THE ©

YEAR IX Nº 9 avana eporter JUN 27, 2019 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R , A Monthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency ISSN 2224-5707 Price: 1.00 CUC / 1.00 USD 1.20 CAN Pastors for Peace: Solidarity with Cuba Society Continues Despite Difficulties

P. 6 UNESCO Joins Celebrations of Havana’s 500th Anniversary Culture

P. 3

The Fire Festival P. 10 Habana Selfies, A Portrait Lights Up Santiago de Cuba of the Marvelous City Latin America

P. 12 Incomplete Inclusion of African Descendants Economy

P. 13 Expanding Cuba’s P. 7 National Production 2 TOURISM Tourism in Cuba Keeps Growing By NubiaPIQUERAS

PANAMA CITY.- “In spite of the blockade and the strong measures imposed by the , Cuba is cautiously developing a sustainable tourism model, receiving close to five million visitors,” affirmed Xiomara Martínez, an official of the Cuban tourism sector. In an interview with The Havana Reporter, Martínez - a tourism advisor in and Central America - noted that despite difficulties in the supply of resources, Cuba has maintained constant development. She added that the investments made in the sector are not addressed to a specific market but rather, to the whole world. In this sense, she mentioned that many of the ongoing investments in Havana are related to the city’s 500th anniversary, on November 16. “The actions undertaken on the occasion of Havana’s 500th anniversary will not stop this year; they will continue until 2021, as a lot of investment is being made in hotels. For instance, the Packard was a building in ruins and today it is a wonderful piece of architecture as a result of the renovations,” she commented. According to the official, other actions are focused on the Paseo del Prado, a promenade that treasures a long history and several legends. Restoration programs also address patrimonial hotels in the city’s historical center, the Malecón (seawall), traditional festivals including the Bolero and Danzón, and the city’s carnival, to take place in August. The 500th anniversary of Havana is a special event for citizens of Havana as well as foreigners visiting the island, she said. “Tourists who come to Cuba today not only want to enjoy the sun and the beach, but because Cuba is more than that, tourists also come for the culture, the cuisine, the show an authentic Cuba to all who are interested, contrary to the media’s profile of environment and the interpersonal exchange, which are Cuba’s great treasures. That’s Cuba,” the official added. what captivates foreigners and makes them feel at home,” Martínez commented. In addition to the beach, events and conferences, Cuba also offers travel to According to the official, other attractions are emblematic places such as Tropicana, patrimonial cities that still preserve their culture and traditions, deeply rooted after and Havana’s nightlife, which captivate tourists with its lively ambience. more than 500 years. In relation to the Tourism Ministry’s strategies, Martínez affirmed that Cuba will Those cities include Baracoa, the first village founded by the Spaniards, Bayamo, continue to strengthen the quality of services provided in order to meet at least 90 Camagüey, Sancti Spíritus, Trinidad, Remedios, Santiago de Cuba and Havana. percent of visitors’ expectations. Martínez, who recently attended the 10th edition of the International Tourism Fair “There’s a wide variety of services that complement the tourist industry, including in Panama, stated that the main objective of that event was to promote the 500th the paladares; that is, the private restaurants developed by Cuban entrepreneurs that anniversary of Havana – one of Cuba’s seven patrimonial villages, that joins celebrations bring out the flavor of the country’s rich culinary tradition,” she said. of the anniversary of the Panamanian capital on August 15, 1519. Tourism is one of the most important industries in the Cuban economy and “the “Cuba has patrimonial cities that are a perfect combination of cultural and historical people that work in this sector, the executives and professionals, have the mission to richness, thus providing for sustainable tourism,” she co Prensa Latina Prensa PHOTOS:

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: Mario H. Garrido 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 Pastors for Peace: Solidarity with Cuba Continues Despite Difficulties By IbisFRADE

NEW YORK.- The solidarity actions of for the U.S. people to see the reality of Latina Prensa PHOTOS: Pastors for Peace continue in spite of the that Caribbean nation.” increase of the travel restrictions to Cuba This year, Pastors for Peace is developing Waller also spoke about the recent sacrifices to carry their solidary support and the hostile policy imposed by the Caravan No. 30 amidst a context travel restrictions that affect both, the to Cuba. Now, the U.S. government government of the United States. characterized by the intensification of Cuban and the U.S. people. has tightened the net around Cuba by The above statement was made by Washington’s measures against Cuba. “This year, the Pastors for Peace caravan intensifying its hostile policy. We see it, for Executive Director of the Interreligious According to Walker, the different travel is really important because it happens at a example, with the activation of Title III of Foundation for Community Organization- licenses imposed by the White House on time when the government of the United the Helms-Burton Act,” she recalled. Pastors for Peace, Gail Walker, the daughter the U.S. citizens are a mechanism to “control States tightens measures against Cuba”, The ambassador also mentioned that of Reverend Lucius Walker, the main what we do, where we go;” that’s why they Cuban ambassador to the United Nations the travel restrictions to Cuba also became promoter of this project. continue travelling without those permits. Ana Silvia Rodríguez affirmed. stronger: “Is it out of a fear that the U.S. “Cuba is not alone; most of the U.S. “Love is our only license,” she stressed. Rodríguez, who is also Cuba’s acting people know the reality about my country?” citizens know that Washington’s policy In this sense, she recalled that that’s permanent representative to the UN, said she questioned. against that Caribbean state is nonsense what they’ve done since 1992, for the love that the caravan members can send a The travel of Pastors for Peace was and they reject it.” of their friends in Cuba and committed to strong message to the United States and moved to this month as in July – the regular “Our solidarity actions are more the cause of lifting the U.S. blockade. the rest of the world by opposing Trump’s date – the U.S. and Puerto Rican activists that important now than ever. U.S. president For his part, coordinator of the Pastors hostile policies. join the Venceremos Brigade will be in Cuba Donald Trump wants to put an end to the for Peace program, John Waller, stressed “Washington believes that they can put to commemorate their 50th anniversary. ties between both countries, but Pastors the obsession the U.S. government has on pressure on us, but they have not learnt In addition to bringing their solidarity for Peace will carry on with its work and Cuba because “the island is an example.” anything in all these years of Revolution, to Cuba, the Pastors for Peace caravan will continue pushing for the end of the “In Cuba, free health and education as my country will not make any type of members, under the guidance of late Rev. U.S. blockade,” Walker said. are guaranteed and it’s very safe; no one concessions,” the diplomat stressed at a Lucius Walker, emerged with the objective The activist also noted that “Cuba is an there has to worry because of someone solidarity event organized in New York. of facing the economic, commercial and example that a more fair society can be getting into a school and shooting at the “Since the beginning, in 1992, the financial blockade the United States has built and that’s why it is really important kids,” he said. caravan members have made great imposed for almost 60 years. EU Ambassador Defends Rapprochement with Cuba By LauraBECQUER

