of the ninth anti- homophobia campaign are the activities organized for May 11 and 21, which include debates among experts and academics and cultural events, among others. Also worth mentioning is the gala performance at Teatro Nacional de Cuba’s (Cuba’s National Theater) Avellaneda Hall, with the participation of renowned Cuban artists such as Cucú Diamantes and the Camerata Romeu Chamber Music Ensemble and famous Spanish singer Marta Sánchez, among others. FERVAL FERVAL PHOTO: The campaign features the traditional Gala performances, parades, dancing, According to CENESEX, this crusade However, the context in which this conga from Havana’s La Piragua -famous academic debates and even a sport is directed to the entire population and year’s campaign is taking place is very open space along the Malecón sea festival characterize the new Cuban is part of its efforts to strengthen values favorable, Castro said. wall drive- to the Rampa, a section of campaign against homophobia and based on the principles of equality and During the 7th Congress of Cuba’s the central 23rd Street in the Vedado transphobia launched on May 10 in non-discrimination within the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) held April 16- neighborhood. Havana. society. 19, more elements were provided about As something new this year, the Mariela Castro, director of the The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and issues related to non-discrimination province of Matanzas, 98 kilometers east National Center for Sexual Education transgender (LGBT) community in Cuba on the basis of sexual orientation and of the capital, is serving as a venue for (CENESEX), said that like in the previous is faced with signs of discrimination gender, she explained. the campaign as well. edition, this new campaign calls for toward their right to occupy any position “As a guest, I could see that these Scheduled for May 21, a sport festival workplaces to be free of homophobia if they are qualified for that post, the topics were not questioned. This shows in support of diversity is the last activity and transphobia. CENESEX noted. that they are understood and supported of the campaign. 6 CULTURE Good Practices: Biennial Design Exhibition in Cuba By AlainPLANELLS

Conceived with the idea of design becoming an essential part in Cuba’s economic, social and cultural life, the first edition of the Biennial Design Exhibition, Habana 2016, has been scheduled for one week in Havana and two other venues. The biennial show gives way to a dialogue between designers and customers, said the event’s director, Gisela Herrero, who is also the director of Cuba’s National Design Office (ONDI). Meanwhile, Roberto Miguel Torres, the event’s general coordinator, highlighted that it is necessary to develop new perspectives on the importance of design in daily life within not only society but also within political, economic and social spheres. A total of 22 exhibition rooms have on display the newest works made by Cuban and foreign professionals and students in terms of costume design, graphics and industrial process, in line with the development models conceived by the event’s organizers. Among the participants are students from the Duperré and Boulle Schools of Paris, who are similarly motivated by the celebration in Havana of the month of French culture. The exhibition program, which also has the provinces of Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba as alternative venues, serves as a platform for various seminars and around ten practical workshops. The results will be taken into consideration for future projects. Set for May 18, 19 and 20, the seminar part of the event involves designers, academics, researchers and businesspeople from all over the world. The main topics for debate are public policies; design in the productive chain and in the small and medium enterprise, among others. Renowned professionals and institutions from different countries are in charge of the workshops, focusing their attention on sustainable design and renewable energy, the personal image market, containers and packing, ceramics, audiovisuals, creativity and brand-related laws. Chanel Runway at Havana’s Prado Walk By IbisFRADE

For a few hours Havana’s Paseo del Prado Chanel presented its collection Aldo López Gavilán and Havana’s avenue became the runway of France’s Cruise 2016-2017, which is somehow Chamber Music Orchestra accompanied Chanel fashion house precisely in the inspired by Havana and its environment. the girls as they were modeling. The month that Cuba dedicates to French According to the fashion house, show closed with a rumba performance culture, where art and fashion go hand German designer Karl Lagerfeld, 82, is that had guests on their feet. in hand. very interested in Cuba and the Cuban Back in the 1920s and ‘30s, Gabrielle This is the first time that Chanel people, which is why he chose Cuba as Chanel was already designing light, brings its runway to Latin America and the first venue for such first fashion in comfortable summer collections, ideal to this Caribbean island, coinciding Latin America and the Caribbean. for people going on cruise ship holidays with the 36th International Tourism Fair, Among the international models, just or heading for warm destinations. FitCuba-2016, held in Havana. over 23 years, there were three Cubans: Ever since Karl Lagerfeld assumed as The famous fashion house chose one Guadalupe Blazquez, Jessica Borroto creative director in 1983, the house has of Havana’s most famous arteries, stealing and Johana Borrego. They were chosen been developing a cruise ship collection the show from the filming staff with the a few months ago during a casting, and with shows in sui generis places like the eighth Fast and Furious movie as it was had only two days for their rehearsal, Santa Mónica Airport in Los Angeles, being filmed in the center of Havana. they told The Havana Reporter. New York’s Grand Central Station or the Even the famous U.S. actor Vin Diesel The runway featured colorful outfits Island of Dubai. showed up wearing a white guayabera with designs of the emblematic classic Chanel’s first fashion show in Latin (typically Cuban shirt), waving to the American cars that are still running America coincided with the celebration people who were crying out his name in Cuba, hats, berets, wide skirts and in Cuba of the month of French culture, from the nearby balconies. The famous dresses, short pants and two-toned which includes various film showings Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen also shoes. and other artistic manifestations such as

José Tito MeriñoTito José PHOTO: captivated everyone’s attention. The Cuban-French duo Ibeyi, pianist plastic arts. SPOTLIGHT ON 7 SPOTLIGHT ON Havana Heights By CiroBIANCHI ROSS

