CUBA-U.S. Culture Spotlight Sports

P. 4 P. 6 P. 7 P. 15 Many Sectors Call Magical Havana Latin American Film Cuban Baseball-MLB for Closer Ties on the Road to 500 Years Festival Moved by Cuba’s Agreement Welcomed in Productions Havana

At 60, the Revolution Remains on Course P. 2 2 CUBA At 60, the Revolution Remains on Course

this year, including tourism, whose to improve this collective work, stressing By JoelMichelVARONA number of rooms increased as a result that no suggestion was left out. of the opening of new facilities and the “Each Cuban should feel proud of the HAVANA.- Against all odds, the Cuban restoration of others. Constitution,” said the secretary of the Revolution will celebrate on January 1 its The Cuban people are also celebrating Council of State, who added that hard 60th anniversary with great achievements another anniversary of their Revolution work will continue in order to improve reached by a nation that has to overcome with great altruism and solidarity. In this the legal system. new challenges in order to preserve its sense, over the past 50 years, Cuba has Acosta referred to positive topics social progress. provided assistance to 186 countries, and included in the document, such as the It’s amazing to see how Cuba, a third- more than one million Cubans rendered role and importance of state-owned world country, has reached notable services abroad, either in Latin America companies, which will gain autonomy achievements in about half a century, and the Caribbean or in Africa and Asia. as well as the municipalities. These steps some of which emulate the indicators An example of this assistance is the will contribute to the development of the (ONLY ONE REVOLUTION) of nations from the so-called developed More Doctors Program, an initiative that nation. world. The results obtained in the field of was in place for five years after having The debates of the draft constitution health, just to mention one example, are a been launched by the then Brazilian started on August 13 and finished on proof of this. president Dilma Rousseff in 2013. This November 15. The Cuban residents According to the Ministry of Public program, which has been sabotaged by abroad also participated in the process. Health, in the first five months of 2018, president elect Jair Bolsonaro, counted on The document includes the Cuba registered the lowest infant the participation of about 20,000 Cuban preamble and 224 articles (87 more than mortality rate in the country’s history: 3.9 professionals, who tended 113 million in the present Constitution), which are per 1,000 live births - 0.1 less than the rate people in more than 3,600 municipalities. divided in 11 titles, 24 chapters and 16 reported at the end of 2017. The Cuban Revolution will celebrate sections. The new record shows the another anniversary amidst a number of It was reported that 11 articles from strengthening of the mother-child transformations aimed at restructuring the current Constitution are maintained, program and the efforts the government the county’s social and economic fields. while 113 have been amended and 13 is making to provide primary care at For that reason, Cubans debated a draft were eliminated. the pregnant women centers and the Constitution. Cuba is moving forward through intensive-care pediatric units. Secretary of the Cuban Council of the path the country chose, though The Cuban health system was State Homero Acosta described the hampered by a reinforced economic, determined to maintain in 2018 a rate process of analysis of the draft as unique commercial and financial blockade lower than 4.0 - an all-time low record and democratic. imposed by Washington for more than 55 reached last year. “First, it was debated by Parliament in years. At present, and in view of 2019, July; then, the document was debated by According to official estimates, priority is given to maternal mortality and the people and now it’s being analyzed from April 2017 to March 2018, the U.S. the strategies to improve the neonatal, again by Parliament, to draft the final blockade cost Cuba more than 4.32 prenatal and labor care all over the document and hold a referendum in billion dollars while the accumulated country. 2019,” he noted. losses resulting from the implementation In spite of the difficulties facing the Acosta said that millions of Cubans of that hostile policy amount to 933.67

country, other sectors also made progress made proposals and expressed opinions billion dollars. PL/Internet PHOTOS:

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Cuba, Closer to the World in 2018