HAVANA.- Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Cuba Alberto Navarro defended rapprochement with the island following 20 years of “turning its back” on Havana. According to Navarro, Havana and Brussels – the institutional capital of the 28-member union – are experiencing a “honeymoon period” after being apart for a long time. The current position was redefined just two years ago. In an interview with The Havana Reporter, Navarro noted that the Cuba-EU Joint Council held on May 2018 fostered a collaboration that been developing since the 1990s through the European Community Humanitarian Aid Office. However, the diplomat recalled that the then Spanish president José María Aznar had implemented the so-called ‘Common Position’ in the EU, a policy that practically froze ties between EU countries and Cuba. Twenty years later, Brussels abolished the initiative and completely redefined relations with Cuba by signing the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. Under that accord, both parties increased collaborative projects, which then amounted to about 30 million Euros Miguel Guzmán PHOTO: and at present exceed 100 million, the ambassador indicated. The Spanish diplomat also highlighted the increase During the interview, Navarro also reaffirmed The European Union recently filed a lawsuit against in political dialogue on topics such as human rights, the European community’s firm opposition to the that rule at the World Trade Organization and announced unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, non- extraterritorial application of the Helms-Burton Act the possibility of applying the “blocking statute,” which proliferation of nuclear weapons, illicit arms trade and against Cuba. prohibits the application of Title III in the community’s the Millennium Development Goals. In this sense, he noted that the EU doesn’t accept the territory. Cooperation between both sides is aimed at the fact that the United States wants to apply its legislation Similarly, the said statute allows defendants to following sectors: agriculture, renewable energy and Cuba’s to the rest of the world. receive compensations in European courts. economic and social development, the diplomat said. The impact of that legislation, endorsed in 1996 by Last April, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had In line with this, he mentioned that an expert the U.S. Congress, is to discourage investors and cause announced that as of May 2, the repeated suspensions exchange program on topics such as tax collection fear and uncertainty among those who want to invest in of Title III would come to a close. is already in place and is managed in Havana by the Cuba, he added. The said title allows U.S. citizens to file lawsuits at Ministry of Economy and Planning. The ambassador stated that Brussels has defended U.S. courts against individuals or companies that “deal” The European ambassador referred to the that position ever since the rule was endorsed, in properties nationalized (legitimately) by the Cuban implementation of a regional project to take place in highlighting the support of countries such as , government after 1959. Havana, addressing the rehabilitation of the Santa Clara Mexico or Japan, which have antidote regulations. Navarro indicated that until now, with the exception Convent, located in the city’s historical center. As he said, that stance was recently reaffirmed by of a specific case related to the San Carlos Hotel that In relation to this, he described that the idea is to Bruno Rodríguez, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister, and is managed by the Spanish chain Meliá in Cienfuegos, create a workshop program to train youth from other Federica Mogherini, European Union Representative of no lawsuit has been directly filed against a European Caribbean countries on patrimonial restoration. Foreign Affairs and Security. company. 4 CUBA-U.S. Trump Hits Cuba with More Travel Restrictions

By MarthaANDRES Similarly, they warned about the hypocritical stance of the U.S. government because, according to Trump, his increased hostility toward the island aims to support the Cuban people, while instead his measures greatly hurt Cubans. WASHINGTON.- The administration of President Donald Trump has dealt another harsh Florida Representative Kathy Castor, of the Democratic Party, said in a release that blow to U.S. travel to Cuba by implementing new restrictions, contradicting the wishes the Republican President’s policy strongly affects the owners of small businesses and of many in U.S. society to eliminate those bans. self-employed Cubans, as well as their families and U.S. citizens’ right to travel. U.S. citizens had been prohibited from traveling to Cuba as tourists and could In the meantime, the U.S.-Cuba Business Council noted that these regulations only do so under 12 categories, including family visits, support for the people, and will interrupt trade operations in the tourist sector, which does not agree with the journalistic, religious or educational activities. administration’s announcement that it would try not to affect the U.S. companies that With the objective of reverting normalization of bilateral relations, in November 2017, are legally doing business with the country. the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) modified the general license of the people- The same day that the new bans took effect, the Democrat Senator from Vermont, to-people educational activities and cancelled its authorization for individual travel. Patrick Leahy, strongly condemned the restrictions, calling them dumb and shameful, and The Trump administration now decided to further tighten those bans by also announced that he will present the Freedom for Americans to Travel to Cuba Act. prohibiting people-to-people educational group travel, which is the category that Leahy urged his colleagues, “to not let the same old, worn out, Cold War, isolationist, most U.S. citizens have used to visit the island. fear mongering, failed arguments about Cuba stand in the way of common sense.” In addition, the measures that took effect on June 5 put an end to what became the most popular means for U.S. citizens to visit the island: cruise ships. The Industry and Security Bureau of the Department of Commerce, in coordination with OFAC, announced that the types of airplanes and vessels authorized to travel to Cuba would also be limited. “Therefore, private and corporate aircrafts, cruise ships, sailing and fishing boats and similar means of travel will be prohibited to go to Cuba,” the institution said. Consequently, Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises announced the immediate cancellation of their stops in Cuba. The International Association of Cruise Lines informed the public that nearly 800,000 passenger bookings -either completed or in process- were negatively affected by the Trump administration’s new measures. The new restrictions were immediately rejected by members of the U.S. Congress, business entities, local authorities and organizations in favor of the normalization of relations between the two countries. Many of those voices condemned the negative impact that the restrictions will have on the Cuban people and U.S. companies, and called them a violation of the U.S.

people’s right to travel freely. Patrick Leahy Internet PHOTO: Book Highlights Cuba's Influence on U.S.

