Venezuela and Cuba Reinforce Bilateral Cooperation

© YEAR VIII THE Nº 11 JUN 15, 2018 HAVANA, CUBA ISSN 2224-5707 Price: avana eporter 1.00 CUC H YOUR SOURCE OF NEWSR & MORE 1.00 USD A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.20 CAN Venezuela and Cuba Reinforce Bilateral Cooperation

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Health & Science Spotlight Regional Affairs All Sights Set on Atlantic, Lavish Closing to Cuban Festival A Nobel Prize for the Caribbean Hurricane Season in USA with Ballet Performances Plaza de Mayo Grandmothers?

P. 5 P. 7 P. 12 2 TOURISM CUBA 3 Cuba Welcomes Over Two Venezuela and Cuba Reinforce Million Tourists so far This Year Bilateral Cooperation By RobertoF. CAMPOS By OdetteDIAZ

HAVANA.- On May 18th, Cuba welcomed CARACAS.- Cuban President Miguel its 2 millionth visitor to the island this Díaz-Canel and his Venezuelan year, corroborating the perception that counterpart NicolásMaduro renewed many people in the world are interested and strengthened bilateral cooperation in getting to know the country. during the recent official visit to Caracas. The Cuban authorities interpreted The two countries ratified the road the figure as a sign of confidence and paved by revolutionary leaders Fidel Castro optimism for the tour operators, travel and Hugo Chávez towards unity and agencies and airlines. integration, in the context of the Bolivarian This result was achieved despite Alliance for the Peoples of Our America- various challenges facing the industry: People’s Trade Agreement (ALBA-TCP). Hurricane Irma and the toughening of A process will begin to renew and measures implemented by the U.S. consolidate all the bilateral cooperation The main sending nations of tourists projects included in the comprehensive to Cuba continue to be Canada and agreement signed by Commanders Fidel others from Europe, with Russia, Mexico, and Chávez in 2000, Maduro said. Argentina, China and Brazil recording an Regarding this, the Venezuelan increase. president praised the will to enlarge During the 38th International Tourism the Barrio Adentro Program aimed at

Fair “FITCuba 2018” held in May, the improving better and high-quality health Internet PHOTOS: country proved to be efficient in the post- services for all Venezuelan communities. As of present day, over 200,000 hurricane recovery efforts and flexible in Likewise, he called to spread the Cubans have served in various capacities businesses to ensure the future. cooperation projects to the fields of in Venezuela as a result of the 28 missions Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel culture, sports, energy, trade, finances carried out nationwide. Marrero said that, despite the U.S. and tourism. The programs with the best results commercial and financial obstacles, Maduro announced the launch of include Mission Robinson, with which 73 representatives from U.S. tourist a strategic plan for the upcoming ten the government eradicated illiteracy companies attended FITCuba, including years, with the objective of boosting in record time, teaching more than 1.5 the Marriot chain. new industrial, agricultural and mining million Venezuelans how to read and Cuba currently has 69,041 hotel projects to develop a solid economic write. rooms, and 63 percent of the hotels are base that allows improving relations with The Social Tourism program four and five stars -74 percent of them other countries. implemented on January 24, 2007 as located by the beach. The pending task of the Cuban and part of the treaty is another positive A total of 110,416 people work in Venezuelan revolutionary processes achievement, where the people the Cuban tourism sector. Of them, 41.2 is connected with the productive associated with the program do not pay percent are women and 48 percent are development, the creation of wealth for related leisure activities. under the age of 45. and meeting of people’s material needs, The Venezuelan authorities provide Last year Cuba welcomed 4,689,896 Maduro explained. these services to the members of the visitors,which constituted an 11.6 percent “Socialism has demonstrated its social missions, Community Councils, increase. The first eight months of the year superiority in social and political terms, indigenous people, students, the had registered a 26 percent increase but but the big challenge of attaining elderly, the disabled, representatives the pace began to slow down after the comprehensive economic development of cooperatives and government impact of Hurricane Irma in September. has yet to be overcome,” he noted. employees. The United States, Russia, Italy and For his part, Venezuelan Executive The Cuba-Venezuela Agreement France were the nations that reported the Vice President Tareck El Aissami told signed in Caracas on October 30, highest growth, while Canada continues Díaz-Canel that with the Barrio Adentro 2000 by Commander-in-Chief Fidel to be the number one market with Program three million Venezuelans have Castro and the leader of the Bolivarian 1,134,225 visitors.Tourism from Germany, been operated on, and over 1,300,000 Revolution Hugo Chávez corroborated France, Italy and the United Kingdom is eye surgeries have been performed on the interest in promoting the economic also on the rise low-income people with eye disorders, progress attained from cooperation A total of 17 cruise companies are thanks to Operation Miracle. and its consequent positive results on operating in Cuba, with 25 ships working rooms. Golf courses and four joint real This is the result of the social social wellbeing and integration in Latin in the area. This modality grew 28.6 estate buildings are included in the plan. investments made by the Venezuelan America and the Caribbean. percent in the first quarter of 2018. In addition, the investment portfolio government, which allocates more than It also has an impact on the fields As many as 70 airlines fly to Cuba includes 140 projects. There are 2,152 70 percent of the national budget to of sports, energy, culture, agriculture, from important world cities, and there are privately-owned restaurants and 23,185 improve welfare projects for the most education and health, with priority on the