By CossetLAZO cooperation, agreed to join hands in the HAVANA.- Despite increasing U.S. efforts production of rice and announced the to isolate Cuba from the rest of the world, Cuban government’s approval of the first in 2018 the island was at the center of administrative concession at the Mariel the world’s attention with the arrivals of Special Development Zone. presidents and top officials from more Several leaders came from Latin than 30 countries and the visits made America and the Caribbean as well, by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel including the Presidents of Bolivia, Evo abroad. Morales, and Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, Neither the tightening of the who were the first ones to greet Díaz- economic blockade against Cuba during Canel in person after he took office in the first two years U.S. President Donald April. Trump has been in power nor the Also from Latin America, President hostile speeches made in Florida or the Juan Carlos Varela of Panama, and announcement of anti-Cuban measures Salvador Sánchez Cerén of El Salvador, have weakened the Caribbean island’s visited the island in November. Moreover, links with other countries. the then Chilean President Michelle The most important visits here made Bachelet fulfilled a busy agenda in in 2018 included the one by UN Secretary January. General António Guterres in the Caribbean leaders such as the framework of the 37thperiod of sessions Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the of the Economic Commission for Latin Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and Haitian America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). President Jovenel Moise also travelled to During the event held in May, Cuba Cuba to reinforce bilateral relations. assumed the presidency pro tempore of ECLAC, when Guterres called to redefine DÍAZ-CANEL ABROAD the concept of development in order The Cuban president participated in to reduce poverty, inequalities and meetings and made a tour of Asian and exclusion. European countries that strengthened The trip made in November by Cuba’s integration into the international Spanish President Pedro Sánchez also arena. stood out in 2018, as it was the first In July, he participated in a meeting official visit by a head of the Spanish of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Executive to Cuba since Felipe González held in Jamaica, where he talked with came to the island in 1986. regional leaders. Sánchez participated in a business From the end of October to the forum and toured the historic district middle of November, the president made of Old Havana, accompanied by Cuban a tour that included Russia, the People’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel on both Democratic Republic of Korea, China, occasions. Vietnam and Laos. In transit to those According to the visitor, Madrid’s countries he made a stopover in France, commitment is simple: “to take economic where he talked with Prime Minister relations to the same level of our historic Édouard Philippe and UNESCO director and friendly bonds.” general Audrey Azoulay. “We will not limit ourselves to be Díaz-Canel exchanged viewpoints

mere witnesses of the Cuban economy’s EstudiosREVOLUCION PHOTOS: with Presidents Vladimir Putin, Kim growth but we will continue to foster Jong-un, Xi Jinping, Nguyen Phu Trong investments, participating in the the southern countries, enhanced by historic leader of the Cuban Revolution and Bounnhang Vorachith. During his country’s development and prosperity,” the visits made by heads of State such Fidel Castro. trip back to the island he visited the he stressed. as Mulatu Teshome, of Ethiopia; Uhuru During his stay in Cuba, the two sides United Kingdom, where he met with Also from Europe Cuba welcomed EU Keniatta, of Kenya, and Mahmoud Abbas, signed several cooperation agreements personalities such as Finance Minister Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, of Palestine, as well as by Namibian Prime such as one on the strengthening of links Philip Hammond -who is considered French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. between the Communist Party of Cuba the second most important figure of Drian and the Deputy Prime Minister of Likewise, the then Secretary General and its Vietnamese counterpart, the the British government and- and with Slovakia, Robert Kaliñák, among other of the Vietnamese Communist Party cancellation of the debt with the Asian the leader of the UK Labor Party, Jeremy top officials. (PCV) and now President of Vietnam, country and a mutual legal assistance Corbyn. Nguyen Phu Trong, fulfilled a busy treaty. The tour resulted in agreements and SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION agenda in March that included tributes to They also signed memorandums of the possibility to strengthen political, In 2018 Cuba ratified its relations with Cuban National Hero José Martí and the understanding on scientific, technical economic and cultural bonds. 4 CUBA-U.S.

Many Sectors Call for Closer Ties

congresswoman Karen Bass, who also By MarthaANDRES condemned the travel restrictions that prevent U.S. citizens from visiting Cuba WASHINGTON.- Although the government of the as tourists. United States continued to oppose rapprochement On September 26, the same day the to Cuba in 2018, many U.S. sectors and people who Cuban president delivered his speech at support the Cuban cause refused to step back and the UN general debate, Riverside church, ratified their wish to have closer ties with the island. located in Harlem (New York), witnessed This was corroborated to a large extent last important demonstrations of admiration September during the participation of Cuban President and acknowledgement to the Caribbean

