THE © YEAR VI Nº 3 FEB, 7 2017 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

Wet Foot - Dry Foot Policy Ended P. 3

Cuba and China Cooperate on Renewable Energy Projects

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Cuba Culture Economy Sports New Memorandum Cuba Gets Ready Broader Cuban Gymnasts Enhances Cuba-US for its Biggest Horizons for Aspire Cooperation Literary Fair Cooperatives to Greatness P. 6 P. 10 P. 13 P. 15 2 TOURISM Tourist Numbers Continue to Rise By Roberto F. CAMPOS PHOTO: Garal PHOTO: PHOTO: Vladimir Molina PHOTO: PHOTO: FotosPL PHOTO: According to the latest official statistics, the upward 12 categories approved by their government and not as renowned for its nature, history and beach tourism. trend in the tourism industry in Cuba is likely to continue tourists, the number of U.S. visitors keeps growing. Despite progress made by Holguín however, the and there is now a real possibility that the island will soon The statistics also show a significant increase in the Varadero beach resort in Matanzas province – some 100 become the Caribbean’s primary tourist destination. number of visitors from Germany, the United Kingdom, kilometers from Havana- continues to be Cuba´s leading Deputy Tourism Minister Mayra Álvarez and the France, Italy and Spain. tourist destination. Ministry´s Director of Quality, María del Pilar Macías, told The arrival of new cruise ships such as the MS With 20,000 rooms in 52 hotels, the resort welcomed the press that they were optimistic about prospects for Armonía, Adonia and MS Berlín and new flights operated more than one million visitors in 2016, for the ninth the sector but will continue to strive to improve the by Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Caraibes and Turkish Airlines consecutive year. quality of both services and products. are also noteworthy in this regard. Cuba presently has 66,547 hotel rooms and plans The Cuban Tourism Ministry revealed that for the first Tourism Ministry spokespersons stated that the May to have another 4,000 available this year and 20,000 time ever, Cuba welcomed 4,035,577 tourists in 2016, 3 to 6, 37th edition of the International Tourism Fair more by 2020, according to the Tourism Ministry´s representing a 14.5 percent increase on 2015. FITCuba 2017, will have Germany as the guest of honor, director for development and investment, José That figure exceeded predictions for the year by nine while the circuit choice will feature as the principal Reinaldo Daniel Alonso. percent, deputy marketing director, Dalila A. González, said. product promoted. The country hopes to accommodate more than Canada remains the number source market of tourists The fair will be hosted by the eastern Cuban province 4,200,000 foreign visitors this year, 164,400 more than to Cuba, and although they can only come under one of of Holguín, which has 5,440 rooms in 21 hotels and is in 2016. CUBA 3 Wet Foot - Dry Foot Policy Abandoned By Charly MORALES Consequently, Cubans who enter underdeveloped and developed the United States illegally will no countries, but insists that they must legal longer get food allowances, medical and controlled, not the case to date. insurance or work and study permits. In order to normalize the situation They will also no longer enjoy the –something that the two governments benefits of the Cuban Adjustment Act. have been addressing since December Once their visa expires –if they have 2014 - Washington must honor its one- they must return to Cuba or face commitment to grant at least 20,000 deportation like any other foreigner. visas a year to Cuban migrants, a quota Ben Rhodes, Obama’s special Cuba negotiated by the Cuban government. advisor, said that the possibility of making Cuban authorities ratified their an exception in the new policy for Cubans commitment to their citizens’ right to en route to the US had been considered, emigrate, a universal phenomenon that but deemed impossible to implement. occurs here in the context of measures Such exceptions could possibly introduced on January 14, 2013, when have unleashed a migratory crisis. the Cuban government decided to The lifting of the “dry foot, wet ease some travel requirements such as foot” policy and of the Cuban medical the letter of invitation and the exit visa. professional parole program formed A minority of citizens require special part of Obama’s farewell speech. travel authorization. Cubans can stay PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO: Even though Cuba is still justly up to 24 months abroad without losing In his last press conference as U.S. demanding the abolishment of the their resident status.

President, Barack Obama announced Cuban Adjustment Act, the lifting of According to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Courtesy of cubadebate PHOTO: the lifting of the “dry foot, wet foot” the blockade and return of the land 671,000 Cubans have travelled abroad since highest in the world or the region, policy, describing it as a “carry-over occupied by the Guantánamo Naval the migration policy was updated. according to official sources. from an old way of thinking.” Base, the elimination of a policy that led 78 percent were first time travelers In the United States, the main The now former president made his to the deaths of thousands of Cubans at and 45 percent have returned. destination for Cuban emigrants, they decision in consultation with the sea or along violent Central American Contrary to the image that some barely represent four percent of the Department of Homeland Security and overland routes, is worth highlighting. media try to promote, emigration is Hispanic community. notified Donald Trump’s transition team, Cuba accepts that migratory flows not a phenomenon exclusive to Cuba, Mexicans account for 64 percent of whose position on it remains unknown. are a natural phenomenon between where indicators are far from the the Latino population. Germans Keen on Cuban Business Opportunities By AngelaCRUZATA

An entourage from the federal State of Baden- The head of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, alliances with his nation’s small and medium sized Wuttemberg signaled that the German business Orlando Hernández, stated that the Baden- companies (pymes), which he described as the community is keen to diversify its interests and joint Wuttemberg group had covered a broad range “backbone” of the economy. ventures in Cuba through investment projects. of sectors of strategic significance, as the He said in Havana that these technologically Exchanges held in Havana included meetings Cuban economy moves towards 2030, including innovative companies make the German economy with government authorities and a visit to the Mariel construction, transport, health services, alternative competitive and have a presence everywhere in Special Development Zone, an incentivized foreign energy and industry in general. the world. investment enclave, located some 50km west of the The inter-company talks were held at the hotel In his view, this type of enterprise would prove to Cuba’s capital city. Melia Cohiba, where the fact that almost 40,000 be most suitable to Cuba’s needs during this stage of a The German delegation comprised 12 companies Cubans speak German, most of whom studied or modernization of its economic model requiring some from sectors such as automated motor, industrial trained there, was considered advantageous. 2.5 billion (thousand million) dollars a year in inward machinery and medical product manufacturing. The fact that Germany is Europe’s prime emissary foreign investment. The visiting team also included representatives of tourists to Cuba, famed for its natural beauty and He added that German pymes do not seek from infrastructural project consultants, on-site hospitable people, was also recognized. “express benefits, but rather long term and robust renewable energy solutions and communications During an official visit early in 2016 and profitable investments”. engineering and information technology systems. accompanied by 60 members of the business There are presently some 50 German firms operating Johannes Hauser, Germany’s official industry community, Sigmar Gabriel, the German Economy in Cuba, including Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Bosch and trade delegate for Mexico, Central America and and Energy Minister expressed his willingness to and Siemens. the Caribbean, told The Havana Reporter that their promote economic, trade, cultural, scientific and Both governments last year signed a presence in Cuba was an expression of a strong desire education ties. memorandum of understanding to negotiate the to increase contacts and to get first hand information Gabriel, who is also Germany’s deputy Foreign opening here of a German office to stimulate trade about commercial and joint business opportunities. Minister, encouraged Cuban entities to form and bilateral investment.

