THE © YEAR VI Nº 2 JAN, 24 2017 HAVANA, CUBA avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN

Cubans March in Support of their Revolutionary Process

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GDP Growth of 2% Forecast for 2017

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Cuba Culture Economy Sports The Colonial Traditional Afro- Transgenic Crop Jewels of Charm of Sancti Cuban Tribute to Research Latin American Spiritus Alicia Alonso in Cuba Sport P. 6 P. 10 P. 14 P. 15 2 TOURISM More Air Routes Open Between the US and Cuba By BenjamínMICERINOS

The expected growth in Cuban tourism happy about the six flight frequency industry numbers during 2017 will to Cuba and as issues between the two be complimented by increased air nations were resolved, both would be connections that are being launched willing to further increase the number to great fanfare by international airline of flights to the archipelago. companies and their counterparts on The airline now operates flights the Island. from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, three One such example is that of of which are to Havana and two to the Southwest Airlines, the largest tourist resort of Varadero. It will soon domestic operator in the US, which also fly to the central Cuban province launched a scheduled Boeing 737 of Villa Clara. flight carrying 156 passengers on Southwest Airlines is the largest December 12th last. provider of domestic flight services The airline’s CEO and Council in the US, having commenced a three President, Gary Kelly, and a team airplane operation to three cities on of company directors and officials the 18th June 1971. It now has a fleet of joined passengers on the flight from more than 100 aircraft serving 100 cities. Tampa that brought the number of The French airline Air Caraibes has connections between Cuba and the US also launched a new route that will in operation to 100. facilitate a further increase in passenger The flight was greeted on landing numbers from the European country, at Terminal 2 of Havana’s Jose Marti which surpassed 165,000 in 2016. International Airport with a traditional A company spokesperson informed “baptism” by water jet. Vladimir Molina PHOTO: The Havana Reporter that the airline It was welcomed at the arrival by both sides in February 2016. Havana for more than half a century. now has a weekly service to Havana, ceremony by the airport’s general He pointed out how this had come Kelly expressed his side‘s soon to be complimented by one manager Héctor Sardinas, who about despite the still in effect and satisfaction and pride with airline staff of similar frequency to Santiago de highlighted the potential arising from punitive economic and commercial that had made the connection a reality. Cuba and a third in conjunction with the accord on air connections signed measures imposed by Washington on He said that he was particularly Cubana Airlines. Nature Photography Contest By FranciscoMENÉNDEZ

The 4th edition of the 2017 Quick Shot Photography nature in general. ecologists who protect the area, some one hundred Contest to promote nature and adventure tourism Participants will stay at the Playa Giron Hotel, kilometers east of Havana. will take place next February. close to the historic site where Cuba thwarted the International photographers will not only share Scheduled for February 20 to 25 at the Matanzas 1961 U.S. military invasion in the area then known as the experience with their Cuban colleagues, they will province Zapata Wetlands, the event forms part Bay of Pigs, the organizers announced. return to their countries with a portfolio of important of the leisure programs for people who appreciate Contestants will also be present for the launching information about Cuba´s natural environments and Cuba´s well preserved flora and fauna. of the new Zapata Wetland National Park tourism resources. Sponsored by the Ecotur (the principal ecotourism product. Experts regard the area -- covered by a With its sights set on attracting more than promoter in Cuba), Cubanacán and Tropik Vedeta comprehensive environmental protection plan -- the four million tourists in 2017, Cuba -- without tourist agencies, the contest´ objective is to capture most important wetland in the Caribbean. moving sun and beach options from their primary the beauty of birds that live in the Wetlands. In addition to a day spent taking photos in the position -- plans to diversify into health, quality of Cuba also organizes a similar event in the central middle of the wildlife park, the participants will have life, convention, nature, nautical, adventure and Sierra del Escambray mountain range, dedicated to the opportunity to talk to local farmers and the cultural tourism. CUBA 3

Cubans March in Support of their Revolutionary Process

A great multitude of Cubans demonstrated, in an impressive Military Parade and popular march, the strength and stability of their Revolution that celebrated its 58th anniversary on Jan 1, 2017. The massive civic-military demonstration, staged at Cuba’s symbolic Plaza de la Revolución, was reviewed by President Raul Castro, accompanied by members of his Government and representatives of the nation’s statutory organizations and civil society. The parade also commemorated the 60th anniversary of the uprising in the eastern Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba on November 30th 1956 and the landing of the Granma motor yacht expedition on December 2nd of that same year, the date designated Revolutionary Armed Forces Day. In addition to the above, the civic-military show of strength rendered heart-felt tribute to the supreme leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, who died last November and honored the Island’s youth. PHOTOs: FotosPL PHOTOs:

A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE THE YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY HavanaReporter SPORTS.AND MORE President: Luis Enrique González. Graphic Designers: Laura Reyes. Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Alfredo G. Pierrat Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Maitté Marrero Canda. Advertising: Irina Hernández Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Chief Editor: Ilsa Rodríguez. Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Fax: (53)7833-3068 Translation: Dayamí Interián/ Sean J. Clancy/Yanely Interián Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels. E-mail: [email protected] 4 CUBA GDP Growth of 2% Forecast for 2017 By María Julia Mayoral

