© YEAR IX THE Nº 8 MAY 30 , 2019 , ISSN 2224-5707 Price: avana eporter 1.00 CUC H YOUR SOURCE OF NEWSR & MORE 1.00 USD A Monthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.20 CAN Tourism Fair Meets Everyone’s Expectations Trump’s Endless Hostility Toward Cuba

June 16, 2017 March 15, 2019 Trump signed a Presidential The U.S. government Memorandum on the policy announced an amendment toward Cuba, announcing on the granting of B2 a reversion on the visas to Cubans (for family rapprochement Barack Obama tourism and visits, among (2009-2017) had started and other functions), to only ordered the drafting of new allow a one-time entry of travel and trade restrictions. up to three months. September 29, 2017 April 5 & 12, 2019 On the pretext of health The Trump administration incidents reported by announced sanctions U.S. diplomats in Havana, against ships linked to P. 2 the Department of State Venezuelan oil that carry announced the withdrawal crude oil to Cuba. A Gift to Havana for its 500th Anniversary of 60 percent of the U.S. Embassy staff in Cuba and suspended visa allocation. April 8, 2019 The U.S. government October 3, 2017 announced the suspension The Department of State of the historic agreement ordered the departure of reached between the U.S. 15 Cuban diplomats from Major League Baseball and the the Embassy of Cuba in Cuban Baseball Federation. Washington DC. April 17, 2019 November 8, 2017 The Trump administration The U.S. announced new travel confirms that Title III of and trade restrictions with Cuba, the Helms-Burton Act which included a list of 180 will be totally enacted Cuban entities and sub-entities and announced that new with which the U.S. people restrictions will be adopted cannot make transactions. This on remittances and travel to list was enlarged on November Cuba not related to family 1, 2018 and March 11, 2019. reasons. P. 4 Inmersión P. 7 Prensa Latina, Cuba Sets New Female Athletes to Six Decades in the Service Economic Goals Make Cuba Proud of Truth

P. 3 P. 13 P. 15 2 TOURISM

Text & Photos Roberto F.CAMPOS Tourism Fair Meets Everyone’s Expectations

Minister Marrero

HAVANA.- Cuba continues to be in the spotlight, above all in terms of tourism, as corroborated during the recent tourism fair, which stood out for its colorful atmosphere and bountiful opportunities. In addition to being a fruitful occasion for networking, the 39th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2019) held in Havana offered a look at Cuban tourism´s promising future. The fair was held at San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress from May 7 to 11, with the last day open to the public. This year´s fair honored as the guest country and was dedicated to Havana and its 500th anniversary on November 16, while it also emphasized event-based and incentive tourism. The closing statements by Cuban authorities in regards to the upcoming 40th edition turned out to be quite interesting, as Russia will be the ´guest of honor´of the 2020 FITCuba Fair. On the last day of the event, Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero also announced that the upcoming edition will be held at the Varadero beach resort and will be largely dedicated to beach tourism. The Cuban Minister said that the main venue for the 2020 fair will be Plaza America exhibition site -located about 140 kilometers east of Havana- while the recently inaugurated Hotel Internacional de Varadero serve as the sub venue. continues to be the main issuing market of tourists to the island with The FITCuba 2019 Fair was attended by 7,567 professionals of the tourist industry from 1,109,000 visitors. 53 countries, including 263 journalists, most of them specialized in international tourism. The United States stands as the second market in line with the 12 categories The most important deals included two business contracts between Canada’s Blue approved for visits to Cuba, mainly through the cruise ship modality. However, the Diamond Firm and Cuba’s Gran Caribe Hotel Chain for the administration of two new number has decreased more than 40 percent due to the U.S. economic pressures hotels, one in Cayo Coco and the other in Varadero. against the island. Also worth mentioning is the workshop that was held for representatives of the 19 Despite the obstacles posed by President Donald Trump, a delegation of 50 U.S. foreign hotel chains operating in Cuba and a conference between Cuban and Spanish representatives of 26 companies came to FITCuba. Last year, 850,000 cruise ship representatives, which was attended by 150 participants. passengers visited the country on the 25 boats of 17 cruise lines that operate in The above mentioned figures, Marrero said, show that in spite of the campaigns Cuba. led by the U.S. administration to cut the number of trips to Cuba and affect its tourist Germany, France, the , and Spain contributed one million industry, the island has expanded opportunities with the rest of the world. visitors -20 percent of the total. Other markets had record figures: with During the fair, the Cuban minister provided a high level of security for foreign 21 percent, Russia with 30 percent, and China, Colombia and Portugal with ten investors, backed by Cuban law. He stressed that all negotiations are protected by the percent. Foreign Investment Law No. 118 and the National Dignity Law No.80. After the first four months of the year, Cuba welcomed 1,928,478 tourists, The participants agreed that Havana is an example of a destination with promising representing a cumulative seven percent increase. On May 6, two million visitors were statistics, currently with 51 airlines that connect the capital to 36 international cities. reported, 12 days earlier than in the same period of 2018. A total of 450 flights per week are reported during the high tourist season in Cuba The country is witnessing a strong investment process, with 13 new hotels being (November-April). built this year in Havana alone. With regards to the ports, Havana welcomes 12 of the 17 companies that operate The investment portfolio includes 170 projects. There are 27 joint ventures, 94 in Cuba. The capital hosts more than half of all visitors that spend their vacations on business contracts and 19 management contracts, which account for 44,000 rooms -6 the island. percent of all the rooms in the country. In 2018, Cuba recorded 4,732,000 tourists, and the local authorities have ratified This work is complemented with 26,000 privately-owned rooms that are run the commitment to welcome 5.1 million visitors this year. through tour operators and travel agencies, which are also in high demand.

YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE THE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY HavanaReporter SPORTS.AND MORE President: Luis Enrique González. Art Direction: Anathais Rodríguez Information Vice President: Moisés Pérez Mok Graphic Designers: Fernando Fernandez Tito Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Editorial Vice President: Orlando Oramas Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Prensa Latina, S.A. Chief Editor: Luis Melian Assistant Staff: Yaimara Portuondo Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. English Editor: Mitra Ghaffari Advertising: Nelson Pérez Vergara Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Yanely Interián Circulation: Commercial Department. Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3 Prensa Latina, Six Decades in the Service of Truth By JorgeLUNA

HAVANA.- Against all odds, the Latin American News The young revolutionary leader added that Latin Agency Prensa Latina, founded June 16, 1959, only five American media should have access to Latin American months after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, news so as to receive the truth and not be victims of celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year with more than foreign lies. 40 offices around the world. Argentinean journalist Jorge Ricardo Masetti, Prensa As the region´s first alternative media source and Latina´s first General Director, who had risked his life with a firm Latin-American vocation, Prensa Latina far to interview the rebel leaders in the Sierra Maestra, outlasted the United States Government’s prediction confirmed that the idea of founding Prensa Latina came that it would survive only one month. The U.S. stimulated out of Operation Truth. hostile media campaigns against the new-born Cuban In the new agency, which quickly opened offices political process and its agencies (Associated Press and abroad, young and talented Latin American reporters United Press International) flooded the region´s press like Carlos María Gutiérrez, Rodolfo Walsh and Gabriel with false information (“fake news”) about the Cuban García Márquez, worked alongside Cuban journalists. reality. Throughout the last six decades of uninterrupted UPI had 151 news offices in the U.S. and 110 abroad, existence, Prensa Latina has had to face numerous with 10,000 reporters all over the world. Its information obstacles and difficulties, including violent attacks, was distributed throughout 111 countries in 48 shutdowns, arrests and even murder by dictatorial languages, according to a UNESCO report published in regimes. 1964. Nevertheless, its journalists have covered main world Simultaneously, AP had 110 offices in the U.S. and events and offered news in politics, economy, science, 57 abroad, with 500 official reporters and thousands of technology, culture and sports. freelancers. They defend Prensa Latina´s founding principles: Together, both U.S. agencies had more than 400 defying monopolized information, news manipulation, offices and thousands of journalists around the world, media wars and fake news. Prensa Latina is “objective especially in Latin America. but not impartial,” because one cannot be impartial The founding of Prensa Latina, which today has between good and evil. Its original slogan is still “In the offices in the U.S., the United Nations, almost all of Latin Service of Truth”. America and principal capitals of Europe, Africa and Prensa Latina, now a multimedia institution, Asia, emerged as a necessary project, promoted by Fidel transmits some 400 news products daily in English, Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara. Spanish and other languages. It produces The Havana Only three weeks after the revolutionary victory, Reporter and 20 other publications. It has specialized on January 21and 22, 400 U.S. and Latin American radio, television and photographic services, and is very journalists were invited to Havana to personally observe active online. Cuba´s reality in a massive conference called “Operation One of Latin America´s great intellectuals, Uruguayan Truth”. Eduardo Galeano (1949-2015), said: “Prensa Latina is an Fidel Castro then explained: “We don´t have example of dignity that keeps marking the right path international cable. You, Latin American journalists, have we want to and ought to follow. Prensa Latina has lived no other choice than to accept what is spread through on with honesty and courage during times in which we those sources, which are not Latin American.” were doomed to keep quiet or to lie”. Cuban Parliament Awaits New Electoral Law By CossetLAZO

This concept was also expressed by support that the constitution received First secretary of the central committee of during the referendum held on February 24. the Communist Party of Cuba, Raúl Castro, On that occasion, about 7 million Cubans during the proclamation of the Constitution, voted Yes – 86.8 percent went to the polls – a text endorsed by most Cubans in the while over 700,000 (9 percent) voted No. referendum held February 24 of this year. The MP also announced that an intense “The Constitution we are proclaiming legislative period is to take place in the

Internet PHOTO: today is following up the first constitution future in order to fully legalize the new proclaimed in Guáimaro (a town in constitution. HAVANA.- The People’s Power National Acosta highlighted that the document eastern Cuba), because it safeguards “In that period, we will also count on Assembly (Cuban Parliament) is drafting Cuba’s draft must maintain certain principles such as the unity and the sovereignty of our the public’s active participation and will; new Electoral Law, the first to be promulgated the nomination of candidates from a grassroots homeland,” Raúl Castro said. with their opinions we will continue to on the island after the enforcement of the new level and the participation of organizations in The official highlighted the important strengthen a country characterized by Constitution on April 10. the candidates’ nomination process. role that the public played in the socialist law,” Machado noted. According to the Cuban Council of Once the Electoral Law is endorsed, the construction of the new law, which The text includes changes in the structure State Secretary, Homero Acosta, working Parliament will have a three-month term to counted on the participation of about 9 of State, such as the creation of the posts of groups were operating around the country elect the Presidency, the rest of the Council million people in the consultation held President and Vice-President of the Republic to guarantee the speed and quality of State members and the President and from August 13 to November 15. and the position of Prime Minister. necessary for the law’s presentation to Vice-President of the Republic – the latter As a result of this process, over 700,000 It also extends individual rights and Parliament, which is supposed to endorse two in response to the changes in structure proposals were submitted making strengthens the role of institutions it in July. of State in the new Constitution. amendments to parts of the text, part of from the grassroots level, with higher In its provisional regulations, the new The new Magna Carta, advocating for which was included in the draft finalized by autonomy for the municipalities. Constitution establishes that within a the mainstays of the first Constitution of the the parliamentary commission. The constitution also promotes foreign period of six months after its enforcement, Republic in Arms (1869), endorses Cuba’s In statements to The Havana Reporter, investment and acknowledges several the National Assembly will endorse the unity, sovereignty and independence vice-president of the National Assembly Ana forms of properties, such as socialist, new Electoral Law. from any type of colonialism. María Mari Machado also stressed the strong private, personal and mixed. 4 CUBA-U.S. Trump’s Endless Hostility Toward Cuba

By MarthaANDRES

WASHINGTON.- Last January, the United States government announced to extend The decision to implement this title is closely related to the demands made by the suspension of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act against Cuba for 45 days. This was staunch promoters of anti-Cuban policies such as Republican senator Marco Rubio alarming as it suggested that after that period, the Trump administration was ready to and National Security Advisor John Bolton. allow the application of such a controversial regulation. It was precisely the latter who announced last April 17 in Miami, Florida, that the Trump Starting with Bill Clinton (1993-2001), Trump’s predecessors avoided the implementation administration would enact even more travel restrictions to Cuba that are not related to of Title III by suspending it every six months, in sight of the damages this regulation (endorsed family reasons, limit remittances, and impose additional obstacles on bank transactions. in 1996) would have not only on Cuba but the United States and its allies, too. The announcements that Pompeo and Bolton made were immediately rejected by Nonetheless, the current U.S. president started to reduce the term of extension Congress members, organizations in favor of improving ties with Cuba, Cuba-American until Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed what everyone was worried about on groups, U.S. citizens who support the island, the EU and countries like Mexico and April 17- Title III would be completely enforced as of May 2. Canada. The US government’s goal hasn’t been shaken by the disapproval of various legislators These new measures against Cuba “will set back the interests U.S. people have had nor the analysis of organizations interested in promoting a rapprochement with Cuba, in Cuba for years, while having an adverse effect on companies, U.S. travelers and the nor the petitions and warnings made by the European Union (EU). millions of families who live there,” president of the Cuba Educational Travel company Title III of the Helms-Burton Act allows U.S. citizens to file lawsuits against people, Collin Laverty responded to the announcement. entities and even third party countries that have invested in properties nationalized in Democratic senator Tom Udall wrote on Twitter that the Republican government is Cuban after the triumph of the Revolution on January 1, 1959. again tightening the Cold War mentality, which has not worked for decades. Such a title, which is in conflict with international law, also grants Cuban-Americans The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned of potential damages on U.S. companies who were Cuban citizens at the time the properties were nationalized the right to as a result of the application of Title III, as “they could be subjected to counterattacks in become plaintiffs. Europe, Canada, Latin America and other places.” In a speech full of attacks and interfering rhetoric (frequently used by the U.S. These new actions threaten to put an end to the commercial ties with countries government against Cuba), Pompeo made it clear that Title III of the act is aimed at that are included among our closest allies and best clients, the Chamber of Commerce preventing foreign investment in the country and thus its economic development. stated in a press report. Any person or company that does business with Cuba must be aware of this The organization Cuban Americans for Engagement, composed of Cuban-Americans announcement, the Secretary of State indicated while warning investors that they and Americans interested in normalizing ties between the two countries, condemned “the are vulnerable to lawsuits. He also urged them to find out if they are associated to implementation of these regulations, addressed at causing more hardships to the Cuban nationalized properties. family.”

