© YEAR VIII THE Nº 7 APR 16, 2018 , ISSN 2224-5707 Price: avana eporter 1.00 CUC H YOUR SOURCE OF NEWSR & MORE 1.00 USD A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.20 CAN Health Convention to Showcase Culture Cuba’s Achievements

Cuban Arts Festival in Washington P. 6 Spotlight on

Joint Swiss-Cuban Film P. 5 Ready for Premiere P. 7 Photo Feature That Lingering Hemingway Inspiration

Hidden Wonders Within Cuba’s Caves P. 2 P. 11 2 TOURISM

That Lingering Hemingway Inspiration

Text & Photos by RobertoF. CAMPOS A love affair with Cuba commenced in earnest when the young reporter HAVANA.- U.S. writer Ernest returned to the Island the following year, Hemingway’s enduring presence in on board the ‘Anita’ to engage his passion Cuba is such that all his old haunts have for marlin fishing. become a ‘must-see’ for travelers from the He stayed in room 511 of Old Havana’s United States and elsewhere in the world. Ambos Mundos Hotel during the first Hemingway believed himself to be -- years of his increasingly frequent visits and in many ways was -- almost as much to Cuba, a room now open for tourists a Cuban as a North American, something to view, even if the objects within are that can be sensed by visits to the various of no real historical significance. enchanting places he frequented during The room afforded the writer an his 20-year relationship with the Island. expansive view of Havana and he Some have been well preserved and completed some of his works there. are renowned, others have long faded Hotel managers of the time described from the collective memory, but all retain it as his ‘center of operations’. something of that special Hemingway Between 1929 and 1936 Hemingway spirituality. was almost permanently in Cuba, during They include the sapphire seas of which time the Floridita Bar & Restaurant Havana Bay, Old Havana and its Ambos became an important refuge and Mundos Hotel and Floridita Bar and watering hole. Restaurant in particular, the quaint fishing The bar still serves his favorite village of Cojímar, the Hatuey brewery, the “Papa Double” or “Hemingway Special” Hemingway nautical center, his beautifully cocktails, a Daiquiri variant made from preserved Finca Vigía residence and the white rum, lemon, mint and sugar. ocean game-fish rich waters around the Hemingway’s version however is sugar Mégano and Coco keys. free and comes with a generous extra The ‘Bronze God’ of U.S. literature was dash of rum. instinctively drawn to places compatible It is said that he drank about 12 with his driving need to write, drink and such specials in a ‘session’ and never develop vivacious friendships. left without at least two more for the He also studiously selected the best road back to his Finca Vigía home, a ocean currents for fishing and followed grand residence in the San Francisco the routes of German submarines. de Paula neighborhood that was Born in Oak Park, Chicago, on July 21, originally rented by his third wife, 1899, Hemingway first set eyes on Havana Martha Gellhorn, in 1939 and purchased Bay on April 1st, 1928 at 22:50 local time, outright in 1940. on what records of the time describe as a Hemingway’s passion for fishing and cloudy and misty night. the high seas also brought him to places Passenger records from Havana’s like Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco) in the emblematic Morro Castle reviewed by province of Ciego de Ávila and there, just historians reveal that he travelled on like wherever else he went, something board a British registered steamship of the Hemingway’s spirituality and named the ‘Orita’. elegance still lingers in the air.

A Bimonthly 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: Paola A. González Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Lianet Arias Advertising: Javier García Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Chief Editor: Luis Melian Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Sean J. Clancy/Yanely Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Fax: (53)7833-3068 Interián E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3

Cuba’s New Parliament to Cuba Strengthens Ties Have More Female Members with African Countries By NicholasVALDES