During the recent session of the National of arrangements were made and In relation to the 2017 budget , the industry (30%), hotels and restaurants Parliament, the Cuban government forecast implemented to alleviate the situation,” president cautioned that “financial (8%) and transportation, storage and an economic growth rate of 2% in 2017, the president explained. tensions will continue, as will challenges communications. following a contraction of 0.9% in 2016, The Head of State and Government that may, in certain circumstances, be Cabrisas explained that other sectors arising from severe financial restrictions. thanked the nation‘s commercial partners even tougher. that are also expected to expand are In spite of the of this Gross Domestic for their understanding and confidence, and However, we anticipate that the electricity, gas and water, construction, Product (GDP) decrease, the country reiterated Cuba’s commitment to “gradually economy will bounce back somewhat agriculture, cattle raising and forestry maintained universal free social services, re-establish order in this regard and to lay and that GDP should moderately increase trade, the repair of personal properties and such as education and public health for the necessary foundations to ensure that by about 2%.” the fishing and manufacturing industries. the population and will maintain similar this does not reoccur going forward.“ The president highlighted that in Lina Pedraza, the Minister of Finance levels in 2017. According to Assembly Members, order to meet this target, three primary and Prices, stated that one of the 2017 During the National Assembly session, GDP suffered from the effects of a objectives must be met: guarantee State budget’s distinctive elements President Raúl Castro stated that “our decrease in export receipts due to lower exports and timely payments, increase relates to increased expenditure to economy did not collapse, nor did we than anticipated prices and unforeseen national production to substitute imports substitute imports, to generate significant have to endure power cuts like those spending arising from the devastation and reduce unnecessary expenses, and foreign currency savings and incentivize during the toughest years of the special caused by hurricane Matthew in the use available resources in a rational and national production. period, as some malicious international easternmost part of the national territory. efficient way. She said that this way, incomes media had predicted.” When evaluating the economy’s He also stressed the need to revitalize and employment should “gradually be Within the context of this most performance, the negative effects of foreign investment in Cuba, and criticized guaranteed to our workforce, including that challenging scenario, the government the economic, commercial and financial frequent and excessive delays in the within the agricultural and industrial sectors.” strictly complied with obligations relating blockade imposed by the United States negotiation process, “It is now essential The 2017 Budget, approved by the to the restructuring the of the nation’s cannot be ignored. to once and for all abandon obsolete and Assembly, guarantees basic health foreign debt. “An example of this is the fact prejudicial attitudes to foreign investment.” care, social assistance, education and „It has however been impossible that Cuba is prohibited from making According to Council of Ministers Vice other services, accounting for 51% of all to overcome the temporary situation international transactions in US dollars, President and Minister of the Economy exchequer expenditure. we currently undergo in relation to which inhibits the development of and Planning, Ricardo Cabrisas, the Pedraza added that this figure outstanding payments to certain a potentially significant number of principal sectors where increases are remains very much in keeping with the suppliers. With this in mind, a number businesses,” Raúl Castro added. forecast for 2017 include the sugarcane 2016 estimate. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 The Ring of Fire By DavidCORCHO Almost ancient Greece like, where gods dominated the supernovas that have destroyed civilization and buried Earth and made it tremble and expel rivers of hot lava, millions of people. the Pacific Ring of Fire seems to have been possessed by Ecuador experienced an earthquake that registered evil spirits in 2016. 7.8 in April last year. Although not as serious as some In both Asia and America, earthquakes came one other disasters it still left 673 dead, it destroyed 6,000 after another, provoking waves of death and destruction. homes and caused 3,000 million dollars worth of On December 25th, Chile was given the bitter damages according to official figures. Christmas gift of an The Circum-Pacific Belt - as the Ring of Fire is also earthquake that registered 7.6 on the Richter Scale. known - perpetually spins with varying degrees of In 1960, a magnitude 9.5 seaquake there – the most intensity a river of magma that cannot be seen from the powerful in history – caused the deaths of 2,000 people. surface. Thankfully there were only material damages this The 40,000 km horseshoe-shaped belt that extends time around. from New Zealand to Latin America and goes through Nevertheless, following the quake 5,000 people living Alaska, is a zone composed of geological plates that float on the continental coast left their homes in heavy rain on the lava of the earth’s surface. by foot, car or horse to go to higher ground, to the sound These plates collide, separate or simply pressurize of fire brigade sirens warning of a possible tsunami. their banks. But in spite of its magnitude and that its epicenter Energy is released in the form of volcanic eruptions was located in a coastal zone, at 14:30 authorities lifted 6.5 quake shook the province of Aceh last December– when lava wells up to rifts of the earth’s crust or when the tsunami alert. where a tsunami caused 200,000 deaths in 2004. 102 the pressure causes the crust to fracture. The Andean country has a long history associated people died and 136 were seriously injured. This has been happening for over two million years, with the notorious Ring of Fire. Thousands more were wounded and packed the before the existence of humanity, and will continue to In 2010, for example, a magnitude 8.8 quake caused halls of hospitals because of the precarious medical so do. the tsunami that killed 500 persons and caused massive infrastructure in the zone. Ancient men of wisdom and modern scientists agree material damages. There were also earthquakes in China, New Zealand, that not even the most outstanding minds could predict But shocks were universal last year. Japan, the Philippines and the United States, although or prevent the natural mechanism that for years has cost On the Indonesian island of Sumatra, a magnitude their consequences were not as catastrophic as countless human lives. Health Service Investments in 2016 By NicholasVALDES PHOTO: Courtesy of cubadebate PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO: Baños Luis Courtesy of Jorge PHOTO:

During a two day tour of completed works in Havana, treatments and forensic psychiatric services. modernization of all its laboratories. members of the press were informed by Health Ministry He explained that Havana’s Psychiatric Hospital has The neurologist explained that since its inauguration officials that a significant number of health centers a staff of more than 1,650 and that over one thousand in 1925, it had never undergone such a comprehensive in Cuba were renovated during 2016 as part of a patients have been confined to the center for in excess restoration, and added that in addition to remodeling transformative nationwide initiative by the State. 20 years. and renovation, the process had included the acquisition These include Havana’s Psychiatric Hospital, the He added that 80.6% of all patients are over 60 years of clinical fittings. country‘s most important such facility, where director of age. Vázquez said “Now all our laboratories, both Hugo Rosales explained that 21 works in 11 wards had The Dr. Salvador Allende Clinical-Surgical Teaching clinical and teaching, have the microscopes needed to been undertaken. Hospital was also included on last December‘s tour. undertake pathological diagnosis.” The hospital underwent a comprehensive restoration The renowned center of excellence‘s Morbid Anatomy, She also said that in 2016, other maintenance to enhance the quality of patient care. Brain-Vascular Diseases (Ictus) and Gastroenterology works were undertaken on the ictus room - where Rosales told The Havana Reporter that over 1,300 rooms were reopened. severe brain and vascular diseases, both ischemic and patients are admitted to 26 blocks in the mental Director, Mylene Vázquez, explained that the morbid hemorrhagic, are treated – and the gastroenterology hospital, where a dozen medical services are provided, anatomy block underwent a complete transformation room – where endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures including the chronic patient care, clinical and addiction that included both the structure of the building and the are conducted. 6 CUBA The Colonial Charm of Sancti Spiritus By ElizabethBORREGO