Text & Photos: DionySANABIA

WASHINGTON.- Cuba’s influence on the of U.S. history,” said the scholar during his The political ups and downs are recorded there, the flag was painted United States is wide-ranging and few opening remarks. temporary, and “this book allows us there. All of this lasts forever; it is part understand the extent that Cuban has According to Cueto, there are at least to focus on something that is eternal, of our communal ties that we have to influenced U.S. life and culture. three events that connect Cuba with the because it has nothing to do with the cultivate,” Cueto stated. An important book representative of United States, which are always included tension created and prolonged by The volume took a little over two the Cuban imprint on the United States in the U.S. history books: the Spanish- politics,” he noted. years to prepare, and in addition to being was launched on May 13 at the Cuban Cuban-American War (1898), the Bay “What’s not temporary is that launched in the U.S. capital, it has been embassy in Washington D.C. of Pigs Invasion(1961) and the Cuban José Martí founded the Cuban presented so far in Havana, Matanzas, Entitled “Cuba in the USA,” the book Missile Crisis (1962). Revolutionary Party in the United Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, New York was inspired by the large collection of It’s interesting to see the Yellow Kid, States, that the Cuban anthem was and Miami. retired lawyer and intellectual Emilio one of the first and most famous comic Cueto. It illustrates the influence that characters created by Richard F. Outcalt, the author’s country of birth has had on represented on a 1898 pin, in which he the country where he has been living is holding a Cuban flag and saying “Long since 1961, in regards to visual arts, Live Cuba,” Cueto said. literature, music, theater, dance, film “We wanted to make a book that and television. could tell something beyond what is Printed by the Polymita publishing normally said about Cuba and the United company, the new volume contains State; a book on the cultural and human over one thousand photos by Julio side and, above all, about what we call Larramendi, also Cuban-born, and everyday life,” the author told The Havana portrays the island’s impact on Reporter. education, sports, religion, masonry, “Cuba has occupied a place on the cuisine, tobacco and fashion. table, the bed, the television and in the During the book launch, which was drinks of the U.S. people; so much so, part of the celebrations marking the that you can find a Cuban sandwich 100thanniversary of the Cuban Embassy anywhere,” he highlighted. in Washington, Cueto referenced various Cueto noted that the work he chapters and shared interesting details has done collecting objects and with the public. information for decades is like a bridge “A deep Cuban influence can be seen that illustrates Cuban influence on the in U.S. libraries, because the island is part U.S. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

LATIN AMERICA&CARIBBEAN By LisbetRODRIGUEZ Diabetes, an Alarming Disease HAVANA.- Diabetes, a chronic condition rates, mainly among women. For this

that according to the World Health reason, there are different programs in Latina Prensa PHOTO: Organization will be the seventh cause place to face diabetes in pregnancy and of death by 2030, proves to be a complex avoid complications to both the mother patients and is aimed at replacing the reached over 88,000 patients in these and highly prevalent issue in Latin and the baby, which are provided by a insulin via syringe procedure with a 12 years and has avoided about 17,000 America and the Caribbean. multidisciplinary team in the hospital. more convenient and suitable device, the amputations. This has been possible Most countries in the region face an “At the end of 2018, the prevalence NovoPen 4, which improves adherence thanks to the increase and availability unfavorable scenario due to the alarming of diabetes in Cuba rose to 64.3 per one and reduces pain to a minimal level due of therapy in about 405 polyclinics or increase of the disease, with premature thousand inhabitants, which translates to its thin needles. primary attention centers throughout mortality indicators. to 747,466 diabetics, as registered by Manufactured by the Danish company the country, in addition to 55 secondary Factors such as family history, high the Primary Health Care Center. The Novo Nordisk, a world leader in products attention hospitals. blood pressure, lipid disorders and, prevalence of this disease is rising as a for diabetics, NovoPen 4 was first delivered According to Researcher of Genetic especially, inactive lifestyles and obesity, result of the increase of sedentary lifestyles to Cuban patients under the age of 19, Engineering and Biotechnology Center are considered risks for this world health and obesity,” director of the National then to patients under the age of 25, as Manuel Raíces, in 2018 about 12,000 catastrophe, which affects over 422 Endocrinology Institute, Ileydis Iglesias, well as to the blind, visually impaired and patients were treated in Cuba and million people worldwide. explained. people suffering from chronic kidney amputations were limited to 1,700 – Mexico is placed first in the world Senior adults over the age of 60 disorders. The idea, though, is to reach when 4,000 would have otherwise been for childhood obesity (ages 6 to 12) and represent the highest rate of diabetic beyond the groups currently benefitting made. This results in fewer costs to the second in the case of adults, as almost patients in Cuba, a figure that surpasses from the NovoPen 4. health system and the family. 7 in 10 individuals are obese. About 35 200 people out of one thousand. The advantages of having a national Specialists agree that in Cuba, people percent of the country’s population is However, according to the Pan- program that dates back to 1975 and the fact can live with diabetes and have a life either overweight or obese. American Health Organization, Cuba is a that Cuba has a nationwide network of centers expectancy very similar to those who According to María Luisa Ponce, a country that has better glycaemia control to attend diabetic patients (18 in total), turn don’thave the disease. However, they specialist in Surgical Sciences and a of its patients, in spite of limited access to the country into an international reference for warn that this chronic condition is one of researcher at the National Autonomous glucometers for constant monitoring or diabetes prevention and treatment. the main causes of death in the country University of Mexico, the obesogenic insulin-infusion pumps for patients who Heberprot-P, the only medication of and the world; the reason why prevention environment boosts 95 percent of cannot control their diabetes with multiple its type that has achieved reducing the is essential. insulin-resistance cases, a risk factor in injections – as these devices are made with risk of amputations in the country to With this global issue in mind, about the development of diabetes type 2 and U.S. technology. over 70 percent; also stands out as a big 400 specialists from Latin America, cardiovascular diseases. In this sense, the humanization of achievement of the Cuban health system. Europe, Asia and the United States met in Cuba is one of the Caribbean insulin treatment in Cuba stands out First applied in 2007, the Heberprot-P Havana from May 22 to 24 to take part in countries that also has high obesity as a project that includes about 20,000 comprehensive attention program has the I International Congress on Diabetes. 6 SOCIETY UNESCO Joins Celebrations of Havana’s 500th Anniversary By LuisaMaría GONZALEZ