Have you ever wondered what Havana’s One of the republic’s first skyscrapers, biggest in the world. flags and lights. There is a 60km long highest building might be? There is the Commercial Strip, was erected The lamp it houses hangs 94m and 360 degree panoramic view from no doubt that the Focsa building, the back in 1909. Its 6 floors and elevators above the sidewalk and when it opened its platform. Havana Libre hotel and the Jose Marti were quite the sensation, even though the only buildings of a similar style that The statue of Marti is 18m high and monument in Revolution Square are Havana had been introduced to the were bigger were St. Peter’s in Rome was sculpted from white marble by the three highest man-made structures invention of the elevator at the end of and St. Paul’s in London, 129m and Juan Jose Sicre. The head was sculpted in the Cuban capital. the previous century. 107m high respectively. from a 3m by 2m block that weighed They are of course not the only The city’s first two-storey buildings The Habana Riviera hotel stands approximately 18 tons. ones however. The 24 storey, 94m high date back to 1779. By the nineteenth 71m above sea level and the Habana The sculpture was made from a total Ministry of Armed Forces building is century, three stories were not unusual. Libre hotel, that opened on march 19 of 52 pieces that were sculpted at the noteworthy too. On December 28, 1928 the Hotel 1958, reaches 126m above ground level. base of the monument. Among other pre-1959 buildings Presidente on street G was opened. With Five meters lower, the Fosca building On the subject of statues, it should that cannot be ignored is the Hermanos ten storeys, it was one of the highest extends to 121m above street level. also be noted in passing that the 14.6m Ameijeiras hospital with its 122m high buildings in Havana at the time. It was, in 1956, the second highest Statue of the Republic in the Capitolio’s main tower. The Church of the Sacred Heart concrete framed building in the world, Hall of Lost Steps is the third largest Even though by today´s standards it of Jesus on Reina Way with an overall behind only the Marinelli building in indoor statue in the world and that the is by no means large, the tower of the height of 81m and the Grand Masonic Sao Paolo, Brazil. 15m high work, mounted on a 3m high Small Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, just Lodge on Carlos III and Belascoaín are The highest man-made structure base, the Christ of Havana by Cuban over 44.4m high, was the highest of also worth a mention. in Havana by far is the Jose Marti sculptor Jilma Madera, is the largest its time, not only in Havana but on the In both height and diameter the monument in Revolution Square. undertaken by a woman for outdoor Island as a whole. dome of the Capitolio is the sixth Its pyramid measures 141.5m to the exhibition.

ISLA NEGRA, CHILE._ Dissimilar, future of humanity are largely to remember his life and his work,” opposing feelings. A couple of contained in his poems. He was no Neruda’s nephew, the lawyer dates go down in history; Pablo doubt a dreamer and a romantic Rodolfo Reyes, told The Havana Neruda returns to his house- with a kid’s heart, as Gabriel García Reporter. museum in this picturesque Márquez and his nephew Rodolfo Some bone samples fishing town, 43 years after his Reyes Muñoz used to call him. previously analyzed in Spain and death. He once said the Pacific Ocean the United States are still being He was probably assassinated had been “left in front of his examined at labs in Denmark by the Augusto Pinochet window,” and so his wishes to be and Canada to determine the dictatorship and, even though buried in his home in Isla Negra incidence of a bacterium, the Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Basoalto were made true. golden staphylococcus. or rather Neruda needs nothing The Nobel Literature Prize This bacterium was probably further to make the news, an winner (1904-1973) has returned introduced into Neruda’s body ongoing investigation seems to to his favorite home for the fourth by agents of the dictatorship of be pointing to an “assisted” death. time, after several processes Pinochet, who was very afraid The author of memorable were conducted since he died of Neruda possibly becoming a works such as Veinte Poemas de on September 23, 1973 amid strong opponent from Mexico. Amor y una Canción Desesperada, unclear circumstances at a clinic Neruda was to travel to Mexico Canto General and Confieso in Santiago de Chile. in September 1973 invited by que he vivido, was a figure very The sea breezes typical of the President Luis Echeverría, but he much committed to politics Valparaíso region accompanied did not have time. through his communist the simple but emotive signs of “We are confident that we leadership as admiration expressed by locals will have a final word from the senator and towards one of the region’s most panel of international experts,” Pablo Neruda, Isla presidential illustrious figures. Neruda’s chauffeur and assistant candidate. “We would not allow my Manuel Araya told The Havana Negra and Chile His uncle’s remains to be brought Reporter, who on many occasions concerns back to Isla Negra in a cold, has denounced that Neruda was By FaustoTRIANA about the impersonalized way; it is an honor assassinated. 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

THEATER

*Note: theater companies are in parentheses.

Trianón

(THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

GETTINGTeatro Martí Casa Africa AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] RECOMMENDS • Performance by pianist Harold López- Nussa at Teatro Martí.

Raquel Revuelta Basílica Menor San Francisco de Asís Calle Obrapía e/ San Ignacio y Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-5798. Thu. May. (10am): The ¨Con amor¨ (with love) group by soloist and vocalist Raúl Iglesias. Línea e/ Paseo y A. Vedado. Tel: 7 831-9304. Fri. May. 20, 27 Calle Dragones y Zulueta. Museo de la Música Sat. 21, 28 (8.30pm) and Sun. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866- (Museum of Music) 22, 29 (5pm): El Decamerón (El 7153. Sat. May. 21 (8.30pm): Calle Obrapía e/ Bernaza y Público). Performance by the pianist Villegas. Habana Vieja. Tel: Harold López-Nussa 863-9862. Wed. May. 11 (5pm): Adolfo Llauradó Piquete Típico Cuban Group. Museo Nacional de Bellas Wed. 25 (5pm): Performance by Artes (National Fine Arts the tenor Ramón Centeno Museum) Antiguo Casino Español (Former Spanish Casino)

Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Sat. May. 21 (6pm): Concerts by CUBADISCO, organized by the National Center of Concert Music. The former will be in Línea esquina a B. Vedado. Tel: charge of the choir Entrevoces, 7 833-0225. Tue. May. 17, 24, directed by Digna Guerra, and Wed. 18, 25, Thu. 19, 26 (8.30 the latter will have the duo Cello pm): Áyax and Casandra (Debut) Capriccioso as the protagonist, (Cuartel). composed by the Cuban cellist Douglas Vistel and the German Calle 11 e/ D y E. Vedado. Tel: pianist Almuth Krausser-Vistel. 832-53-73Sat. May. 21 (8pm): MUSIC Tue. 24 (6pm): Inauguration of Théâtre Octobre de Bruselas the International Poetry Festival presents the show Cachivache Teatro Nacional de Cuba. in Havana, directed by the (Trash). ContArte Festival poet Alex Pausides, president (Théâtre Octobre de Bruselas) of the Writer’s Association of the UNEAC. Sat. 28 (6pm): Teatro Mella Performance of la Camerata Romeu. Directed by Zenaida Paseo del Prado esq. Ánimas. Romeu. Centro Habana .Sala Ignacio Cervantes.Sun. May. 22 Oratorio San Felipe Neri (6pm): The Italian pianist and Avenida Paseo y 39, Vedado. Calle Aguiar esq. Obrapía. composer Paolo Vergari will Plaza de la Revolución. Tel: 7 Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862- perform works by Johann 878-5590. Sala Covarrubias. Sun. 3243. Sat. May. 21 (4pm): The Trocadero e/ Monserrate y Sebastian Bach. Sun. 29 (6pm): May. 15 (11am): Cubadisco 2016 outstanding clarinetist Arístides Zulueta, Habana Vieja. Tel: 861- The month’s concerts will come Inaugural Gala Performance. Porto will perform with various 0241. Edificio de Arte Cubano. to an end with a performance Sat. 22 (11am): Cubadisco 2016 guests. Thu. 26 (7pm): The hall Fri. May. 20 (7pm): Performance by the Exaudi choir directed by Closing Gala Performance. Sat. will be made into a stage for the by the mezzosoprano Ana María Felicia Pérez. 28 (10am): Performance by the recital of the young and prize- María Ruimonte, (Spain) Guest: Calle Línea e/ A y B. Vedado. Tel: National Concert Band. Sat. 28 winning Cuban Víctor Díaz. Huberal Herrera, pianist. Sat. Casa Victor Hugo 7 833-86-96. Fri. May. 20, Sat. 21 (8.30pm): Performance by the Sat. 28 (4pm): Performance by 21 (7pm): Performance by O’ Reilly e/ Habana y Aguiar. (8.30pm): The Pericas Fusion pianist Aldo López-Gavilán. the Havana Soloists Orchestra. Aldo López- Gavilán and his Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866-7591. Theater Company. General and Guests: Havana National Choir Directed by Gregorio Gutiérrez quartet. Guest: Byron Stripling, Sat. May. 28 (5pm): Concert by Artistic director: Maritza Acosta. and Chamber Orchestra (Spain). trompetist(USA) the tenor Bernardo Lichilín. ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING MuseoAROUND Casa Natal José Factoría Habana. Castillo de La Real Fuerza Centro Cultural Fresa y Diablo Un Tun Martí (House where José Martí Chocolate was born)