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: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Alfredo G. Pierrat 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/Yanely Interián Printing: Agencia de Comunicación Publicitur S.A. E-mail: [email protected] 4 CUBA Cuba and China Cooperate on Renewable Energy Projects By AdrianaORTIZ

Cuba and China recently committed to According to official figures, clean strengthening their cooperation in the energy sources presently contribute strategically important developmental just 4.65% to the national generation of areas of renewable energy and industry. energy, but experts consider that massive Ten documents were signed during potential exists for the exploitation of a three day bilateral forum presided over biomass, wind and solar energy. by Cuba’s Minister for Industry, Salvador Expert calculations indicate that Pardo Cruz and Gu Chengkui, director Cuba receives an annual average solar of the Chinese Industrial Development radiation exposure in excess of 1,800kw Information Center, with 18 visiting per square meter, ensuring the potential Chinese companies and 20 from the host for advantageous economic investments. nation in attendance. Cuban President Raúl Castro, said in As a result of the talks, the Cuban a speech to the National Assembly here Electronic Group and the Chinese last December that because this small Haier firm signed a memorandum of island cannot produce all the fuel it needs, understanding on the creation of a joint considerable imports are required, “the venture and a renewable energy research, cost of which hangs like a Damocles’ sword development and application center. our economy”. A letter of intention was also signed by He said that “without giving up on the Sidermecanica group and the Chinese Courtesy of trabajadores.cu PHOTO: domestic oil production increases that Sany company for the joint development combined with the Asian giant’s knowledge would be to increase the production of are also subject to investment, we need to and production of wind towers and cranes. and experience, boost the industry. heaters and boilers in both the Ciego de speed up the development of renewable This same group signed an agreement Juan Manuel Presa, director of Ávila and Sagua la Grande facilities. energy which presently only accounts for with the Yutong consortium for the Electricity Business and Investments The engineer continued to say that 4.65% of electricity production.” development of renewable energy at the Ministry of Mining and Energy, there could be no GDP growth if work was Raul stressed that „we have more sourced electric buses. said that the meeting had served to not undertaken in the energy sphere, and than we need to produce wind, solar, The CNAICO company also agreed narrow down proposals and accelerate the pace required could not be attained photovoltaic and biomass energy. This is at the forum to jointly undertake the their implementation. without foreign investment. a strategic sector that should we reinforce development and assembly of electric He added that “we will always to The managers expressed the view with foreign investment.” vehicles in Cuba. import parts but for example, solar panels that investment in Cuba’s industrial According to national economic The head of the Chinese delegation can be assembled and have their capacity infrastructure will ensure the sustainability planning projections, 24% of all electricity described Cuban ideas about renewable enhanced in the province of Pinzar del Rio”. of each project that incorporates the use generated in the country should come energy as “very positive” and could, He said that another practical measure of renewable energy sources. from renewable sources by the year 2030. Cuba-US Accord Improves Oil Spill Response By MarinaBOLAÑOS

The recent signing of a cooperation agreement Hotel Nacional, was a positive step that will improve between Cuba and the United States, covering the Gulf relations between both countries. of Mexico and the Florida Straits, will facilitate rapid However, the Cuban official highlighted that the and effective oil spill damage limitation responses, to permanence of the US blockade of the Caribbean nation protect marine and coastal ecosystems and the public’s is an obstacle that impacts on the safety of offshore health and well-being. operations in Cuba’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the The legally-binding cooperation agreement relates Gulf of Mexico that limits effective responses to oil spills to pollution preparedness and responses to an oil or in the areas covered. other potentially-dangerous hazardous substance spill. Specialists from both countries and other Jeffrey DeLaurentis, chargé d’affaires at the US representatives of the region have since 2011 been Embassy in Havana, said that the document is a step working to respond to a potential oil spill in the sea forward in joint efforts to protect the Florida Straits and as part of the Regional Forum on Oil Spill Prevention, Gulf of Mexico marine environment. Preparedness and Response in the Gulf of Mexico and DeLaurentis added that the “establishment of Courtesy of trabajadores.cu PHOTO: the Caribbean. a common framework incorporating the requisite Reporter that the noble aspirations of the signed This first resulted in the approval of the Multilateral diplomatic, legal and technical elements to be agreement are very important to both countries because Technical Operating Procedures for Offshore Oil prepared for and to respond to an oil spill in the marine they address the preservation of marine and coastal Pollution Response in the Wider Caribbean Region and environment, is particularly important for two countries environments for posterity. then to the above mentioned bilateral agreement. only 90 miles apart”. He added that the document will lead to the drafting Thanks to a multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial In his opinion, the accord will strengthen relations and of a Coordination Plan of oil and other potentially- approach, the Latin American nation has developed a “help ensure that the coastlines, the marine environment dangerous hazardous substance pollution related high degree of expertise combating oil pollution and and economically sea dependent communities are prevention, preparedness and response actions, in the has drafted a comprehensive National Contingency Plan. better protected going forward.” aforementioned geographical area. Cuba, the Caribbean’s largest island, has promoted Eduardo Rodríguez, Deputy Minister of Development According to information supplied by Cuba‘s the coordination of bilateral and multilateral agreements at Cuba’s Transportation Ministry, told The Havana Transportation Ministry, the formal signing at Havana’s with other Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean States. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 International Vascular Diseases Symposium By NicholasVALDÉS