culture in Latin America. Professor Carlos Gómez said that in Sancti Spiritus in particular, devotion to Catholicism in the 17th and 18th centuries is related to a lack of trade and sea borders. One legend associated with the church describes the existence of a mysterious network of tunnels that connect several religious institutions and end up in the Yayabo River. According to Gómez, who’s also an essayist, the tale tells of the presence PHOTOs: Garal PHOTOs: in the passages of a peculiar „Güije“, a Because of its architectural and fabled Cuban goblin-like character that cultural significance, this temple - which resembles a small and grotesque black has two chapels, a bell tower, a long man. and rectangular nave, brick walls and The güije would supposedly appear in artistically elaborate cedar roof – was the village during the popular festivities declared a National Monument in 1978. to drink beer and dance with women, In a study entitled Iglesia Parroquial before again disappearing into the Mayor, researcher Manuel Echevarría church’s underground tunnels. In the central Cuban city of Sancti Spiritus, Architects and historians agree that affirmed that the temple’s characteristics Another story says that a 19th century five hundred year old Spanish colonial agree that the first group of religious are similar to the Andalusian style that born upper class lady named Rosa architectural and cultural elements are institutions built by the colonizers are of prevailed in Seville in the first half of the Barroso asked to pay for her sins by being still to be seen. incomparable value. 16th century. buried alive in the temple’s main door. The fourth town to be established in The city of Sancti Spiritus, over 500 Even though human remains were Cuba’s Iglesia Mayor Catholic church is years old and 360 km east of SOURCE OF LEGENDS never found during restoration works in one fine such example. Havana, counts amongst its most the last century, the professor explained In addition to its architectural charm important buildings the oldest church in According to the historian, the Spanish that for decades, the faithful have referred and historical heritage, the design of this Cuba. This took sixty years to construct crown’s desire to spread the catholic to the entrance as the Forgiveness Door. city, the stone-paved streets, the small and is still in use today. faith in the so-called New World, These myths add to the Iglesia palaces of wealthy landowners and the Concluded in 1680, the Iglesia resulted in a strong network of churches Parroquial Mayor’s status as the best ruins of ancient sugarcane mills all form Parroquial Mayor, is also the oldest building and cathedrals that still stand on the and most authentic example of colonial part of a Spanish heritage, still present in of the Espíritu Santo Village, according to continent, which for centuries, were cultural and architectonic values in the the original villages founded in Cuba. historian María Antonieta Jiménez. the principal centers of knowledge and villa of Sancti Spiritus. SPOTLIGHT ON 7 SPOTLIGHT ON The Espada Cemetery By CiroBIANCHI ROSS

Historian Jacobo de la Pezuela said that for over two The service included the use of special carriages hundred years, Havana had witnessed the “fatal and hired by private owners to bereaved families to pernicious practice of burying corpses in churches.” transport the corpses of loved ones to their final Governor Luis de las Casas tried to stop this for health resting place. reasons, but failed to do so because of a disagreement Mourners could also avail of the services of with bishop Felipe de Tres Palacios and the lack of suitable additional coachmen or individuals, who wearing gold burial grounds. stripes and cocked hats, transported corpses. It eventually did come to an end in 1799, when In 1845, the increase in the number of burials led to King Carlos IV ordered the Spanish Supreme Court to the construction of several rows of niches in the walls enforce a Royal Clause dated April 3, 1787, in which his that surrounded the Espada Cemetery. predecessor, King Carlos III, ordered the construction of This remedy however proved insufficient in view of cemeteries on the outskirts of villages and the cessation the growth of the Havana population. of church burials. 314.144 burials were conducted at the Espada However, as the implementation of royal orders took Cemetery inhumations before it was definitively closed time and there was a colonial bureaucracy to contend on November 3, 1878, by order of General Captain with, the order issued by Carlos IV could not be enforced Arsenio Martínez Campos. in Cuba until 1804, by which time the Havana authorities During the 1908 US intervention in Cuba, governor had created the foundations for a future cemetery. be named after him was inaugurated on Aramburu and Charles Magoon ordered the demolition of the Palacios’s successor, Bishop Juan de Espada y Lada, San Lázaro streets, in what is today the municipality of cemetery and the transfer of the remains. continued the Las Casas initiative and despite many Centro Habana. A part of the perimeter wall with the remains of difficulties, executed of the project. In 1844, the first “funeral ceremonies” were established some niches can still be seen in Havana as a reminder On February 2, 1806, the cemetery that would later in Havana. of the cemetery. The Beautiful Isle of Paredón Grande By NeisaMESA DEL TORO Roberto F. Campos Roberto F. PHOTO:

Paredón Grande is one of the small and Wondrous sea beds, comprising almost virgin islands than make up the sections of coral formations that border Ciego de Avila province Jardines del Rey the shoreline are inhabited by a diverse (King‘s Gardens) archipelago, off central range of marine wildlife species and Cuba‘s northern coast. make for truly spectacular dive sites. The absence of any built Campos Roberto F. PHOTO: Crested and promontory coral reefs infrastructure combined with minimal a close encounter with its flora and high cliffs that both form its borders and covering rocky crannies and terraces human traffic has resulted in an non aggressive resident wild animal offer it a degree of coastal protection. and bars with alternating with sand undisturbed environment inhabited by population. Red mangrove, hicacos, dwarf palm, channels characterize the depths. almost 100 animal species that include A distinctive landmark on the islet is cactus, yuraguano and lilies grow on the The stone coral Montastraea many resident and migratory birds. the Diego Velázquez lighthouse, built dry lands of this key and offer refuge to the cavernosa is the most abundant and Paredon Grande is a place of stunning in the mid XX century and named after herons, gannets, pigeons, rabihorcados, is complimented by about 30 species tropical landscapes, rich biodiversity and Cuba‘s first colonizer. sevillas and other feathered varieties that of gorgonaceae and invertebrates beautiful coral beaches, of which the Situated on a rock north of Paredon, abound. commonly referred to as rams. strand of Los Pinos stands out for its fine this majestic work of wrought iron Pertaining to the Buenavista The development of Cayo sands, warm and shallow crystal waters represents a significant and high value Biosphere Reserve, it is the yuraguano Paredón Grande is to be included and gently flowing currents. example of Cuban engineering. that is most prominent in the forests in the next phase of the Jardines A grand natural lagoon on its southern Now more than half a century old and that are home to three unique regional del Rey investment program and side offers wintertime shelter to a range ravaged by passing hurricanes, this bright species of flora and fauna: the Consolea the protection of its bio-diverse of birds that have flown south from the sentinel sustains the beam that safely Millspaughi family cactus, the Bahaman integrity and sensitive ecosystems United States and Canada. steers the hundreds of sea going vessels Golden Oriole and the Piping Plover, the will depend on strict compliance with Although there are no hotels, it is that cross the Old Bahama Canal, three latter being the subject of worldwide environmental regulations when it visited by connoisseurs of fly fishing, miles off Ciego de Avila‘s northern shore. interest due to being on the verge of comes to the building of hotels and recreational divers and those seeking Paredón Grande is named after the extinction. other recreation facilities. 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

MUSIC TEATHER

Sala Teatro Adolfo Llauradó

(THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

GETTINGCasa Africa (Africa House Museo Casa Benito Juárez AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] Museum) Obrapía e/ Mercaderes y Oficio. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-8166. Fri. Jan. 27 (3 pm): Singer Rogelio RECOMMENDS Rivas. •¨Cascanueces¨ (The Nutcracker) by Cuba´s Casa Victor Hugo National Ballet Company at Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso (Grand Theater of Havana)