(for family tourism and visits, among other functions), Measures Against Cuba to only allow a one-time entry of up to three months. April 5 & 12, 2019: The Trump administration announced sanctions against ships linked to June 16, 2017: Trump signed a Presidential October 3, 2017: The Department of State ordered Venezuelan oil that carry crude oil to Cuba. Memorandum on the policy toward Cuba, announcing the departure of 15 Cuban diplomats from the a reversion on the rapprochement Barack Obama Embassy of Cuba in Washington DC. April 8, 2019: The U.S. government announced (2009-2017) had started and ordered the drafting of the suspension of the historic agreement reached new travel and trade restrictions. November 8, 2017: The United States announced between the U.S. Major League Baseball and the new travel and trade restrictions with Cuba, which Cuban Baseball Federation. September 29, 2017: On the pretext of health included a list of 180 Cuban entities and sub-entities with incidents reported by U.S. diplomats in Havana, the which the U.S. people cannot make transactions. This list April 17, 2019: The Trump administration confirms Department of State announced the withdrawal was enlarged on November 1, 2018 and March 11, 2019. that Title III of the Helms-Burton Act will be totally of 60 percent of the U.S. Embassy staff in Cuba and enacted and announced that new restrictions will be suspended visa allocation. March 15, 2019: The U.S. government announced adopted on remittances and travel to Cuba not related an amendment on the granting of B2 visas to Cubans to family reasons. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Infertility and Reproduction Assistance Programs in Cuba By MarnieFIALLO

will provide attention to infertile people after proper examination evaluating their The most important thing is to assess in the south-eastern and central-eastern health, followed by cryopreservation of the reproductive risk factor by conducting regions, respectively. the sperm. tests of everyone involved, Álvarez noted. These two institutions will add to the The procedure begins with a debrief At the beginning of the year, only four preexisting centers at the Hermanos and physical exam that includes eight percent of couples went to their Ameijeiras and Ramón González Coro a spermogram, revealing fertility family doctor or local hospitals to plan Hospitals in Havana, the Gustavo information including sperm count, their conception. Aldereguía Hospital in Cienfuegos morphology, sperm motility, PH, and A comprehensive health exam may

Internet PHOTO: and the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Hospital in viscosity. reveal factors such as infertility or female Holguín. Álvarez noted that this technique is obesity –which is associated with 17 HAVANA.- For many, having children The head of the MINSAP Mother- expected to help at least 30 percent of percent of complications during pregnancy represents a confirmation of love or Child Department, Roberto Álvarez, told the 102,000 Cuban couples currently and labor- the specialist explained. significant personal achievement;The Havana Reporter that in spite of the identified with difficulties to conceive a In addition, the exam can reveal however, it is difficult for some couples to economic limitations, the country aims child, largely due to men’s infertility. vaginal infections or sexually transmitted conceive naturally due to various factors to modernize the equipment in order to The procedure guarantees complete diseases as well. that can compromise fertility. ensure high-quality services in all areas. confidentiality. Therefore, the origin of Abortion is another factor that causes Causes of infertility can affect men Sperm cryopreservation, egg the semen will remain unknown to the female infertility, and in this sense, it and women alike. In response, Cuba donation and artificial and in vitro female receptor and the donor will not is necessary to promote all available created the National Assistance Program insemination are some of the reproduction know the beneficiaries. contraceptive methods. for Infertile Couples in 2007, which has techniques currently preformed at these The specialist mentioned that According to Álvarez, Cuba has facilitated 1,155 pregnancies in the hospitals, for which many specific types infertility can be prevented in many assigned more than four million USD country up to date. of devices, treatments, equipment and cases, which is the reason why MINSAP annually to the Assistance Program This year, the Ministry of Public Health medicine are necessary, Álvarez stressed. has implemented a series of measures for Infertile Couples, which is aimed (MINSAP) will inaugurate two high tech In addition, the country’s semen bank that includes the reduction in teenage at infertility prevention, facilitating reproduction centers, one in Santiago de will be improved by August 2019, with pregnancy and the promotion of family healthy pregnancy and conception, and Cuba and the other in Camagüey, which altruistic volunteers donating their semen planning services. promoting reproductive health. Informatization of the Cuban Society Text & Photos: ClaudiaDUPEIRON