Calle O´ Reilly e/ Habana y Aguiar. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 864-9518. Sun. May. 15 (8pm): Inauguration of Clara Porset…el eterno retorno (Clara Porset… the eternal return). The return of O’ Reilly e/ Avenida del Puerto Calle 5ta y 94. Miramar. Tel: 7 Calle Paula e/ Egido y Picota, this Cuban artist is the leitmotiv y Tacón. La Habana Vieja. Tel: Calle 23 e/ 10 y 12. Vedado.Tel: 203-7676. Sun. May. 22, 29 (5pm): Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861- of this new exhibit, sponsored 7 864-4490. The exhibition Fri. May. 20 (5pm): Performance Presentación de Orly Núñez. 3778. Wed. May. 25 (10am): by the Fundación Caguayo and Modelismo en acción V by the soloist and vocalist Sun. 22, 29 (11pm): Performance Performance by soloist and the ONDI, the central exposition (Modalism in action V) will be Olga la Rusa. Wed. 25 (5pm): by the group Los Takson. Wed. vocalist Noemí Valdés and of the Primera Bienal de Diseño open until June 30 following Duo: soloist and vocalist Marta 18, 25 (11pm): Performance by guitarist Jesús Fleites. de La Habana BIDE 2016 (The the workshop “A toda vela” (At Sánchez and guitarist Jesús the folklore group Osain del First Biennial of Design in Top Speed) which is offered to Fleites. Monte. Sun. 29 (10pm): Activity Palacio de la Rumba Havana), the students from the Rubén dedicated to the senior citizens Calle San Miguel e/ Hospital Bravo Secondary School in Submarino Amarillo with the soloist and vocalist y Aramburu. Centro Habana. Casa Simón Bolivar Old Havana who worked on Calle 17 esq. 12, Vedado, Habana. Jorge Luis Moré. Tel: 7 873- 0990. Fri. May. Mercaderes e/ Obrapía y the making of the miniature Tel: 7 830-6808. Sat. May. 21 20 (4pm): Performance by Lamparilla. Hbana Vieja. Tel: 7 version of the Montjuïc castle (11pm): Performance by the the group Revesón. Sat. 21 861-3988. Throughout May: (Barcelona, España). Tue. 17 group La Tierra del Cover. Wed. International Cubadisco (4pm): Performance of Apiñes Exhibition of visual arts El (10am): Inauguration of the 18 (9pm): Performance by the Fair 2016 from Saturday May and its guests. Fri. 27 (4pm): universo andino y su riqueza exhibition Asentamiento de la rock group Dimensión Vertical. 14 – May 22 taking place in Performance by soloist and identitaria (The Andean villa de La Habana en el Puerto the Teatro Nacional de Cuba, vocalist Fausto Durán. Sat. Universe and its unique de Cardenas (The Birth of the Casa de la Música de Teatro Karl Marx, Sala Avenida 28 (4pm) and Sun. 28 (4pm): richness), a recreation of the City of Havana exhibited in Galiano and Casa del Alba Cultural, Performance by Mario Michell. fascinating world of the Andes, Cardenas, Matanzas) Respective contact numbers: their nature and their cultural (+53) 7 8328298 - 78367436 - MUSEUMS AND diversity. Thu. 26 (3pm): El NIGHTCLUBS & 78339697 – 78324835 MUSEUMSGALLERIES AND GALLERIES silencio; origen y destino de NIGHTCLUBSCABARETS & CABARETS las voces (The silence; origins Museo Numismático and destiny of the voices), Jazz Club la Zorra y el (Numismatic Museum) a photographic exhibit of Cuervo. Calle Obispo e/ Aguiar y Mexican, Spanish, Chilean, Habana. Habana Vieja. Tel: Canadian and Costa Rican 7 861-5811. Throughout creators among others. The Season of Latin American May: Exposition Solidaridad exhibition will be open until and Caribbean Theater. numismática (Numismatic June 5. Calle Galiano e/ Neptuno y ‘Theatrical May 2016’ from Solidarity). You will be able to Concordia. Centro Habana. Friday May 13 – Sunday May 22, appreciate the numismatic Museo de Naipes. Tel: 7 862-4165. Wed. May. 18, 2016 taking place in all theaters pieces of the Vatican State Calle Muralla e Inquisidor. Plaza 25 (5pm): Performance by the across Havana, Santiago de and Canada, countries that Vieja. La Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 orchestra El Noro y 1ra. Clase. Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, cooperated in the liberation of 860-1534. Throughout May: Camaguey, Ciego de Ávila, the Five Cuban Heroes. Exhibition comprising decks Centro Nocturno Cienfuegos, Villa Clara and of cards belonging to Luis Díaz Habaneciendo Matanzas. Contact number: (53) Casa Oswaldo Guayasamín Miyares’ private collection, Calle Galiano e/ Neptuno y 78382706, extension 09. Calle Obrapía e/ Oficios y gives you the opportunity Concordia. Centro Habana. Tel: Mercaderes. La Habana Vieja. Tel: to appreciate playing cards Tel: 7862-4165.Sun. May. 22, 7 861- 3843. Throughout May: designed with Cuban themes Calle 23 e/ N y O. Vedado.Tel: 29 (3pm): Performance by a Exposition Detalle (Detail), by and other valuable models 7 838-2696.Sun. May (11pm): group of Senior citizens with the visual artist Lázaro Lugones within the world of playing Performance by the group the soloist and vocalist Fausto (Landscape genre). cards. Canela. Durán and their guests. 10 CULTURE Cuba and U.S Forge New Cultural Ties By IbisFRADE

appreciation and exchange. Chu also praised the fact that the arts are available to everybody and not just one particular group in Cuba. She said that she wished this were The visit by U.S. president Barack Obama established in just a few days which will so in the U.S. has led to closer ties between North permit ongoing work in the future. George Stevens, co-president of the FotosPl PHOTO: American authorities and their Caribbean Williams Adams, manager of the committee, announced details of the neighbor. It is this new context that National Endowment for the Humanities, international Sundance Film Forward made his organization very interested brought members of the Presidential said that this institution would finance tour that would visit Havana in July for in working with the island, he continued Committee for the Arts and Humanities, a trip to Cuba for U.S. students and the screening of two movies. to say, “there are many young people a White House advisory body, to Havana. professionals in the field of heritage On the other hand, six Cuban feature involved with broad interests and skills, From April 18 to 21, more than 70 of conservation. length films are to be shown over the which inspires us to want to forge the commission‘s members visited the Following the warm welcome given coming months in cinemas in 10 U.S. stronger links”. University of the Arts, the headquarters of by the Cuban people, the president of cities. For Miguel Barnet, president of the the Lizt Alonso dance company and the the National Endowment for the Arts, Smithsonian Institution secretary, Cuban Union of Artists and Writers, it children´s theater group La Colmenita Jane Chu, talked about new exchange David J. Skorton sees a great future ahead is only the lifting of the Washington in the Cuban capital, among other programs sponsored by her organization. if both the Cuban and U.S sides can work imposed economic, commercial and institutions. She explained that they mean that for together as both friends and colleagues. financial Blockade that will normalize New intercultural exchange projects the very first time, a U.S. government will Skorton added that there is an annual relations, because it is an obstacle to all emerged as a result of the visit. The provide financial support for an initiative event in Washington called the Folklife development. Smithsonian Institution and the National of this type, which will allow North Festival, that brings diverse cultures The Cuban Deputy-Minister of Heritage Council of Cuba signed a joint American artists to come and act in Cuba together to break down geographical Culture, Fernando Rojas, also referred to declaration expressing their commitment and that in turn, Cuban delegations could barriers and that it would be very good the impossibility for Cuban agencies to to further collaboration. visit their northern neighbor. to have Cuba as an invited guest in 2017. receive rewards for their activities in the Margo Lion, co-president of the She said that they were intent on Explaining that Cuba possessed U.S which is another Blockade provoked committee, said that a strong bond was creating new roads to understanding, tremendous cultural wealth which has limitation.