For the first time ever Havana, hosted As to the reason why the an international Pulmonary Vascular organization decided to hold the Research Institute (PVRI) symposium, meeting in Havana prior to the PVRI with the participation of some one World Congress in Miami, the British hundred prestigious experts from Cuba, scientist explained, “we thought it was the United States and Europe. the right opportunity for the Cuban Founded in 2006, PVRI is an capital to host the symposium.” international organization incorporating “Cuban medicine is renowned more than 6,000 internationally worldwide world as is the quality renowned doctors and researchers from of its system and the caliber of its 75 countries. professionals. We wanted first hand The president of the Cuban Society experiences, specifically in the field of of Cardiologists, Eduardo Rivas, told cardiology,” he added. The Havana Reporter that acclaimed Meanwhile, U.S. researcher Kurt professionals from the US, the United Atenmark expressed thanks for the Kingdom, Germany and Italy joined hypertension increases. in learning about Cuban medicine and wonderful experience he had and noted their Cuban peers in Havana to Cuban society suffers a significant cardiovascular and respiratory diseases that one of the PVRI’s main objectives address pulmonary vascular disease, a negative social impact due to the high in particularly. is to establish links and join forces with progressive affliction with a high global mortality rate caused by these diseases, Rivas said that as a result, PVRI developing countries. mortality rate. which claimed 4,217 lives in 2015, Dr. proposed holding the symposium For his part, U.S. physiologist David The meeting’s primary purpose was Rivas added. prior to the world congress, to become Systrom said that it is very important for disseminate the latest findings about The specialist said that Cuban familiar with the medical situation the Cuban Society of Cardiologists to the disabling disease in anticipation of health authorities and the international in Cuba and establish and maintain share with experts from all over the world the PVRI World Congress in Miami, from scientific community are committed to bilateral cooperation bonds. so that they can become increasingly January 25 to 28 , which had the highest reducing the number of deaths caused PVRI president Paul Corris said that integrated into the international number of participants ever for this kind by chronic, non-communicable diseases, the event was of a very high quality scientific community. of congress. including respiratory afflictions. throughout and that important topics Systrom added “we are very happy The Cuban official explained that Since the beginning of the process were addressed. The Cuban participants to be here, to be involved in all the as people live longer, the numbers towards the normalization of Cuba- raised very interesting questions that processes presently taking place and suffering from cardiovascular diseases U.S. relations in 2014, North American made it very clear that we all face the to be able to exchange on studies our leading to heart failure and pulmonary experts have shown a growing interest same problem. countries are conducting.” Flagship Scientific Institution Celebrates 25 Years By ReinaMAGDARIAGA

Cuba´s National Clinical Trial the Cuban Center for the State Control comply with its obligations in this regard, very important clinical trial for the Coordination Center (CENCEC), is of Medicines, Equipment and Medical several requirements had to be taken development of bio similars as an celebrating 25 years of outstanding Devices (CECMED). into account, such as observing best alternative to the excessive prices results in the implementation of CENCEC oversees all the requisite clinical practice regulations to ensure charged by big pharmaceutical research projects to improve the quality clinical research to establish that new that results are reliable and that patient companies, he added. of medical care. medicines can safely and efficiently treat safety is guaranteed. Amongst other trials, Hernández CENCEC´s director Alberto Hernández the diseases for which they are developed. The ethical principles of scientific referred to Heberprot-P, for the treatment told The Havana Reporter that its Hernández told how the institution research must be respected and of diabetic foot ulcer, and recombinant primary purpose is to conduct clinical was created as part of an initiative by the assessed by a committee created at the Estreptoquinasa (for myocardium infarct). trials on new medicines developed in leader Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, to health centers where the studies are The director described as “sad” the the country. develop the Cuban biopharmaceutical undertaken. consequences of the blockade imposed He explained that products initially and biotechnological industries. Asked about CENCEC’s principal trials, by the United States on Cuba that impact undergo a preclinical trial phase on The official added that another of the director referred to the lung cancer on clinical trials in the country. animals before being tested on patients its roles is the control all clinical trials vaccines Cimavax and Nimotuzumab – He stressed that despite this, CENCEC during clinical trials. conducted in the country, on behalf of the latter is also used for the treatment developed products are available in Once the drugs have proved safe the Cuban Public Health Ministry. of head and neck oncologic lesions. more than 50 countries, most of which and effective, they are registered by Hernández said that to be able to We are also undertaking a are in the so-called “first world”. 6 CUBA New Memorandum Enhances Cuba-US Cooperation A new memorandum of understanding signed by Cuba Security and the Cuban Foreign Ministry were also and the United States on law enforcement cooperation present at the signing. will enhance bilateral relations on homeland security On January 12 and 13 last, the 4th bilateral meeting issues important to both. on human trafficking was held in Washington. Cuba Josefina Vidal, General Director of the Cuban Foreign informed about measures implemented in the country Affairs Ministry’s U.S. Division, said that Cuba and the to prevent and fight the scourge and the support offered US will collaborate in the fight against terrorism, the to victims. trafficking of drugs, arms, people, flora and fauna, the The Cuban Foreign Ministry said in a press release laundering of assets and cyber crimes. that their position is consistent with their ¨zero tolerance¨ According to the Granma daily newspaper here, the policy of any form of human trafficking. text addresses terrorism prevention and control, drug Courtesy of telesurtv PHOTO: Such measures also apply to other crimes connected trafficking, information technology related crimes and The memorandum was signed in Havana by Cuba´s with sex and labor exploitation and corroborate Cuba´s cyber security issues of mutual interest. Interior Minister, Vice Admiral Julio César Gandarilla, and laudable performance in this regard, the text reads. It also covers the falsification of identity cards the U.S. embassy´s chargé d´affaires, Jeffrey DeLaurentis. The Washington meeting was presided over by Yuri Gala, and travel documents, the smuggling of firearms, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamín the Cuban Foreign Ministry´s Director for Bilateral Affairs, ammunition and explosives, currency forgery and other Rhodes, who was on an official visit to Cuba, and , and the ambassador of the Department of State Office to crimes committed in both jurisdictions. representatives of the U.S. Commission on National Monitor and Combat People Trafficking, Susan Coppedge. SPOTLIGHT ON 7 SPOTLIGHT ON Tales from Atarés Castle By CiroBIANCHI ROSS