HAVANA.- Cuba’s new parliament, the – of a total of 8,639, 989 registered – cast 9th Legislature of the People’s Power their vote. National Assembly, will be established The second stage of the Cuban general on April 19th, and this time around, more election process was held that day to than half of the 605 members from all elect all 605 national parliamentarians walks of Cuban life, will be women. and one thousand 265 members of the On that date, parliamentarians will Provincial Assemblies. elect the 31 members of Cuba’s Council Twelve thousand 515 delegates to of State, including its president, vice- Municipal Assemblies or city halls were president and secretary. elected at the end of last year. Alina Balseiro, president of the The CEN reported that in the March National Electoral Commission (CEN), 11th elections, 94.42 percent of votes explained that 47.44 percent of members cast were valid – higher than the figure were elected to grass roots city councils for the first stage of the polls. at the end of last year at meetings in all of Having cast his own vote, the president the country’s 168 municipalities. of Cuba’s Parliament, Esteban Lazo, stated Balseiro also told the press that 53.22 that “in the face of interference from percent of the Assembly’s legislators are abroad, unity is our greatest strength. women, which means Cuba is second in the In times like these, we have to show the world only to Rwanda for the level of female world our people’s decision to defend representation in its national parliament. their Revolution.” Some 40.5 percent of National He went on to stress that democracy Assembly members will be of African or is not measured by the number of mixed-race ethnicity and 40.17 percent political parties a society has, but by will be under the age of 50. the active participation of the people The establishment of the Cuban in the country’s social and political parliament follows the constitution of processes. the Municipal People’s Power Assemblies, He cited as examples that “over 38 on December 17th of last year and the thousand young people had exercised Provincial Assemblies convened on their right to vote in Cuba for the first March 25th last. time during these elections and that 17 thousand had collaborated at different MASSIVE VOTER TURNOUT levels with the electoral commission.” On polling day, the Cuban people Polling stations remained open massively endorsed their unflinching for twelve hours on election day and By CossetLAZO support for the project that commenced were guarded by thousands of young on January 1st, 1959, with the triumph of students, a scenario starkly in contrast HAVANA. - During the first three said that “in honor of our founding the Revolution. with many other countries in the region, months of 2018, Cuba welcomed a fathers, we will continue to support the On the 11th of March last, 7, 399, 891 where armed police and military forces number of senior figures from African fight against colonialism, imperialism citizens or 85.65 percent of the electorate are required to undertake that task. nations in order to strengthen bilateral and support people’s sovereignty.” ties. Namibia’s Prime Minister warmly The Cuban president Raúl Castro expressed the respect, love and held talks with his counterparts from admiration her country and African Ethiopia and Kenya, Mulatu Teshome nations as a whole felt for the Cuban Wirtu and Uhuru Kenyatta, respectively, people. and Namibia’s Prime Minister Saara During her visit to Cuba, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila paid tribute to During their visits, the African Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, José Martí, leaders ensured they would defend Mariana Grajales and Fidel Castro at the their friendly and fraternal ties to Cuba Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, in de and paid tribute to the Island’s national Cuba. heroes. Meanwhile, Cuban Vice President In a moving ceremony at the Mercedes López Acea also undertook a Pantheon of Internationalist Heroes tour of Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, in Havana’s Colon Cemetery, Teshome Ghana and Seychelles, where she was Wirtu recalled that Cuban soldiers welcomed by authorities. had laid down their lives for the During meetings with senior officials independence of Ethiopia. from the nations she visited, López The president also referred to the Acea reaffirmed Cuba’s willingness pacifist vocation of the historic leader of to further strengthen its historic ties the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, who with countries and the people of the always fought for quity and opposed all continent. social injustice. She also expressed Cuba’s The opening of the first Kenyan appreciation for Africa’s staunch embassy in Cuba was one of the most opposition to the economic, important activities on Kenyatta’s commercial and financial blockade agenda here. imposed by the United States on the The Kenyan president also reiterated island for over 50 years. his government’s desire to strengthen ties At the 30th Summit of Heads of State with Cuba in areas such as solidarity and and Government in Ethiopia at the end as part of the Non-Aligned Movement. of January, the African Union reiterated Speaking at the African National its call for the lifting of the siege they Heroes Park in Havana, the president described as illegal and unjust. PL PHOTOS: 4 U.S.- LATIN AMERICA Trump’s Flawed Policy on Latin America By RobertoGARCÍA

HAVANA.- Since taking office in January Cuban authorities have made it 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump has abundantly clear that they were not already distinguished himself as the head behind and did not facilitate any such of State with the worst ever Latin America alleged attacks, which are no more than and Caribbean policy and things have a thinly veiled excuse by Trump to revert recently gone from bad to worse . the very modest progress in bilateral U.S. regional policy experts share relations that had commenced during this opinion and refer to Trump’s the rapprochement process initiated controversial, ill-advised, xenophobic in December 2014 by his predecessor and racist statements about nations in Barack Obama. the region and decisions he has made Experts concur that Trump’s hostile that are fundamentally harmful to their anti-Cuban measures go against the national interests. wishes of the majority of his own His inflammatory promise during the citizens because polls reveal that more November 2016 election campaign to than 70 percent favor the lifting of build a wall along the Mexican border severe economic sanctions imposed ranks highly among the things that on the island and 80 percent support have brought the image of the U.S. lifting restrictions on travel to the government into disrepute, but it is not beautiful and easily accessible Caribbean by a long way, the only one to so do. Island. Congress recently approved $1.6 As if the mistakes made and offence billion he had sought to commence caused thus far by Trump and his advisers work on the wall this year, but there is no were not enough, another storm is approval granted to date for the longer now brewing in the White House with term funding commitment he requested the entry of newly appointed national last January for this’ pet’ project of his. security advisor, John Bolton, onto the Trump asked for $25 billion dollars regional stage. over a ten-year period in exchange for A recent article posted on the Politico facilitating a citizenship process for website described him as “the most un- almost two million young people who diplomatic diplomat” because of his poor arrived in the US as children but have not decision making record and disastrous had residency applications approved and interventions on key Latin America and a series of other measures he claims will Caribbean affairs. significantly reduce illegal immigration. During a tenure as undersecretary of The image of the United States in State for arms control during the George Latin America was further damaged W. Bush administration in 2002, Bolton by a tour of the region in February by accused Cuba of having a biological arms the recently fired Secretary of State, program and of sharing information with Rex Tillerson, who ignorantly tried to Washington’s enemies. revive the detested Monroe doctrine These allegations were dismissed by and unashamedly promoted the use of both the Cuban government and retired force against ’s constitutionally top US military and civilian scientists who elected government. had been invited to visit the island several Trump´s migration policy on Central times by Cuban authorities. America and the Caribbean and his Given such an inglorious history, it ongoing efforts to destabilize Bolivia and is evident that once in office, Bolton will Nicaragua have also tainted the image endeavor to further increasing tensions of this northern neighbor and seriously with Cuba and will blindly support undermined its relationships within the Trump’s regional objective of toppling the region. President Nicolás Maduro led Venezuelan On March 5th, the Department of State government. gave formal effect for an indefinite time to This promises to be the prevailing the directive that had drastically reduced scenario for regional U.S. relations and staffing levels at the Embassy in Havana, in order to achieve their adversarial alleging that “health incidents” had ambitions, Trump and Co. can count affected U.S. diplomatic staff in Havana. on the support of extreme rightwing This ill-advised measure impacts elements in the U.S. Congress. negatively on the interests of both They are also assured of support from governments and their people and on certain ‘puppet’ Latin American nations those who need to travel for family or that dutifully await to obey White House business reasons in particular and it has signals to attack progressive and leftist left many important projects that had movements in Latin America and the been approved, hanging in mid-air. Caribbean. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