Basílica Menor de San Teatro Martí Obrapía e/ San Ignacio y Francisco de Asís Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel:7 861-5798. Wed. Jan. 25 (10 am): Singer Noemí Valdés and guitarist Jesús Fleites. Thu. 26 (10 am): Raúl Iglesias’s club “Con Amor” (With Love). Calle 11 e/ D y E. Vedado. Tel: 7 832-53-73. Sat. Jan. 21, 28, Sun. Museo de la Música 22, 29 (11 am): ¨En fin el mar¨ (Museum of Music) (Teatro El Pálpito). Calle Obrapía e/ Bernaza y O´Reilly e/ Habana y Aguiar. Villegas. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866-7591. MUSIC 863-9862. Fri. Jan. 27 (5 pm): Guitarist Luis MUSIC Wed. Jan. 25 (5 pm): Tenor Manuel Molina´s club. Sat. 28 Ramón Centeno. (5 pm): Tenor Bernardo Lichilín Casa del Alba Cultural performs. (Cultural Center) Museo Casa natal José Calle Dragones y Zulueta. Martí Plaza de Armas Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866- 7153. Sat. Jan. 21 (8:30 pm): Pianist Harold López-Nussa.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)

Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Sat. Jan. 21 (6 pm): Cuba´s National Choir performs. Director: Digna Guerra. Sat. 28 (6 pm): Show marking Radio Habana Cuba´s anniversary of founding.

Oratorio San Felipe Neri

Calle Refugio e/ Zulueta y Monserrate. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-0241.Edificio de Arte Cubano. Fri. Jan. 20 (7 pm): Spanish mezzosoprano Ana Calle Línea e/ C y D, Vedado. Tel: Calle Aguiar esq. Obrapía. María Ruimonte performs. Sat. Obispo y Mercaderes.Habana 7 833-2151. sun. Jan. 15 (5 pm): Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-3243. 21 (7 pm): Aldo López- Gavilán Vieja. Tel: 7 860-9530. Fri. Jan. Club En Confluencia. Director: Sat. Jan. 21 (4 pm): Clarinetist and his quartet. Guest: U.S. Calle Paula e/ Egido y Picota, 20, 27 (4 pm): National Concert Eduardo Martín. Guest: Mabel Arístides Porto. Guest: Pianist trumpet player Byron Stripling Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861- Band performs. Dir. Igor González. Sun. 22 (5 pm): Paula Suarez. Sat. 28 (4 pm): (homage to Louis Armstrong). 3778. Wed. Jan. 25 (10 am): Corcuera. Tue. 24 (3 pm): Project Club Tardes Liricas. Director: Solistas de La Habana Ensemble Sun. 29 (11 am): Cantoría Performance by singer Noemí “Eterna Juventud” (Everlasting Milagros de los Angeles. Guest: performs. Director: Gregorio Estrellitas company performs. Valdés and guitarist Jesús Youth). Host: singer Rogelio Móviles Trio. Gutiérrez (Spain). Director: David Delgado. Fleites. Rivas ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING PlazaAROUND Vieja Centro Hispanoamericano Casa Juan Gualberto Club Barbaram Pepito´s MUSEUMS AND de Cultura Gomez Bar GALLERIES Empedrado e/ Habana y Compostela. Habana Vieja. Factoría Habana Tel: 7 866- 4114. Through Feb.: Exhibition ¨Al rescate del grupo Espacio 1965-1972¨ dedicated to the work of Yonny Ibáñez Gómez, grandson of patriot Juan Gualberto Gomez Calle 26 e/ Avenida Zoológico y 47. Nuevo Vedado. Tel: Tel: 7881- Museo Numismático 1808. Wed. Jan. 18 (9 pm): Yeny (Numismatic Museum) Fernández Cobas performs.

DANZA DANCE

San Ignacio. Habana Vieja. Sat. Gran Teatro de La Habana Jan. 28 (5 pm): Renacer Vocal Alicia Alonso (Grand Theater of Ensemble and singer Ernesto Havana) Tejeda perform as part of the Paseo de Martí esq. boulevard closing of the Culture Week in San Rafael. Centro Habana.Tel: 7 Old Havana. 861-7391. Sala García Lorca. Sat. Jan. 21 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 22 (5 Antiguo Casino Español Calle O´ Reilly e/ Habana y pm): The Nutcracker by Cuba´s (Former Spanish Casino) Aguiar. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 National Ballet Company. 864-9518. Sat. Jan. 20 (8 pm): Fri. Jan. 20 (5 pm): DJs Thellus Opening of the collective and Greench. project ¨Diógenes y la luz¨ by Octavio Cesar Marín and José 26th International Patio-Bar Egrem Ángel Toirac. Curator: Concha San Miguel e/ Campanario y Fontenla. Book Fair of Lealtad. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 864-2006. Sat. Jan. 28 (5 pm): Casa Natal José Martí Havana. Singer Narciso Suárez. Sat. 28 (5 (When José Martí was born) Calle Obispo e/ Aguiar y pm): Singer Roberto Orta Luis Calle Paula e/ Egido y Picota, Habana. Habana Vieja. Tel: performs. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-3778 7 861-5811. Through Jan. Sat. Jan. 27 (10 am): Poster Exhibition The Central American Palacio de la Rumba exhibition dedicated to José and Caribbean Games in Martí by Lorenzo Santos. Numismatics.

Museo Castillo de La Real NIGHTCLUBS & Fuerza NIGHTCLUBSCABARETS & CABARETS

Teatro Nacional Date: February 9 to 19. Café Cantante. Mn. Jan. 23, 30 Guest country: Canada. (3 pm): Singer Adrià Rodríguez. Delirio Habanero. Sat. 21, 28 (11 pm): Sony K performs. 2nd International Centro Cultural Fresa y Salsa Dancing Chocolate Calle 23 e/ 10 y 12. Vedado. Festival. Tel: 7 836- 2096. Fri. Jan. 20 (5 pm): Singer Olga la Rusa. Wed. 25 (5 pm): Marta Sánchez and guitarist Jesús Fleites perform.