Miguel Díaz-Canel at the UN General Assembly in New island. PL PHOTO: York. Cuba yes, blockade no! That cry was NaldaVIGEZZI As part of his visit, the president developed a tight heard several times in the same facility agenda that included meetings with congressmen, that welcomed the historical leader of the Cuban commitment to continue fighting against the blockade executives of technological companies, agricultural Revolution Fidel Castro in 2000, and where Díaz-Canel and to raise awareness on the impact of this U.S. policy. and tourist industry businesspeople, religious leaders, was accompanied by his Venezuelan counterpart NNOC co-director Nalda Vigezzi told The Havana personalities from the world of arts, members of Nicolás Maduro. During this meeting, Doctors Joaquin Reporter that prior to the meeting, they conducted solidarity groups and Cubans living in the United Morante and Sitembile Sales, who graduated from several activities in support of Cuba, including the States. the Havana’s Latin American School of Medicine, meeting with Díaz-Canel in New York and other “It was very exciting when the previous appreciated Cuba for its solidarity and generosity to community actions, in addition to the tours of the administration began to open doors, and I think that train young doctors from all over the world for the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization/ not all of them can be closed now,” said Rev. Joan benefit of these countries’ poorest sectors. Pastors for Peace of different U.S. cities. Campbell after meeting with Díaz-Canel. Other demonstrations of solidarity with Cuba during Meanwhile, the event against the blockade was held The Republican and Democratic legislators who this year were appreciated at the Annual Conference from September 24-28 and focused on the damages met with the president at the Cuban UN Permanent of the National Network on Cuba (NNOC), held in that policy has caused to the field of education. As part Mission referred to the need to lift the blockade Minneapolis, Minnesota and at the Fourth Conference of the event, the participants visited Congress offices, imposed by Washington against the island for more against the Blockade held in Washington DC. presented a documentary at a city school and met with than 55 years, and to the importance of increasing The NNOC conference, held from October 19- students of Howard University. bilateral cooperation. 21 at Augsburg University, acknowledged Cuba's Moreover, the Pastors for Peace Caravan visited “We think there must be a widespread exchange willingness to defend its sovereignty and its right Cuba from November 16-25 and developed a tight either in medicine or other fields,” stated Democratic to self-determination while reaffirming the NNOC’s agenda in the country’s east. Trump Administration Strengthens Measures against Cuba

By MiaROMAN criticized level three – out of four – although a WASHINGTON.- The Donald Trump administration survey conducted among stuck to a hostile stance toward Cuba in 2018 and U.S. travelers showed that took new steps against the normalization of bilateral the island is one of the relations, in spite of the call from many sectors for better safest destinations in the ties with the island. world. The strengthening of the blockade Washington The category, has enforced against Cuba for more than 55 years, which advised travelers the decision to keep the reduction of the staff in the reconsidering their respective embassies and the freeze on the granting of decision to visit Cuba – on visas in Havana, show the U.S. government’s hardline the pretext of the alleged stance. health incidents – affected At the beginning of March, the Department of State the stay of the U.S. people announced that it would maintain the reduction of the on the island, where they staff in the U.S. embassy in Havana for an indefinite period. are forbidden to travel as

In a statement released that month, it was announced tourists. Internet PHOTO: that the number of employees at the embassy would Five months passed remain consistent with the order dated September 29, before the Department of Stated decided, on August 23, Although almost all the world slammed Washington´s 2017, when Washington withdrew more than half of its to reduce the travel warning level two: taking additional policy, that very same day, in a speech delivered in the officials on the pretext of the health incidents reported precautions. southern state of Florida, Trump’s National Security by diplomatic staff. On the other hand, on October 16, the U.S. mission Advisor John Bolton stepped up increased the U.S. Such an announcement was made even though at the United Nations held an event at the UN Economic hostility toward Cuba. the document itself stated that there were no definite and Social Council hall with the objective of attacking The advisor said that Washington would enlarge answers on the source of the health problems, which the island for alleged violations of human rights. the list of Cuban entities that the U.S. citizens are the Trump administration has described as attacks – With the excuse of talking about the so-called political prohibited from doing transactions with – which had although the causes and responsible parties are still prisoners, the participants repeated the arguments that been announced a year earlier. Such a statement was unknown. are frequently used by Washington when trying to justify confirmed on November 14, when it was announced that The Engage Cuba coalition, which aims at lifting the the blockade against Cuba, which is rejected by almost another 26 sub-entities were to be included in the list. blockade against the island, described such a decision as all the world. The new additions include mainly hotels located in deeply disappointing, and lamented its negative impact. In an event held to respond to this provocation, important tourist destinations in Havana, Varadero and Those who are affected the most by this measure Cuban diplomats stressed that the blockade is the the keys of the northern province of Villa Clara, as well as are the hundreds of thousands of Cubans and Cuban- grossest violation to human rights of the people from stores and malls, among others. Americans who travel back and forth to visit their the island. With the enlargement of this list, which Cuba relatives, because it prevents processing their visas A few days later, on November 1, the U.S. Executive describes as arbitrary, there are now 205 Cuban entities properly, the coalition indicated. again received huge condemnation at the UN when and sub-entities that are restricted to the U.S. people, On March 2, the federal agency said that it would almost all the international community 189 out of the and the Department of State announced that it will maintain its travel warning to Cuba in the highly- 193 member States voted against the blockade. continue updating this list systematically. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