The construction of the Atarés castle, The infantry took up position and the on Soto hill behind Havana bay – cannons and the mortars, supported by commenced following the storming of the auxiliary artillery and batteries on the Havana by the English in 1762. Patria and Cuba ships, heavily bombarded The incident highlighted the need to their enemy. protect and defend the roads between The insurgents located in Atarés the city and outlying rural areas. responded to the intense fire. Designed by the Belgian engineer At 2:00 p.m., the situation of those Agustín Cramer, the castle was built besieged had become desperate. between 1763 and 1767. It is rumored that, on realizing that The cannons installed there however, named Batista staged a coup d’état held, the barracks on Dragones and San the US marines would never land, never saw action against a foreign invasion. against President Céspedes who had Ambrosio surrendered, Atarés became Commander Leonard took his own life. During the General Gerardo Machado replaced Machado after his defeat on the insurgent’s last stronghold. By then, the people in the castle dictatorship of (1925-1933), Atarés was August 12, and stripped all armed forces Leonard had rejected the idea of and the civilians in particular, had under the command of the notorious officers of their ranks. going to the Managua hills or to Jaruco, called for surrender. Captain Manuel Crespo Moreno. Shortly afterwards, a government that as his followers suggested. At 3:00 p.m. many of them made the It was the then headquarters of appointed Ramón Grau San Martín as He preferred to wait in Atarés for 5,000 fatal error of running down the castle hill the Rural Guard’s Squadron 5 of, a well President was formed. reinforcements, promised by a former waving white scarves. trained unit that escorted the President On the 8th and 9th of November that senior official that never arrived. He also They got caught in a crossfire that of the Republic. same year, during an uprising against believed that a US marine landing would caused multiple casualties. Many rebels who fought Machado Grau, 1.500 civilians, ex officials and active relieve their situation. The besieged then asked for talks. were tortured and murdered there, some soldiers, led by Commander Ciro Leonard, But the army soon positioned itself Finally, at 4:00 p.m., the army recovered were even buried within the castle walls. took refuge in Atarés. in the around the fortress, intent on the Atarés castle and brought the On September 4, 1933, a sergeant When, along with other positions retaking control. uprisingto an end. Beatriz Márquez Launches Duet Album By PedroQUIROGA Courtesy of radio reloj Courtesy of radio PHOTO: PHOTO: prensa-latina.cu PHOTO: PHOTO: prensa-latina.cu PHOTO: Popularly known as ¨La Musicalísima”, Mis Duetos follows her double Cuban singer and composer Beatriz reloj Courtesy of radio PHOTO: 2014 Cubadisco award winning Márquez opens 2017 with the launch of endeavor because she had to adjust her The disc includes amongst others Espontáneamente album, recorded at an album of duets with 12 male trova voice to different styles and tessitura. favorites, songs like Para vivir (Pablo Abdala record’s studio number one. musicians and singer songwriters. “It was both rewarding and unusual Milanés), Requiem (Silvio Rodríguez), In November this year “La Released on the Producciones Abdala because -- although I have sang certain Quién (Waldo Mendoza), Candil de nieve Musicalisima¨ will celebrate 50 years of S.A. Unicornio Record Label, “Mis duetos” duets throughout my career -- I had never (Raúl Torres), Caricias (Amaury Pérez), Tú performances by recalling her first steps (My Duets) features the famous Cuban undertaken a project of this magnitude”. y yo (Descemer Bueno) and Este amor as singer with the Los Barbas band back musicians Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Famous for hits like Espontáneamente, (Juan Formell). in 1967. Juan Formell, Vicente Rojas, Descemer Pólvora mojada and Como cada mañana, Beatriz explained that Ceruto’s A pianist, singer and composer, Bueno, Leoni Torres, Waldo Mendoza, the artist added that her musical arranger arrangements add a modern twist to Beatriz Márquez Castro (Havana, 1952) is Amaury Pérez, Gerardo Alfonso, Raúl and producer Juan Manuel Ceruto had traditional danzón, bachata, bossanova, a daughter of the prestigious composer Torres, Israel Rojas and Pablo FG. suggested the idea of duets with male ballads, rock and flamenco themes by and singer René Márquez. The artist told The Havana Reporter, singers performing some of their best fusing them with other contemporary In 2015 she was awarded the National the recording had been a complex loved numbers. music styles. Music Lifetime Achievement Award. 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

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Teatro Huber de Blanck

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GETTINGMuseo de la Música Centro Hispanoamericano AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] (Museum of Music) de Cultura Calle Obrapía e/ Bernaza y Villegas. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 RECOMMENDS 863-9862. •Giselle Thu. Feb. 16 (5 pm): Pancho at Gran Amat and his band. Teatro de La Habana Museo Casa Benito Juárez Alicia Obrapía e/ Mercaderes y Oficio. Alonso Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-8166. Fri. Feb. 24 (3 pm): Singer Rogelio MUSIC MUSIC Museo Nacional de Bellas Rivas. Artes (National Museum of Casa del Alba Cultural Fine Arts) Casa Victor Hugo (Cultural Center)

Calle Calzada e/ A y B. Vedado. Tel: 7 830-1011. Fri. Feb. 10, Sat. 11 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 12 (5 Malecón e/ Capdevila y Paseo. pm): “Quien quiere comprar un Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866-0775. pueblo” (Who Wants to Buy a Wed.Feb. 15 (5 pm): Vocale Sine Town?) (Hubert de Blanck). Nomine ensemble conducted by Leonor Suárez. Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso Patio-Bar Egrem O´Reilly e/ Habana y Aguiar. San Miguel e/ Campanario y Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866-7591. Fri. Lealtad. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 Feb. 11 (5 pm): Concert by the 864-2006. Wed. Feb. 15, 22 (5 clarinet quartet of the Cuban pm): Ihosvany Bernal, Samuel National Ballet Company. Fri. 24 Águila, Diego Cano, Juan Carlos (5 pm): Cáliz Duo: Luis Manuel Pérez and Benito de la Fuente Molina (guitar) and Vicente (trova music). Sat. 25 (5 pm): Monterrey (clarinet). Singer Narciso Suárez. Calle Refugio e/ Zulueta y Monserrate. Habana Vieja. Tel: Plaza de Armas Palacio de la Rumba 7 861-0241.Edificio de Arte Cubano. Sat. Feb. 18 (7 pm): Calle Línea e/ C y D, Vedado. Guitarist Ahmed Dickinson Tel: 7 833-2151. Sat. 11 (8 pm): performs. Hemiciclo de Arte La Academia band performs. Universal. Sat. 11 (3 pm): Santa Director: Ruy López-Nussa. Sun. Cecilia Quintet directed by Mara 12 (5 pm): Club “En Confluencia.” Pérez. Sat. 18 (3 pm): Exaudi Director: Eduardo Martín. Guest: Choir directed by María Felicia Mabel González. Sun. 19 (5 pm): Pérez. Sat. 25 (3 pm): Cantus Club “Tardes Liricas.” Director: Youth Choir conducted by Milagros de los Angeles. Guest: Miguel Zequeira. Móviles Trio.Thu. 23 (6 pm): Club “El Canto de todos” with Vicente Casa Africa (Africa House Feliú Museum)

Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Sat. Feb. 11 (6 pm): Camerata Romeu chamber San Miguel e/ Hospital y music ensemble conducted Obrapía e/ San Ignacio y Aramburu. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 by Zenaida Romeu. Sat. 18 (6 Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel:7 873-0990.Tue. Feb. 14, 21 (4 pm): Calle Paseo del Prado e/ San pm): Música Eterna band. Guest: 861-5798. Septeto Habanero band. Sat. 11, Rafael y San José. Centro Lecuona Trio. Sat. 25 (6 pm): Sat. Feb. 11 (3 pm): Obbini Obispo y Mercaderes.Habana 18 (4 pm): Felicidad and guests. Habana. Tel: 7 861-5873. Fri. Feb. Ventus Habana quintet. Guest: Batá (folk music). Wed. 22 (10 Vieja. Tel: 7 860-9530. Fri. Feb.12, Sat. 25 (4 pm): Mario Michell. 10, Sat. 11 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 12 Madaris Morgan (piano), Mirelis am): Singer Noemí Valdés and 19, 26 (4 pm): National Concert Sun. 21, 28 (6 pm): Timbalaye (5 pm): Alcina by G.I.Handel Morgan (violin), Z-Saxos quartet. guitarist Jesús Fleites. Band performs. band performs. ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING AROUNDJardines del Teatro Mella Gato Tuerto Centro Cultural Fresa y Casa de la Música de MUSEUMS AND Chocolate Miramar MUSEUMSGALLERIES AND GALLERIES Avenida 35 esq. a 20, Miramar, Playa. Tel: 7 204-044. Salón Te Museo Nacional de Bellas Quedarás. Fri. Feb. 17, 24 (5 pm): Artes El Niño y la Verdad band. Sat. 25 Calle San Rafael e/ Zulueta (11 pm): Osain del Monte folk (Agramonte) y Monserrate band. Diablo Tun Tun. Sat. 11, 18, (Ave. de las Misiones), Habana 25 (11 pm): Gens rock band. Vieja. Tel:7 861-5777. Edificio de Arte Universal. Through March El Sauce (10 am): Exhibition “Diecisiete Avenida 9na e/ 164 y 120. Playa. menos uno” (Seventeen Tel: 7 204-7114. Sun. Feb. 19, 26 minus One) by Michelangelo (5 pm): Frank Delgado and his Pistoletto. club “Máquina de la Melancolía”.

Museo Castillo de La Real DANCE Fuerza DANZA

Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso (Grand Theater of Havana) Calle 23 e/ 10 y 12. Vedado. Tel: Calle Paseo de Martí esq. Fri. Feb. 10, 17, 24 (11 pm): Orley Boulevard San Rafael. Centro Calle Línea e/ A y B. Tel: 7 833- Cruz. Fri. 17 (5 pm): Olga la Rusa. Habana. Tel: 7 861-5873. Sala 5651. Thu. Feb. 9 (5 pm-7 pm): Wed. 22 (5 pm): Marta Sánchez García Lorca. Fri. Feb. 17, 24 Sat. Negrons and Brebaje Man. and guitarist Jesús Fleites. 18, 25 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 19, 26 Thu. 16 (5 pm): Papa Flow and Calle O e/ 17 y 19. Vedado. Tel: (5 pm): Giselle Cuba´s National Adverzario. 7 838-2629. Sat. Feb. 18 (9 pm): Submarino Amarillo (Yellow Ballet Company. Alex D Lara performs. Submarine) Jardines del 1830 Hotel Habana Libre 26th International Book Fair of Havana.

Calle O’ Reilly e/ Avenida del Puerto y Tacón. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 864-4490. Temporary hall: Exhibition Footprints on the City by Ileana Mulet, dedicated to the 497th anniversary of founding of Havana.

Casa Juan Gualberto Gomez Date: February 9 to 19. Empedrado e/ Habana y Guest country: Canada. Compostela. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866- 4114. Through Feb.: Calle 17 e/ 4 y 6. Vedado. Tel: 7 Exhibition ¨Al rescate del grupo 830-6808. Sat. Feb. 11, 25 (11 2nd International Espacio 1965-1972¨ dedicated pm): Live performance by La to the work of Yonny Ibáñez Tierra del Cover rock band. Sun. Salsa Dancing Gómez, grandson of patriot 12, 19, 26 (5 pm): Eddie Escobar Juan Gualberto Gomez and his band. Sun. 12, 19, 26 (9 Festival. pm): Los Kent rock band. NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS Club Barbaram Pepito´s Bar Teatro Nacional de Cuba Calle L e/ 23 y 25. Vedado. Tel: 7 Calle 26 e/ Avenida Zoológico Café Cantante. Tue. Feb. 14, 21 Calle Malecón e/ 20 y 22. 834-6100. Turquino. Mon. Feb. y 47. Nuevo Vedado. Tel: Tel: 7 (5 pm): El Noro y 1ra. Clase band Vedado. Tel: 7 838- 3090 Thu. 13, 20, 27 (11 pm): El Chispa y 881- 1808. Wed. Feb. 8, 15 (9 performs. Thu. 16, 23 (8:30 pm): Feb. 16, 23 (8:30 pm): Project los Cómplices band. Wed. 15, pm): Yeny Fernández Cobas Sonrisa Caribeña band. Delirio Casino Dancing for All. Sun. 19, 22 (11 pm): Caribe Girls band. performs. Wed. 8 (9 pm): Date: February 20 to 27 Habanero. Sat. 18, 25 (11 pm): 26 (5 pm): Moncada band and Sat. 18, 25 (10 pm): Fiebre Latina Castelio Saborit. Fri. 17 (9 pm): Place: Parque Metropolitano de Sony K performs. Casino Dancing for All. band. Adria Rodríguez (Tango Nights). la Habana 10 CULTURE Cuba Gets Ready for its Biggest Literary Fair. Over 35 Countries will Participate By MarthaSÁNCHEZ February 19, will be dedicated to Cuban Cuban publishing houses. the FIL Chairman, over 4 million books intellectual Armando Hart, whose work Morales highlighted the FIL capacity are expected to be commercialized in the at the Ministry of Culture some decades to connect cultures from all regions of the island during this annual event. ago contributed to turning each Cuban world, as well as the possibility to have Cabrera reiterated the intention to into a potential reader,” said the Deputy exchanges and reaffirm diversity. also turn this literary event into a music Chairman of the FIL, Edel Morales, On the program of the event, he and visual arts celebration, including during a recent press conference at highlighted the holding of a tribute to other cultural expressions. Casa de las Américas. the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel For his part, the Ambassador of This year, Canada will be the guest Castro, the main promoter of the FIL Canada in Cuba, Patrick Parisot, thanked country, and from this nation, some and one of the most renowned Cuban the government of the island for deciding of today’s most important writers will authors worldwide. translate into Spanish and print several attend the event. That is the case of The main activities of the Book Fair Canadian books to facilitate the Cuban Margaret Atwood, who, in the opinion will include talks, professional meetings, readers to access their literature. of Morales – also Deputy Chairman of book launches and presentations According to the diplomat, this is the the Cuban Book Institute – deserves the of renowned writers from different best way to celebrate 150 anniversary of Nobel Prize for Literature. countries of the world. The National Prize the Canadian Confederation, and for sure, The prolific poet, novelist, professor for Literature and other national and this event will contribute to strengthen and political activist has received several international awards will also be granted bilateral relations, in place for over 70 years. international awards, like the Prince during the event. “We will be happy to show our Cuba’s biggest literary fair, the of Asturias Prize for Literature (2008), Once again, the San Carlos de la talent, as during the 10-day event, not International Book Fair (FIL, in Spanish), in addition to being nominated to the Cabaña fortress will be Havana’s main only writers will come to Cuba, but also will open its doors in Havana next Nobel Prize. host of the literary event. Then, the FIL will musicians and stage actors,” stated the February 9 with the participation of over The Organizing Committee of the be taken to the rest of the country, until Ambassador. 35 countries and the launch of over 700 26th edition of the Book Fair confirmed April 16, when the event will be closed at Over 30 Canadian authors and 15 new titles. the presence in the event of 36 countries, the Santiago de Cuba province. publishing houses will come to Havana to “The event, to be celebrated until 162 authors, 86 foreign speakers and 58 According to Juan Rodríguez Cabrera, take part in the event. 50 Years of Brilliant Camagüey Ballet By ElizabethBORREGO

premiered its own very well received version of Giselle at the Gran Teatro de la Habana during the International Ballet Festival, featuring an almost entirely new cast. The company also staged classics