27 joint ventures with over 5,000 hotel homestay rooms. PL PHOTOS: vulnerable populations, he stressed. further development of Barrio Adentro, El Aissami explained they hope the program to train Latin American to expand the Cultural Mission and doctors, Operation Miracle (implemented A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency “strengthen sport cooperation upon the fourth anniversary of the SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE agreements to give everyone access to agreement) and Sonrisa (Smile) Mission. THE YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY sports and prioritize the attention to A sign of the close ties between the SPORTS.AND MORE high-performance athletes.” two countries was the humanitarian HavanaReporter In the meantime, the Cuban president shipment recently sent by Venezuela ratified the island’s commitment to to assist the Cuban people affected by President: Luis Enrique González. Graphic Designers: Paola A. González Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, expand cooperation in the social and the rains and floods associated with Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Prensa Latina, S.A. economic sectors and develop joint subtropical storm Alberto. Editorial Vice President: Lianet Arias Advertising: Javier García Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. projects to show that the economy can be Caracas sent 12 tons of food, water, Chief Editor: Luis Melian Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 more efficient in the socialist system, and mattresses, hammocks, working material, Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Yanely Interián Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Fax: (53)7833-3068 to regularly support the implementation among other essential items for the E-mail: [email protected] of social programs. affected people. 4 U.S.- LATIN AMERICA HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

Trump vs. Latin America and Other Issues All Sights Set on Atlantic, Caribbean Hurricane Season By AnaLauraARBESU

HAVANA.-THE World Meteorological Organization (WMO), several universities and the Hurricane Center of the United States are predicting that the current storm season in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea is likely to be more active than usual. More than ten tropical storms and about seven hurricanes –two of them possible category 5 storms on the Saffir-Simpson scale, are forecasted for this year’s season. In spite of scientific advances, it is very hard to know months in advance the exact location a storm system will hit, the weather forecasters explained. Last season’s predictions fell short,

due to a series of meteorological Internet PHOTOS: events, some of which occurred around the same time and badly hit The rise of water temperatures in María, the strongest storm to have subtropical Storm Alberto, which the Caribbean. the eastern Atlantic contributed to the affected them in the past ten years. developed on May 25 in the Caribbean Cat. 5 Hurricanes Irma and María magnitude of these events. Far beyond any predictions, weather Sea. passed down in history as extreme The intensity of the tropical forecasters advise the population, The season runs from June 1 to By BienvenidoHERNANDEZ Mexican counterpart for almost an meteorological phenomena and, as storms increases along with ocean governments and civil defense November 30, and the second storm hour, during which they discussed suggested by the affected countries temperatures and the air humidity, authorities to be on the alert. “We must or hurricane will be named Beryl. HAVANA.– U.S. president Donald the payment plan for the wall, which and the WMO Hurricane Committee, which in turn increases with climate be always prepared,” said Cuban expert Those that follow will be named Chris, Trump’s obsession with the “immigration ultimately ended in the cancellation of they will not be included on the list change, they explained. José Rubiera, vice president of the RA IV Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, issue”, and his project to build a wall on Peña Nieto’s trip. naming such events in alphabetical Puerto Rico is still suffering Hurricane Committee. Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, the border with Mexico have caused The discussion was tense, and Peña order due to the damage caused, both the consequences of the trail of Like in 2016 and 2017, the 2018 Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, widespread distrust and rejection among Nieto decided to cancel his plans to visit material and human. destruction left behind by Hurricane season began with an early event: Sara, Tony, Valerie and William. Latin American and Caribbean nations. the U.S. when Trump refused to affirm in Reverting back to his rhetorical public that Mexico would not put in any discourse from the campaign trail, Trump money to build the wall. repeats over and over that he will build All this comes on top of Trump’s the wall, and demands their southern xenophobic and disrespectful statements CARICOM Member States and Cuba neighbor to pay for it. At the same time, against nations of the region, which he he takes measures to militarize the has described as “shithole countries” –a Discuss Climate Change Resilience bordering area between the two nations. phrase that caused a strong rejection by On a message on his Twitter account important politicians and institutions in By LisbetRODRIGUEZ at addressing climate change, was on May 26, Trump reiterated that in spite the U.S. and abroad. the basis of the meeting. This plan, of the opposition he’s met in his country, According to public opinion experts, HAVANA.- Representatives of 13 approved by the Council of Ministers he will push forward with his plans to these and other actions by the head of Member States of the Caribbean on April 25, 2017 and endorsed by close about all three thousand kilometers the White House have caused Trump’s Community (CARICOM), in addition Parliament on July 14, is a ground- of the U.S.-Mexican border with a wall. popularity among the Latin American to Puerto Rico, met in Cuba to breaking action taken by the island. In the message, the president and Caribbean people decline to less exchange opinions on how to face Santos highlighted that preserving launched a harsh attack on the democratic than 15 percent in recent months – an all- climate change, as part of the UNESCO and recovering Cuba’s sandy beaches legislators for not being in tune with time low. International Scientific School. is one of the main objectives of this the White House migration policy, and In general his approval rate decreased The National Hotel, located in the plan, as well as guaranteeing the accused them of protecting the members considerably during his first year in office: Cuban capital, was the venue of the availability and efficient use of water of criminal bands from Central America. from 49 percent in 2016 to 24 percent event, conducted in coordination with and addressing the reforestation Two days earlier, Trump told the in 2017. the United Nations Educational, Scientific actions to the protection of the soils. Fox News channel that a new law A survey conducted by Pew Research and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Other topics dealt with in this on immigration is conditional on Center last year showed that of the 37 The delegates discussed issues event included the experimentsfor the construction of such a wall, and countries interviewed, Trump received centered on the formation of resilient developing resilience in the face of emphasized that he opposed any the worst rankings in Mexico, where 93 societies, by creating links between climate change in the Caribbean, with initiative that doesn’t consider such a percent of the respondents stated that research and risk reduction of disasters emphasis on good practices in South-