UCI, Source of Tech Talent in Cuba

Apklis is a Cuban By ReinaMAGDARIAGA platform for Android devices that allows HAVANA.- The University of Information downloading and Sciences (UCI), founded in 2002, updating applications has the mission to contribute to the from Cuba and the rest computerization of the country and of the world through the the growth of the software industry, connection of mobile data in order to support national economic to the network of the Cuban development. Telecommunications Over 14,700 engineers have graduated Company (ETECSA). from the institution - located west of According to Havana and have joined all sectors of the Rodríguez Silva, through country’s economy and society. apklis - https://www. “At present, UCI is developing more The institution’s professionals apklis.cu/es/ - people than 100 projects, which are implemented continue betting on the can also download two by all its 14 development centers,” the development of the NOVA additional applications: institution’s commercial manager Luís operating system, noted https://todus.cu/ and Rosel Rodríguez Silva told The Havana Rodríguez Silva. https://www.picta.cu/. Reporter. Other projects are related to Todus is an instant Those projects include the creation the Ministry of Higher Education; text messaging app that of web platforms for different entities the network of hospital allows sending content, and bodies of the State’s Central centers; the Ministry of Foreign in addition to sharing Administration (OACE), based on a Affairs; the National Statistics photos. Picta, for its part, comprehensive diagnosis aimed at Office; the National Insurance is a platform that manages knowing the conditions in place for the Company, and the Mariel Special audiovisual contents and

implementation of the computerization Development Zone. Internet PHOTOS: live broadcasting. process, Silva added. The official also referred to UCI has signed more He also mentioned that there are the apps presented in the context of the Cuban search engine that allows finding than 100 agreements with universities other projects related to file management Havana’s International Trade Fair, which unified content included in the .cu domain from all over the world. of institutions such as the General was recently held. through the link https://www.redcuba.cu/, “At present, we want to continue Comptroller's Office of the Republic, which helps reducing traffic once all users fostering all those agreements, in order the General Attorney’s Office, the court APPS FOR THE CUBANS try to access the Internet through Google. to strengthen alliances and thus increase system and the General Customs of the The apps developed in the country There are three other applications for the scientific level of our professionals,” Republic. comprise, in the first instance, Redcuba, a the Internet: Todus, Picta and Apklis. Rodríguez Silva concluded. 6 CULTURE Magical Havana on the Road to 500 Years