Leandro Armando Pérez Pérez Armando Pérez Leandro PHOTOs: instruction in Cuba, introduced by Professor The sUccessful premiere ratified the such as Don Quixote, Saerpil and La Llama Renowned both in Cuba and many parts Vicentina de Torre in November 1967. prestige gained by the company over de París last year. of the world for excellent performances The company has complimented fifty years and corroborated by a more The institution has, since its and the artistic quality of its young the legacy of its distinguished than 260 piece strong repertoire and foundation, worked with Kirov Ballet members, the eastern Cuban, Camagüey predecessors with a renewed acclaimed performances in Europe, Asia Company star, Elena Vinogradova, Jorge Ballet Company (BC), is celebrating its repertoire that includes ambitious and Latin America. Lefebre, artistic director of the Royal 50th birthday in 2017. projects such as their 2016 premiered Shortly before the premiere of Ballet of Wallonia, Belgium, the Mexicans Directed by Regina Balaguer since Carmen, to mark the 49th anniversary. Carmen, Regina told this newspaper Federico Castro and Javier Carranza, and 1997, critics consider it one of Cuba´s The company selected a famous that she had seen “the company grow Cuba’s own Alberto Alonso. most important ballet companies and version by German choreographer Peter and receive excellent reviews wherever In recognition of its work, the BC an example of the legacy of Fernando Breuer, director of Austria´s Salzburg Ballet it performed, as recently in Spain and has received the Cuban Council of State Alonso; professor, dancer and founder of Company, which won the International Italy and during the International Maya awarded Distinction for National Culture the Cuban Ballet School. Maya Plisetskaya Award, in honor of the Culture Festival of Mexico, where all three and the Espejo de Paciencia Distinction, As BC director between 1975 and 1992, former lead dancer of Moscow´s Bolshoi performances sold out”. the highest recognition of the cultural Alonso revolutionized classical dance Ballet Company. In 2016, the Camagüey Company also sector in the province of Camagüey. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Havana’s Streetlamps By Roberto F. CAMPOS

Havana’s historic center has details that draw the gaze of visitors to doors, doorknockers, grilles and streetlamps that seem to have been frozen by time. Streetlamps in particular, with their metal relief, provide a unique and vibrant beauty that now incorporates modern bulb technology behind century old bars. The restoration of these streetlamps – a distinctive element of a city proud of its preservation policies – brings a contemporary synergy to both old rust and clean green energy. Standing majestically in parks, avenues and on Havana’s corners, ancient and modern streetlamps are a unique attraction for those who ramble around a city soon to celebrate 500 years since its foundation on November 16, 1519. 12 POLITICS Fuel Price Rise Enrages Mexicans By OrlandoORAMAS

Anger continues to mount in Mexico the Mexican diet, has already increased following a fuel price increase at in different parts of the country. the start of 2017 that has led to The chairman of the Industrial demonstrations and lootings, resulting Chamber Confederation, Miguel in hundreds of arrests. Herrera, stated that fuel price increases In almost all of the countries states, add pressure to the costs faced by people have vehemently rejected the producers in all sectors. increase in petrol and diesel prices, At the end of 2016, industry growth which will be subject to fluctuations was null, and he predicted “a difficult until a daily price has been established situation in 2017, this news reaffirms that it by the middle of the year. will be a tough year for Mexican industry.” Although the government Agricultural organizations also promised in 2016 that fuel prices affirm that the measure will increase would not vary, an average increase of production and consumables costs, over 20% has been imposed. with prices are already high because of This is the result of President Enrique the depreciation of the Mexican peso Peña Nieto’s Energy Reform, which against the dollar. opens the energy sector to privatization, The National Milk Producers and particularly by foreign interests. Consumers Front chairman, Álvaro Despite widespread criticism, Peña González, said that producers are Nieto insists that the price increase has alarmed by the effects the increase will nothing to do with Energy Reform. have on the costs of the milk production. The President and the Secretary He estimated a price increase for of the Treasury, José Antonio Meada, these products in the region of 8 to 10%. stated that the new rates relate to fuel President Peña Nieto has