Amongst the most recognized of the Those present at the cultural center delegation was North American rap star, enjoyed an unexpected performance Usher, who made some unscheduled by Mathews, also a music producer, who impromptu trips, such as a visit to a hip- was accompanied by local singer, Carlos hop venue in the city neighborhood of Varela. Regla. As people climbed up trees, onto Smokey Robinson and Davis roofs and filled the streets, the singer of Mathews also heated things up a bit ‘Yeah’ proclaimed “Cuba is showing the when they took to the stage at the love and I love Cuba, what tremendous Cuban Arts Factory in the central city energy, the arts and culture here are district of Vedado. both so refreshing and real”. PHOTO: Apimages PHOTO: PHOTO: Courtesy of Granma.cu PHOTO: City of Holguin Hosts Young Artists By YoeSUÁREZ

The “Romerías de Mayo” festival in the eastern Cuba the presentation of books such as “The Force of Loving” province of Holguin, has once again reaffirmed its by Mexican poet, Ramón Jesús Alejandro Hernández, position as one of Latin America’s most important ”Circulating” by Martha Cecilia cultural events for young people. Andrade from Colombia and “Song of Eternity” by The organizers said that the colorful display of all the Joaquín Osorio from Cuba. continents’ flags at the opening parade of what is also Young Cuban writer Heriberto Machado told The popularly known as the festival of youth was a symbolic Havana Reporter that artists ‘consume’ art to nourish representation of the roots that unite the people of the their creative spirits and the Romerías de Mayo was a region. great way to do so. Amongst many other interesting activities included The Ciego de Avila based writer added that, ”These in the event program was the International Solidarity festivities have been going for a long time now, it is an Meeting, dedicated to the historic leader of the Cuban event that enjoys prestige and it keeps one up to date Revolution, Fidel Castro’s, 90th birthday. with the latest goings on in the young arts scene around This occasion marked the opening of both the world”. the XV International Street Theater Festival and A photo exhibition at the Provincial Periquera „Electroromerías“, featuring performance arts and music Museumanc entitled “Fidel, A Man Across Time” proved groups from home and abroad. very popular with those who had come to the so-called Another attractive feature of the festival this year was City of Parks. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Beautiful Farm to Visit in Pinar del Rio By BenjaminMICERINOS

Dedicated to horse breeding and other activities; the Guabina Farm is an Located in the western Cuban attractive destination for those who province of Pinar del Rio, the estate has enjoy adventure, nature and agritourism become a favorite destination for those recreational activities. visitors from other parts of the world The Cuban Flora and Fauna group who prefer to spend their time in Cuba that run the farm, combines the social in close contact with nature. objectives of conserving natural Excellent traditional Cuban resources with the operation of a tourism (Creole) food, knowledge of the program as well as the day to day tasks Cuban countryside and well preserved of tending livestock, the production of landscapes are amongst the things that plant carbon, caring for the environment, make a stay at La Guabina special. and promoting knowledge about Cuba. The farm -- one of 80 such Flora and Fauna Group projects in Pinar del Rio, home of the world’s best tobacco growing land -- specializes in the raising of horses and boasts breeds beautiful enough to satisfy the most demanding of horsemen. 12 POLITICS Venezuelan Government Ensures Peace amid Call for Revocation Referendum By NicholasVALDÉS

With the objective of defending peace and the As established by the Electoral Power, 195,721 constitution, the Venezuelan executive asked the signatures are needed in this first phase to ask for the Electoral Power to take part in the process taking place consultation. This figure accounts for one percent of the these days in Venezuela amid a call for a revocation some 19.8 million people that make up the electoral roll. referendum. Once the collected signatures are verified, another A commission named by President Nicolás Maduro signature collecting phase will begin. This time, nearly has asked the National Election Council (CNE) to attend four million signatures will be needed to be able to all the phases for the procedure established by Chapter activate the consultation and begin with the referendum. IV, Article 71 of the 1999 Constitution. Jorge Rodríguez, mayor of the Libertador de Caracas Bringing forward a revocation referendum against municipality and the commission’s coordinator said

President Maduro was the top priority announced by the objective of the group is to avoid violence. “We’ve Apimages PHOTO: the Venezuelan rightwing upon assuming the majority come here as defenders of democracy, of the Bolivarian democracy and the constitution are being respected,” in Parliament last January. Revolution and of the Maduro government. Our he sustained. “The consultation that they are requesting with objective is to protect everyone’s right to live in peace,” As of early May, a total of 2.5 million signatures had hatred against this humble worker is not an obligation he stressed. been collected out of the 197 000 that should be given but a choice. The only obligation here, as it is said, is to Rodríguez also explained that, as proposed in 30 days, according to statistics by the opposition. elect the president in December 2018,” he noted. by constitutional lawyer Hermánn Escarrá, the Rodríguez disregarded the announcement for According to Maduro, the new crusade is being commission’s legal consultant, they also plan to activate considering it a simple “marketing move by the encouraged by a fraudulent and evil opposition: “No one all legal mechanisms to avoid attacks against state-run rightwing.“ will infringe the people’s sovereign rights with violence. institutions like the CNE itself. “My fate is in the people’s hands,” Maduro said Let everyone come to check their signature and have “We have the right to audit all the signatures. We referring to the collection of signatures. Those who their fingerprints taken. The CNE will tell whether or not know that a transcription phase will begin and we will attempt to generate violence and undermine the the first step was accomplished,” he added. ask to permanently attend that process to make sure that country’s stability will abide by the law. Peru Seeks to Break Draw Between Neo-Liberal Hopefuls By ManuelROBLES

spite of the draw, a rejection by broad playing field in the polls, but also in their sectors of the so-called rebirth of what they adherence to the neoliberalism established call the Fujimorista dictatorship after years over a decade ago by the hard-line of populist and paternalistic proselytizing, Fujimori presidency, policies that Kuczynski means that Kuczynski is the favorite to win. embraced in 2011 when he supported Following the first round on April Keiko in the second round of elections 10 and without any form of agreement which was won by current president, whatsoever, this voter rejection translated Ollanta Humala.