structure. they didn’t trust him. and climate change adaptation in the South cooperation; that is, technical PL PHOTOS: According to the president, the The project to build the border wall Caribbean. and economic collaboration between Mexican authorities “have a problem of is particularly unpopular there, where 94 “It’s impossible to reach the the developing countries. As part of the discussions, two The international meeting was mass crimes” and “are not doing much to percent of the Mexicans disapprove of sustainable development goals In relation to this, CITMA Deputy priority areas of cooperation for the attended by Nada Al-Nashif, UNESCO help” his nation. such a plan. In another six countries, 83 without making progress in science, Minister José Fidel Santana referred coming years were identified: a better- General Deputy Director for Social and percent of the inhabitants – on average – as this is a phenomenon that requires to the cooperation actions aimed at quality systematic preparation and Humanist Sciences. AN INSULT TO said to be against such a project. taking measures based on scientific reducing disasters in the 2018-2020 efficient systems of early warning. Al-Nashif, who visited Cuba for MEXICO & LATIN AMERICA According to experts, the damage evidence,” stated América Santos, period. These actions include the These areas’ main needs are addressed the second time, acknowledged This relentless insistence,verging on Trump has caused in relations between Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Science, creation of a platform for the exchange to the conduction of training courses this opportunity of exchange paranoia,thwarted last year’s visit by the United States and the Latin American Technology and Environment (CITMA) of data obtained from the radar and scientific research, including between the countries of the Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto’s region will have long term consequences during the opening of the four-day network existing in the Caribbean, studies on the danger, vulnerability region. to Washington D.C. which will be difficult to remedy, both by event on May 29. and the conduction of assessment on and risks of disasters, said Luis This is a sub-regional event whose On February 20, Trump had a his administration as well as future U.S. Tarea Vida (Life Task), a plan coastal vulnerability and the impact of Macareño, specialist of the Cuban Civil precedent was the first national telephone conversation with his administrations. designed by the Cuban State aimed extreme events. Defense Department’sNational Staff. meeting held in Cuba in 2016. Internet PHOTOS: 6 CULTURE SPOTLIGHT 7 Cuba’s Iroco Project: Lavish Closing to Cuban Endurance, Quality

in the Mariel Special development Zone Festival in USA with Text & Photos by NeisaMESA in Havana,” said Pérez. CIEGO DE AVILA.– Cuban artisan The project’s members use the José Alberto Pérez knows the art of sandblasting technique (sandcarving on transforming aluminum scrap into glass), and among their most well-known Ballet Performances useful artwork very well, because this is works are portraits with the images of precisely the objective of Iroco, a project Fidel Castro and famous ballet dancer By MarthaANDRES that he founded in 1996. Alicia Alonso. His pieces are very famous in Cuba The project has a permanent stand and have been largely conceived of every year at the International Art Fair of WASHINGTON.- Acclaimed performances with the idea of decorating both indoor Havana dedicated to Mother’s Day, and by Cuba’s National Ballet Company (BNC) and outdoor spaces in houses, state-run its members have represented Cuba at afforded a luxury closing to the Festival institutions and hotels. international events in Guadalajara and “Cuban Arts: From the Island to the World,” Parks, boulevards and other public Monterrey, Mexico. held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the areas in different Cuban provinces Performing Arts in the U.S. capital, from exhibit his streetlamps, benches, swings, -Why metal smelting? May 8 to June 3. garbage bins and other very well Don Quixote and Giselle, two of the designed elements. -I chose that trade due to a family principal pieces on the repertoire of The Iroco project also includes small- tradition, because my father was a the internationally renowned company, format sculptures, frames, candleholders, tinsmith and an uncle worked at the were the proposals that attracted the house numbers and other articles that, Ciego de Avila foundry. Therefore, I have U.S. public to the cultural institution’s once finished, are painted in old gold to liked that activity since I was a little boy,” Opera House from May 29 to June 3. The make them look old. said Tico. theater, with capacity for more than 2,300 spectators, was packed every day. The company’s leading figures were applauded after every performance. The public’s excellent reaction was covered by the media, including in a report by the website DC Metro Theater Arts which commented that the BNC’s participation was “a big explosion.” There are ballet companies with irreproachable technique and those with a steadily and universally warm, accessible presence. Rarely are those qualities combined as successfully as does the Ballet Nacional under Alonso’s continuing direction, the specialized website DC Theatre Scene stressed. One of the most exciting moments occurred on the first day of the performances, when it was announced that Alonso, one of the world’s most outstanding ballet dancers, was at the theater. She got a long standing ovation from the public. The participation of the 97-year- old prima ballerina and her company in The project’s objective is to rescue “About 15 people are involved in the the Cuban Arts Festival was especially colonial elements that were used to project and the aluminum is our number important, because it was also part decorate houses in the past century, one raw material, which is supplied by the of the celebrations marking the 40th although certain modern details can be FCBC. But before going to the foundry we anniversary of the BNC’s first tour of the perceived as well. use wood, clay, glass fiber resign; that is United States, which began on May 30, Other elements that distinguish Iroco to say, different materials are used to cast 1978 at the Kennedy Center. artwork are the aluminum furniture the piece before working with the metal,” Viengsay Valdés, one of the most Meanwhile, Raúl Abreu, who played (dining-room and terrace suites, rocking he explained. celebrated Cuban ballet dancers, the leading male role in Giselle on May chairs), plaques and logos. It is tough work but when you see performed the leading role in Don 31, when it was first performed, said A resident of the central Cuban the work done, you feel proud of it, Pérez Quixote on the first day, and was also the he felt the burden of living up to the province of Ciego de Avila, Jose (nick- added. lead dancer of Giselle on the closing day. expectations that the company has named Tito) works together with other Every park or space has specific “It is always an honor to take the Cuban created around the world. artisans, most of them relatives. furniture, unique elements, depending ballet school all over the world, and this It has been a very beautiful experience, His works, which stand out for their on the style and date of construction, place could have not been better, as they said the dancer, who was very proud good quality and excellent finish, are which is why we have to research and appreciate this artistic manifestation so of playing Albrecht, a character played commercialized by the Cuban Fund of check bibliographic materials before much and we can show all that we have previousely by many great figures of the Cultural Assets (FCBC), available at the making the pieces.” and the passion with which we dance,” Cuban ballet company. Artex stores in hotels along the keys north It is a very beautiful job that she told The Havana Reporter. After the last presentation of Giselle of Ciego de Avila province and through requires a lot of dedication, seriousness, “We have done very well in the United the curtain also closed for the whole contracts with different institutions responsibility and, above all, teamwork. States; the reviews are almost always very festival, which is the biggest festival nationwide. Iroco’s works combine art and positive, concerning both the quality dedicated to Cuba ever in the history of “We are immersed in the decoration beauty, because its members give useful and the technique of our dancers. The the United States. According to many of the Ciego de Avila Boulevard and the life to everyday objects and obsolete welcome is warm, but I think that this time artists, bridges linking the two countries logo that will identify the José Martí Park materials. it was particularly special,” Valdés added. are being built. PL PHOTOS: 8 CULTURE LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN 9 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sins in Chile’s Women Presidents [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations) in the Caribbean: Catholic Church On the Rise