HAVANA.- Today it is almost impossible to Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the imagine a human process without the use of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), telecommunications. For this reason, Cuba must Houlin Zhao, congratulated the RedPinar project be committed to providing the society with for winning its category: The role of government access to information technologies. and actors in the promotion of ICT. The impact and use of Information and Cuba’s Minister of Communications, Jorge Communications Technologies (ICT) and its Luis Perdomo, has announced on various importance for social development on the island occasions that over five million Cubans have are key issues in the government’s policy. access to internet in different ways -60 percent of Therefore, the development of Cuban them from their workplaces and schools. software that facilitate the communication In addition, there are over 1,200 public Wi-Fi between state-run institutions and the spots, 67,000 homes and 34,000 institutions with population is a crucial element of computer access to internet. sciences in Cuba. In addition, over 130,000 users are connected An example of this is the website Redpinar, to the 2G network, over 165,000 to the 3G and developed by the provincial government in over 4,000 to 4G. Pinar del Rio, Cuba’s westernmost province, to According to a report issued this year by allow people to communicate with institutions We are Social, a UK-based agency specialized by sending in their suggestions, requests and in social media, more than half of the Cuban opinions. population has Internet connection (6,470,000). Winner of the World Summit on the The report on digital tendencies and social Information Society (WSIS) in the first category, networks in the world revealed that Cuba occupies the website has news and diagrams of the 16th place among the countries with the governmental structures. It also shows a cultural greatest annual growth of people with digital entertainment guide, a sports section, plus a connection. portal through which people can ask information The Caribbean island did not appear on the about different institutional procedures. social network records of the 2014 report by We Upon receiving the prize during the tenth Are Social (Facebook had not published data on WSIS Forum held this April in Geneva, Switzerland, its Cuban users). Elena Real, the director of the Computer Sciences However, in 2016 it stood as one of the countries Applications Enterprise (DESOFT) in Pinar del with the highest presence on the social media, and Río, said that the award is in recognition of the in 2018 the number climbed to 2,750,578 users. advances in informatization of the Cuban society. According to We Are Social, Cuba has the This project, she noted, is an example of the peculiarity that practically all its internet users development of the electronic government in are linked to some form of social network. the country. The informatization of the Cuban society, as What do we do in terms of government? How well as technological communication, should do we do it? What do our citizens want? Those continue to grow and expand. Nonetheless, were core questions during the creation of this challenges will surely persist alongside the project, she stated. growth. 6 CULTURE Visual Arts Exhibit Honors Cuban Pianist Frank Fernández By Liz BOBADILLA

HAVANA.- On display at the Teatro Fernández dedicated to his literary work Nacional de Cuba (National Theater of and to his book Lebensraum (“espacio Cuba), the personal exhibition “Espacio vital” in Spanish). The exhibit is made Vital” (Vital Space) by Cuban painter Jesús up of abstract paintings, landscapes, Lara Sotelo is dedicated to the famous portraits and ceramics dedicated to the Cuban pianist Frank Fernández for his world of music. 60th anniversary of artistic expression The activities marking Lara Sotelo’s and 75th birthday. 28 years of artistry began in January Inaugurated on May 5 through the with a journey through his literary work, first days of June, the exhibit is the including talks. prelude to a series of activities dedicated Likewise, the International Book Fair to the pianist such as the private concert of Havana presented some of his latest “Todo Frank,” which was attended by volumes such as “Subasta” (Auction) and local and international musicians and “Poemas Capitales” (Capital Poems), the dancers. poem collection “El Laberinto ante mí” The exhibition also forms part of the (The Labyrinth in front of Me), among celebrations marking Lara Sotelo’s 28 others. years as an artist and his decade-long Since 2007, Lara Sotelo’s exhibitions friendship with Fernández, throughout of landscape paintings have been which they have established a sort of accompanied by the pianist’s musical creative symbiosis that has allowed pieces by the same names. Similarly, them enrich each other’s works from an Fernández has composed pieces interdisciplinary perspective. dedicated to Lara Sotelo such as “Espacio “Espacio Vital” reflects the diversity of Vital” and “Epílogo” (Epilogue). the two artistic manifestations (music and Fernández is one of the most visual arts), which complement each other famous musicians in the contemporary in the homage to the maestro of Cuban Cuban music scene. He was decorated piano on his 60thartisticanniversary,” with the 2005 National Music Award stressed Lara Sotelo. and was recently designated lifetime Lara Sotelo, who is also a writer, Honorary Doctor by the Mexican explained that the exhibition takes the Universities of Morelos and Xapala

Internet PHOTOS: name from the homonymous piece that (2019)

Irene Rodríguez Company to Open U.S. Dance Festival

By Ibis FRADE

NEW YORK CITY.- Cuban dancer Irene The Cuban group will perform on six Rodríguez and her company will open occasions from June 27 to 30 at the Ted the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival this Shawn Hall. Rodríguez, the company’s June, in Massachusetts, the United States. director, also leads the dance program at This is the second time the company Jacob’s Pillow’s Flamenco School. will attend this event, after its successful Together with two important Spanish performance in 2017. masters of flamenco, Carmela Greco and As the company’s director told The Carmen Ledezma, Rodríguez will hold a Havana Reporter, they decided to create two-week course for the top 25student a new piece that will be premièred at the applicants of this program. festival. During the course, flamenco and The group will also perform Encierro percussion classes will be taught with live

(Enclosure), which premièred in April musical accompaniment. Internet PHOTO: during the La Huella de España Festival “At the end of each week, a (Spanish Influence) in Havana– an event presentation of the work in progress will her as a “fiery and passionate dancer of or classical dance, and not just to be a that was well received by the public and be made, which will be really important contemporary flamenco.” folklore style that can only be performed critics alike. because it helps increase the level of The article mentioned the warm by Spanish dancers,” she added. Choreographed by Irene Rodríguez, flamenco in the United States,” the dancer response given by the audience and the Irene Rodríguez started her own Encierro is inspired by the tradition of and choreographer said. technical skills of the group, especially of company in 2012 and just one year the Navarra Enclosure, when 12 bulls are According to the organizers of the its director. later, she opened the Spanish Dance transferred through the city streets: six Jacob’s Pillow, the Irene Rodríguez The company not only relies on a Professional School in Havana, which has fierce and six docile. Company is celebrated as a part of Cuba’s group of excellent dancers but also on become the backbone of the prestigious The company’s performance will emerging contemporary dance scene and the musicians who perform live. company. include other pieces that have also been is known for its particular flamenco focus. As Rodríguez said, a lot of emphasis Rodríguez has received a variety of well received on different international In January of this year, the group filled is given to choreography in order to offer recognition, the most recent being the stages, such as El Mito (The myth), La the New York Joyce Theater for the entire fresh artistic values and deeper meanings. Order of Isabella the Catholic, granted pena negra (The black sorrow), and weekend and Rodríguez was praised by “The idea is to turn flamenco into a by the King of Spain and the Ministry of Amaranto (Amaranth). The New York Times, which described universal language, just like contemporary Foreign Affairs. CULTURE 7