Health Convention to Showcase Cuba’s Achievements

By MarnieFIALLO

HAVANA.- Healthcare specialists from 83 countries will come together in Havana between April 23rd and 27th to explore the achievements and challenges facing Cuba’s renowned public health sector, during an International Health Convention entitled “Cuba Salud 2018”. Up to 44 foreign health ministers are expected to participate in all or part of the event’s agenda, which includes conferences, workshops and discussion panels on quality care, international cooperation, medical education and universal access to services. The convention will explore public policies, strategies, structures, economic activities that financially support the sector and the necessity to improve public health as an indicator of social development. Pastor Castel, who is the Scientific Committee President, told a press conference that apart from Cuba, the countries best represented will be , Colombia and the U.S.. Cristian Morales, Cuba’s Representative at both the World and Pan-American Health Organizations (WHO and PAHO, respectively) announced that Vaccination Week for the Americas will coincide with the forum, to eliminate gaps between routine regional programs. Morales explained that this selection method was based on Cuba’s many public health related achievements, exemplified by mother and child programs that resulted in the reduction of the infant mortality rate to four per 1,000 live births in 2017. “Cuba can boast first-world results on critical health indicators, thanks to governmental human growth strategy based political policies that have prioritized public health care since 1959,” he said. Morales highlighted other achievements such as the The 14th “Health for All” Trade Fair will be held Cuba’s Parliament -- the People’s Power National elimination of eleven preventable diseases, including in parallel with the convention, providing an ideal Assembly – approved funding of more than 10 million malaria (eradicated in the 1970s), mother-to-child HIV opportunity to promote Cuba’s technological advances pesos for 2018 for medical consultations, hospital transmission and congenital syphilis. in the sector and to negotiate cooperation accords. patients’ expenses, dental services and specialized ward He emphasized how Cuba, “a small country of limited The event provides a space for the promotion admissions. resources but indefatigable political will, has been able of commercial relations and exchanges between The budget also covers the needs of more than not only to attain such goals, but also has more than publishing houses, laboratories, universities, medical 13,000 elderly in residential care or involved in Clubs for 62,000 specialists offering solidarity and experience in equipment supply and distribution companies and the elderly. over 48 countries worldwide.” between domestic and foreign specialists. No Infant Deaths in Cienaga de Zapata since 2015 By WilfredoALAYON clinics that offer specialized services, some of which are in MATANZAS CITY.- Cuba’s difficult to access areas. Ci’enaga de Zapata, a unique He added that other municipality located within the notable health indicators for Caribbean’s largest and most the locality include reduced important wetland biosphere, underweight newborns and has recorded an infant and zero cases of Aedes aegypti maternal mortality rate of zero mosquito infestation, the insect over the past 39 months, a that transmits diseases such as significant result for the locality’s dengue. health services. Alayon attributes Lying some 180 kilometers such achievements to the southeast of Havana, the rugged comprehensive multi-