By TinoMANUEL

HAVANA.- This is a city that causes a feeling of joy and emotions among visitors and dwellers alike, and these feelings are more visible at present, when the city is close to celebrating its 500th anniversary – an occasion that will bring together people from all over the world. On November 16, 2018, Havana celebrated its 499th anniversary, but that was just a preliminary to the 500th celebration next year. For that reason, the party will continue for the forthcoming months, with lots of tourists, bright photos and especially hard work, to improve the image of the Cuban capital. Founded in 1519 at the shade of a leafy Ceiba tree, Havana suddenly became a cosmopolitan city, and travelers from all over the world were eager to know it. A charming environment, similar to the style of the Tower of Babel, is felt in its streets, where people from any of the five continents usually walk, speaking their languages but getting familiar with the inhabitants of the capital through the only possible way: cordiality. It’s precisely at the Cuban capital where the main advantages of tourism - an element of union and understanding between different cultures and peoples - can be perfectly appreciated. Cuba and Havana in particular represent a mixed people, where Spanish and African origin prevail, but also the Chinese, Haitian, German, French, preserving some remains of its walls and Hebrew and many others. shelters. The San Cristóbal de La Habana A highly tourist city that covers 732 Village, the original name of the city, was square kilometers, Havana is divided founded on November 16 at the banks into 15 municipalities, of which nine are of the Carenas Port, though its initial urban. The oldest part of the city, the settlement – in 1515 - was located in the most interesting area, covers 4.5 square southern coast of Cuba. kilometers. The city is described by experts as a The economy of the territory is mainly majestic place because of its monuments related to the industry, trade, services and unique patrimonial sites, where five and tourism – 47 percent of the country’s centuries of history, wealth and originality hotels are located in Havana. are kept. Taking into account all these The Havana Bay was a meeting point attractions, celebrating the 499th for all the Spanish fleet in their travel back anniversary of the city was just the to the metropolis, where they transferred preliminary to the 500th celebration, all the wealth collected in the western when the traditional tour around the hemisphere under the custody of the Ceiba tree located in the foundational warships – because of the constant threat site will again play an important role. In of pirate attacks. fact, many national and foreign people Because of this, the city was invaded follow the tradition of going around the by pirates in 1555 and by the English tree to make a wish, either about health

fleet in 1762, but that didn’t prevent or happiness, which are always needed. PL PHOTOS: SPOTLIGHT 7

Latin American Film Festival Moved by Cuba’s Productions Women were not allowed but taken to prison. He tried By MarthaSANCHEZ to practice surgery at that hard to prove the innocence time, and Faber took a male of the eight students having HAVANA.- It was another good identity to be able to study found new evidence that year for the Cuban film industry. her medical specialty in Paris. took him close to getting to The movies recently presented Historians have different the bottom of the hidden during the 40th International versions about her intimate truth. Festival of the New Latin American life. However, it is a fact that Valdés Domínguez was a

Film were very well received. after having participated in PL PHOTO: very good friend and comrade One of the Cuban the Napoleonic wars and with in arms of Cuban Hero José productions that stood fervent support for the ideals in Havana. The film is entitled Martí, a recurrent figure in Gil’s out during the festival was of the French Revolution Innocence, very much in tune work. Amilkar Salatti wrote “Insumisas,” the latest feature (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), with the moving historical event. the script, experienced Ángel film by Fernando Pérez, who she got on a sailboat heading Its director thoroughly studied Alderete was in charge of the shared the script and direction for America and settled in texts, letters, and newspapers photography and Juan Antonio with Swiss filmmaker Laura Cuba. On the island, the from that period, among other Leyva and Magda Rosa Galbán Cazador. “French doctor” was the envy documents. of the music.

Based on true events, the of locals and faced all sorts of Internet PHOTO: It is a feature fiction film “Inocencia” won the People’s film deals with the life of a Swiss pressure. based on true events. The Choice Award during the festival, woman who arrived in the Coproduced by Switzerland’s Rocha Prize sponsored by the students Alonso Álvarez de la among others. The Cuban Eastern city of Baracoa at the Bohemian Films and Cuba’s Prensa Latina Latin American Campa, José de Marcos y Medina, public is now waiting to watch beginning of the 19th century. Film Industry (ICAIC), the News Agency, the “Súmate” (Join Carlos Augusto de la Torre, Eladio Inocencia, Insumisas, Nido de Dressed as a man and under 92-minute-long film reproduces us!) Award of the campaign “For González y Toledo, Pascual Mantis and Yuli at the country’s the name of Enrique Faber, she the sentence and the attorney’s a Life without Violence” and one Rodríguez y Pérez, Anacleto movie-theaters. The general successfully practiced medicine speech during the trial of the special prizes granted by Bermúdez, Ángel Laborde and premieres are scheduled for 2019. and even married a local young accurately, thanks to historical the jury of the 40th International Carlos Verdugo were between 17 The shooting of another girl. archives. Latin American Film Festival. and 21 years old when they were fiction film that recreates true According to Pérez, the The film cast consists of On the other hand, and executed by a firing squad. events of the middle of the transgender issue is part of French actress Sylvie Testud and perhaps in order for the Cuban According to the director, it 19th century is set to finish the plot but they also tried to Cuban actors Yeni Soria, Mario film industry to settle a debt narrates two parallel stories: the next year. It deals with one represent her as a woman who Guerra, Héctor Noas, Giselle with Cuban history, ICAIC 1871 events that finished with of the personalities of the overcame different limitations: González and Corina Mestre, sponsored a film inspired by the execution and that of Fermín independence struggle in Cuba: social, moral, or of any other among others. the unfair execution in 1871 Valdés Domínguez 16 years Ignacio Agramonte, nicknamed type. She was a person ahead of “Insumisas” received a of eight medicine students by later. He was another medicine The Major, which is precisely the her times. Special Mention of the Glauber the Spanish colonial authorities student who was tried as well film’s title. 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations) WHAT´S HAPPENING IN TOWN? UPCOMING EVENTS