Submarino Amarillo (Yellow Submarine) Paseo del Prado esq. Ánimas. Calle 17 e/ 4 y 6. Vedado. Tel: 7 Centro Habana. Sala Ignacio Calle O’ Reilly e/ Avenida del 830-6808. Sat. Jan. 21 (11 pm): Cervantes. Sun. Jan. 29 (6 pm): San Miguel e/ Hospital y Puerto y Tacón. Habana Vieja. Live performance by La Tierra Date: February 20 to 27 Homage to master María Felicia Aramburu. Centro Habana. Tel: Tel: 7 864-4490. Temporary hall: del Cover rock band. Wed. 18 (9 Place: Parque Metropolitano de Pérez. Sala Lecuona. Sat. 21 (7 7 873-0990. Fri. Jan. 27 (4 pm): Exhibition Footprints on the pm): Dimensión Vertical rock la Habana pm): Violist Anolan González. Fausto Durán´s club. Sat. 28 (4 City by Ileana Mulet, dedicated band. Sun. 28 (5 pm): Eddie Workshops by Carlitos Espinoza Wed. 25 (7 pm): Mezzosoprano pm): Mario Michell. Sun. 29 (6 to the 497th anniversary of Escobar and his band. Sun. 28 (9 and Noelia Hurtado, from Ana María Ruimonte. pm): Timbalaye band performs. founding of Havana. pm): Los Kent band (pop/rock). January 26 to 29. 10 CULTURE Release of New Liuba María Hevia Album By MarthaSÁNCHEZ Cuban singer-songwriter Liuba María Hevia, will her I was very happy to include. It’s a performance of De launch Vidas Paralelas (Parallel Lives) album in 2017, monte y ciudad, with the Van Van orchestra”. on which she sings duets with Cuban and foreign In 2016, the author of Como un duende, Ángel singer-songwriters of the genre. y Habanera, Ausencia and Si me falta tu sonrisa, Artists she admires from around the globe, enjoyed the experience of touring Puerto Rico, the including Colombian Marta Gómez; Argentinean United States, Argentina, the Dominican Republic and Georgina Hassán; Ecuadorian María Tejada, and Luis Ecuador. Pastor from Spain engage in a musical dialogue with “In New York, I performed in concert with Danny the composer on her new double album. Rivera; in the Dominican Republic I made several Alongside other renowned Latin American artists, appearances with Maridalia Hernández and other the Dominicans Víctor Víctor, Maridalia Hernández, artists and my musicians and I enjoyed a wonderful

Pavel Núñez and José Antonio Rodríguez and Puerto rebelde Courtesy of juventud PHOTO: tour of Argentina. 2016 brought a lot of happiness,” Rican Danny Rivera are also present on the record. She added, “I cannot ask for more, because in she revealed. Hevia told The Havana Reporter that troubadours addition to this project, I’m working on the production In Hevia’s opinion, there will always be an audience from her homeland like Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo of another. It’s a recording of my songs entitled Pasaba that loves the singer-songwriting genre. She describes Milanés, Gema Corredera, Israel Rojas, Amaury Pérez, un ángel for the Unicornio record label. them as very loyal and always keen to enjoy their Carlos Varela, Omara Portuondo, Beatriz Márquez, Raúl In this record, some colleagues perform versions of preferred type of music. They are not swayed by Torres and Ivette Cepeda are also featured. my compositions”. fashion, but by the essence of humanity, good songs, The album is soon to be launched in various Mayito Rivera; Wil Campa; Pancho Amat and his poetry and popular roots. Latin American countries, although Havana will have group; David Álvarez and Juego de manos; Anabel In spite of her most disciplined dedication to music priority. López; Maridalia Hernández; Ivette Cepeda; Beatriz and the guitar, the artist affirmed that she would not Some fans of the above-mentioned singers from Márquez; Israel Rojas; Leo Vera; Polito Ibáñez; Kelvis change a minute of her life, that she will never stop home and abroad are already enjoying an exclusive Ochoa, and Luna Manzanares are some of the soloists sharing with people or becoming excited by everyday taste on social media generally and on Facebook in involved. life and the wonder of creation. It is creation that, often particular. The album, with musical arrangements by Beatriz to the point of torment, commands her to compose. “It’s great to be able to communicate with an Corona of the Higher Institute of Arts orchestra, aims Hevia’s compositions are a fusion of poetry and audience through social media, because people to introduce some the most important themes of affection. They relate to nature, passion, family, the wonder will such a song be included song included or Hevia’s career to the symphonic field. importance of human beings and have such an innate will such a theme form part of the album?” Hevia said, “this is a beautiful record, and I am tenderness that many of her themes have deeply I have uploaded fragments from some of the duets grateful to Unicornio for such a special opportunity. touched people in faraway places. and wonderful things have happened,” the artist said. It contains one unexpected and surprising duet that Vidas paralelas endeavors to do so once again. Traditional Afro-Cuban Tribute to Alicia Alonso By MarthaSÁNCHEZ

Alicia Alonso, the legendary Cuban González explained that the eye ballerina, tapped her feet to the rhythm symbolizes protection in several cultures of drums on the Havana street of Callejón and that it fends off evil spirits. de Hamel. This was the first time the Key to the From a handcrafted chair, Cuba’s most Callejón de Hamel was ever bestowed celebrated international artist – who and Alonso was also granted the title of recently celebrated her 96th birthday – a Distinguished Daughter of a place that kept time with the drumbeat with her has become a principal tourist attraction elegantly crossed feet, as a group of in Havana and the setting for artistic dancers performed a traditional Yoruba performances on weekends. piece. The Rumba Morena and Ibeyis groups Salvador González, the artist who portrayed through drum and dance, some made the first street mural dedicated to Yoruba religion deities, such as Elegua, Afro-Cuban culture asked “who hasn’t Shangó, Osghun, Obatalá and Oyá. They heard of Alicia Alonso?”. danced barefooted, dressed in traditional Jose Tito Meriño PHOTO: “This woman has moved the world colors and costumes. expression associated with luck and life, the sea, dignity and other topics or with her dance,” the painter, sculptor Alonso confessed that when “deeply energy: Ashé. concepts are inscribed. and muralist who created the Callejón moved it’s hard for me to talk and when I Many consider this a unique Art de Hamel project with paintings and feel something, I express it with my body.” AN ALTAR TO AFRO-CUBAN CULTURE Gallery that can lay claim to the social sculptures made from recycled objects Those present had already noticed merit of having revitalized a city street – such as bathtubs, engines, wheels and that her feet – the feet that gloriously The Callejón de Hamel is located with unique elements, talents and art. pieces of machineries -- said. triumphed on stages all over the world – on Aramburu and Hospital, in the Musical activities and dance Most of González’s creations relate attracted everyone’s attention. municipality of Centro Habana . performances for all ages have been to Afro-Cuban themes and rites and On saying goodbye, the director of the Its colourful murals highlight the performed there since 1993. he made one especially to welcome Cuban National Ballet wished everyone a island’s religious and cultural syncretism. The street has become a sanctuary Alonso: a large silver key, placed inside a long life. Drawings represent diverse gods and and a favorite venue for those who want multicolored painted wooden timber box Several people on the street orishas, spiritual and animal symbols, to share a bit of culture on a unique with a big eye on the lid. responded with a typical Afro-Cuban beside which poems or phrases on Havana street. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Along the Paula Promenade By Roberto F. Campos