prices on the international market and Apimages PHOTO: promised that the federal executive to operational costs associated with poorest, will in fact become the higher prices result in general inflation. will do its best to ensure that fuel Petróleos Mexicanos. primary victims of a chain of increases And although the millions of price adjustments do not affect the Meade, a former of Social resulting from higher fuel prices. Mexicans who live in poverty don’t economies of Mexican families. Development Secretary, also said that According to the National own a car, fuel price increases affect The Head of State told “housewives, the subvention of fuel prices works Consumer Prices Index - conducted them when buying basic goods heads of the household, workers, against important social programs by the National Institute of Statistics and services, including public students and small businessmen, that currently in place, which benefit the and Geography (Inegi, in Spanish), transportation, tortillas, milk, rice, for this Government of the Republic, underprivileged. fuel is the most important factor for eggs and other products. protecting your jobs, your incomes These population sectors, the the family shopping basket because In fact the cost of a tortilla, a staple in and your expenses is a priority.” Presidential Re-election Controversy in Paraguay By JulioFUMERO such as the signatures of 1,142 a clause that would allow him run campaign to collect the dead people. for a second term of office. signatures of those presumably According to an analysis Their endeavor is in favor of the presidential undertaken by the Electoral unacceptable to the opposition, rekutu, mainly based on Justice Supreme Court (TSJE, in including an ANR-PC dissident governmental institutions. Spanish), 69,000 of the 357,685 wing, which considers it The TSJE took the time to citizens registered on the forms unconstitutional because check names, ID numbers and were as equally invalid as those Congress already rejected their other details against the electoral dead bit registered as alive. original proposal. register. And when incoherencies Other anomalies The governing party’s project on the list were made public, a included 296 signatures that for an eventual amendment to wave of accusations ensued. corresponded to minors, 27,174 allow re-election did not get The promoters of the action duplicates, 12,931 belonging to the requisite support in the are now trying to defend foreigners, 97 to Paraguayans legislative body, which sat in themselves by claiming that they living abroad, 163 to inmates August 2016. are not in fact responsible for the and a further 19,498 that do not The Bill was sent to the fraud uncovered. appear in the electoral register. archives and invalidated, not to The leadership of the The release of this information be debated again for one year. governing party minimized provoked a serious reaction and But the promoters now claim the situation by saying that opposition accusations - voiced that they have a new proposal, disqualified signatures represent since the beginning of the even most though people a negligible part (19%) overall collection of signatures by the view it as nothing more than a and that the remaining majority PHOTO: Apimages PHOTO: National Republican Association- tweaked version of that rejected. validate the act. After a brief respite, the in the process. Partido Colorado (ANR-PC, in This has led to widespread They also implied controversial climate surrounding a A list of persons handed in Spanish) - became more intense. demonstrations by those who interference – without revealing proposed presidential re-election in to the electoral authority by the The principal authors of the oppose it. by whom – regarding the fake Paraguay – through a constitutional governing party – in favor of the petition are supporters of the Head The faction of the governing signatures and other data in the amendment – intensified because re-election or rekutu, in Guarani of State, Horacio Cartes, who want party supporting the proposal forms, especially in the case of of numerous irregularities detected – contained several anomalies, to see included in the constitution quickly mounted an intense the deceased. ECONOMY 13 Water Works in Havana By MasielFERNÁNDEZ to over 2 million inhabitants and oversee 4 thousand Last year, water metering was one of the company’s kilometers of water pipes and systems.” most important undertakings, with over 14 thousand He went on to say that, “we are establishing a installed across the state and residential sectors. systematic works and maintenance program that This year, the company hopes to install a further 20 over the coming five years will ensure that the thousand meters. municipalities added to the network will receive the “Water metering is a positive step to aid users same levels of service as all the rest”. better regulate their use of water”. Díaz added that the company has over 203 Such charges have no profit motive whatsoever their pumping stations, one water treatment plant, 26 main objective is to ensure rational water consumption. chlorine-gas plants for the chemical treatment of Diaz said that in 5 years time, the entire city of potable water and two hypochlorite plants. Havana will be covered by the water metering system. Courtesy of radio rebelde.cu Courtesy of radio PHOTO: The Aguas de La Habana manager also explained His entity is also working on the renovation of Aguas de La Habana, a Cuban-Spanish joint venture of how the company provides sanitation services to over the pumping station and waste treatment plant 15 years standing, serves more than 2 million Havana 1 million 456 thousand residents which, “in this case, infrastructure in the seven municipalities added city dwellers and manages more than 4 thousand refer to the sewage treatment services we provide.” since the beginning of 2016, given that the other kilometers of water pipes and systems. Díaz also referred to three sewage treatment eight already have a higher level of management Until one year ago, the entity only provided plants and 14 stabilization ponds where waste water and functioning. services to 8 of Havana’s 15 municipalities, but is is collected and treated naturally by sunlight created According to Díaz, the most urgent task is the now responsible for all of the city’s aqueduct and microorganisms that purify water. reduction of water wastage and leaks in the pipe sewage systems. The company also has 96 septic tanks and over 398 system. The latter mainly occurs in major pipes, According to deputy general manager, Leonel kilometers of rainwater drains. explaining why renovation works have initially Díaz, it’s primary purpose today is to provide a highly In 2016, Aguas de La Habana undertook various focused on these. efficient service. important works, which included the renewal of He explained that later on, water system He told The Havana Reporter that “the company’s the system in both the Habana Vieja and Plaza de la and residential issues, such as metering and the workload is very complex. We have to supply water Revolución municipalities. replacement of residential pipes, will be attended to. Broader Horizons for Cooperatives By María JuliaMAYORAL The meeting highlighted that the commission in charge of implementing about regulations covering the creation of development of a cooperative system the economic guidelines approved by non-agricultural cooperatives.” sector will release the government from the party told this newspaper that of the The official acknowledged that although direct involvement in activities that by non-agricultural cooperatives presently the wholesale distribution network offers nature require a high level of independence, functioning, 62 percent (248) are engaged facilities such as a 20 percent discount on autonomy and responsible management. in commerce, gastronomy, technical and some products to cooperatives, “such offers The creation of this new form of professional services, 17.4 percent (69) are not sufficient to satisfy demand”. production is in keeping with the in construction and 8.5 percent (33) in On a more positive note, the event implementation of two guidelines industrial related activities. praised the growth in production and service approved by the 6th Congress of the Cuban Participants in the recent event agreed provision levels by cooperatives, principally Communist Party, to amplify non-state that deficiencies exist in the training in the food sector, which directly benefit

Lazaro David Najarro David Lazaro PHOTO: forms of property and management, based of future CNA partners and in supplies both the population and CAN members. The experimental, non-agricultural on socialist principles. to cooperatives from the wholesale A critical analysis by the forum is cooperative sector continues to expand Still in their trial phase, these non- distribution network. regarded as a major contribution to in the areas of trade, food and technical agricultural cooperatives operate in Mercedes Fontanella, the Domestic the continued progression of the non- or personal services provision, as part of spheres such as trade, gastronomy, Trade Ministry’s (MINCIN) national agricultural cooperative experiment that the ongoing process to update Cuba´s passenger transportation, freight services, director for gastronomic affairs said prioritizes activities that contribute to local economic and social model. construction, industry, food, energy and that training initiatives have not thus far development solutions. The first national workshop on the topic accounting services. resolved a shortage of workers, presidents All forms of cooperative in Cuba are in was held in Havana recently to evaluate A total of 397 CNA are presently in and officials.” keeping with the nation‘s socialist system progress to date, with the participation operation with 93 others due to come on- According to the MINCIN first Deputy and are created voluntarily to produce of high ranking government officials, the stream, most -- as directed by the Council of Minister, Odalys Escandell, “there is still a goods or services for economic and social presidents of non-agricultural cooperatives Ministers in 2014 -- aimed at changing the lot to be done, in the context of breaches ends, under the precept that all permanent (CAN), trade union representatives and structure of food services. of contracts signed by suppliers, delays in workers are stakeholders in the ventures university professors and researchers. Grisel Tristá, a member of the supply and a general lack of information and that all enjoy equal rights. 14 ECONOMY Improved Quality Control System Infrastructure By RobertoSALOMÓN