Havana´s 13th Jazz PLaza Biennial (thru Jan. 20) (Apr. 12- May. 12) THE CARIBBEAN 9

Carifesta, a Festival for Tourists ratified by the Prime Minister contemporary traditions in order By VictorM.CARRIBA of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith to create a real opportunity to Rowley, and the Secretary connect, share and invest to HAVANA.- The Caribbean General of the Caribbean help make the creative sector tourism offer for 2019 includes Community (CARICOM), Irwin La sustainable.” an event that enjoys ever Rocque, during a meeting of the The festivity will bring artists increasingly international CARICOM heads of State. and professionals from some 30 renown, focused on the highly The signing of the document Caribbean countries together in attractive Caribbean culture, represents a major step for a true Trinidad and Tobago, a country which stands out as one of festival of the Caribbean arts, said that will host the festival for the most promising within the Community Development the fourth time (the previous the tourist industry and where and Culture ministry of Trinidad editions were in 1992, 1995 and

the most diverse imaginary and Tobago. 2006). This region is considered Internet PHOTO: elements, religious beliefs and The upcoming edition of the cradle of reggae. traditions converge. the Carifesta Festival, which The 10-day program will Tobago, Paula Mae Weeks, said Barbuda, Dominica, the British Although the region is still was announced last October, include national nights, film, that the festival has always been Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, going through a recovery phase will take place under the slogan literature, arts and cuisine a mecca for regional artists and Anguilla and Saint Martin, Cuba after the natural disasters last “Tangible and Intangible: festivals, symposiums, a mega a perfect platform to show the and Puerto Rico. year, the preparations for the Connect, Share and Invest.” concert by the best Caribbean diverse talent that exists in this The previous festivals were 14th edition of the Carifesta According to its organizers, artists, and the so called green small part of the world. held in Guyana (1972 and 2008), Festival to be held August 16- the motto shows the importance spaces with yoga sessions and The Caribbean tourist Jamaica (1976), Cuba (1979) 25 in Trinidad and Tobago are of laying bridges “between the other healthy activities. industry is still recovering from and Barbados (1981 and 2017). going on. tangible and the intangible When announcing the the destruction caused by Other host countries were Saint The announcement about heritage, the old and the new, Carifesta-2019 Festival, the Hurricanes Irma and Maria to Kitts and Nevis (2000), Suriname its celebration was recently the folklore and indigenous and President of Trinidad and the main resorts in Antigua and (2003 and 2013) and Haiti (2015).