The church of San Francisco de Paula at the start of the renowned Paula Promenade, is one of Old Havana’s principal tourist attractions. Situated on a bend in the Avenida del Puerto, the Paula Church is today a unique auditorium where the Ars Longa ancient music and other select groups perform. The building, notable for its colonial architecture, large stained-glass windows and a dome that reigns over the port and its ships, was rebuilt following a cyclone in 1730, which also totally destroyed a nearby hospital. The academic, Joaquín E. Weiss described the style of the church as baroque, characterized by precise design, roughness stones and a lack of finesse. Some 18th century writers referred to the Paula Church in their works. The Cuban, Cirilo Villaverde, is one such example. The church denotes the commencement of the Paula Promenade, a tree-lined walkway near the sea and the docks, constructed in a style similar to that of the church. The religious building has had a colored past. Having been expropriated in 1907, it was given to a railroad company that turned it into a boisterous warehouse and workshop. On July 2003, the Paula Church reopened as a concert hall and is now a center for sacred music in this beautiful part of Cuba’s capital city. 12 POLITICS Honduras Wages War on Corruption By ArielBARREDO

2016 drew to a close with Honduran As a result, in excess of 50 extremely authorities immersed in a complex dangerous prisoners have gradually been fight against domestic corruption, transferred to the maximum-security El having openly declared war on gangs Pozo prison, despite complaints about linked to the drugs trade, extortion the isolation of inmates detained there. and people trafficking. The Honduran State also established Extreme violence, rather than social a joint force with both El Salvador and achievements, ensured that the Central Guatemala to fight organized crime American country was once again in the and armed gangs, such as the Mara headlines during 2016. Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 that One example was the murder of operate in the so-called Central American environmentalist Berta Cáceres, who was Northern Triangle. shot to death last March when armed According to security force sources assassins broke into her home in the there are over 50,000 active gang south-western department of Intibuca members linked to extortion and drug during the night. trafficking in Honduras and El Salvador The brutal murder of the indigenous alone. leader – winner of the 2015 Goldman Award Consequently, the three countries for her defense of the environment and the are committed to the implementation rights of the indigenous people – provoked of coordinated operations without a wave of international condemnation. infringing on each other sovereignty or According to the Global Witness NGO, jurisdiction and are assessing mechanisms

Honduras is the world’s most deadly Apimages PHOTO: such as joint arrest warrants, control of country for environmental activists. A CRUSADE AGAINST IMPUNITY the Honduran Institute for Social Security communications in penitentiary centers More than 80 have been murdered – which led to the arrest of several former and express extradition agreements to over the past three years, a figure that The situation outlined above led to the officials for money laundering and other facilitate arrests. in reality only represents the tip of an arrival last April of an Organization of crimes. One of the main anti-corruption iceberg. American States (OAS) sponsored Support Maccih is also working with the measures implemented in 2016 was the The harsh reality, according to the Mission Against Corruption and Impunity Supreme Court of Justice to review the creation of a special commission to purge Safety Secretariat, is that at least 4,296 (Maccih),as a result of demonstrations by country’s regulations and to propose a the National Police, implicated in several people were murdered in Honduras pro human rights social organizations, series of reforms to foster transparency scandals. between January and October 2016. calling for the creation of a commission and more effectively combat violence. Since its creation in the middle of The northern city San Pedro Sula and similar to that in Guatemala. In order to end the scourge, the April, the commission has suspended the capital Tegucigalpa rank amongst the The spokesman of the mission, Honduran government recently started three former police chiefs, six generals 10 most dangerous cities in the world. Peruvian Juan Jiménez, gave assurances restructuring its prison system to and other senior officials. With an average daily rate of murder that it would investigate at least the 13 enhance security and to prevent gang This process could lead to the of over 14 people, the country has been most notable corruption cases, including leaders from controlling their jails and dismissal of over 1,500 police officers converted into a kind of wild west. the multi-million dollar embezzlement at ordering murders. suspected of criminal conduct. 2016: Ayotzinapa, An Open Wound By MayraPARDILLO

State, Rural Teacher Training local police to confront the group, any degree of transparency College “Raúl Isidro Burgos”, in which led to the deaths of three -- developments during 2016 Ayotzinapa, where their empty students and three other civilians. include the arrest of Felipe Flores, desks serve as a stark reminder of Murillo’s so-called “historic a former Public Safety Director of this horrific crime. truth” further states that the Iguala and a cousin of Abarca’s At the time, the then Attorney youngsters were then handed – who was imprisoned after two General Jesús Murillo outlined an over to the Guerreros Unidos years on the run. alleged series of events and the gang, which incinerated their More than one hundred supposed modus operandi and bodies in the Cocula dump. municipal police officers and motives of the criminal Guerreros This version is rejected by the hired assassins associated with

PHOTO: Apimages PHOTO: Unidos gang. parents and the relatives of the 43 the criminal gang have been The forced disappearance of 43 about has been forthcoming On the night of September students and by the Independent arrested to date for their links to Ayotzinapa college students has about the whereabouts of the 26, 2014, their intention was to Interdisciplinary Experts Group what has become known as the deeply affected Mexican society youngsters who, on the somber persuade people not to attend (GIEI, in Spanish) that conducted “Crime of Iguala”. and the rest of the world. night and early morning of an event where Abarca and his an on-site investigation. Time passes and the truth The constant and seemingly September 26 and 27, 2014, wife would be present. Guerrero is the state where about the Ayotzinapa case endless heartfelt cries of parents disappeared without trace. That night, students from the highest number of drug remains unknown. and families of “Alive they were José Luis Abarca a former Ayotzinapa travelled in two trafficking cartels, cells in Mexico, The youngsters’ whereabouts taken and alive we want them Mayor of Iguala and his wife, busses to the Guerrero State which leads to extreme violence is still a mystery, forcing parents, returned!” resound deep within María de los Ángeles Pineda, municipality of Iguala, where and many murders. friends and relatives to relive the souls of many. are behind bars, having been having later taken another two, Even though the majority their suffering day after day. Two years and four months identified as the intellectual they intended to, among other of Mexicans and foreigners Sooner or later, the truth have now gone by and no comfort authors of the disappearances. things, do some fundraising. believe that the investigation about what has sadly become has been offered or found The 43 missing young According to the Attorney has not been handled promptly Mexico’s best kept secret, will because no solid information students attended the Guerrero General’s office, Abarca ordered -- and with impunity rather than come to light. ECONOMY 13 A Clean Energy Powered Cuban Tourism Industry By RobertoSALOMÓN

officials, the two primary sources of generated energy photovoltaic energy – is mostly to be seen in isolated consumption are electricity (70%) and diesel (over tourist facilities that now rely on power generators 18%). and hybrid cars or solar-powered electrical vehicles. Most hotel sector energy is consumed by air The Cayo Largo del Sur tourism center has a conditioning and refrigeration, which varies according project to replace all its vehicles with others fuelled to occupancy levels and temperature. by renewable sources. The portfolio of opportunities for foreign RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE TOURISM SECTOR investment in the tourism sector includes centralized solar air conditioning systems and photovoltaic Today, renewable energy in the tourism sector is most systems for real estate developments. visible in the use of over 11.000m2 of solar water The portfolio also includes the supply of solar- heating units and several isolated tourism facilities powered electrical vehicles for the Transtur transport