Inmersión, By Yelena RODRIGUEZ a Gift to Havana for its 500th Anniversary

HAVANA.- The Royal Force Castle, one of River to the seawall in the Vedado Havana’s symbolic structures, is preparing neighborhood—also became a cultural to welcome the work Inmersión corridor during the festival. (Immersion), a gift to the city for its 500th The José Martí Memorial welcomed anniversary. the exhibition Miradas a la Revolución The piece, by Cuban artist Rachel (A look at the Revolution), composed of Valdés, was a highlight the 13th edition photos taken by Alberto Korda, Liborio of Havana’s Arts Festival, held from April Noval, Roberto Chile and Alex Castro 12 to May 12. that were compiled by the Cuban The work was presented on the city’s Photographic Library. Malecón (seawall) as part of the project A collective exhibition of more than Detrás del Muro (Behind the Wall). 100 Cuban artists opened the project At the request of Havana’s historian HB Exhibition of Cuban Contemporary Eusebio Leal, the piece will be moved to Art, which included pieces by artists the fort located by the bay. from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and other Composed of stainless steel, black contemporary figures. iron and wood, the work creates Havana’s Visual Arts Festival invaded new environments, visual dialogues, museums, galleries, cultural centers, distortions and chromatic changes. parks, squares, avenues, theaters and Spectators are the protagonists and artists’ studios, as it also included active subjects of the piece. They can performances, dance festivals and many freely travel inside the work and interact other cultural expressions. with an environment of reflected light Architecture, photography, and shapes, immersed in new scenery performance, installation, sculpture, created with color filters and planes. painting and interaction with Inmersión was one of the most communication technologies showed attractive pieces of the biennial, the main the universality of the Cuban culture. visual arts festival in the country that Curators, specialists and other art turned the Cuban capital into an outdoor professionals from over 50 countries met gallery for a whole month. in Havana as part of the festival, which A wave of people toured various enjoys great prestige in Latin America, pieces each day and immortalized the the Caribbean and the world due to its works in pictures and videos, which capacity to gather people and illustrate were shared with friends or on social new visions. media. Following this year´s artistic A number of emblematic sites of Havana creations, the 14th edition of the were selected for the Festival, which traced Havana’s Visual Arts Festival is taking a artistic and cultural map covering each shape in the imagination of the corner of the city, showing the event’s organizers and artists, who in 2021 capacity to transcend boundaries. will again turn the city into the capital Línea Street--a three-kilometer long of Cuban and international art and avenue that goes from the Almendares culture. PL, Internet PHOTOS: 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

UPCOMING EVENTS

International Circus Caribbean Festival Festival, (CIRCUBA , Jun Santiago de 26-30) Cuba, (Jul 3-9)

INTEGRATED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - Organization of conferences and fairs - Customs services, import-export - Meeting room rentals - Graphic design and printing - Expositions and shows - Specialized restoration and catering services - Lodging for businesspeople - Boutique stores, tobacco shops, online and wholesale - Real estate and luxury residence services - Aesthetic services - Diplomatic and protocol services - Construction services - Hiring of labor forces - Technical and computer services - Specialized transportation services - Interior design - Club for social contacts, businesses, sports,etc. - Floral services THE CARIBBEAN 9 Cuba Inaugurates Memorial for Caribbean Heroes ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT By XimenaPAZÓ

As stated by the ambassador of Grenada to Cuba, Theresa Clair Clarice Charles, the monument’s inauguration at the end of April was the perfect occasion to ratify the historic and friendly ties between Cuba and the members of the Caribbean Community, which was founded in 1973. The U.S blockade against Cuba is a heartless and cruel imposition. Although Cuba is a poor country affected by the blockade, it has never hesitated to support the development of poor and vulnerable third world countries, the diplomat noted. Likewise, she praised the unity of the Cuban people and its capacity to face challenges and combat the efforts that for 60 years have tried to hinder the country´s economic growth. The senior member of the Caribbean diplomatic staff on the island also said that Cuba and CARICOM are bound by the fight against colonialism, neocolonialism and imperialism, while sharing a basic history and similar cultural background. “We are also bound by the principles of mutual respect, non-interference and the right to self- determination,” the ambassador stated during the inauguration ceremony, which was also attended by Cuba’s First Vice President Salvador Valdés and the President of the People’s Power National Assembly, Esteban Lazo, among other leaders. HAVANA.- Cuba built a memorial to honor Caribbean During the ceremony, Cuban Deputy Foreign Affairs heroes, whose lives symbolize the solidarity and courage Minister, Rogelio Sierra, stressed that the memorial of the Caribbean countries throughout their fights erected in Havana recognizes the commitment of the against colonialism and for independence. national heroes that fought for a free Caribbean. Located close to the central Fifth Avenue in Havana, It will serve to remember the spirit and conviction of the park´s new monument recalls the battle waged by those leaders, as an inspiration to those who currently

PL PHOTOS: thousands against foreign dominance. contribute to the region.

Panama`s Political Scene Changes By OsvaldoRODRIGUEZ

PANAMA CITY.- The election of the candidate for the What some people infer from the remarks made by Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Laurentino the president elect is that, right after he takes office on Cortizo, as the President of Panama has changed the July 1, he would withdraw the country from the Lima political board in favor of that socio-democratic faction, Group and would no longer support the so-called which had failed to occupy the Presidential Palace for a government of Juan Guaidó in . decade. If these steps are ever taken, the PRD would re-adopt In the hard-fought presidential race, the candidate its historic foreign policy of neutrality, in favor of talks for the Democratic Change Movement (CD), Rómulo and of non-interference in other countries’ internal Roux, was the closest rival to the winner, with a two affairs. percent difference. In the meantime, Cortizo remained DOMESTIC POLICY in the lead ever since the first votes were counted, until Cortizo summarizes the most important goals of the Electoral Court announced his win. his 2019-2024 government program as follows: “good Based on an analysis of the electoral scenario, Cortizo government, state of law: law and order, competitive was not the favorite candidate of the economic elite economy that generates jobs, fights poverty and but rather Roux and Ricardo Lombana, with the latter inequality, and prioritizes education.” ranking third in the electoral race. In response to signs of corruption that can be The president elect is a member of an agrarian interpreted from business group that had been pushed into the the popular phrase “he stole, but he did,” referring to background by the neoliberal model implemented after former president Ricardo Martinelli, Cortizo reiterated the U.S. invasion (1989), and replaced by import dealers in several speeches that, “we will work without stealing, supported by Free Trade Agreements, chiefly with the respecting Panama and its people.” United States. Hundreds of party and independent supporters are One of Cortizo’s proposals precisely asks to look over designing the implementation of his government, which that agreement, which forced him to resign as Minister will focus on what Cortizo calls the ´Five Panama´: the of Agricultural Development in January 2006, because modern Panama, the middle class Panama, the Panama he disagreed with some of its stances. of the common people, the rural-agricultural Panama Local observers agree that the U.S. authorities are and the Panama of the indigenous communities. suspicious of his reiterated statements of the matter His approaches to solve the most serious national

since his election, as well as others comments made problems have certain leftist groups in the continent PL,PRD PHOTOS: previously that suggest reviewing the foreign policy. upset, who hoped to see the birth of an ideological That hypothesis is based on the “cold” congratulatory government closer to their ideas. (meaning socialist) measures in his political agenda, remarks made by the U.S. government through a However, imperial observers such as Merryl Lynch, a hence affirming that neoliberalism will continue with its spokesperson of the Department of State. risk assessment firm, sustain that there are no “populist” course in Panama. 10 CULTURE Volunteers Offer Solace to Tornado Victims