Mi Compañia, Susana Pous UPCOMING (Dance,Teatro Martí Jun. 15-17) EVENTS

Circuba Festival (Jun. 24-29)

30th International Festival Boleros de Oro MiaMOTTLEY Paula-MaeWEEKES (Jun. 19-24) By VictosM.CARRIBA HAVANA.- At a time when gender issues and women’s empowerment are becoming more and more relevant on the world stage, the Caribbean region stands out as leader.With the election of two women to rule Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, along with various other appointments of women in government positions in the western hemisphere, traditional power dynamics are changing in our region. International From 2010 until earlier this year, there was a Choir Festival, significant increase in women in politics in the region, Teatro Nacional, and four women served as presidents in Latin and Corohabana Central America: Michelle Bachelet in Chile (2006-2010 (Jun. 26-30) and 2014-2018), Cristina Fernández in Argentina (2007- 2011 and 2011-2015), Dilma Roussef in Brazil (2011-2015 and 2015-2016) and Laura Chinchilla in Costa Rica (2010- By FaustoTRIANA The Congregation of the Francis strongly defended 2014). Sisters of the Good Samaritan had Juan Barros, who was said to have This pattern was renewed recently in Trinidad and SANTIAGO DE CHILE.- Although no choice but to issue a public covered up Karadima’s acts. The Tobago when Paula-Mae Weekes assumed power after the topic of sexual abuse by communiqué on what happened issue caused angry reactions in her designation from the National Electoral College, ministers of the Catholic Church to the novice that joined the group Chile, and after returning to Rome, which contains members of both parliamentary seems to be a recurring theme at the age of 18. the Supreme Pontiff was better chambers. in the world, Chile has become a She was 20 years old when she informed. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime significant protagonist, to the point was raped. The Holy Father sent monsignor Minister Keith Rowley, outgoing President Anthony that it has been punished by the Goméz Pinto told the web site Charles Scicluna to investigate Carmona and opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Vatican. Emol that the abuses included hard the files in Chile, but first wrote among other prominent political figures. The actions undertaken by Pope labor, lack of medical attention, a communiqué in which he said Her predecessors were Ellis Clarke (1974-1987), Noor Francis himself could go beyond the confinement. As a consequence, he had made “serious mistakes of Hassanali (1987-1997), Arthur Robinson (1997-2003), narrow limits the clergy imposes, the novice fell into a long state assessment.” George Maxwell Richards (2003-2013) and Anthony and the period of absolute silence, of depression after her transit To correct the mistake, Scicluna’s Carmona (2013-2018). enigmas and internal punishments through Spain and Mexico, until her report - drafted together with About two months after Weekes’s victory, lawyer Mia could be coming to an end, at least resignation in 2017. Spanish father Jordi Bertomeu – Mottley had a resounding triumph during the elections for the time being. “I was sexually abused, on urged Jorge Bergoglio to invite held in Barbados as candidate for the Labor Party. A scandal of new dimensions several occasions, by a nun in Spain, three important witnesses of The 52-year-old winner thus became the first woman threatens to open another Pandora’s who was also Chilean and who was Karadima’s acts to the Vatican. to head the Barbadian cabinet, and the ninth person box after the report filed by Consuelo a superior. Everyone knew about it Then, he asked the Chilean to rule the Caribbean country ever since it gained its Gómez Pinto, a former nun, which and made me be quiet. They made bishops to go to the Vatican at the independence from the United Kingdom in November directly points at the complicity of me feel I was guilty of everything,” end of May for a three-day meeting. 1966. Chilean nuncio Ivo Scapolo. the novice said. And to underline his anger, he The previous Barbadian prime ministers were Errol Overtaken by the revelations of “Whatever can be done against forced them to pay for their trip and Barrow (1966-1976), Tom Adams (1976-1985), Bernard pederasty and sexual transgressions the bishops won’t be too much. lodging – something he didn’t do in St. John (1985-1986), Errol Barrow (1986-1987), Erskine by ministers of the curia, the chapter I would send them all to jail. the case of the guest witnesses. Sandiford (1987-1994), Owen Arthur (1994-2008), David narrated by Gómez Pinto forced the They are all a bunch of liars, pigs, Bergoglio received the Thompson (2008-2010) and Freundel Stuart (2010- ecclesiastic authorities to ask for and hypocrites,” said the former resignation of all 34 Chilean bishops 2018). forgiveness. nun, who has the support of the and his verdict is still awaited. Father Mottley and Weekes have included their names on The acknowledgement of the Foundation for Trust. Bertomeu will return to the South the list of women heads of government in the Caribbean Episcopal Conference questioned That incident is actually American nation, most probably history, together with Dame Eugenia Charles (Dominica), its stance. associated to the case of the victims with final instructions from Pope Janet Jagan (Guyana), Portia Simpson Miller (Jamaica) “We state with grief that we of priest Fernando Karadima, who Francis. and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Trinidad and Tobago). knew about the serious incidents was ousted from the church in Other scandals of priests involved Other women presidents in the Latin American that occurred in our religious 2011 and who was the center of the in cases of pedophilia and even region were Isabel Martínez de Perón (Argentina, from community; the measures we took discord that confused Pope Francis sexual trafficking – which includes 1974 to 1976 when she was overthrown by a military and the attitude we adopted that during his visit to Chile in January the sending of photos of naked dictatorship), Lidia Gueiler Tejada (Bolivia, interim, did not match up with our mission 2018, and which later on forced him people through social media – affect 1979-1980), Violeta Chamorro (Nicaragua, 1990-97) and and vocation.” to rectify. the Chilean church at present. Mireya Moscoso (Panama, 1999-2004). returning to Spain. However, love made and afortune with theideaofmaking Spanish immigrants arrived in Cuba severalbeginning of the 20th century in 2012 Spanish-American Choreography Award dances,” whowon saidRodríguez, the oftheSpanishandAfricanthe mixture of Spanishimmigration inCuba and the national culture, asittells thestory great work to show the components of maestro Frank Fernández. Ithinkitisa Emigrante (Emigrant), withmusic by The Havana Reporter. tradition andmodernity,” thedancer told repertoire,a varied whichincluded there, andbecauseofthat, Ichose that showed the Cuban dancing styles to have beenoneofthethree companies the United States. John F. KennedyCenter, in Washington, World, heldfrom May 8to June 3 at the deCuba: FromArtes theIslandto the members ofhercompany inthefestival she isproud to have danced withthe word ‘work’ for ‘passion’ andat present, professor constantly substitutes the inCubaImprint) over thepastyears. Spanish festival LaHuelladeEspaña(The (ISA), andwho’sof Arts been runningthe her PhD Institute studies at the Higher dancing,” stated whofinished Rodríguez, adolescence, dreams, andhopesto stand up. made audiences inCuba andabroad dancer of the Cuban Spanish Ballet, has wanted to attain,” thedancer explained. always what Iwanted knew to do, what I I´ve donemy bestsince I Iwas akid. treason, suffering, andanguish. wickedness, enchantment, sorrow, innocence, sometimes sensuality, than agitation, herface shows courage, Rather lookeffortless. makes theact butthelookonherface her heartbeat, heels seemto move inrhythm with HAVANA.- According at to the Rodriguez, program with started two-act “The “It’s agreat honorandacommitment The young choreographer and “I dedicated my childhood, founderRodriguez, andformer lead “I’ve always passionate; beenvery 10 By Martha When shedances, her SANCHEZ CULTURE Irene RodríguezandModern Spanish DanceinCuba the Cuban dance culture at present. is remarkable.Sheoneofthepillars oftheCuban SpanishBalletthe history country. most prestigious dancingevents inthe Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, oneofthe at the sixperformances conducted MA,and inMassachusetts. In they at theNew York ChautauquaInstitute occasions, where theygave theirart returned to theUnited States onseveral by filmmaker British Leo Eaton. the documentary Weekend inHavana, the galaEvening inHavana, inspired by of Studios (Los WWCI Angeles), aspart thistimeinmade anotherperformance, Los Angeles. May 2017,thecompany In in in theLatinofArts, Museum American in theUnited States for theirperformance Company received anacknowledgement the dancers andchanted Cuba.”“Viva audience in Washington, whoapplauded the excellent welcome from theU.S. and gastronomy. theater, design, films, fashion visualarts, expressions, suchasmusic, dance, through traditional andcontemporary to highlight Cuba’s vast culture andart andabroad. was objective country Its gathered living in their Cuban artists commented. ofmy people,”the beautifulhistory she contains of somany desires; butitispart of emigration, whichissosadand people whosefamiliesshow thehistory ofraces.mixture Cubans’ features, undoubtedly show a Cuban andculture, society aswell asthe them stay ontheislandforever. The The imprint of Irene Rodríguez onThe imprintofIreneRodríguez That sameyear, thecompany Three years ago, theIreneRodríguez saidshewas pleasedwith The artist The event heldin Washington “Emigrante isdedicated to allthose