PARIS.- UNESCO is celebrating Havana’s As part of the conference, the book 500th anniversary by welcoming “Para no Olvidar” (Not to Forget) was Havana Historian Eusebio Lealto Paris, launched. Published by Ediciones Boloña, who gave a lecture at the organization’s this book includes details about the work headquarters. conducted in recent years. During the occasion, the UN entity Ediciones Boloña’s director Mario acknowledged the restoration work Cremata noted that this is the first volume headed by the Cuban Historian. in French that has been published by Ernesto Ottone, Assistant General the institution and serves as part of a Director of Culture, highlighted Leal’s series that shows the before and after of efforts, as well as supporting institutions restoration work conducted in Havana. and the State for accomplishing the During his stay in Paris, Leal was also restoration and preservation of the welcomed by UNESCO General Director Cuban capital’s historical site. Audrey Azoulay. During this meeting, “It has been a really hard, non-stop and culture and heritage were the main topics effective work, despite many difficulties- of conversation. not only those related to the economic The historian appreciated the “moral context but also to the environment, and civic support” given by UNESCO to particularly obstacles resulting from the Cuba’s efforts in the field of protection proximity to the ocean,” he said. and preservation of national heritage. The UN Representative recalled that Leal also reiterated the invitation Havana was registered on the list of World to the General Director that President Heritage Sites in 1982. Miguel Díaz-Canel had made last year to “The list includes places that, because visit Cuba. of their features, have universal and The UNESCO Representative gave her particular values, and Havana has that appreciation and affirmed that she will exceptional quality,” he affirmed. visit Havana before the end of the year, a Leal stressed the importance that visit she is very excited about, she noted. the UNESCO registration of the Cuban The UN official also stated her capital had on both the country and Latin “appreciation for and acknowledgment America. of” the commitment and work conducted “Its declaration was a call for Cuba by the Historian and the country, as well and for other countries to do their best as for the “mutual cooperation and trust” and be fully committed,” Leal said. with her organization. The Cuban official added that thanks Both parties stressed the to the work conducted, “the restoration contribution UNESCO has made to is part of Cuban culture today; we have peace, a topic with which Cuba is founded a federation of patrimonial actively committed and defends as cities that go from Baracoa (in the east) to one of the main pillars of its foreign Viñales (in the west).” policy. Prensa Latina, Internet Latina, Prensa PHOTOS: CULTURE 7

The Fire Festival Lights Up Santiago de Cuba By Marta CABRALES

SANTIAGO DE CUBA.- In the dead of the speaking Caribbean, to the Spanish The large artistic program will summer, when the city is at its hottest, the imprint and diaspora, to Africa and to encompass plays, dance and music, 39th edition of the Fire Festival will once CARICOM (Caribbean Community). poetry and storytelling performances, again bring together artistic talents and Other editions have paid tribute to both by representatives of the traditional knowledge from the Caribbean islands. Haiti’s 200th anniversary of independence, popular culture of different Cuban This has been the case ever since the José Martí and world equilibrium, regions and the participating countries. festival was first held in 1981 as a union of Havana’s 500th anniversary of founding Once more, the opening and closing dramatic arts in the Caribbean, becoming and the continental Caribbean areas of ceremonies on July 3 with the Snake an international event two years later. In Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. Parade and July 9 the Burning of the 1984, it was dedicated to Grenada and its In 2018, the Fire Festival celebrated Devil, respectively, will be very significant leader, Maurice Bishop. Puerto Rico as the guest of honor country, and light up the city. The fight to defend traditional popular and this year the honor will be dedicated The homage to the runaway slave in culture is an element that unites everyone to Uruguay. Eduardo Lorier, the Uruguayan the town of El Cobre, religious rituals at who will come together in Santiago, ambassador in Cuba, praised the cultural the Juan Gonzalez Beach, the farmers’ to establish or renew ties regardless of show held at Teatro Heredia (Heredia and Haitian parties, the award-granting language or geographic barriers. Theater) as a prelude to the International ceremony of the International “Casa del The main objective of all 39 editions Caribbean Festival, held uninterruptedly Caribe” Prize and different cultural shows has been to honor the spiritual legacy for almost 40 years in this Cuban city. also form part of the event. of some 20 Caribbean and Latin The International Colloquium “The It was precisely during the 12th American territories, including Haiti, Caribbean that binds us”-the theoretical edition of the festival in 1992 when it was Grenada, Guyana, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the section of the event- has provided proposed to hold an international trade Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, updated information about the history, fair to bring together the economies Colombia, Panama, the Netherlands culture and current affairs of the regional of this geographical region. Known as Antilles, Aruba and Suriname, Honduras, countries. The latest analysis covered ExpoCaribe, the 16th edition of the fair Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Bonaire interesting topics such as the exodus to was held this year from June 19 to 22 at and Martinique. Florida before and after Hurricane Maria the Heredia Cultural Center. The festival has also been dedicated to hit Puerto Rico, its unfavorable economic During these events, Santiago de the 100th anniversary of the abolition of situation today and Puerto Rican Cuba once again embraces its Caribbean slavery in Cuba and other historical dates emigration to Cuba at the beginning of brothers and sisters, with their various on the island, to the English and French- the 20th century. realities and dreams. Prensa Latina, Internet Latina, Prensa PHOTOS: 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Gibara Havana International Mozart Film Festival, Festival (Jul 7-13) (Oct 25-Nov 2) THE CARIBBEAN 9

In Concert Against Sea Pollution By OdalysTROYA HAVANA.- The production of plastics grows According to Espinosa, this joint ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT year after year, totaling some 300 million tons action can help change the course of annually. However, only half of that plastic is the current crisis due to plastic-related recycled and therefore, over nine million tons contamination. –the equivalent of a truck full of waste every Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Barbados, minute- end up in the ocean every year. Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada and Trinidad Protection of the ocean is essential and Tobago are among the Caribbean to humanity, as it regulates weather and countries that have joined the prohibition global warming, produces half of the on the import and use of disposable earth’s oxygen and absorbs 25 percent of plastics and polystyrene with the objective CO2 emissions. Consequently, it is crucial of avoiding environmental deterioration. for the equilibrium of climate change and According to Espinosa, there are many food security around the world. international movements in favor of This is why protecting the earth and its ending the use of plastic containers. oceans is a top priority for Caribbean countries, Play it Out is the product of a world which are among the most vulnerable to campaign that she has been advocating climate change, and any action in favor of that against the use of disposable plastics as Maria Fernanda Espinosa goal is of the upmost importance. President of the UN General Assembly, On June 1, artists, politicians, celebrities Espinosa recalled. vulnerable to climate change; a country million tons of plastic waste ends up in and scientists gathered at the “Play it Out” “If we consider that 13 million tons that relies on its oceans and its main the ocean every year. Today, that number concert held in Antigua and Barbuda, an of plastics go to the oceans every year economic activity is tourism.The Nation has been brought to more than 8 million event intended to encourage the fight and that they are killing marine life, this has adopted a brave decision that is now tons. against the use of disposable plastics. is one of the most serious environmental a success, a global example,” Espinosa According to the UN Development Norway’s duo Nico & Vinz, the St. Lucia problems that we have,” she stressed. noted. Program, 20 years ago, a submarine rock band of New York, reggae star Rocky Antigua and Barbuda, she noted, is a During the concert, María Fernanda descended 10,988 meters to the deepest Dawuni and the Australian singer and country that is taking the prohibition on the Espinosa praised a new commitment to part of the ocean: the Mariana Trench, in composer Cody Simpson, together with local use of plastic bags, bottles and plastics in fight one-use plastic pollution, known as the western Pacific Ocean. artists, dedicated their music to this fight. general, very seriously. They have adopted the “Declaration of Antigua and Barbuda.” A plastic bag was found there. The Sponsored by the President of the UN truly revolutionary and rapid action, she scientists believe that it was the first General Assembly, the Ecuadorian María said. PLASTICS IN THE SEA plastic waste found at such depth, which Fernanda Espinosa, the concert was held Antigua and Barbuda is an example In 2013, the UN Environmental will take between 400 and 1,000 years to at the Sir Vivian Richards National Stadium. to be followed, because “it is also highly Program (UNEP) noted that at least 6.4 disintegrate. Internet PHOTOS:

For 4 News Headlines per day for just $1CUC / month, Send an SMS with the letters PL to 8100 10 CULTURE Habana Selfies, A Portrait of the Marvelous City By CarolDANVERS

HAVANA.-Habana Selfies, a film that is undergoing the The film deals with six stories that are the backbone postproduction stage, will be a portrait of the Cuban of the narrative, which are based on different resources, capital, free from the typical clichés used to describe the such as the melodrama, the absurd and the farce. city, director Arturo Santana said. This is another present to Havana, as the city “We tried to be loyal to the city and its icons, without celebrates its 500th anniversary on November 16 – when falling back on repetitive approaches. I cannot imagine a special presentation of the film will be made.

Havana without the Morro Castle or the Revolution However, the official première of this feature film will Internet PHOTOS: Square, but we showed them in a different and take place in December, as part of the 41st edition of the interesting way,” Santana added. Latin American New Film Festival, held in Havana each year. However, the film’s crew and cast have high The filmmaker affirmed that the new production The film was produced by Carlos Huerta, music expectations and affirm that the film will immediately shows emblematic places in big shots, but also illustrates by GermánVelazco, and edited by Daniel Diez, get through to the audience, because of its style, topic small details of normal places in Havana. while Alexander González and Celia Ledón were the and language. After almost two months of pre-production and six photography and art directors, respectively. Because of its clever and dark drama, the director’s weeks of shooting, the film promises to be a portrait With the special performance of renowned actress previous production – Bailando con Margot (Dancing of the city’s multiple and every day faces, with its love Daysi Granados, the cast features young and talented with Margot), 2015 - already caused a strong reaction stories, laughs, conflicts and ironies. Cuban actors such as Yeny Soria, Ray Cruz, Armando among audiences. This feature film was awarded the Inspired by paradigmatic love films such as Paris, je Miguel, Leonardo Benítez and Cheryl Zaldívar. Best First Work award in 2017 by the Association of Latin t’aime; New York, I Love you; Río, I Love you and Berlin, I Santana affirmed that he was extremely happy with Entertainment Critics of New York, the United States. Love You, Director Santana also wanted to give Havana a the production and final result, which doesn’t always Santana, who previously produced music videos, love story. happen, he added. has directed over 150 audiovisuals, including The filmmaker, who is also the scriptwriter, explained The audience will then have the last word, advertisements, documentaries and short films such as that the film fits into the comedy genre, but is also something which is important for any filmmaker, or Besos y Lágrimas (Kisses and Tears, 2011); La Forastera described as loving, sensual, erotic and urban, as the artist in general, as the audience opinion is the one (The Outsider, 2012) and Subir al Cielo (Going to heaven, action takes place in the city streets. that matters. 2012). The Caribbean Art Festival will Have a Permanent Logo By AmandaFLORES HAVANA.-Beginning with its 14th edition aspects of cultural heritage and this year, the Caribbean Art Festival development. (CARIFESTA), one of the region’s most It aims at looking for ways and means emblematic cultural events, will have a for the Caribbean people, artists and permanent logo. professionals of the cultural field to Each host country had traditionally connect with each other, share ideas and designed a logo for every edition of the information, while investing in cultural festival, but now the decision to have a development to thus create more solid permanent one aims at providing the national and regional creative industries. party of the Caribbean community with a The festival’s 14th edition will take more uniform seal. place August 15-26 in Trinidad and The new logo was approved during Tobago, with the topic “Connecting, a recent meeting of the Council for Sharing and Investing.” Human and Social Development held Artists and culture specialists from in Georgetown, the headquarters of the some 30 Caribbean countries will get Caribbean Community (CARICOM). together in Trinidad and Tobago, which The logotype of the first CARIFESTA will be hosting the event for the fourth edition was 'a dark hand rising, grasping time (the previous occasions were in the sun, depicting the skills and 1992, 1995 and 2006). aspirations of the tropical man with talent The program will include national untold,” a symbol of the Caribbean people nights, film, literature, art, food and defining themselves and articulating community festivals, symposiums, a their expectations. megaconcert with the best Caribbean The topic of the upcoming event will artists, as well as green spaces, with yoga focus both on tangible and intangible sessions and other healthy activities. Internet PHOTOS: PHOTO FEATURE 11

Bianchini’s Art Installation in Havana By NayelaVELAZQUEZ HAVANA.- The Cuban capital has hosted Espejo y la Mar (The Mirror and the Sea), a photographic exhibit by Cuban Artist based on the artist’s personal experience Gabriel Guerra Bianchini. The work, in Havana that comes to life in this exhibited as an outdoor installation for conceptual and surreallove story. the first time in Cuba, has been on display The pieces also illustrate a country along one of Havana’s largest boulevards, surrounded by clouds with a poetic and Paseo del Prado. encouraging horizon, inviting the public The billboard structures that have to daydream while gazing at enchanted been internationally associated to scenes. marketing and publicity have taken on The artist’s dream comes true in a new artistic meaning in Cuba, an idea his images, where spectators can see that Bianchini tried out during the XIII themselves in a reflection and even take Havana Visual Art Festival. a selfie, which they might share with Entitled Utopia, the series is composed friends or post on social media. of 16 photos mounted on eight structures, The artist is planning a future which offer fresh images of Cuba’s exposition for Quinta Avenida, (Fifth everyday scene, while embellishing Avenue),in Havana’s Playa municipality. Havana for its 500thanniversary. Who knows,one day we might see From the streets of Colón to Genio, artwork fill all the main streets of Cuba’s the public can appreciate the series El historical center, too. Panchito,Prensa Latina Panchito,Prensa PHOTOS: 12 LATIN AMERICA