Text & Photos: MitraGHAFFARI

HAVANA.- On the night of January 27, a tornado tore through Eastern Havana, devastating everything in its trajectory in under 16 minutes. The F4 storm the second strongest category of tornado with winds of 207-260 mph killed six people, injured over 200, and destroyed or severely damaged more than 6,000 homes and dozens of schools in the communities of Regla,

Luyanó, Diez de Octubre, Guanabacoa and San González Danay PHOTO: Miguel del Padrón. Similar to past hurricane relief, the Cuban government initiated a tornado recovery plan the following day, as work brigades started to clear piles of debris and fallen trees, restore power, water and phone service, and offer construction materials, food and water tanks at subsidized prices. Notably, the relief efforts following this

disaster were also characterized by grassroots aid Michael Sánchez PHOTO: efforts of Cuban citizens and private businesses, for volunteers, otherwise the initiative is quite primarily organizing food and clothing drives sustainable financially, relying on the people’s locally and fundraising campaigns on social donated time, energy, expertise and art supplies. media. This movement was largely a result of Sánchez mentioned that he prints mini recent access to data plans on mobile devices- manuals about disaster relief psychology to launched nationally just a month prior to hand out in each community and the print the tornado, fostering an online platform to shop stopped charging him after the first round. communicate and organize. “When one is helping others, there are also In the wake of the tragedy, a socio-community others helping the one,” he articulated. project called Proyecto Akokán Los Pocitos On the whole, volunteers view these actions was among the social entities coordinating as an opportunity to learn how to confront not grassroots aid; however, their response was only future disasters but also other social issues, distinct in its essence. “We realized the value that in many ways, the tornado helped to expose of other ways to help, with not only material or call attention to. Sánchez stated, “People are but psychological support,” explained Michael waking up, realizing that we can all help to better Sánchez Torres, director of Proyecto Akokán. our society. The tornado showed that people can The project’s relief plan is focused on providing unite to resolve issues.” long-term, psychological solace, assembling During a recent day of restorative activities in volunteers from various professions and cultural an affected area of Regla, a group of volunteers projects to lead restorative activities for children engaged children (and their parents alike) with in the communities affected by the tornado. theatrical storytelling, face painting, chalk art and “In these communities, we hope to offer an dance. As she watched her 8-year-old daughter opportunity, especially for children, to release dance with her step-sister and the other children, trauma and express their emotions through Jany Tarafa illustrated her experience of that art…No one was ready for a tornado; Cubans devastating night: “My husband, daughter and I know a lot about hurricanes but nothing about were in the living room when we heard a noise, tornados. Children are the most affected, but and the dog, out of foresight it seems, ran into the they also have the highest capacity for recovery,” bedroom and hid under the bed. We were trying

Sánchez stated. to retrieve her when the tornado passed by and González Danay PHOTO: The initiative sprang into action on the Sunday pushed the door up against us. We pushed back following the tornado, as Proyecto Akokán, with all our might, trying to protect our daughter, the theater group Gigantería, dance group Los as it tore off our roof and left everything we had Dandy, and many other specialized volunteers as a pile of debris, trapping us in.” filled the streets of Luyanó with a parade, She described how her daughter cried and community art, face painting and storytelling. cried, responding to the wails of her little cousin The group of volunteers has spent almost every whose finger was amputated by the roof next- Sunday since the tornado in different affected door. Tarafa is a kindergarten teacher, doing her areas and plans to do so a total of 52 times: a year best to support the classroom full of traumatized of curative activities for tornado victims. 6-year-olds while she and her family work to Sánchez described that the concept and recover their home and lives. She mentioned implementation of the relief effort continue to that every time it starts to rain, her students cry evolve through a series of conferences called and scream, telling one another that another acciones conjuntas, joint actions, that convene tornado is about to pass by. monthly with invited specialists in disaster relief “I’m very grateful because the kids really psychology to share experiences and discuss need these activities and distractions, so they strategy. can stop thinking about what happened,” So far these efforts have been funded directly Tarafa observed. “We have lost our material by Proyecto Akokán and a grant from the Felix possessions, but in all honesty, they aren’t as Varela center, that is estimated to cover 10 important to me as the negative impression of or 11 trips to affected communities. The vast that night, but my daughter, well, look at her majority of funding is expended on transport right now: she’s happy.” PHOTO FEATURE 11

Cuba`s Magical Saetía Key Text & Photos:TinoMANUEL

HAVANA.- Located in the eastern region of Cuba, the it belongs. Its beaches and wide variety of vegetation Saetía Key captivates travelers from around the world captivate even the hardest critics. with its unique and colorful scenery, serving as an ideal It can be accessed through a wildlife crossing but it place to enjoy active vacations in harmony with nature. is preferable to get there by boat; otherwise, it would be It is a popular destination among foreign tourists a very long trip. and was highly praised during the 39th edition of the Run by Cuba’s Gaviota Tourism Group, this is a International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2019, held in Havana wonderful place for tourists looking for virgin beaches. from May 7 to 11. A Jeep tour allows for wildlife spotting, including Cuba’s east is full of color and options for those who deer,buffalo and even ostrich. wish to spend active vacations on the island. Many The key is located on the northern part of Mayari who have visited the region corroborate that assertion Municipality, Holguin. Its 42-square-kilometers include through fond memories, photos, and above all, in their five forests. hearts. The island has a four-star resort with 12 rooms and, Saetía Key, a 42-km long island between the Bay although isolated, the visitors can enjoy the voyage, of Nipe and the Atlantic Ocean, lies 120 kilometers off long walks and Jeep tours, as well as other options such the southeastern coast of Holguin Province, to which as scuba diving and snorkeling. 12 LATIN AMERICA