PHOTOs: Apimages PHOTOs: into a swing towards Kuczynski who has There are many who believe that As the final electoral round on June 5 looms almost doubled his share of the vote and differences between the candidates are in Peru, neoliberal presidential hopefuls, closed the lead that Fujimori had initially. to fears about the possibility of a dynasty only secondary in nature, such as the age Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, This has resulted in an increased regime. difference for example; she is 40 years have been engaged in an exchange of focus on commitments to always put The candidate has a held a series of old and he is 77 years old and that the attacks and shunts in bids to get ahead in democracy first in the face of the risk what might be considered as corporate similarities have resulted in the progressive opinion polls. of authoritarianism and to seek some styled meetings with pockets of voters such Frente Amplia refusing to support either, A GFK company poll revealed an almost counterbalance for the executive against as evangelical groups, labor organizations, even though their own former candidate perfect tie, with a 50.1 rate of support for the outright parliamentary majority won casual miners and others at which she Verónika Mendoza has said that the worst the international businessman and political by the contender on April 10. has even issued written commitments to thing that could happen to Peru is a return scientist and For her part, Keiko Fujimori, remains attend to their diverse demands. to Fujimorism. 49.9 for the daughter of former president adamant that she will respect democracy Kuczynski has formed an association On International Workers’ Day (May Alberto Fujimori, currently serving a prison and would, for example, refrain from with the Alliance for Progress party, which 1) the General Confederation of Workers term for crimes against humanity and favoring her imprisoned father with a holds considerable sway in the northern (CGTP in Spanish) warned that a neoliberal corruption committed during the reign of pardon and not, as is prohibited by law, seek and coastal regions of Peru which Fujimori offensive was sure to lead to tough times his 1990-2000 government. re-election. However, her younger brother won convincingly in the first round. ahead, but that the trade union movement A number of analysts sustain that, in Kenji’s ambitions in this regard give rise The two finalists are not only on a level was well prepared to resist. ECONOMY 13 Construction of Another Gas Pipeline in Western Cuba Going Well By María JuliaMAYORAL

a very high pressure, noted Rivero Rosales. This investment will allow environmental pollution to be reduced, saving foreign currency in the acquisition of oil for power generation and further increasing the gas supply for the Cuban homes in the capital, he commented. According to Rivero Rosales, the construction phase is complex due to the characteristics of the field, the excavation works for burying the huge pipes and the extremely rigorous technical requirements for the welding procedures. As part of the project, the reforestation

efforts in the area that had been cleared Courtesy of Granma.cu PHOTOs: up for the operations are making good Company has vast experience in the progress as well. systematic supervision of the pipeline Manuel Garay, general manager of the systems laid out all over the Cuban Hydrocarbon Transportation Company, territory. A new gas pipeline is expected to be enable the Yumuri gas processing plant informed that the project is moving Cuba currently has 307 kilometers inaugurated in western Cuba in late to be connected with a similar facility forward as planned for the phases related of master pipelines that guarantee the August, as part of investments in the in Puerto Escondido, said Lincón Rivero to clearing-up, road construction, digging, fuel supply for planes and the national oil sector with views to obtaining Rosales, the head of the field operations. welding and covering underground and power system, as well as the gas supply greater economic and environmental The project will ultimately improve surface structures. for power generation and household use improvements for the country. the production of power from the All safety conditions are being in the capital, Garay said. The works, which began in early accompanying gas, as well as the guaranteed, “because we know that the Cuba has predicted a two percent February, will allow for the reduction of manufactured gas supply for Havana most insignificant problem might present increase in its Gross Domestic Product the volumes of gas from the Seboruco residents, the expert explained. severe damage to the environment. for this year. 58 percent of the investment and Yumuri wells (Mayabeque and The ongoing operations entail hard Hence, we are constantly checking our plan is intended to cover key economic Matanzas provinces, respectively) burned and very accurate work intended to equipment so as to correct any possible areas such as tourism, agriculture, in the air. guarantee that the pipes are hermetically errors,” he commented. livestock and energy and oil, according to The 12.8 kilometer-long pipeline will sealed, given that the gas will circulate at The Hydrocarbon Transportation the Cuban Economy Ministry. New Cuban Bio-Material Advances By JuliaCRUZATA