By TaniaPEÑA Colombia: A Critical Scenario for Peace

“Colombia’s peace is too precious to abandon… Duque and his right-wing allies have sabotaged peaceful progress under the pact,” an opinion piece in The New York Times stated a few days ago. According to the article, peace in Colombia “may be unraveling,” which would represent “a disaster for the country, for the region and for the cause of democracy.” The journal added that responsibility of which falls on the government, as after the guerrilla members were disarmed and returned to civil life, it has ignored most

PHOTOS: Internet PHOTOS: of the promises that it had made, such as providing help and development to rural areas. BOGOTA.- Two and a half years after its signing, the “What’s happening in Colombia is a crime against About a hundred U.S. congresspersons agreed with implementation of the Peace Agreement is undergoing peace; the humanitarian crisis is getting worse in regions the opinion piece in regard to the decline in peace, and a critical phase as a result of the political fight between that have historically been neglected by the State,” said stated that the government’s stance against transitional advocates of a historic milestone in Colombia and right-wing the Defend Peace Movement, composed of former justice – which is essential to know the truth about leaders who disapprove of the agreement reached in Havana. ministers, congresspersons and other leaders. war, serve justice and compensate the victims - is A distinct feature showing the fragility of peace in In addition to the massacres against social leaders and unconstitutional and contrary to democracy. the country is the persistence of political violence taking former guerrilla members, the number of displaced people Clamor in defense of the Peace Agreement was place, which has targeted social leaders and former because of the prevailing violence in the rural areas is also also expressed recently by over 260 academics from 13 guerrilla members of the dissolved Revolutionary Armed concerning. It is estimated that 124,000 people abandoned countries, who voiced their “indignation” and demanded Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP). their homes in 2018 due to the violence in their territories. strong actions against what they described as a “constant A report of the Popular Education and Research Center The advocates of the peace process have not only and systematic bloodshed.” (CINEP) recently revealed that 648 persons were killed in reacted angrily to the marked violence but also to the In sight of such adversity, the Revolutionary Alternative Colombia in 2018 because of ideological reasons. barriers imposed by Iván Duque’s government on the Force of the Common (FARC) has appealed to local and In that same period, 1,151 death threats were Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a pillar of the agreement. international communities to mobilize in defense of the registered, in addition to 22 disappearances, 66 cases of The crusade against JEP became evident by the peace process. torture and 48 attacks. president’s objections to its statutory legislation The historic Peace Agreement, which had been “There could be many more victims to come,” CINEP and the arrest of Jesús Santrich, former guerrilla negotiated in the Cuban capital, put an end to 60 years director Luis Guillermo Guerrero stated. In his opinion, in commander, after the peace court ordered to set him of armed conflict, in which over 260,000 Colombians lost more than half of the cases, murderers are members of free and applied a non-extradition warrant due to a their lives, eight million suffered internal displacement paramilitary groups. lack of evidence. and dozens of thousands went missing. Spokesman of the United Nations Human Rights Office Rupert Colville agrees with the statement above. As he warned, in the first four months of this year, the situation seems to have gotten worse, with more than 50 social leaders killed. The UN official denounced that “the stigmatization campaigns have led to increased danger for leaders, especially against those who live in rural areas, characterized by the lack of basic services, high levels of poverty and illegal crops.” On top of this unfortunate situation comes the murder of over 130 former FARC-EP guerrilla members since the signing of the Peace Agreement, in November 2016. Incomplete Inclusion of African Descendants By VivianaDIAZ structure of the colonial period determined that African descendants, together with indigenous people, had increasing HAVANA.- In recent decades, Latin America has disadvantages, unequal opportunities and experienced various social transformations lack of liberties, ECLAC acknowledged. that have benefited a considerable part of This panorama worsened with the historically oppressed sectors of society. suppression of Afro-descendants in the However, some issues are yet to be solved region, a process that also disregards the

concerning African descendants and their full Camino Aldo PHOTO: large contributions that this demographic rights and inclusion. has made to social and cultural This group largely consists of descendants million inhabitants and noticeably accounts finish elementary education can reduce development of Latin American countries. of Africans enslaved during the slave trade, a for the poorest sectors of each country. chances of poverty by over nine percent, Nonetheless, changes that are favorable shameful chapter in the history of mankind Some reports sustain that the Afro- and if they complete their middle and to this social sector in the region can be that dates back to over 400 years. descendant people are 2.5 times more junior high school, chances can be reduced perceived today. African descendants represent one fourth likely to live in chronic poverty than white or by 16 and 23 percent, respectively. There is greater recognition of African of the Latin American population, with over mixed-race people, receive less education However, the gaps in education prevail descendants thanks to various organizations 90 percent concentrated in Brazil, Venezuela, and are more exposed to violence. and only 64 percent of the Afro-descendants and activists, countering a malevolent history Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Ecuador. VARIABLES OF PENDING INCLUSION finish elementary school -compared to of slavery and social exclusion. Although the number of Afro-descendants While many factors have caused this 80 percent of non-African descendants. With signs of change, ECLAC mentioned living in poverty decreased between 2002 situation, ECLAC has warned that structural In Uruguay, two in every three Afro- the inclusion of ethnic and racial variables and 2012 with the wave of progressive inequality is manifested in different spheres of descendants drop out of middle school. in national statistics, which have not been governments in the region, different studies development such as health, education and In 2017, this group represented only12 reported in most countries since the first half reveal that this population group continues work. percent of adults with degrees in higher of the 20th century. to face structural barriers that hinder their full Gaps can be seen in these sectors to the education in Latin America. Another positive element is that some social and economic inclusion. detriment of Afro-descendant populations, ACTIONS AGAINST A LONGTIME countries have adopted policies such as According to a report by the Economic along with the combined effect of gender, INJUSTICE affirmative action in the labor market and in Commission for Latin America and the generational and territorial inequalities. academic institutions, awareness campaigns, Caribbean (ECLAC), the number of Afro- wIn this regard, the World Bank offers Regardless of national or regional anti-racist laws and the empowerment of a descendants in the region amounts to 111 some examples: The Afro-Brazilians that peculiarities, the hierarchical and racist political representation of African descendants. ECONOMY 13 The World Bets on Cuba Despite Washington’s Measures By RobertoCASTELLANOS