Scarcity of Healthcare Affects Millions By LuisManuelARCE

MEXICO CITY.- Scarcity synonymous with misery, poor medical attention and governmental apathy is a common denominator in Latin America and the Caribbean, acting as the main cause for serious health issues in the region. That was the bitter conclusion of the ceremony held in in honor of World Health Day, observed on April 7. The event was attended by the director of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa Etienne, and the High UN Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. The Pan-American Health Organization launched its annual report on health in the region, revealing the persistence of scarcity in public healthcare and lack of

access to decent health services. Internet PHOTO: The only significant thing about the PAHO report is its criticism, as practically zero achievements resources, productive agriculture and extraordinary In the meantime, Bachelet noted that although have been attained. The shortage of healthcare is fishing, it faces severe malnutrition,186 million people some advances have been attained (she did not directly linked to the growth of neoliberalism in Latin are living under the poverty line and four in every ten mention what exactly), they are still insufficient to American and Caribbean societies, as demonstrated homes are economically vulnerable. impact the current situation. The 30 percent lack by Mexico. Additionally, there are only 18 doctors, 59.7 nurses of access to healthcare in the region is mainly due Therefore, the goal of the Andrés Manuel López and 6.7 dentists per 10,000 inhabitants. The region’s to the financial barriers between North and South Obrador’s government is to eliminate the currente average public spending in health is five percent, as is America. conomic, political and social system through the that of the United States (below the minimum of six That figure’s consequences on the population are improvement of people’s rights, including high-quality percent suggested by the PAHO Strategy for Universal more devastating and dramatic than what can be healthcare. Health Access and Coverage.) reflected in the statistics of a report. Therefore, Bachelet’s “It is necessary to ensure healthcare access to all,” Etienne The PAHO strategy in universal health suggests assertion is valid that it is not enough just to declare admitted, “however, that goal cannot be attained if we do eliminating individual’s healthcare expenses, as they health a universal right. not fight social inequality, which proves difficult with the prove to be a major barrier in access to health services. The question is then,who is going to act on this increasing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.” However, this is just a part of the problem and does issue? Which other government in Latin America will The main challenge ahead is to improve access to not cope with the comprehensive issues of scarcity. proclaim free, quality medical attention, like President healthcare.Regrettably, neither PAHO nor WHO are able The PAHO proposal states that it is strategic for Latin López Obrador is now trying to do or like Cuba did 60 to provide a practical solution to eliminate the barriers American countries to strengthen and reposition public years ago? that prevent marginalized people from adequate health as an indispensable condition to transform its Neither PAHO nor WHO have answers to these healthcare. There is too great of inequality. systems in relation to people’s real needs. However, questions, which is in and of itself distressing due to the According to the PAHO report, although Latin the proposal fails to offer any practical and sustainable increasing number of people who die of preventable America and the Caribbean is a region with valuable solution. diseases. ECONOMY 13 Cuba Sets New Economic Goals

By WaldoMENDILUZA

exports leading up to 2030 and for 65 percent of the economic, commercial and financial blockade enforced substitution of imports. for nearly 60 years Hence, the six strategic sectors that have been prioritized in the first stage of the development plan (2019- DEFENSE AND ECONOMY 2021) are the best way to improve the internal situation, which translates into people’s wellbeing and improved During the proclamation of the new Cuban foreign trade relations, in a scenario characterized by Constitution on April 10 at the National Assembly, the

PL PHOTO: competitiveness, productivity and efficiency. first Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC), Referring to the situation in all six sectors, the Raúl Castro, ratified two elements that are of equal HAVANA.- Cuba has set short and middle-term economic minister explained that tourism represents a source importance: the preparation of the country’s defense priorities in a panorama marked by the escalation of U.S. of hard financial income and involves other economic and the development of the national economy. hostility, which aims to tighten the blockade as a means activities such as infrastructural development, the The CPC leader referred to the hostile policy of the U.S. of imposing a change of regime on the island. production of food and services, as well as generating administration and Cuba’s determination to maintain its During the third session of the 9th Legislature jobs in the territories. socialist trajectory despite Washington’s threats. of the People’s Power National Assembly (ANPP), In the case of biotechnology, the goal is to increase Commenting on the national economy plan, he Cuban Economy and Planning Minister, Alejandro Gil, the number of potential exporting products, thus explained that a number of decisions have been made announced the working guidelines for economic and allowing to diversify markets and replace imports. in order to “withstand” and overcome the new obstacles social development, reflected in a plan from present to According to Gil, the electro-energy sector is the pillar imposed by the toughening of the economic and financial 2030. for the economy’s vitality and the people’s wellbeing, siege, without renouncing ongoing development plans. When addressing the parliamentary plenary session with special emphasis on the promotion of renewable In this regard he said:“we have to be on alert and aware at Havana’s Convention Center, the minister said the sources of energy. that we are facing additional difficulties and that the plan includes three stages: 2019-2021, 2022-2026 y As for food, he stressed the necessity for Cuba to situation could get worse in coming months. It does not 2027-2030. attain food security -which is also a matter of national mean going back to the severe phase of the Special Period Gil pointed out that the current priorities are security- by giving a major boost to supplies for the during the 1990s; the panorama is different today with included in the first stage, which entails assigning the domestic market and tourism. regards to the diversification of the economy. However, biggest resources to six strategic sectors of the greatest With regards to the professional services abroad, we must be prepared for the worst case scenario.” impact on the economy, without disregarding other the minister said that the fields most represented are Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel fields. health, education, culture and sports, which have great reiterated his appeal to achieve economic competence According to Gil, the key sectors are tourism, potential to increase the country’s income. and fight bureaucracy, corruption and irregularities. food production, biotechnology, pharmaceutics, Cuba is called upon to increase its social and economic Amid the hostile policy of the Trump administration, professional services abroad, construction and electro- development in a context marked by economic the country must bet on the preparation of defense energy. Those fields, the minister stressed, currently tensions, largely due to the increasing hostility of the together with manufacturing products that substitute account for 90 percent of the increase in Cuban United States through a policy aimed at tightening the imports and boosting foreign investment and exports. 14 ECONOMY

LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN

Multilateralism and Cooperation on By MasielFERNANDEZ the Agenda

HAVANA.- The importance of strengthening expressed by 10 countries in presenting reports during multilateralism, democracy and regional cooperation the 2019-2020 period, we could affirm that within five was highlighted in the third meeting of the Forum of years of the 2030 Agenda’s approval, the region will boast the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on 32 reports produced by 24 countries. What’s more, since Sustainable Development recently held in Chile. only 17 countries worldwide will have presented at least Organized by the Economic Commission for Latin two reports between 2016 and 2020, the fact that seven America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the government of them will be from Latin America and the Caribbean of Cuba in its capacity as president of the Forum, shows the region’s commitment to the Agenda,” she said. the event gathered at the end of April government Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment representatives, the civil society, international bodies, Rodrigo Malmierca, for his part, affirmed that the meeting the private sector and the academic world. The showed the achievements, challenges and opportunities objective of this meeting was to analyze the progress existing, thus ratifying its validity as an important regional the region has made and the challenges it still faces in mechanism to follow up and examine the implementation relation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. of the UN 2030 Agenda in the area. ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena stressed “The purpose of holding frank and open discussions that the event took place at a time when international about the main social, economic and environmental cooperation is weakening more and more because of topics was met, under the principle of not leaving defensive policies linked to the negative impacts of anyone behind and by providing a special place to hyper-globalization. the Caribbean, as ECLAC has called for and the Forum