PHOTOS: PL A NewCuban Tourist Destination Sagua laGrande: have visited thearea enjoyed greatly. catamaran –anexperience thosewho there by traveling onboard ayacht or places. list ofimportant Visitors canget chain. into oftheEncanto ahotel facility (E) place itsrenovation, that after was turned of Villa Clara province's architecture –a Arenas Palace, one of the seven wonders for theirexceptional features, suchasthe Triunfo bridge, builtin1905. the two sides is the El local road linking divided by river theSagua andtheonly in theprotection program. is The city including Wifredo Prats. LamandRodrigo medicine, politicsandliterature,arts, personalities from theworld ofvisual ofimportant because ofthelegacy sites ofnational culture, isrenowned was opened. port Isabela deSagua December 8,1812,andin1843,the excursions. andtrip also for thenauticalactivities its cultural andpatrimonialvalues, but destinations, standsoutnotonlyfor deSagua-CayoSagua-Isabela Esquivel region. Clara province, inthecountry’s central keys ofthe 2018, heldinthenorthern Villa of theInternational Tourism Fair FITCuba la Grande was oneofthemainattractions as Cuba’s newtourist destination, Sagua SAGUA Cayo Esquivel isalsoincludedinthe has buildings Thethat are city notable hasmanySagua buildingsincluded The city, whichincludesemblematic la GrandeSagua was founded on This territory, whichincludesthe Text &PhotosbyTinoMANUEL LA GRANDE.- RecentlyLA GRANDE.- launched PHOTO FEATURE 11 12 POLITICS ECONOMY 13