in Chemical Sciences, Yaimara Solís and commercial name of Coralina HAP-200, osteo-conductivity, homogeneity, Doctor of Science, Carlos Peniche, from is the work of the National Scientific bioactivity and biodegradable the Bio-materials Center at the University Research Center and comes from white properties. of Havana (Biomat in Spanish). coral which is plentiful on Cuba’s island They also present a composition very According to the experts’ explanation, platform. similar to the bone tissue for repair or the novel bio-materials are based on Colarina HAP-200 has to date been replacement. The experts consider that natural polymers of chitosan and nano used by more than 20,000 patients in in comparison to the bio-materials that apatite that are biologically more similar need of bone implants in the orthopedic, preceded them, they open new horizons to bone tissue structure. traumatological, dental, maxillofacial for future therapeutic applications in the The significance of the work and neuro-surgical specialties and in the fields of orthopedics and traumatology. has been recognized by leading reconstruction of eyeballs lost due to In an interview with this newspaper, international scientific journals that tumors, traumas or surgical sequelae with Doctor Solis said that because they are reported the participation of Dr. Natalia favorable clinical and aesthetic outcomes. also mucoadhesive, they hold the filling Davidenko from the department The second product, a Biomast particles where they have been placed, of Material and Metal Sciences at creation, consists of a synthetic enhancing the effectively and efficacy of Cambridge University in the U.K. and Dr. hydroxyapatite called Apafill-G, which is the implant. Cuban scientists have brought beyond Raúl García Carrodeguas from the Glass basically applied as filling in alveolar and According to international evaluations, the laboratory test phase new bio- and Ceramics Institute of the Higher cystic cavities, the fixing of intraosseous the growing number of people of 60 material composites for the regeneration Scientific Research Council of Spain. dental implants and in pulp capping for years or over means that bone diseases of bone tissue, which are, because of the Experts from the Sao Paulo University the rehabilitation of radicular injury and will occupy an increasingly greater space issue of ageing populations, the subject Basic Science Department’s Faculty of craniotomy. amongst the most frequent medical of much international interest. Food Engineering and Zootechnics and Nevertheless, as is also the case with problems worldwide. Having successfully passed laboratory the Health Sciences Institute Federal those created in other countries, both bio- According to those in the know, the evaluations, the products should University of Bahia in Brazil, also played a materials present some disadvantages, use of bio-materials is also becoming undergo pre-clinical testing on animals role. among which are, poor mechanical important given the need to respond and depending on those results, finally After decades of research that resulted resistance, slow kinetic reabsorption in to a growing incidence of osteoporosis, begin to be tested on a group of patients. in two types of bio-material based on comparison to the surrounding tissue joint disorders and other orthopedic Because of their relevance, the studies hydroxyapatite; the principal inorganic and a certain fragility. conditions. were recently awarded one of the 2015 component of bone, this represents Doctors Solís and Peniche have Traumatic injuries caused by increased National Science Academy of Cuba awards. another important step forward for confirmed that the new natural traffic accidents, natural disasters and The result has been achieved by a Cuban science. polymers of chitosan and nano apatite- armed conflicts around the world can be team of researchers led by the Doctor One of the products, under the based formulations exhibit superior added to the above list. 14 ECONOMY Kuwait Finances Energy Development Work in Cuba By AméricaGALINDO

institution since 2005 to promote investment in Cuba. The official pointed out that previous supports had contributed to the repair of the water and sewage systems in the eastern territories of Santiago de Cuba and Holguin, and in Havana where works were now nearing completion. Al-Bader also stressed the satisfaction in contributing to the development of small hydro electric plants that would extend the use of renewable energy, a priority for both Cuba and the Kuwait Fund. According to the Cubasolar president, Dr. Luis Berriz, 30% of the nationwide demand for electricity should be supplied by renewable source contributions to the national grid by the year 2030. Figures from the Ministry of Energy and Mining indicate the aspiration that 24% of all national electricity production will also be sustained by renewable sources in 2030. Cuba is to undertake the construction of 34 small perspective are most favorable. In June of 2014, government authorities approved hydro- electric plants with financial support of almost According to the UNE head, the 34 mini hydro-electric directives for the installation of 2,144 MW with the 30 million dollars from the Kuwait Fund for Arab plants will be installed in lakes in 11 provinces nationwide, running of 13 wind farms, new photovoltaic solar Economic Development. all of which will be linked to the national grid. parks and another 74 small hydro electric plants. Liván Arronte, general director of the Union The project will encompass enhanced These projections also envisage enhanced Electrica company (UNE in Spanish) said that the construction capabilities, the requisite acquisition of exploitation of thermic solar energy, forestry biomass, credit represents an important contribution towards transport and building equipment, the construction solid urban waste and industrial and agricultural the realization of governmental policy on renewable of interconnecting power lines, the improvement of organic waste. energy generation. access roads and the creation of new jobs in rural The UNE reports that 14 solar parks, located in Manuel Vale Marrero, president of the Foreign areas. the provinces of Havana, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Bank of Cuba stated that the 8,800,000 Kuwait Dinares This new pact between the Island’s institutions and Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and the (equal to around 30 million dollars) financial package the Kuwait Fund comprises three accords; the first with special municipality of the Isle of Youth are presently had been granted under favorable conditions of the Foreign Bank of Cuba, a second with the Ministry of operational. repayment. Finance and Pricing, and the third with the UNE. Amongst other investments already underway The director added that all such Kuwait Fund loans After the signing of the documents on April 22, is the construction of what will be the largest wind to Cuba are notable for the length of the repayment Abdulwahab Al-Bader, general director of the fund, farm to date on the Island in the Las Tunas province schedule and credit conditions that from a financial highlighted that this was the fifth loan granted by the municipality of Jesus Menendez. Informatization Helps Boost Cuba’s Agricultural Development By RobertoSALOMÓN

The use of Information and imports, Cuba’s Agriculture Minister cartography and other spheres. Communications Technologies is being Gustavo Rodríguez told The Havana The results attained have been expanded to different agricultural Reporter. possible thanks to a practical experience spheres in Cuba, as it becomes a pressing It is impossible to have better at a cooperative in the central Cuban need for the sustainable development of productive results without developing region of Villa Clara, with financial this vital sector. information technology, automation support and know-how from Belgium The Cuban government has given top and communications, Rodríguez said and the joint work of experts from the priority to the use of these technologies during a technical meeting when aforementioned university and EICMA. as part of the informatization process referring to the work of the Informatics Santana noted that the exchange of taking place on the island. and Communications Group (EICMA) of knowledge among all the participants One of the key objectives is precisely the Cuban Agriculture Ministry. has enabled to fully use that technology to boost the production of a sector with It is worth praising the use of and produce drones at a lower cost. a growth rate that is still insufficient unmanned planes by an agricultural Another project developed for and annually compels the government cooperative, which has allowed for the agriculture is the automation system to invest $2 billion in food imports, mapping of 20 square kilometers of that for controlling the different processes when half of those foodstuffs could be entity, saving a considerable amount of in this sector, which allows for 40

produced in the country. time and resources. percent energy saving compared to Manuel Muñoa PHOTO: According to professor Luis the traditional technique, as well as 50 society involves all the country’s sectors, ICT AND AGRICULTURAL Hernández Santana, head of the percent water saving in irrigation and and agriculture is an essential one. DEVELOPMENT automation group from the Marta dry processes for growing tobacco and In addition to the projects mentioned Abreu University of Las Villas, the drones other crops. above, there are others already showing The ICT are directly linked to have multiple uses and the one in According to Cuban Information goods results at a credit and services development, something that is agriculture is very important because it Technology and Communications cooperative for the production of fruits indispensable for increasing agricultural provides information about the crops, Deputy Minister Wilfredo González, the and other products in Camagüey, as well production and exports and replacing agrotechnology, irrigation systems, informatization policy for the Cuban as for the country’s poultry, pork and beef. SPORTS 15 Brazil Dominates Pan-American Judo Contest in Havana By LemayPADRÓN