Ciénaga de Zapata is home disciplinary approach PL PHOTO: to 9,000 people who reside in undertaken jointly by health He highlighted the role Improving on these After fearsome and bloody 18 communities spread over professionals and managers, played by the “complimentary indicators is the challenge combats, Cuba’s revolutionary 4,520 square kilometers, in the community grass-roots practice of natural and now facing the health sector in leader Fidel Castro led forces southern part of the province of organizations and local traditional medicine and an the municipality so that they routed the mercenaries in less Matanzas. government institutions. extensive rehabilitation ward.” translate into greater life quality than 72 hours, by liberating These unique demographic “We have a team of more “The commitment of our and expectancy. Playa Girón, the last position and geographic features mean than 150 people that includes staff results in the provision On April 19th this year, held by the invading troops. that it is both the largest and doctors, nurses, technicians of quality services and the residents of Ciénaga de The great victory has gone the most sparsely inhabited and health technologists who this continued dedication Zapata will celebrate the 57th down in history as the first municipality in Cuba. provide services at the polyclinic combined with the fact anniversary of Cuba’s historic military defeat of U.S. forces in The territory’s director of in Playa Larga and at another that universal healthcare is victory over an invading force Latin America and as a sign of the health, Ariel Alayón, told The center in Cayo Ramona, both of completely free, is very much of 1,500 mercenaries trained, Cuban people’s determination to Havana Reporter, that the which are equipped with state- appreciated by the local equipped and financed by the defend their right to sovereignty region has 13 family doctor of-the-art technology.” population,” he stressed. U.S. government. and self-determination. 6 CULTURE Cuban Arts Festival in Washington the improvement of relations By MariaMARTINEZ between both countries. The deputy minister expressed HAVANA.- Although the present his gratitude to the John F. White House incumbent has set Kennedy Center management out to sabotage the normalization team for the professionalism and of relations with Cuba, respect with which they worked Washington’s renowned John with their Cuban counterparts on F. Kennedy Center and Cuba’s each of the shows. Ministry of Culture are jointly The withdrawal of consular organizing a Cuban performing services from the embassy of arts festival. the United States in Cuba meant Cuba’s Deputy Culture Minister that all visas for the delegation Fernando Rojas said that “some traveling to Washington had 400 artists are set to perform at to be applied for and issued the Kennedy center, 200 of whom through Mexico, which was jointly will have traveled from Havana for arranged by the Cuban ministry the “Cuban Arts: From the Island and the Kennedy Center. to the World” Festival, scheduled The star studded official to run between May 8th and June program lists performances by 3rd. Aldo López-Gavilán, the Miguel The Festival will bring Cuban Faílde orchestra, Zule Guerra and Museum artists from home and abroad Quinteto Blues de Habana, Aymée together to showcase Cuba’s art Nuviola, Haydée and Pablo and culture through traditional Milanés, the Van Van orchestra, and contemporary music, dance, the López-Nussa family, Arturo Pays performing arts, cinema, visual O’Farrill and the Afro Latin arts, design, fashion and food. Jazz Emsemble, La Dame Omara Portuondo, one of Blanche and the Dizzy Gillespie Cuba’s best loved international Afro-Cuban troop. The El Público Tribute music stars, will open the and Argos Teatro groups will also event, which will also include perform. performances by the Cuban Cuban movie classics like National Ballet (BNC), the Malpaso Memorias del subdesarrollo To and the Irene Rodríguez dance (1968), Retrato de Teresa (1979) companies. and Lucía (1968) will also be a The deputy minister told feature of the Festival, in addition a press conference that such to the screening of some prize Marcelo exchanges “promote the role of winning films from Havana’s Latin culture as an expression of the American New Film Festival. desire for peace that peoples Posters representing the of goodwill from our two audiovisual works, installations, Pogolotti countries share” and added that sculptures and works of art by “culture unites people and nations Manuel Mendive, Roberto Fabelo, and we believe that at a time when Emilio Pérez, Esterio Segura, José By YanisbelPEÑA such exchanges are in decline, Parlá and Roberto Diago, will hang an event like this is really in the halls of the Washington HAVANA.- Marcelo Pogolotti remains Another of the museum’s exhibition important.” center. an important figure within the world halls -- the Antonio Rodríguez Rojas also referred to the high Rojas explained that a number of Cuban culture, whose influence has Morey Information Center -- is standard of participating artists, of universities, commercial extended beyond his own lifetime contemporaneously hosting “Marcelo all of whom were trained without enterprises and civil organizations because of his extensive artistic Pogolotti, from Paintbrush to Pen”, a having to pay a penny, within had expressed their interest manifestations on his view of the ‘real selection of news items, letters and Cuba’s internationally renowned in engaging with many of the Cuba’. manuscripts for radio conferences written art education system. visiting artists, who they intend Considered the most prominent by the artist . The Cuban Ministry of Culture to invite to lectures and fringe forerunner of futurism in Cuba, Pogolotti Both exhibitions will remain open to is hoping that the event will performances, as an expression of is frequently quoted in commentaries the public until May 21st. be perceived as a gift to U.S. the affection and admiration they on the intellectual’s role in society. Pogolotti (1902-1988) occupies an audiences and contribute to inspire. His paintings are perhaps the finest important place in the world of Cuban examples of his spiritual affiliation to his contemporary art. peers. His incursions into surrealism, It is in honor of this aspect of his abstractionism and futurism, provide a artistic expression that more than 40 of profound social relevance to his paintings. his works are on show at the National His “Our Time” series of drawings Fine Arts Museum , on the occasion of the represent the finest example of his 30th anniversary of his death. concerns about the social and realities of The Roberto Cobas curated “Marcelo his time. Pogolotti; Avant-garde Ideology and This was an artist characterized by Society” entitled exhibition is open to a unique anti-academic stance and a the public at the Transitory Hall of the dedication to purely Cuban motifs in Museum’s Arte Cubano Building. his paintings and these elements still The exhibition features oil paintings breathe life into works that are now part and drawings, including the early and of important personal and institutional later paintings “Washerwoman Ironing’ collections and are the just fruits of his from 1925 and “Two Era’s Meet”, which he intense work as an essayist, novelist and finished in 1938. art critic. SPOTLIGHT ON 7 Joint Swiss-Cuban Film Ready for Premiere

By MarthaSANCHEZ Other passages reflect the vision of the filmmakers themselves. HAVANA.- Renowned Cuban filmmaker Starring French actress Sylvie Testud and a Fernando Pérez’s latest feature film “Insumisas” host of Cuban thespians that include Yeni Soria, (Non-submissive women) -- co-written and Mario Guerra, Héctor Noas, Giselle González and directed with his Swiss counterpart Laura Corina Mestre, Insumisas will compete at the Cazador -- is ready now to be brought to the big 40th International Festival of New Latin American screen. Film in December. Regarded by most critics as the Island’s most The directors recognized the role of both important living filmmaker and winner of the the project’s editing director Rodolfo Barros and National Film Award in 2007, Perez described the National Film Award winner, Raúl Pérez Ureta, theme of the project based on a true story as ‘a who was responsible for the photography and part of Cuba’s past that has real contemporary added that Ureta’s contribution had perfectly relevance and that could have taken place complimented their original concept of creating anywhere”. a highly dramatic film, marked by stark contrasts. The film focuses on the life of a Swiss Pérez said that the creative photographic risks immigrant in the Eastern Cuban city of Baracoa at taken were “intended to motivate audiences.” the beginning of the 19th century who lived her Given that heavy sea swells were required life, practiced surgery and medicine and married for the movie’s climax and that Cuban summer a local young woman, all the while disguised as waves seldom exceed a height of one meter, the a man. otherwise disastrous Hurricane Irma, actually Pérez explains that even though saved the day in this case. transgenderism obviously plays a fundamental Editor Rodolfo Barros’ most impressive part in the movie, it is creatively surpassed to exploitation of the shots available greatly portray a woman who took many courageous compensated for not having a ship and being social and moral risks and was very much ahead unable to film on location in Baracoa, due to of her time. funding limitations. Women were prohibited from being surgeons at that time, so Faber assumed a male identity to undertake her studies in . Although historians differ about many of the facts of her life, it is known that having served in the Napoleonic wars, she sailed to settle in Eastern Cuba via the US. The “French doctor” was the envy there of many, suffered the resentment of some and was subjected to many pressures in the locality. Pérez and Laura undertook extensive research in Havana’s Provincial Court’s Archives to uncover the official records of a scandalous trial that Faber faced, once her true gender had been revealed. The director told The Havana Reporter that the script centers equally on this particular historic event and the decision to create a fictional work based on truth, ¨because an accurate depiction of a true life story becomes impossible when one cannot interact with any of the protagonists.” The 92-minute coproduction by Bohemian Films of Switzerland and the Cuban Film Industry (ICAIC) accurately recreates the sentence and attorney’s speeches thanks to the historic

archives. Pérez Courtesy of Fernando PHOTOS: 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Danza Contemporánea de Cuba Company Gran Teatro de la Habana (May 11-13 & 18-20) Havana´s Guitar Festival & Contest (Apr. 22-29) LATIN AMERICA &THE CARIBBEAN 9