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Chinese Businesses Interested in A Nobel Prize for the Plaza de Mayo Grandmothers? By MaylínVIDAL president of the organization bring peace to a Investment Opportunities in Cuba and an outstanding human society, commented BUENOS AIRES.- Despite their rights activist in Argentina and parliamentarian By YolaidyMARTINEZ in the exhibition fair and the congresses age, the grandmothers who lost the continent. Victoria Donda, to be held as part of the event. grandchildren during the last According to Carlotto, this a granddaughter BEIJING.- Businessmen from China are Meanwhile, The Cuban embassy’s dictatorship in Argentina (1976- desire to win the Nobel Prize found by the increasingly interested in opportunities economic and commercial attaché, 1983) continue relentlessly fuels their soul, and “[they] will grandmothers. in Cuba for foreign investment, industries Yohanely Savigne, commented that the searching for their missing family keep fighting,” she noted. Also present and cooperation in different sectors of participating companies were pleased members. Those grandmothers These grandmothers have was Adriana Garnier the economy, official sources said. with the conference, as they received are once again in the running for never been afraid. “Collectively, Ortolani, the Guillermo García, General Manager of first-hand information on Cuba’s policies a Nobel Peace Prize. we have around 400 years of 126th grandchild the Ministry of Industries’ Representation and the current landscape of foreign The prize would be life experience, but our brains whose identity Office, told The Havana Reporter that investment broken down by sector. rewarding, they say, but best are young and fresh enough to was recovered in such an interest was demonstrated In this sense, the Chinese businesses reward of their lives would be to keep searching for those who December 2017. by high participation from Chinese were able to identify the potentials and find their family members , who are missing. More than just “The grandmothers companies in a recent press conference conditions the island provides for the were deprived of their identities grandmothers, we are friends, must win the Nobel conducted by the Cuban Embassy in commercial activity, as well as the wide- during a dark period from which sisters that share the honor of Prize because they Beijing on such topics. ranging number of investment portfolios. Argentina is still bleeding dry. being mothers to all those who are an example At the conference, the Cuban officials They agreed to contact the Cuban mission Surrounded by several of died for social justice,” Carlotto of fighting spirit, provided information on investments on after conducting a thorough analysis the grandchildren who have said, overcome with emotion. perseverance, love the island, and the Cubaindustria 2018 with the purpose of clarifying any doubts been found, the Plaza de Mayo The nomination act was and the search for event – to be held in Havana from June or questions.

Grandmothers accepted the attended by eight recovered justice,” she told The PL/Internet PHOTOS: 18-22, was also promoted. The conference was organized with nomination for the Nobel grandchildren who are members Havana Reporter. About 100 representatives of 70 the support of the Chinese Chamber of Peace Prize, as proposed by of parliament, including Horacio “If the grandmothers win its 40 years of existence, the number registered in 2016, Chinese companies and institutions Commerce for the Export and Import Argentinean parliamentarian Pietragalla. “What would have the prize—I hope they do—it organization has found and with 376. attended the conference, according to of Machineries and Electronic Products deputy Daniel Filmus. happened if the grandmothers will be better for the Nobel Prize recovered the identity of 127 If the grandmothers win it, García. This figure is twice as much as and the Council for International Trade “We must continue to be did not exist? I would have not rather than the grandmothers Argentineans. this would be the third Nobel those registered at previous conferences. Promotion. united in a historic moment known the history of our parents, themselves because humanity A total of 329 candidates are Peace Prize won by Argentina, Most of the businesses were The topics dealt with include when it is necessary to fight our own reality. The deception will be the big winner,” stated aspiring to the Nobel Peace Prize after the recognition granted interested in opportunities in the fields a presentation on Cuba’s general against what is wrong… There would have gone on and on, the 40-year-old activist. so far this year, including 217 to diplomat and lawyer Carlos of transportation, production of solar characteristics, its economic updating cannot be perfect democracy from one generation to another: The idea of having the people and civil organizations, Saavedra Lamas in 1936 and and photovoltaic panels, and consumer model, leading products and sectors, as long as there is one missing our children’s generation,” he grandmothers nominated for the committee said. This is Adolfo Pérez Esquivel in 1980 items, particularly the garment industry. and information on the Mariel Special person, or a grandchild who stressed. the prize was fostered by Daniel the second biggest number for his commitment with the They also expressed interest in Development Zone –an area whose does not know their family These women deserve the Filmus and supported by other of hopefuls ever in the history defense of human rights in participating in Cubaindustria 2018, both strategic position can attract foreign capital. identity,” said Estela de Carlotto, Nobel Prize because they could political figures. Throughout of the prize, after the record Ibero-America. Inventory Management in Cuba, the Possible Change Colombian Children: Breaking the Limits By JuliaGONZALEZ Therefore, the business fairs that have opened in recent years By TaniaPEÑA HAVANA.- Amid material are crucial to market dead stocks and financial difficulties, the and slow-moving inventories BOGOTA.- When Colombian writer Laura Restrepo Cuban economy is compelled and boost productive chains learned about the horrifying crime of Yuliana Samboní, to make an efficient use of among local entities. she wondered what limits would have been broken to stock inventories, which are Of the 25 pavilions at reach such a point. set to become one of the main Pabexpo, Cuba’s largest After much thought, she came up with the idea suppliers of goods in 2018. showground, 18 were used for her novel Los Divinos. The work is based on the According to the annual for the 5th Business Meeting, horrifying story of a seven-year old indigenous girl who economic plan agreed upon comprising some 11,500 square was kidnapped on December 4, 2016 in a district of by the Cuban Parliament, a meters. Bogotá, and was then raped and murdered by a rich 38- better use of stocks should lead More than 370 state-run year old architect. to a decrease in imports and companies and business