During the course of the interview, the Director of Standardization revealed that Cuba had completed its first internal quality management certification venture when it certified the Biocubafarma Group’s medical equipment. A laboratory that will be a national reference has also been opened to calibrate fuel meters, ensuring more exact readings and substantial transport savings. PHOTO: Courtesy of cubadebate PHOTO: Fernandez announced that an Cuba continues to enhance its product and international workshop would be hosted quality control infrastructure, a key element in Havana in February to train Cuban for national economic development. specialists in electro-techniques that In an interview with The Havana will greatly enhance knowledge and Reporter, the National Standard Bureau’s expertise in clean energy regulation. director general, Nancy Fernández, said She highlighted that when speaking that the world had entered a new era about quality, third parties had to given of quality control, an essential factor for rebelde Courtesy of juventud PHOTO: consideration because it now went countries endeavoring to enter the value staff training courses in their branch system to verify compliance with beyond conformity between the supplier chain and access increasingly demanding schools to raise knowledge and awareness internationally recognized regulatory and the client, as had been the case in the international markets of relevant new international standards technical requirements, certification latter half of the last century. Governments are presently focused such as ISO 31,000, 22,000 and 51,000. and accreditation. Fernandez concluded the interview on the creation of quality control These relate to food safety, She added that the country is working by stating that today, a third independent infrastructures that incrementally environmental risk management, to reinforce the role of national regulators party that was a recognized authority interact with technological advances and renewable energy, salary systems and and in the development of degree, was required to certify compliance innovation developments. other matters that did not exist when master and doctorate qualifications in with international standards and that These foster real competition in the product and service quality control was standardization, metrology and quality a product or service may be highly sector, leading to new ISO standards in exclusively regulated by ISO 9000. control and emphasized that many competitive, but if it lacks quality line with global economic, scientific and Fernandez stated that Cuba has a well universities and technical colleges elements associated with technology or technical developments. defined quality control infrastructure nationwide have established courses on innovation, that competitiveness will be Fernandez explained that her Office based on standardization, metrology, these subjects, from which 3,637 students at risk and it will be excluded from the has organized in excess of 150 specialized certification and an inspection had graduated between 2011 and 2013. most demanding markets. SPORTS 15 Cuban Gymnasts Aspire to Greatness By AlfredoBOADA

and to qualify a team for the next Olympic Games,” the coach said enthusiastically. He added that this year, the team will compete in the World Cup in May, the Central American qualifying tournament in July and the World Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Montreal, Canada, next October. He revealed in relation to the latter that the country hopes to enter four gymnasts. Cuba currently has a team panel of 12 gymnasts, with a further three in the reserve group. The average age is 18, with the PHOTO: Courtesy of trabajadores.cu PHOTO: exception of the most experienced the country could achieve in the present exponents: Manrique Larduet and Randy cycle that will conclude with the Tokyo Lerú, both 20 years old. 2020 Olympic Games. “This is one of our finest moments The outstanding performance of regarding the quality of our gymnasts, and Cuba’s best gymnast in the Rio de Janeiro we have great reserves. Games highlights recent developments in Cubans will soon be proud of our ricardo-lopez-hevia radio rebelde Courtesy radio of ricardo-lopez-hevia PHOTO: this sport in Cuba. international results”. Cuba hopes to have a complete and aspires to having a full contingent, rather Larduet’s accomplishments in Rio were “We have the potential to win gold in competitive world class gymnastics team, than just two or three athletes, to compete despite an injury and complimented his the artistic gymnastics event during the following Manrique Larduet’s impressive at an international level in this attractive excellent results in three worlds in 2015. next Central American Games. international results and the presence of and complex sport’s international arena. In the Glasgow 2015 World Gil concluded the interview by saying, three Cubans in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Even though a dreamed of Rio Championship (Scotland), Larduet won “we will be in the running for a medal in Olympic Games. Cuban gymnasts had last de Janeiro medal was not realized – the all-round silver medal and took bronze the Pan-Americans and we hope to also participated in the Athens 2004 Games. Manrique Larduet took fifth and sixth in the horizontal bars apparatus final. participate in the Olympic Games in Japan, Carlos Gil, the national team coach, places on the parallel and horizontal bars “We hope to resume our position in the at least in the team event. If we set out to told The Havana Reporter that the country respectively – the results indicate what Central American and Pan-American area do it, we can.” Can Cuba’s Boxing Domadores Be Tamed? By LemayPADRÓN

A question doing the rounds ahead of Every team has potential and it this year VII World Series of Boxing is, „can remains to be seen how their boxers Cuba’s Domadores (Tamers) be beaten perform, particularly in major matches. this time around?” The team has already revealed its panel THE AMERICAS GROUP of fighters for the forthcoming series. With three Olympic champions and The latest news from the Americas group many other world medal winners, the relates to Colombia, presently at its peak Domadores are hot favorites to retain in boxing terms and that substitutes their title in the series that this year Mexico this time out, the oldest franchise pitches franchises against others from of the region. their respective geographical regions. However, it will not be easy for Topping the Cuban team list are Rio Colombia and other Latin American de Janeiro 2016 Olympic champions teams to progress to the post-season Robeisy Ramírez, winner of the 56 kg stage, where places are reserved for the division; Arlen López (75) and Julio César best six squads alone. La Cruz (81). Venezuela’s Caciques seem to be the Other World medal winning fighters second most versatile team and may included are Joahnys Argilagos (49), well qualify alongside the Domadores world champion in Doha 2015; Roniel for the playoffs. The results of their Iglesias (69), world medallist in Milan bilateral bouts will be of particular 2009, and Lázaro Álvarez (60), three-time Group B is made up of the Moroccon The current British runners-up WSB interest to fans. world champion and two-time Olympic Atlas Lions; Italy’s Thunders; France’s team will present a formidable and The presence of Olympic boxers bronze medallist. Fighting Roosters and the British unchanged panel and the Italian line-up Yoel Finol (52), Luis Arcón (64), Gabriel Also on the list are world Lionhearts. Group C comprises Russia, includes the renowned boxers, Vincenzo Maestre (69), Endry Saavedra (75), Albert championship runners-up, Yosbany China’s Dragons, the Astana Arlans and Mangiacapre (81kg) and Clemente Russo Ramírez (81) and Edgar Muñoz (+91), Veitía (52) and Erislandy Savón (91) and the Uzbek Tigers teams. (91kg). may give the team the requisite edge to Arisnoide Despaigne (69)silver medalist The preliminary rounds will be held Group C promises intense combats reach the quarterfinal stage. in Astana 2013. between February 3rd and April 22nd. between the Russians, Kazakhs and Traditionally, the Argentineans are The Domadores will compete in opening Argentina facing Colombia, Uzbeks, all of whom are also presenting hard to beat at home but struggle to Group A against Venezuela’s Caciques; Cuba v Venezuela, Russia v Kazakhstan their best boxers, who have defended the find form away and the Colombians are Argentina’s Cóndores and the Colombian and China v Uzbekistan, following which colors of their countries in recent editions as yet an unknown quantity, as they have team, a substitute for Mexico’s Guerreros. six teams will advance to the next round. of the WSB. not yet revealed their selection. 16