HAVANA.- The new measures the United States has taken against Cuba don’t seem to be a No doubt, the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2019) was the most important major worry for foreign businesspeople, who bet on Cuba’s present and future potential. event held in May in Cuba. This fair was attended by 7,567 tourism professionals from Since the White House activated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, on May 2, Cuba has 53 countries, including 263 journalists. hosted several events with the participation of numerous foreign companies, a sign of The nations represented the most during this event – considered the biggest and the prestige and confidence that the country inspires. best to date - included Spain (482 experts), Mexico (166) and Italy (106). Title III allows U.S. citizens to file lawsuits against individuals or entities - including Two administrative contracts were signed as a part of the fair, which was held in the Cuban third party countries – who have invested in properties on Cuban territory nationalized capital: the first with the Canadian corporation Blue Diamond and the second with the Cuban after the triumph of the Revolution, on January 1, 1959. Gran Caribe company. Both entities will manage new hotels in Cayo Coco and Varadero. In In the face of such a threat, the Cuban government has repeatedly ratified its support addition, the Cueto and Vedado Azul hotels, both in Havana, have started their operations. for foreign companies that have capital in the national territory, under the protection of One of the highlights of the fair was the participation of 50 businesspeople from 26 Foreign Investment Act 118 and the 1996 Act for the Reaffirmation of Cuba’s Dignity and U.S. companies, a real challenge to President Donald Trump’s unilateral policies. Sovereignty. Havana, a city that will celebrate its 500th anniversary next November, also hosted Washington´s threats did not keep a group of British business executives from visiting the International Restaurant Fair and Hotels and Tourist Services (HostelCuba 2019), Cuba recently to get first hand information on the island´s investment opportunities. which was attended by 120 exhibitors from about 20 countries. The delegation, made up of 28 executives from some 20 companies, was informed “Foreign businesspeople are confident and trust in Cuba,” José Durán, an executive of the opportunities existing in several sectors, including agriculture, biopharmaceutical of the Chilean company MTG – with more than 20 years of experience working in Cuba products, banking and renewable energy. – told The Havana Reporter. “The country has great potential; we are confident and trust in this nation because of its huge potential,” he said during the event, held at the PABEXPO fair. Conrado Padilla, director of the Spanish firm ECUS, also affirmed that Cuba “is a really promising market, where we can bring our products.” Padilla stated that he was impressed by the large number of hotels currently being constructed in Cuba. That was the reason for his participation, for the first time, in HostelCuba: to promote ECUS’s leading product, mattresses, in addition to futons, headboards and other items. In recent days, Havana was also the host of a meeting between businesspeople from Argentina and Cuba, in addition to the III Meeting of the Cuba-Bolivia Working Group for Economic Collaboration. Both events have ratified the importance Cuba places on its relations with the rest of Latin America. Additionally, the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba hosted the EXPOCARIBE 2019 Commercial Fair a few days ago, another example of Cuba’s global expectations in

José Tito Meriño Tito José PHOTO: Spanish Minister of Tourism María Reyes Maroto speaking at FITCUBA spite of Washington’s attempts to isolate this nation. Expanding Cuba’s National Production By IvetteFERNANDEZ

import only that which we are not able to manufacture domestically,” he noted. Díaz-Canel also highlighted that it is necessary for the industry to make progress and acquire new technologies. The strengthening of the national industry and its integration into the rest of the productive processes in sight of replacing imports is a must, due to the increase of the tourist demand on the island.

The President also stressed that it is imperative to Martínez Leticia Hernández PHOTOS: reduce costs in order to obtain higher profits, as well as providing producers with incentives to increase According to Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel efficiency and quality. Marrero, the Cuban sector recorded a cumulative growth The President has emphasized tourism, stating, “we of six percent, with 4.7 million tourists in 2018. are still importing many products that could instead be This set a record for Cuba as a destination, as it hopes HAVANA.- One of the main courses of action the Cuban produced within the country. Regarding tourism, we to welcome over five million total visitors in 2019. authorities have proposed to continue developing the have to further develop agriculture, renewable energy Different investments have been made in hotel country is to reduce its dependence on the import of sources and advanced technologies.” infrastructure as well as to support the development of goods. In this sense, “each institution must reassess its the tourist sector, including the construction of ports, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has called to connection to the tourist industry, in order to meet its gulf courses and theme parks. strengthen production throughout all sectors of the needs and high demands. We now have an open road A development plan until 2030 envisions the national economy, which “goes hand in hand with the of development and prospects,” the Cuban President completion of 610 projects -176 of them with the dynamic nature of the tourist industry, in order to boost affirmed. support of foreign investment. foreign investment and trade,” he said. The proven potential of the tourist sector calls for During a tour of the recently held Cuban Business “We must admit that we have been able to cope with an economy with stronger national industry and less Fair, the president referred to the need of changing the difficult challenges like large-scale hotel restoration and dependence on foreign import. import mentality among businesspeople. maintaining demanding markets in several parts of the Díaz-Canel has said that tourism is one of the most “The fair should be a tool for efficiency in everything world. dynamic and highest grossing sectors of the economy, we do, and when we make our plans, we have to look However, the quality of products and services so it is likely to become the driving force for the country’s first at what we can produce in the country and then provided by some entities to the tourist sector fall short. development. 14 ECONOMY New Mechanism for Stronger Cuba-Caribbean Ties

By LiviaRODRIGUEZ

HAVANA.- The recently founded Caribbean Customs Organization (CCO), which is expected to begin operating at the beginning of 2020, stands outs as a new mechanism for stronger relations between Cuba and the region. During the 41st Annual Conference of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) held in Havana May 24-27, representatives from nearly 30 countries signed the agreement that gave birth to the