In an interview at the recent International Book Fair therefore in further expenses. groups, 24 joint ventures, EmilioHERRERA PHOTO: of Bogotá, Restrepo made reference to the huge gap The Cuban Ministry of four foreign companies, non- between the rich and the poor in Colombia, the origin of Economy and Planning (MEP) agricultural cooperatives and cannot be used by other entities, increase nine percent over “In order to attain the

violence in its stark reality. Internet PHOTOS: noted that the rational use and representatives from the self- and this is what we corroborated the previous year with the prosperous and sustainable A few weeks ago, Colombia was impacted by the case control of existing financial and employed sector attended the during the (business) fair,” Justiz anticipation of supporting socialism that we defend and of another girl - this time, a 3-year old child - who was A similar alarm was raised by the Forensics Medicine were relatives; that is, stepfathers, fathers, material resources deserves meeting. stated. agricultural and livestock will continue to defend, it is burnt with acid and raped at an illegal daycare center in Institute in December last year, when it informed that 80 grandfathers, uncles and brothers. Only five percent more attention. Specialist Lesvia Justiz, of the The first deputy MEP minister sectors, thus replacing imports necessary that the economy the capital city. percent of the 22, 000 cases of sexual abuse reported in were strangers. First Deputy Economy Food Industry Business Group, informed that the event was of rice, beans, milk and animal attains a favorable performance, The girl, the daughter of a prostitute, had an Colombia in 2017 were committed against minors. On top of that abnormal expression of violence, and Planning Minister René said the event was the right attended by more than 9,400 food, among others. as a premise to build the emergency operation and after spending several days in “Let’s take better care of human beings; we are there have also been numerous cases of kidnappings of Hernández announced that in space to make known the idle participants from 444 entities, On the other hand, the material support that ensures intensive care, was able to survive. conducting big campaigns to look after the animals minors. 2016 the stocks totaled some goods in many companies and which allowed the processing 2018 Budget predicts that over fair distribution of wealth,” “It seems the country is suffering from a type and not a single thing is done to look after our children, The United Nations Children´s Fund (UNICEF) 25.50 billion Cuban pesos share experience on the efficient of important requests for 80 percent of its income will commented the Cuban Minister of of cancer that has metastasized in violence against who are the main victims of crimes,” the director of the recently published the results of a consultation with (equivalent to USD) and at the control of inventories. companies in view of their come from contributions made Finance and Prices, Lina Pedraza. children,” Director of the Colombian Welfare Service Forensics Institute, Carlos Valdés, stressed. about 18,000 Colombian kids from all the regions of the beginning of 2018 they were at “We cannot have a productive plans for 2019. byenterprises. “This can only be made Institute (ICBF) Karen Abudinen recently said. Just 72 hours before Valdés´ call to action, 19 rapists country whose ages ranged from four to 17. 24.70 billion approximately. sustainable economy as long as It is important to take into Hence, it is imperative to possible if we work efficiently, The official mentioned that in only 10 days (in May), had been captured in the city of Barranquilla, capital of The study revealed that 6 in 10 children consider that The precarious structure of we have huge amounts of idle consideration the prevailing role look for rapid and efficient make a rational use of the ICBF received 5, 600 reports of abuse against minors. the Atlantic department. they are not important for the government, and nine in dead stocks is another problem: products in our warehouses,” she of the state-run business system ways of producing goods and resources, apply scientific and “I wonder, where are the Colombian families? Is it Many of the perpetrators of sexual abuse against 10 said that parks are not safe places. over 26 percent were allocated told Granma daily. in the Cuban economy and its services, considering that the technological achievements, that ICBF should be the only institution that should children in Colombia are relatives who are close to the One of the interviewees said: “Mr. President, we, the in goods for sale, 22 percent as “With the modernization of links with the State budget. fiscal deficit could reach some innovation, and with the look after the protection of children? Society as a whole, victims, the local authorities stated. Tumaco kids, need drinking water, a good diet, better raw materials, and 20 percent our industries, all the stockpiled As agreed upon by the 11.70 billion pesos, equivalent appropriate involvement of every institution, every administration, either municipal In fact, the report from the Forensics Institute schools and parks, and better hospitals, with medicine, as productions in process, he spare parts fall into disuse but Cuban Parliament, the 2018 to 11.4 percent of the projected workers and our entire population or local, should be responsible for it,” she noted. indicated that 90 percent of the kids’ murderers for the people not to die.” noted. this does not mean that they non-budgetary expenses will Gross Domestic Product. in this endeavor,” she said. 14 EDUCATION SPORTS 15

CUBA Educational Challenges: A Threat to Sustainable Development Hemingway Fishing Tournament By MariaJuliaMAYORAL Brings International Competition HAVANA.- A high percentage of the Latin American and Caribbean population over the age of 18 has an educational attainment lower than the first cycle of the secondary education, United Nations studies indicate. Such a challenge compromises innovation and the productivity in the region, a reality that’s even more important in view of the so-called fourth world industrial revolution. According to studies conducted by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), school education shows remarkable differences between lower or upper income groups,