On top of this comes the erosion of trust in democracy presidency will continue to do,” Malmierca noted. ECLAC PHOTOS: and in some of its constitutional values in both developed He also emphasized the importance of increasing the and developing countries. In view of this scenario, number of countries that have presented their Voluntary and the availability of new resources that contribute to cooperation and international understanding must National Reports on the implementation of the 2030 its fulfillment. be preserved by promoting trade and integration and Agenda and the Sustainable Development Objectives as He also talked about the progress made in relation to the strengthening dialogue and collaboration, she added. a useful tool, and added that Cuba already presented its implementation of the 2030 Agenda from the local to the Bárcena also noted that at present, 29 countries of the report. central government level, including regional, interregional region have institutional mechanisms for coordination The official pointed out that next September, during and international level, and stressed the need to involve all whose work is based in legal instruments that define the High-Level Political Forum summoned by the UN actors in this, as requested in the meeting. their scope and objectives. General Assembly, the region will send “a clear message The fourth meeting of the Forum of the Countries This institutional development is endorsed by on where we are and where our efforts are heading to.” of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable voluntary national reports that describe the activities In relation to that event, Malmierca stated that they we Development will take place in Havana in April 2020. of the mechanisms for coordination and the progress will show the progress made and the challenges ahead Until then, we will continue working to make progress made in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. to meet the Sustainable Development Objectives. In this in the implementation of the Sustainable Development “If the 22 voluntary national reports already presented regards, he referred to elements he considers essential, Objectives, facing and overcoming the region’s challenges, are taken into consideration, along with the interest such as the strengthening of the implementation tools Malmierca concluded. SPORTS 15

Female Athletes to Make Cuba Proud in Lima 2019 By AlexisRUA

In the Lima 2019 Pan-American Games, The country is also a continental Another athlete worth mentioning is women will play a decisive role in the powerhouse in combat sports, wrestler Lianna de la Caridad Montero, country’s overall success, as several female particularly judo one of the disciplines champion in the Buenos Aires 2019 World athletes have the chance to win a medal. that contributes the highest number of Youth Olympics. Discus thrower Yaimé Pérez is one medals to the overall ranking. Others with chances to win a medal athlete highly anticipated to earn a medal On this occasion, Rio 2016 silver in the Pan-American games include for Cuba. Pérez won the 2018 Diamond medalist Idalys Ortiz is again one of the heptathlete Yorgelis Rodríguez, pole League after defeating outstanding favorites in the +78 Kg division. Ortiz also vaulterYarisley Silva,mid-distance runner Croatian athlete Sandra Perkovic in the won gold in 2012 and bronze in Rose Mary Almanza,wrestler Yodalis finals, with a throw of 65 meters. 2008, scoring three Olympic medals Sánchez, shooter Dianelis Pérez; gymnast The Cuban athlete, 27, was also the in three consecutive Olympic Games. Marcia Videaux and taekwondo athlete winner of the Barranquilla 2018 Central Another judo athlete who has a Yannia Aguirre. American and Caribbean Games, when her chance at gold is Kaliema Antomarchi, shot reached 66 meters a competition record. bronze medalist in the Budapest 2017 Another podium contender in the World Championship and a leading 2019Pan-Am Games in the Peruvian competitor in the 78Kg division. capital is Arlenis Sierra, who is ranked Taekwondo athlete Glennis 11th in the world in cycling and is the Hernández could also give Cuba a leader of the Astana team in Kazakhstan. medal in the games. Hernández, a world HAVANA.- Female athletes are a core Veteran shooter Eglys Cruz,who won champion in 2013, leads the Cuban team component of the Cuban sports the bronze medal in the Beijing 2008 in this event. movement. Women play important roles Olympic Games, also leads women in this Finally, women’s weightlifting has had in every athletic field and are mainstays discipline and is projected to contribute an important Cuban prospect Katerine

of Cuba’s performance. to Cuba’s medal count. Videaux is a clear favorite for gold. Internet PHOTOS:

Cuba Counts On Boxing at Pan-Am Games By YasielCANCIO

HAVANA.- The men’s boxing team Another boxer that will try hard Argentina (21-15-27), Venezuela (8- of Cuba will have the responsibility to keep his Pan-American title will 15-37), Mexico (8-13-35), Brazil (7- of catapulting the island on the be Julio César La Cruz, the Olympic 19-35), (6-18-24), and medal count during the Lima 2019 champion in 2016 and four-time Canada (6-11-28). Pan-American Games. In order to world champion (2011, 2013, 2015, In fact, the excellent role of achieve its goals, it will rely on first- 2017). He has gone practically boxing in these regional games has class boxers in all 10 divisions of the unrivaled in his division. been very important to the history sport. In the 64-kg division, world of the Cuban sport. Taking all sports During the qualification phase in champion Andy Cruz stop at into account, Cuba has received 875 Managua, the Cuban boxers proved nothing to repeat his Pan-American gold medals, of which the 90 won by capable of successful performances win in 2015 and therefore boxers represents 10.29 percent. during the games set for July add more titles to his series of The Cuba boxing team has won

26-August 11 at the Callao Sports consecutive victories, which started all of the Pan-American Games over Savón PL, Internet PHOTOS: Villa, in the Peruvian capital. in December 2016 when he was the past 15 editions, since Sao Paulo Among the Cuban stars competing in the 56-kg division. 1963, with the best results scored most mentioned by the media is The names that complete the during the games of Indianapolis heavyweight Erislandy Savón, the Cuban team are: Damián Arce (49), 1987 (10-0-1), Havana 1991 (11- nephew of legendary Félix Savón, Yosbany Veitía (52), Osvel Caballero 0-0), Winnipeg 1999 (9-0-3) and three-time Olympic champion and (56), Lázaro Álvarez (60), Rosniel 2011 (8-1-0). six-time world champion. Iglesias (69), Arlen López (75) and In Lima, the Cuban boxers will be Erislandy, world champion Dainier Peró (+91); all of them with carrying the country’s fate on their in 2017 and Olympic bronze multiple medals in international shoulders. A good performance of medalist in 2016, will defend the competitions. the boxing team would place Cuba Pan-American title he won four Cuba is the country that has won among the first three countries on years ago in Toronto. However, the most medals in Pan-American the general medal count. he will have to take care of strong boxing tournaments with 90 gold, However, a poor or mediocre rivals like Colombian Deivis Julio 20 silver and 16 bronze, followed performance would displace the La Cruz Blanco. by the United States (33-32-41), island from the top. 16