organization. The document will be officially ratified Ricardo Treviño Nelson Cordovés Latina Prensa PHOTOS: in all of the regional countries during the remaining months of this year. It also represents a new and more effective The celebration of the CCLEC Conference in Havana The creation of CCO includes Cuba as a member cooperation mechanism between WCO and the for the first time recognizes Cuba’s work in the customs country, the first time an institution of this kind has fully Caribbean, he added. sector and, at the same time, encourages local customs incorporated the country. In the meantime, Cuba’s Minister of Finance authorities to work even harder, Cordovés stated. Up until now, the island has been limited to the and Prices, Meisi Bolaños, noted that CCO will help Moreover, he thanked the Caribbean countries status of a guest country of CCICR because, as stipulated strengthen the response mechanism, consolidate for supporting Cuba’s fight to lift the U.S economic, by some clauses, the unanimous vote of its members relations between the member countries and maintain commercial and financial blockade and for the event’s was required in order to welcome a new associate. and develop cooperation. large attendance. The United States has been using that provision to The creation of the organization is also a proof of the During their stay in Cuba, members of the delegations prevent Cuba from joining the Caribbean Customs Law close relations Cuba has with other Caribbean countries. that attended the CCLEC Conference talked with the Enforcement Council. The historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, Vice President of the Cuban Council of Ministers Ricardo When CCO starts to function next year, Cuban was the main promoter and supporter of those ties, Cabrisas. authorities can officially work with other countries to Bolaños recalled. The participants of that meeting included: Menno enhance the customs sector in the region. For his part, the head of General Customs of the Snel, the Dutch Minister of Finance, Taxes and Customs; The adjunct secretary general of the World Customs Republic of Cuba (AGRC), Nelson Cordovés, said Xiomara Ruiz-Maduro, Aruba’s Minister of Finance, Organization (WCO), Ricardo Treviño, mentioned that that Cuba’s connection with CCO corroborates the Economic Affairs and Culture; Cornelius de Weever, Saint Cuba is expected to contribute greatly to CCO, due to its international recognition of its good practices in customs Martin’s Minister of Justice; and Kenneth Gijsbertha, the demonstrated role of leadership in customs affairs. affairs and its work to fight related crimes. Finance Minister of Curacao. The Caribbean country has been recognized for its active Cuba’s tireless fight against terrorism and drug The participants spoke about the Organization of participation in WCO conferences and has had a significant trafficking in the region will be enhanced by the creation Caribbean Customs and its impact on the cooperation impact on the region in the field of customs, he stressed. of the Caribbean Customs, he added. of all Caribbean countries, including Cuba a sign of Similarly, Treviño said that WCO is happy about the Cordovés noted that it will allow for more effective Cuban authorities’ increased interest in the event and creation of the regional entity, as it provides the zone coordination mechanisms in the region and greater its actions to expand ties between the Caribbean with a stronger legal basis. cooperation between customs authorities. nations. SPORTS 15

LIMA.- The most significant honor that He confirmed his position as a top Peru Sets Modest Expectations Peru should aim for at the 2019 Pan contender in the discipline during the American Games is that of being a great 12th Championship of the Americas at the for Pan Am Games host, offering a special touch of cultural American Shooting Sport Federation held By ManuelROBLES identity to this extraordinary event. in , Mexico, where he qualified Competitively speaking, the country for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. is confident to win the same number of In surfing, the Pan American hopeful gold medals that it has won in all past is Benoit Clemente, as he recently won games combined: eight, and hopes to the World Championships held in Biarritz, exceed that figure. France. The young Itzel Delgado also Carlos Zegarra, an official from the aspires for the title in stand up paddle Peruvian Institute of Sports (IPD), said boarding (SUP). some time ago that his fellow athletes Stefano Peschiera and Paloma could obtain 45 medals in total. Schmidt aim for the gold in sailing, It seems that the low expectations Natalia Cuglievan intends to repeat her are a result of the poor development of water skiing feat in , and Felipe sports, the lack in participation and limited Franco Belmont also aspires for gold in resources assigned to athletics in the water skiing, where he holds the U-23 country. world title. Alejandra Grande In many cases, the athletes are forced to In addition, Alejandra Grande is a gold- look for the charitable support of companies, medal hopeful for Karate (Kumite), based institutions and international opportunities. on her gold medal in the Toronto games Sometimes, they have to resort to personal and silver medal in Guadalajara 2011. financial resources, if they have any. Still, Peru’s athletics have real chances HISTORY of winning gold medals in the marathon Throughout the 17 editions of the competition, thanks to figures like Inés , Peru has won Melchor and Gladys Tejeda (for women) eight gold medals in total; the first and Christian Pacheco (for men), as well two in 1951 in Argentina, in the hands as women’s speed walking, with local of sprinter Julia Sánchez and shooter experts betting on Kimberly García as the Edwin Sánchez. potential champion. Then, 24 years later, Edith Noeding Tejeda, winner of many international won gold in the 100-meter hurdle in the competitions, was the marathon gold Mexico 1975 Pan American Games. In medalist during the Toronto 2015 Pan 1983, Carlos Hora became the American Games. gold medalist in shooting. However, a doping test showed that Alexis Carvajal gave a Karate gold she had involuntarily taken a prohibited medal to Peru in the 2003 substance. Hence, she was deprived of Games. the medal and suspended for six months. The last three were achieved in Shooting is another successful sport Toronto: Francisco Boza (shooting), in Peru. This time, Alessandro de Souza is Natalia Cuglievan (water skiing) and

PHOTOS: Internet PHOTOS: aiming for gold in the Trap event. Alejandra Grande (karate). High Hopes for Cuban Handball in Pan Am Games

By RaúldelPINO

HAVANA.- Many years ago Cuba had great potential in team sports. Both men’s and women’s , , handball and teams were always representing the country well at international events, from Olympic Games to world championships. We still remember the three gold medals won by the women’s volleyball team in Barcelona 92, Atlanta 96 and Sydney 2000, and the world dominance of Cuban baseball. In spite of being a small

island, Cuba won the respect of big nations Internet PHOTO: with the best rankings in team sports. However, the new century has not suffered the most- with the revival of the podium after the team went Barranquilla, when they defeated all of brought as glorious of times for Cuban national handball. undefeated at the North American and their rivals to retake the title. display cabinets and shelves have been Handball was among the first Caribbean Championship (NORCA). In April, the Cuban team won a accumulating dust and spider webs. We sports to apply the policy allowing the They thus got the only slot for the slot for the Third Emerging Nations can only appreciate the old trophies now; reintegration of athletes that left Cuba World Championship to be held in Championship held recently in Tbilisi, not one has been added recently. and wanted to return to compete for the Japanese city of Kumamoto from Georgia, where they won the silver Cuban sports have been experiencing their country. National team drafts have November 30 to December 15, 2019. medal. Coach Enrique Delisle´s team also a decline in performance throughout also elevated the level of the sport. The girls led by coach Jorge Koll was went to this event as NORCA champions. the 21st century. Disciplines that used There has been so much trust placed on not the most popular team that went It is no secret that the Pan American to be the spearhead of the Cuban sport handball that it stands as the key team sport to Mexico but had been improving Games of Lima now stand as the main delegation began losing ground and for Cuba, both women’s and men’s, during performance ever since they took bronze event on the calendar for Cuban sports. stopped qualifying for the big events. the Pan American Games in Lima at the end at the Central American and Caribbean In Lima, all sights will be set on the Cuban But today, a light can be seen at the of July and the beginning of August. Games in Barranquilla 2018. handball players, who will try to put a end of the tunnel. Good news has arrived The women’s team recently Prior, the men’s team had proved Cuban team back on top of the medal for Cuban sports fans –the ones that have proved to be a good candidate for their abilities in the Colombian city of table. 16