Costa Ricans Caribbean Countries Enthusiastic Give Second About Chinese Silk Route Initiative Chance to By JuliaGONZALEZ Citizen’s Action Party

By AlejandroGOMEZ

SAN JOSE.- Costa Ricans have given a second chance to the Citizen’s Action Party (PAC) by choosing Carlos Alvarado –journalist by profession and former minister of the current government- as president of this country for the coming four years. During elections marked by polarized opinions, Costa Ricans on Easter Sunday decided to vote for the most advanced values of this country and defeat the ultraconservative speech by Fabricio Alvarado, the now former presidential candidate for the evangelical National Restoration Party. Carlos’s resounding victory proved the results of previous polls wrong, except for those of the National University that had him as HAVANA.- The ever increasing billion 817 million in the 2010-2016 The creation of new air-routes possible winner. interest that Caribbean countries period . is also planned as is the promotion But now that the possibility of having an expressin strengthening economic During the meeting in the Chilean of cooperation on digital economy, evangelical preacher as president no longer and commercial ties with as capital, Wang ratified that the countries artificial intelligence, cloud computing exists, it is Carlos’s duty to create a unified a means to promote sustainable of the region are “key and important and intelligent city ventures. government that allows him work for a better development is reflected in their partners,” and invited them to jointly Cuba’s First Vice Minister of Foreign Costa Rica, as he promised during his campaign enthusiasm for the ‘One Belt, One construct the Silk Route initiative as Trade and Investment, Antonio Luis and also because his party is the third largest Road’ or Silk Route initiative. a mechanism for development based Carricarte, said recently in Havana force in the Legislative Assembly. The mega-project was debated on principles of mutual respect, that China is highly regarded as an With the first and irreversible electoral during a recently convened consultation on equal terms and in the important supplier of resources, results, the Supreme Electoral Court passed the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) interest of the common good.” credits and in times of need, test positively because it counted 90.66 percent Cooperation Meeting in Venezuela The ACS stated at its 7th Summit donations. “The One Belt, One of the country’s 6,612 voting stations in two and a second ministerial level meeting in 2016 that Caribbean nations must Road initiative is an ambitious plan hours and five minutes. of the Latin American and Caribbean prioritize inter-territorial sea and air for investment in infrastructural Hence, on May 8 Carlos will become the Community (CELAC) Bilateral Forum in connections to facilitate the exchange development and the promotion of 48th president of the second Republic (1953) of . of goods and services and to promote commercial ties that will benefit Latin Costa Rica. China’s special representative for the development of trade and America and the Caribbean region as In his victory speech, he stressed his the region, Yin Hengmin, told the investment. a whole.” commitment to heading a government for ACS meeting that hopes to Commitments to sustainable Carricarte highlighted in this regard all regardless of whom the people voted promote common development goals tourism industry developments, the Cuba's national development program for, in peace and on equal terms for a more and cooperation initiatives in key management of natural disasters and goals for 2030 in logistics and maritime prosperous future. economic sectors and to demonstrate enhanced controls over international port connections, and commented “What binds us is way bigger than what has mutually beneficial solidarity between resources and financing in key ACS that its geographical location ensures us apart,” said Alvarado addressing hundreds people. sectors areas were also emphasized. it will play an essential role in regional of supporters at Plaza Roosevelt in the capital. Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, Interest in the massive Silk Route communication connections. They welcomed him with chants of “Yes, we Wang Yi, has described the CELAC project -- initially designed to connect He explained that there is already could; yes, we could.” forum as one of the institutional Asia, Europe and Africa to promote work underway with Chinese After stating that Costa Rica has the potential components through which China economic growth and international authorities to identify common points to shine, Carlos noted that the country is going is extending their Silk Route global cooperation -- is consistent with the between Cuba’s national development through difficult times, therefore, working reach strategy. ACS mission. plan and the One Belt, One Road expectations must be clear. Official statistics reveal that the Launched in 2013 by president Xi initiative.” He finally called the Bicentennial Asian Giant is currently the first or Jinping, the project combines the twin The official highlighted the Government –the country will celebrate the second strongest trading partner elements of a Silk Route Economic Belt inclusive nature of the Asian nation’s 200 years of Independence in 2021- to work with all Latin American nations and land corridor and a complimentary proposal, its integral respect for on key issues such as poverty, transportation, annual direct investments in the 21st Century Marine Route and will the sovereignty of nations and the clean energy, fiscal plan and education, among region by China grew from one billion involve the construction of new roads, absence of any desire to impose others. 357 million in 2001-2009 to about 10 railroads, oil pipelines and ports. external conditions. and in filmmaking inparticular.and infilmmaking program to explore women infilm jointly organized an extensive Development andCooperation Culture andtheSwiss for Agency Cuba, theGroup and onGender the industry. The UNSystem in debated women’s access within of international organizations Day onMarch 8th,anumber (2014). Dress) Solaya by (Wedding Marilyn coproduction “Vestido denovia” (2014) andtheCuban-Spanish of Words) by thesamefilmmaker Pared delaspalabras” Wall (The world ofCuban celluloid are “La that address role ofwomen inthe and abroad. Cuban filmsever, bothdomestically to become one of the most lauded the reality ofthetimeanditwent on by accurately industry portraying the development ofCuba’s film moment in animportant marked Isabel Santos, Pérez’s first work dictatorship. against theFulgencio Batista roles played by women inuprisings of theRevolution andthecritical stage anotherimportant portrays (Underground) by Fernando Pérez Alea. feature lengthfilm-andGutiérrez –the first Cuban woman a to direct attitudes, asdothefilms Gómez by continuing struggleagainstsexist by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea (1984). punto”“Hasta cierto (Upto aPoint) of Teresa) by Pastor Vega (1979)and (1977), “Retrato de Teresa” (Portrait aCertain (In Way) by Sara Gómez triumph. following the1959revolutionary evolving role of women in society andexcellentlyequity the portray films that strongly advocate gender prominently inthree exemplary and featurewithin thefilmindustry processes, roles women undertake progressive socio-political counterparts. exclusive domainoftheirmasculine in specialtiesthat once were the memorable andindeliblemarks left an increasingly role. active writers and directorsscript playing with actresses, female producers, more significant over recent years, has become even film industry of women Cuba’s inrevolutionary HAVANA.- To International mark Women’s films featuring the actress Other acclaimed actress Co-starring The 1988film “Clandestinos” Vega’s the filmdepicts These are manera” cierta “De Fully integrated into Cuba’s Female figures have certainly Women InTheWorld OfCubanMovies 10 By Daimarelys The presence hallmark PEREZ CULTURE women have brought to theirwork. and creative that tenacity somany andthenatural artistic activism sleeplessness, environmental years ofcreativity, perseverance, isbuiltonthebackof the industry cinematic heritage. filmmakers make to thenation’s contribution female Cuban fine example oftheimportant Vila León andIngrid isanother from Trash to Wellbeing) by Lizette la basura albienestar” (Women Amarilys Núñezand Yasmín Gómez. Jiménez,Edith Massola, María Cuban director and stars Luisa cinematic offering by a female isthelatestby González Magda Crying?) are Girlfriends My (Why Their present prominence in The documentary “Mujeres de “¿Por qué lloran mis amigas?”