2016 Olympics she intended to take time out for mothering and that she did not know if she would compete again. Cuba’s fourth place position -- due to having won less silver medals than the U.S. and Canada -- was its worst in this type of event which it has dominated for the past 30 years having only once come in second during that time.

Jose Tito Jose Tito Meriño PHOTOs: Nevertheless, the tournament was a Vazquez Marcelino PHOTO: By winning 7 of a possible 14 gold medals, featured in three other finals, meaning success for Cuba from an Others who were already in a Brazil took the nations title at the Pan- that the only categories in which Brazil organizational viewpoint who put qualifying position improved their places American Judo Championships, that took did not claim the throne was in the 81kg experience gained from the Grand in order to gain access to a more favorable place in Havana on April 29 and 30. and 70kg for men and the women´s 57kg Prix 2014 and 2016 to good use. draw in the forthcoming Games. The most spectacular of the triumphs and 70 kg. The battle between the countries Cuba has 10 athletes (five in each was that of the Toronto-2015 Pan- Only Cuba, the U.S. and Canada took ended with Brazil in first place with seven sex) with medal possibilities, of which American title holder, Charles Chibana two scepters, with the other scepter gold, four silver and five bronze, followed eight have already assured their tickets (66kg), who went ahead thanks to a going to the outstanding three times by Canada (2-5-3), the U.S. (2-2-1) and to Rio and two are awaiting to have their wazari with just one minute left on the world champion, Colombian Yuri Alvear Cuba (2-1-8). qualifications officially certified. clock, and with an extensive display, he (70kg). 203 judokas from 25 nations For this very purpose, all 10 took off disposed of the Mexican, Eduardo Araujo. Because of an injury that ruled out participated in the event for whom a gold on May 3 to compete in the Baku Grand The other monarchs of the Asley González, Cuba was without their medal represented 400 points, silver 240 Prix in Azerbaijan, the last chance to join forthcoming Olympic Games host nation leading male contender, leaving José and bronze 160 for the world rankings. the most privileged. were; Sarah Menezes (48kg), Mariana Armenteros(100kg) to successfully fill the These points placed some in a After that, their only chance would Silva (63kg), Felipe Kitadai (60kg), Tiago role. The other gold went to the current position on the definitive list for the be at the World Masters in Guadalajara, Camilo (90kg), Rafael Silva (more than Olympic and World Champion, Idalys Olympic Games of Rio De Janeiro-2016, México, an event in which only the 16 100kg) and Erika Miranda (52kg). Ortiz (over 78kg). which was limited to only 22 men and 14 best in the world in their respective The South American giant also Ortiz announced that after the Rio- women. divisions can compete. Ciego de Ávila Consolidates Dynasty in Cuban Baseball By YasielCANCIO

once said. History has changed however. The cycles began to vary in Cuba and several provinces began to take the leading role, to the detriment of the historic top four Cuban teams: Industriales, Pinar del Río, Santiago de Cuba and Villa Clara. The Ciego de Ávila team was one of those emerging teams in the postmodern period of Cuban baseball, mainly ever since Machado became their manager in 2008. Machado, a strict man, able to learn from his mistakes and grow accordingly, has become Cuba’s most famous baseball manager these days. He has wisely led the Tigers to victory three times: in 2012, 2015 and now in 2016, not to mention the second place won by the team in 2011 and the third place in 2009. With all three victories, he has become the fourth manager with the highest number of national series wins, a position that he shares with Rey Vicente Anglada, Antonio Pacheco, Pedro Jova and Alfonso Urquiola and only preceded by Jorge Fuentes (5), Ramón Carneado PHOTO: Courtesy RADIO of ricardo-lopez-hevia REBELDE PHOTO: (4) and Higinio Vélez (4). The Ciego de Ávila Tigers once again became the and 10 wins, respectively. The Ciego de Ávila team’s dynasty is largely owed to winners of the Cuban baseball series, consolidating “Winning titles is always good, it means we are on its team work, the great performance of its pitchers and their dynasty in the national sport after defeating Los the right track and that we’re doing things correctly. We a close offensive lineup featuring an almost perfect Vegueros de Pinar del Río team in the finals, 4:3. will keep on like this, to continue rewarding the people combination of both veteran and young players and On the way to their victory, the Ciego de Ávila team of Ciego de Ávila with success, as they really do deserve several backup players from other Cuban provinces. had beaten the Lions of Industriales (Havana) in the it,” said Ciego de Ávila’s manager Roger Machado. With these two consecutive titles in the national semifinals in only four games, and then the Pinar del About six years ago, the Ciego de Ávila team was series, the Tigers have earned a privileged position, Rio team in the finals. nothing other than a competitive team, one of those as only four of the leading Cuban baseball teams, in This new win holds an added value given that teams that was continuously improving its level and addition to the famous Henequeneros de Matanzas Industriales and Pinar del Río have been the top two when the time came, “it played better than ever but team, had recorded such a feat in the history of Cuban winning teams in the history of Cuban baseball, with 12 would be defeated anyway,” a famous commentator baseball. 16