Modesto Gutiérrez Cabo Gutiérrez Modesto PHOTO: equipped with photovoltaic panels. company and clean energy powered equipment for Renewable energy sources are increasingly being Experts agree that the main potential impact of the treatment of waste and for water desalinization. exploited within the Cuban economy and represent a the exploitation of this type of energy principally Other business opportunities in the tourism and necessary and promising opportunity for the tourism relates to the application of clean technologies, such real estate sectors include LED lighting provision sector in particular. as concentrated solar power systems which when and small wind-driven generators, the exploitation of The so-called “smokeless industry” today consumes combined with heat transfer technology, can provide thermal-oceanic energy, the production of thermal- between 6 and 7% of electricity generated in the both cold water for room temperature systems and covered glass and the development of comprehensive country -- principally by hotel facilities. hot water for sanitary systems. projects on tourist keys, such as Levisa, Coco, Guillermo According to Tourism Ministry (MINTUR, in Spanish) The use of renewable sources – basically wind and and Cayo Largo del Sur.

Cuba Values International Cooperation By MasielFERNÁNDEZ

governments(regions, provinces and Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which municipalities, especially from Spain), sent trucks, construction equipment and Friendship and Solidarity Movements machinery in addition to transformers, with Cuba, international bodies, non- metallic storage tanks and other items. governmental organizations, public and The official also referred to the private entities or individuals. transfer of other resources by the United The official also noted that over the Nations organizations, such as the World past six years, the island implemented an Food Program, the Children’s Fund, the average annual plan worth in excess over Development Program and the Population 130 million dollars. Fund, in addition to the assistance “In 2016, implementation will have provided by Japan and other governments, surpassed 180 million dollars in over companies and international organizations. Cuban authorities consider that through the efforts of over one million 350 cooperation projects, and 36 million Estrada stated that during all such international cooperation complements Cubans citizens. in donations, which include in part the cooperation actions, “the Cuban side statutory national development efforts and Estrada explained that one of the assistance received following Hurricane guarantee transparency, an explanation affirm that the assistance the Caribbean guidelines of the VII Communist Party Matthew.” of activities and compliance with human, nation has received is, above all, a genuine Congress outlines the need to promote The General Director added that material, and financial capital commitments sign of solidarity. economic cooperation from abroad, in line in excess of 90% of financing received undertaken for the execution of projects.” Cuba favors international cooperation with the priorities established within the is to guarantee the population’s basic She emphasized that the economic free from economic, political or social National Development Plan for 2030. needs in strategic sectors such as food resources for these cooperation projects conditioning that may interfere in These guidelines also foresee the and agriculture, water and treatment, are exclusively exploited for the objectives its domestic affairs or infringe on its fostering of multilateral relations, environment, health, and education. for which they were approved. sovereignty. particularly through the institutions of the Estrada stressed that the emergency aid The General Director concluded that in According to the General Director for United Nations. the country receives is vital. relation to structures relating to this subject, Economic Cooperation at the Ministry Countries such as Japan, France, China It includes, for example, the assistance one of the main things to be achieved in of Foreign Commerce and Investment and Spain are involved in different forms the nation received after Hurricane 2017 is the implementation of the legal (MINCEX in Spanish), Magalys Estrada, such of foreign cooperation, with assistance Matthew affected several parts of Cuba’s and regulatory framework for economic principles apply to both the assistance channeled through their specialized easternmost provinces. and scientific-technical cooperation the Cuba receives and the cooperation the agencies. She highlighted in this regard the country receives and offers in order to use country has provided to over 180 nations Such cooperation also includes local immediate and timely support of the resources in a more efficient way. 14 ECONOMY Transgenic Crop Research in Cuba By JuliaCRUZATA Cuba, they would considerably reduce in the development of a maize moth imports of these strategic commodities, plague resistant and herbicide tolerant which had cost the nation in the region transgenic corn called FR-Bt1. of 500 million dollars in 2014. Having been granted in 2009 According to his recollection, Cuba’s the requisite safety licenses, the first endeavors in the area of vegetable first production trials of this variety biotechnology focused on achieving commenced on about 900 acres of plant tissue and cellular in vitro crop Cubasoy land. techniques. The initiative yielded results of about In 1996, CIGB experts developed their four ton/ha, more than twice those first transgenic plants on a laboratory attributed to traditional parallel harvests. scale, which opened the door for the He said that nevertheless, “these yields An expert on the subject has revealed at a cost of hundreds of millions of manipulation of genes with a capacity to were lower than had been expected that Cuban scientists are working to dollars“. confer certain traits such as fungal related which resulted in the suspension of the develop new transgenic hybrid lines of Another joint CIGB and National diseases and enhanced insect resistance. production trials”. corn that on a small experimental scale Agricultural Sciences Institute (INCA Experience accumulated here Internationally, the production and indicate potential yields of nine tons per in Spanish) research project is the since the 1980’s has facilitated the sale of transgenic products generates hectare (ton/ha). development of a herbicide resistant establishment of a national legislative heated controversies and objections, Doctor in Science and Director of transgenic soya. framework that regulates research even though there is ample scientific Agricultural Research at the Center for The specialist said that trials on lands and commercial scale exploitation of proof that they are not harmful to either Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology belonging to the Cubasoy company in the genetically modified organisms and of human health or the environment. (CIGB in Spanish),Mario Pablo Estrada, province of Ciego de Avila have resulted transgenic plants in particular. According to UN evaluations, told the press that this compares most in yields of up to 2.8 ton/ha, far superior Dr. Estrada explained that these legally genetically modified crops have favorably to results obtained by world to those traditionally obtained there. binding guidelines comply with the contributed to the easing of the food leaders in this type of production. Dr. Estrada is of the view that having Cartagena Protocol -- the international scarcity crisis caused by global population The Granma daily newspaper reported secure and controlled transgenic lines of instrument for the regulation of growth. that once all the testing required by corn and soya to hand in Cuba would have biotechnologically modified live Data supported by the United Nations the Cuban regulatory authorities has both a positive short and medium term organisms and the oversight of human reveals that the number of hectares been successfully concluded, the new economic impact due to the reduction in health, food security and biological under biotechnology crop cultivation varieties could be introduced on greater hard currency spending and contribute diversity -- of which Cuba is a signatory/ worldwide increased from 1.7 million in extensions of land in the Spring of 2017, to the nation’s food security. Collaborations between the CIGB and the 1996 to 181.5 million in 2014, primarily which could lead to a “future substitution He said that together with other Liliana Dimitrova Horticultural and the in countries like the US, Brazil, Argentina, of the purchase of the cereal from abroad production technologies developed in Grain Research Institutes in 2004 resulted India, Canada and China. Nicaragua to Increase Energy Exports By AlbertoCORONA to increase power supply in remote zones. Meanwhile, a total of 7,000 solar panels were installed in 2016, together with 1,500 additional systems to ensure electricity coverage in isolated areas. The goal for 2017 is to attain of the Central American Electric population of more than six million nationwide electricity coverage of 93 Interconnection System, (SIEPAC), an people) attained 90 percent electricity to 94 percent. interconnection of the power grids of coverage, having invested more than It must be taken into consideration six Central American nations. $600 million over ten years. that more than half of the energy This is a 230 000 volts transmission This is an historic record high for generated in Nicaragua comes line covering 1,790 kilometers Nicaragua. In 2006 only 54 percent of from renewable sources: wind, sun from Guatemala to Panama with an the population had access to electricity and geothermal power, biomass additional phase to interconnect the services, amid a severe energy crisis. and hydroelectricity. This forms grid with Mexico and Colombia and a In this regard, the executive part of the energy transformation capacity to transmit 300 Megabytes. manager of the National Electricity and diversification process being According to specialists, the Transmission Enterprise (ENATREL), implemented by the Sandinista initiative helps alleviate frequent Salvador Mansell, recalled that government. regional energy shortages, reduces immediately after Daniel Ortega took This allows for higher energy operation costs, optimizes the office, he ordered the implementation efficiency rates in the country, collective use of energy and creates with a very positive impact on the Having generated more than 3,000 of a national plan to expand the a market more dynamic, competitive environment by eliminating thousands gigabytes -- a surplus of some 700 national electricity grid. and attractive to foreign investment. of tons of CO2 emissions that would gigabytes annually -- Nicaragua plans Ten years ago only some 580,000 To understand Nicaragua’s current otherwise enter the atmosphere every to export more energy to neighboring homes had access to electricity but exporting capacity, it is necessary to year. countries during 2017. this figure now stands at some 1,080, recognize the progress of its national The chairman of Nicaragua’s Ernesto Martínez, president of the 000 Nicaraguan homes. electricity grid, a reality that many Chamber of Energy, César Zamora, said National Electricity Company (ENEL), Mansell said that for the 2017- people rate as amazing. recently that further energy projects, noted that a surplus of almost 2,300 2021 period, ENATREL will continue to In October 2016, the largest Central be they hydroelectric, geothermal, gigabytes adds to the amount of develop the electricity program and American country (with a surface solar or biomass-related are already energy for export. has plans to install 12,000 solar panels of 130,370 square kilometers and a being assessed and implemented. Nicaragua can take advantage along the Caribbean coast this year SPORTS 15 Jewels of Latin American Sport By YasielCANCIO PHOTO: Courtesy of Granma PHOTO: PHOTO: Courtesy of Cubadebate PHOTO: The fastest man on earth has done it greats such as Diego Armando Maradona, Prensa Latina Poll, which she also won in again. Triple Olympic 100, 200 and 400m Teófilo Stevenson, Alberto Juantorena, 2011, 2014 and 2015. relay gold medalist, Usain Bolt, has won Ayrton Senna, Iván Pedroso, Sammy Sosa, This 4th victory now ranks her the Prensa Latina poll for the best Latin Lionel Messi y Ronaldinho Gaucho rank alongside the also legendary Cuban American individual and team athletes of among the victorious. runner Ana Fidelia Quirot, who won the