PHOTO: PL PHOTO: PL PHOTO FEATURE 11

Hidden Wonders Within Cuba’s Caves

By OdalysBUSCARÓN

VIÑALES.- Its tropical island that rise to some 300 meters above setting, legends about hidden sea level. treasures and its unique and Because of its remarkable unspoiled biodiversity make splendor, excellent state of Cuba an exotic destination par preservation, natural treasures and excellence. fossil remains, the cave featured Many of the Island’s caves in a French-Cuban documentary have already been well explored, about a speleologist’s view of the but others located deep within country’s unique natural heritage. mountain ranges have yet to be The Cuban ecologist Yamilé discovered and seduced into described Geda Cave as “a true revealing their natural beauty and treasure trove for Cuban speleology the intriguing formations created and paleontology, due to its by water courses, humidity and exuberant secondary formations and time. its large reserve of extraordinarily More than 60 percent of Cuba’s well preserved fossils.” territorial platform is of limestone, Illuminating calcite crystals, which results in an extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites and wealth of underground cave columns enchant the eyes on first systems. sight and lakes, tunnels and ‘Geda The world’s biggest known Roses’ -- formations created by stalagmite is in the Martin Infierno water dropping on a false floor Cave in the Escambray mountain -- are some of the charms hidden range, in the central province of in more than five kilometer deep Sanctí Spíritus. underground galleries. But the western provinces of Pinar del Río and Matanzas are VIÑALES CAVE SYSTEMS where the Island’s most spectacular Several of Cuba’s most stunning limestone beds and caves are to and expansive cave systems are to be found, as in the case of the be found within what is known as Bella Mar system and its famous ‘El the Silent Valley and surrounded by Jarrito’ cave. giant mogotes. Geda Cave, deep in the heart Speleologists have baptized of the Pinar del Rio province’s the westernmost province of Pinar Viñales Valley, also stands out del Río as “the capital of Cuban for its extraordinary beauty. In limestone.” conjunction with Panal and El It is where one can find the Jarrito in the Bella Mar system, country’s two largest cave systems, Geda is unquestionably one of Palmarito with over 60 kilometers the country’s three most beautiful of underground cavities and Santo caves, hidden in a Silent Valley Tomás, ‘the prince of Cuban caves, and surrounded by the stunning where the National Speleology limestone ‘mogote’ hills of Vinales, Training Center is located. Courtesy of Cuban Speleologists Courtesy of Cuban PHOTOS: 12 POLITICS Colombia Faces the Prospect of an Uribista Comeback 2018 By TaniaPEÑA Vargas Lleras. The latter’s ELECTIONS ‘Radical Change’ party BOGOTA.- Less than one month ahead backed the Uribistas in the of presidential elections in Colombia, it latest Congress debates seems probable at this point in time, that opposing the approval of the Uribista party will be comfortably special peace laws. returned to power. It is also quite ironic that The party of present Senator and the National Unity Party, former President Álvaro Uribe (2002- presently in government 2010), leads the Senate and following and promoter of the Peace legislative elections on March 11th, is Accord, is torn between now second best represented in the supporting either Duque or House of Representatives . Vargas Lleras who oppose it. Another factor that favors their Colombia’s Liberal chances of a return is that ultra-right Party is also now putting opposition to the Peace Process is a some distance between cohesive force, while central-leftwing itself and its own factions that support the Havana Accord candidate, Humberto de are weakened by fractured candidatures la Calle, the Colombian that selfishly prioritize personal ego government’s well known above the common good. former chief negotiator And although election polls have at the Havana talks, and La Calle Fajardo Petro Duque been internationally inclined to shoot is stealthily moving in the somewhat wide of the mark recently, they direction of the Uribista party’s candidate. Gustavo Petro, the Human Colombia Party’s Humberto de la Calle, to come do strongly suggest that Iván Duque, the This hard to fathom and potentially Movement’s candidate, is both the to an agreement on a joint election Uribista Party’s candidate, is ahead of fatal panorama for the forces that favor central-left’s favorite in the polls and the stance. the pack and seems likely to take the peace and reconciliation in a tragically most vociferous advocate of an alliance The present ill winds however presidency by winning a second round. divided Colombia, strongly suggests to give the right a run for its money on still blow in favor of a rightwing that To ensure victory, ultra-rightwing that the only thing likely to change the polling day. holds the strongest cards to play against sectors also remain open to a possible pro-Urbista prophecy, would be the On March 21st, the former mayor of Petro, the only possible threat in the alliance with the center-right candidate emergence of a solid and unified broad Bogota invited the Colombia Coalition polls to what they consider is a forgone and former Vice President Germán coalition of center and leftist candidates. candidate, Sergio Fajardo and the Liberal election victory. ECONOMY 13 Cuba Prioritizing Industrial Development By MasielFERNANDEZ sponsors to participate in Cuba Industria,” she added. HAVANA.