an expression of inequality. Internet PHOTOS: The statistics also vary between countries. On one extreme is Guatemala, By CarlosBANDINEZ The second place went to the boat 13 boats. The youngest fishermen was A group of fishermen asked the where only 50 percent of the population Internet PHOTOS: Avimar, the champion of the previous U.S. Gabriel Farina, of the Ann Marie Boat. famous writer to name the event after over the age of 18 has an educational HAVANA.- The famous Ernest Hemingway edition, with1,000 points, whose crew The 69th edition of the Ernest him, because of the passion and love he level equivalent to the end of the “Inequalities in access to education compromise innovation and the increase In contexts with a marked segregation Billfish Tournament celebrated its 68th caught and released two blue marlins. Hemingway Billfish Tournament will be had for this leisure sport. secondary education’s first cycle. On the and healthcare, because of a decrease of productivity,” ECLAC explains . because of sexual, racial or ethnic issues, anniversary this year and, as usual, it was Avimar was the winner of the prize for held at the beginning of June 2019, a side Hemingway not only agreed to other is Chile, with over 80 percent. of capacities and opportunities, When a person drops out of school the people who are discriminated against full of history connected with the presence the biggest mahi-mahi, which weighed activity marking the 500th anniversary of do so but donated the cup of the first before finishing the primary or secondary know that they will have to face a limit of the great U.S. writer and winner of the 18 pounds. Meanwhile, the Spanish boat the founding of Havana. three tournaments. Luckily, he won the level, the productive potential is affected in their careers, or at least, that they will Nobel Prize in Literature. Macondo III caught an 8-pound tuna and tournament from 1953 to 1955, after the for the rest of the active life, the United be at a disadvantage in relation to their Seasoned fishermen enjoyedCanada’s Fish N’it captured the biggest SOME HISTORY Miramar Yacht Club and the Biltmore Nations agency warns. peers of a different sex or racial status, the excellent natural conditions, the deep wahoo: 51.5 pounds. In May 1950, 68 years ago, 36 of the Yacht Club had won the first editions. These persons most probably receive source indicated. sea and the chance to set a world record, The prize for the first catch of the fourth best sport boats of the Havana Yacht Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who lower salaries than those workers who African descendants and indigenous aiming to have their names included on day went to the French team Cohíba, Clubs sailed through the Morro Castle coincided with Hemingway on several have a more formal education, an people’s educational level is lower on the list of winners of an international while the all-women crew of the U.S. boat channel at the mouth of the Havana Bay, occasions, won the tournament in 1960. indicator that shows a loss in productivity average and their income are considerably event first held in 1950. Knotty-Tails earned a distinction for having seeking the Gulf Stream. It’s worth recalling that the Ernest and in wellbeing, and leads to dropping lower compared to other population In 2018, the winners were the crew caught specimens almost every day of the One of them was the Pilar, the boat Hemingway fishing tournament is one of out of school. groups. This represents a disincentive for members of the U.S. Boat Mala Chica, tournament held in late May. owned by Ernest Hemingway, who took the world’s oldest, only preceded by the Based on empirical research, ECLAC those groups, including women, who don’t who recorded 1,200 points by catching This year the event was attended by 55 part in the first tournament representing World Tuna Cup in Nova Scotia and the proved that the social benefit of investing have good work prospective in spite of four white marlins. competitors from nine countries, aboard the International Nautical Club of Havana. Shad Tournament in Mexico. in education goes beyond the private their educational attainments, ECLAC said. scope. “When inequality prevents access The UN agency stated that removing to education, its effects are not localized inequality is not a benefit that only but widespread, and affect the whole high-income countries can afford, but a Film Captures Panamanian economic system,” noted the agency. necessary condition, so that those who According to the entity, in highly are at the back can come close to the unequal societies, the decision to drop out of productivity indexes of the first. Soccer Team Road to the World Cup school very early doesn’t show differences Equality is at the heart of development only in talent and efforts, but also lower for two reasons. First, because it provides By NubiaPIQUERAS shot in the areas of Portobelo opportunities to access education. policies with an ultimate foundation, and San Miguelito in Panama, The most common reasons for centered on an approach of rights and a PANAMA CITY.- Panama’s unprecedented as well as in Moscow and dropping out of school include the lack of humanist vocation that comprises today’s qualification to the Russia World Saint Petersburg in Russia. financing and teaching centers of quality most precious heritage. Football Cup and the fans’ euphoria have He also commented in a geographical region and the need to Secondly, because equality is also got the attention of film-making in the that the shooting in both join the labor market at an early age. a condition to move forward towards country. countries lasted five weeks, But not only access opportunities are a model of development centered on ‘Congelado en Rusia’ (Frozen in Russia), and that enduring the cold important, as even when all the people innovation and learning, with its positive by Panamanian Arturo Montenegro, is Russian winter and the would have the same opportunities, effects on productivity, economic and the title of the film produced this year language barrier were their discrimination would affect theirenvironmental sustainability, the spread and is screening at the country’s movie biggest challenges. expectations of equal work possibilities. of knowledge, democracy and society. theaters, as well as in Central America and The curious thing about the Dominican Republic. this film is that some scenes

The film, written by Montenegro were shot at the stadium in Internet PHOTOS: himself, tells the story of Jamal (Joshua which the world cup opened, Blake), a fan of the national team who falls “a place with a capacity for 80,000 people, The work shows the exchanges “Sube la marea”, (the tide is rising) in into a deep depression after the terrible which is a memory to be treasured ‘Bolillo’ Gómez had with his players in which renowned national singers joined loss of “La Roja” against the United States throughout life,” he said. hotels and dressing rooms; the emotions their voices, including Rubén Blades, by 4-0. This comedy comes on top of the they all felt at every moment, either Erika Ender and Omar Alfanno. “A promise and the favor of the Black documentary “Minuto 87”, a recently- of disappointment or joy or euphoria. The lyrics and the music of this song Christ of Portobelo are the turning points premièred work that shows Panama’s And it culminates in the events of the were made by the Ricardo brothers and that lead to a series of hilarious situations tour to qualify to the world cup. qualifying match, a moment that’s been Alberto Gaitán, who were also responsible that make Jamal go to the far-off cold “Minuto 87” not only shows the etched in the history of the Panamanian for the overall musical production. Moscow,” said the producer on the plot of historic moment in which defense Ramón soccer. Panamanian fans are eagerly the fiction feature film. Torres scored the goal that led to Panama’s Cinema is not the only art expression awaiting the upcoming matches against Montenegro, who’s also a publicist victory over Costa Rica on October 10, that has represented this moment, which opponents in Group G: Belgium, on June and an actor, said that about a million 2017 – at minute 87 – but also the team’s is unforgettable for the Panamanian 18, at the Fisht stadium (Sochi); England, dollars were spent in the production of private exchanges with their technical people. Music is also used to praise on the 24, at NizhniNóvgorod, and this film, and added that the scenes were director, Colombian Hernán Darío Gómez. this occasion, with songs such as Tunisia, on the 28, at Saranks. 16