the year. The sprinter from the land of Reggae poll in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 1997. rebelde Courtesy of juventud PHOTO: The incomparable lightning like crossed the line ahead of Argentine The beautiful Colombian athlete came This was the 8th time that the pollsters potency of the 30 year old Jamaican has, Olympic silver medalist and Davis Cup in ahead of double 100 and 200m Olympic opted for the Brazilian football team as the having previously taken the title in 2008, winning tennis star Juan Martín del Potro champion, Elaine Thompson from Jamaica best in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, ensured (29 votes) and wrestler Mijaín López (17), and Mónica Puig, Puerto Rico’s Olympic having also done so in 1994, 1995, 1997, he is the most prolific winner ever of the who took a spectacular third Olympic gold tennis gold medalist. 1999, 2002, 2005, y 2009. traditional poll. medal for Cuba last August. Brazil’s men’s football team were voted The Brazilians return to the Best This year’s result surpasses the record The Colombian athlete Caterine best team for the first time in six years on Team spot following a six year absence 5 titles he shared with legendary Cuban Ibargüen, is the outstanding and the basis of their Olympic title and a strong having taken the title from their Chilean high jumper, Javier Sotomayor, holder of undisputed 32 year old queen of the performance in South American qualifiers counterparts. the 2.45m world record since 1993. long jump, having taken gold at the Rio for the Russian World Cup. The were followed home by the This time around, Bolt’s nomination Games with a 15.17m result and a fourth Captained by FC Barcelona star Neymar Argentine men’s hockey team with 10 was supported by 63 of the 113 agencies Diamond League in 2016. Jr., the team settled an outstanding score with votes and the Brazilian men‘s indoor from 20 nations that participated in the Her success inspired 45 agencies to football by defeating Germany in the final volleyball squads, both Olympic poll. Since it’s inception in 1964, sporting give her their winning vote in the 53rd game to take their first ever Olympic crown. championship winning teams. Beijing-2008 Gold for Yipsi Moreno By AlfredoBOADA footsteps by taking gold with a discus throw of 70.06m in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. In addition to María Caridad Colón, Cuba also holds claim to the javelin crown conquered by Osleidys Menéndez, with an Olympic record throw of 71.53m in the Athens-2004 Games. The home of the Ancient Greek games, Panathinaikos Stadium, also saw Cuban shot-putter, Yumileidis Cumbá throw 19.59 to secure second place. Five days later she was awarded the

José Tito José Tito Meriño PHOTO: gold medal following confirmation of The Beijing-2008 hammer throwing doping by the Russian who had originally Olympic gold medal, awarded to Yipsi finished first. Moreno following confirmation of doping The same thing has just happened by the Belarusian athlete who stood on to Yipsi Moreno, whose Beijing 2008 the top of the podium at the Games, gold for a 75.20m throw was recently reaffirms Cuba as a force in the world of confirmed. This brings Cuba’s total sport, with female Olympic champions in number of women’s Olympic titles for all four throwing disciplines. throwing to five. Previously, in the Moscow-1980 In the 120 year history of the Games, only Games, Cuban athlete María Caridad the now extinct Soviet Union with 12 and the Colón threw her javelin 68.40m to German Democratic Republic with 8, surpass become the first ever Latin American and Cuba. Caribbean woman to take an Olympic Cuba and Germany, with five titles crown in any sport. apiece, are presently in first place in the Maritza Martén followed in her world. 16