- The priority Cuba Cabrera stated that “our office affords domestic industrialin China is making an official development will be highlighted announcement there to promote during the 3rd Cuban International the event. We are also promoting Industrial Convention and the event from our office in Russia Exhibition (Cuba Industria 2018) and from our recently-opened between June18th and 22nd this Bolivian bureau.” year. At least 30 countries, including The primary purpose of Russia, China, , Italy, the event is to attract inward Argentina and Brazil, are expected foreign investment and the to participate in the Convention. establishment of businesses here The official noted that “these that will contribute to the nation’s countries all have a high industrial economic development. development index and the event Jorge Luis Suárez, Secretary should facilitate the establishment of the event’s Organizing of technological alliances and Committee, told The Havana relations with other industrial Reporter that the convention sectors.” will provide an opportunity to Cuba Industria provides an showcase domestic industrial ideal opportunity for exchanges advances over recent years and to of experience in the scientific and illustrate future goals. technical fields and to strengthen He confidently explainedstrategic alliances within our that both previous editions had national industries. been very worthwhile and that The Convention will incorporate despite the complexities of the 11 congresses, including the 3rd present international scenario, Industrial Maintenance Congress, ¨we are expecting more than the 15th International Congress 2,000 participants, 400 of which on Recycling, the 3rd Congress on are coming from abroad.” Packaging, the 18th Metallurgic Suarez added that “many Congress, the 3rd Metal- of our principal international Mechanic Congress, the Quality partners and suppliers have Management and Environmental already confirmed that they will Protection Congress and the be represented at the event.” Chemical Industry Congress. Ana Iris Cabrera, the Industry Cabrera also emphasized Ministry’s Deputy Director of that in the context of the Investment and Cooperation, Convention, a trade show will be highlighted the expectation held at the PABEXPO exhibition that domestic suppliers present center, where the recycling, in all sectors of Cuban industry, packaging, metallurgic and in addition to foreign partners metal-mechanical, electronic and based in the country, will have a automatic industries, renewable strong presence at the event. energy, medical equipment, light “The Ministry is engaged in and chemical industry and the efforts to attract 19 international professional services sectors will

economic partnerships that it all be well represented. PL PHOTO: 14 ECONOMY

LATIN AMERICA

Gender Discrimination in The Workplace

By MariaJuliaMAYORAL The international agency reported market participation rates is gradually UN Women has said that Latin that globally, about 42 percent of workers narrowing and should come in at 15.6 American and Caribbean women are HAVANA.- Women continue to be are self-employed or engaged as domestic percent for 2018. more at risk of living in abject poverty less well represented than their male workers in the homes of relatives and that The figures nevertheless point to an and suffering from physical or sexual counterparts in Latin America and the negative consequences of this trend ongoing gender related wage difference violence than the world’s average. Caribbean’s labor market and United have a more serious impact on women. in developed countries that exposes For every 132 women between 25 and Nations released statistics reveal that The Organization also cautioned differences in the quality of employment 34 years of age suffering abject poverty in they are subjected to higher rates of that due to issues typical of in spite of the growing presence of the region, there are about one hundred unemployment and gender based wage underdevelopment, “the potential for women in the labor market. men, while the global average is 122 discrimination. women to become self-employed, Developing countries indicate the women per 100 men. The International Labor Organization employers or broaden their employment lowest gaps in women’s participation The region’s endeavors to reduce (ILO) reported in March that despite horizons are very limited.” rate in the labor market (11.8 percent abuse are also proving to be ineffective. progress attained over recent decades, Internationally only 1.7 percent of the for 2018) and this trend should remain Globally, one of every five (20%) the present rate of women’s involvement total number of working women are self- steady for the 2018-2021 period – due to females under the age of 50 has suffered in the workforce stands at 51.9 percent, employed, compared to 4 percent in the the vital importance of having any type physical or sexual violence by their 25 points lower than the figure of 77.1 case of men. of job in the face of poverty and a lack of partners over the last 12 months, but percent for men. The study also revealed that “even in access to social security. the figure for Latin American and the Its global review of structural social, developed countries, women continue The source also stresses that women Caribbean region is 21 percent. economic and cultural related issues to face obstacles within the labor market have fewer opportunities of finding a job The worldwide nature of gender indicated that the 9.5 percent rise in the when they apply for entrepreneurial or and that this year their unemployment discrimination is also a significant rate of female unemployment for 2018, executive positions.” rate of 6 percent will exceed that of men obstacle to the 2030 agenda’s sustainable surpasses that of 6.8 percent for males. The issue of gender discrimination is by about 0.8 percent. development goals (SDO). The ILO highlighted that regionally, very clearly highlighted by the fact that Developing countries have the most UN Women Executive Director women hold 25.6 percent of all self- worldwide, women’s participation rate “balanced unemployment rates between Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has said employed and 6.5 percent of domestic in the labor force is 48.5 percent -- 26.5 men and women across all income that unless progress is promptly made positions; informal and insecure jobs that percent lower than the rate for men. groups, but this relatively low difference on gender equality, the international provide little or no access to systems for The report revealed that in a number by no means indicates a healthy labor community will fail to keep its social protection. of developed nations, the gap in labor market for either women or men.” commitments in this regard. SPORTS 15 Cuba to Send Large Delegation to Central American & Caribbean Games

JUL 19 - AUG 3

Central American & Caribbean Games

By ReynaldoGUEVARA men and six women, and another six (24), basketball 3x3 (4), handball (30), hopes to dispute 379 with the objective went to the Greco-Roman style. baseball (24), boxing (8), canoeing (15), of preserving the first place won HAVANA.- Some 475 Cuban athletes The number of Cuban athletes to the cycling (23), horseback riding (2), fencing at the 1970 games in Panama. The have qualified for the Central American games scheduled for July 19-August (18), gymnastics(10), rhythmic gymnastics Caribbean island gave in to this position and Caribbean Games of Barranquilla could amount to 500, according to (8), springboard (2), hockey (32), judo (16), in Salvador 2002 and Mayaguez 2018, Colombia, including the 28 spots experts. weightlifting (12) and skating (6). 2010 only because it did not attend recently won in karate and wrestling. The athletes’ average age is 23 (second The list also includes karate (10), the games. A total of ten Cuban karateists got year of college) and 33 percent of them wresting (18), modern pentathlon (4), At the Central American and through to the games during a qualifying already have some experience in regional rowing (20), softball (30), taekwondo (16), Caribbean Games held four years ago tournament in that Colombian city, while games. tennis (4), table tennis (8), archery (6), in Veracruz, Cuba was ranked the best 18 wrestlers did so in a competition in The sport disciplines with assured shooting (21), triathlon (6), sailing (12), country with 254 medals: 123 gold, Havana. tickets to the Colombian games are: open volleyball (28) and beach volleyball (4). 66 silver and 65 bronze, followed by The Havana qualifying tournament water swimming (4 representatives), A total of 470 set of medals will be Mexico (332/115-106-111) and Colombia ensured 12 spots for free wrestling: six water polo (26), badminton (8), basketball awarded in Barranquilla, where Cuba (224/72-74-78), in that order. Legendary Athletics Coach Milán Matos Dies Matos trained Pedroso, the strong connection that I always several seasons, he maintained Sydney 2000 Olympics long knew what I had to do just by ties to the Cuban athletics jump gold medalist and nine looking at him. In competition, community through a book times world champion between I understood exactly what he he wrote on training methods 1993 and 2001. meant whenever he made a sign and by offering his services to Lopez, who is also a from the stands.” Saudi Arabian long and triple prominent member of the In addition to Pedroso, Matos jumpers. International Association of coached double world triple Born on November 12, Athletics Federation (IAAF) jump champion 1949 in the Eastern province of Council, described Milán as a and world silver medalist Mabel Guantánamo, no other Cuban “beloved brother, who because Gay, Lissete Cuza, Luis Felipe coach has ever matched Milán’s of his personality, character, Melis, Wilfredo Martínez and a tally of 12 gold, four silver and humility, sense of humor and host of other high performance one bronze world championship (APA), expressed his sorrow at the expertise as a coach and teacher, athletes. medals. By AdrianMENGANA passing of Matos, who brought exemplified an integral active The president of Cuba’s A man very much admired his underlings one Olympic title, athlete, coach and friend.” National Sports Institute by those aware of his devotion HAVANA.- Cuba’s sporting six world gold and two silver He added that even though (INDER) Antonio Becalialso, to his craft, Matos was decorated community is mourning the medals and attained innumerable the world had lost a great praised Matos’s efforts for his by the Cuban state, INDER and death of its legendary and much other outstanding results at top mentor, his legacy would live on homeland’s sports movement grass-root’s organizations on loved athletics coach Milán international meetings. through Iván Pedroso, presently as a whole, saying that it had numerous occasions and more Matos, who trained world class A minute’s silence in honor one of the world’s best young “been honored to have had than once selected among stars like Iván Pedroso, Yargelis of Matos was held during a high jump coaches. him partake in the work that it Cuba’s best coaches. Savigne and . preparatory event in Cuba for Pedroso, in a tribute to Milán, undertakes and that it honors He represented Cuba as Víctor López, president of the the Barranquilla 2018 Central said that he had been like a his endless commitment and a young athlete at the 1972 North and Central American and American and Caribbean Games father to him. “I spent five years endless endeavor.” Munich Olympics, in Montreal Caribbean Athletics Association and the 13th Spring Break Classic in Santiago de Cuba with him Matos was 68 at the time of 1976 and at Pan-American and (NACAC) and of the Pan- at the University of Turabo in and he was really my only family his death and although he had Central American-Caribbean American Athletics Association Gurabo, Puerto Rico. there. We developed such a not been actively coaching for Games. 16