For 4 News Headlines per day for just $1CUC / month, send a SMS with the letters PL to 8100. 10 CULTURE Yuli, the Real Carlos Acosta, the Man behind the Success Starring Acosta himself, the first black Romeo in the By MariaMARTINEZ the film cast also includes the history of the London Royal Cuban actors Santiago Alfonso, Ballet, one of the greatest ballet HAVANA.- The organizing Laura De la Uz, Yerlín Pérez, companies in the world. committee for the 40th edition Andrea Doimeadiós, Keyvin The film also depicts of the International Festival of Martínez and boy Edilson a very sad and sensitive the New Latin American Film Manuel Olbera, among others. man with infinite pains and had to make an exception with The performances by passionate objectives yet to the film Yuli by showing it more Olbera, Alfonso, De la Uz and be accomplished but that he is times than expected. Doimeadiós are memorable, willing to attain, thanks to this Even so, many people could which is not surprising in the very powerful fighting spirit of not get a ticket to watch the cases of the consecrated and a warrior instilled by his father. film inspired by the life of talented actors; but it is in the Coproduced by entities famous Cuban dancer Carlos cases of the boy and Alfonso, from Spain, France, Germany, Acosta. a dancer and artistic director the UK and the Cuba Film The latest production by awarded with the Cuban Industry (ICAIC), the film was Spanish filmmaker Iciar Bollaín National Dance Prize. recently nominated for the shows the man being behind The photography by Álex Goyas Award in five categories: the success, with impeccable Catalán allows us to see the adapted script (Paul Laverty), photography and a moving differences between locations photography direction (Álex script that earned it a prize at and countries with true realism. Catalán), original music (Alberto the International Film Festival Meanwhile, the soundtrack Iglesias), sound (Eva Valiño, of San Sebastian, Spain. by Alberto Iglesias is perfectly Pelayo Gutiérrez and Alberto The feature film focuses interwoven into the plot, which Ovejero) and Best Revelation on Acosta’s childhood and features a choreography by Actor (Carlos Acosta). adolescence, marked by a lack Spanish María Rovira and This way, the Spanish of material goods, a rough performed by the Acosta Danza Academy of Arts and marginal environment and his Company with great passion. Cinematographic Sciences family bonds, especially his British scriptwriter Paul further enhances the career of relation with his father, a slave Laverty –two time winner of the celebrated Cuban dancer.

descendant who baptized him the Cannes Palme d'Or and the as Yuli. regular writer of Ken Loach’s He nicknamed him Yuli films- was inspired by the because he considered Carlos Cuban dancer’s autobiography to be a direct descendant book “Sin Mirar Atrás” (No Way of Ogun, an African god, a Home). warrior. The strong character Both the film and the of his father Pedro Acosta was book portray a street boy who actually a determining element wants to be a soccer player for Yuli to become the great but is forced by his father to dancer that the world knows take ballet lessons. This artistic today. manifestation finally captivates “The film is a tribute him but takes him away from to dance, to my professor his family, friends and the Ramona de Sáa, a professor of country that he loves so much. generations (of dancers) and to Yuli by no means could the great man my father was,” be only a film about Acosta’s the artist said excitedly before success, although it shows one of the film screenings at how he made it to the peak in the Yara movie theater. the world of dance, becoming PL/Internet PHOTOS: PHOTO FEATURE 11

Vintage Cars and Tourism in Havana

Text & photos by RobertoF.CAMPOS

HAVANA.- The tourist-classic American activities marking the 500th anniversary of car combination stands out as a very the city, to be celebrated on November 16, attractive offer in Cuba, especially in 2019. Havana, with many visitors interested in Iberostar Cuba marketing director going on rides in those colorful vehicles. María Barrera, the president of the Amigos On December 1, a jury assessed and de Fangio Club, Lorenzo Verdecia, and the chose a group of classic cars that will event’s technical director, Pablo Álvarez, participate in a car show along the Havana have expressed satisfaction for the warm Malecon (sea wall avenue) on January 5. welcome received by the event after every Similar vintage car shows have been announcement. held in Havana, captivating hundreds of The “Almendrones” are part of the foreign tourists and nationals who go there history of Havana and of Hotel Packard as to have photos taken or simply enjoy the well, they noted, adding that the parade motorcade. will also mark the 120th anniversary of the For this initiative, a technical team arrival of the first automobile in Cuba. appraised the vehicles, making sure that The car owners first register their cars the engines and other parts were original for the five-kilometer motorcade and then to each make and model, thus allowing the technical examinations are held in their owners to participate in the caravan. the section known as La Piragua, near the Lorenzo Verdecia, coordinator of the Malecón, in Vedado neighborhood. Amigos de Fangio (famous Argentinean The caravan from La Piragua to Prado racing driver) Club, commented that this Walk has thus been transformed into a kind of initiative was first held 22 years ago, symbolic element of tourism in Cuba when 120 classic cars were chosen by the and an example of a very colorful and Taramar Club, on the outskirts of Havana. interesting activity. The invitation to participate in the According to the organizers, the motorcade has been extended to car term classic car refers to automobiles owners from Havana’s nearby provinces built before 1960, usually by American and the rest of the country as well. companies. That was the year when the These classic car contests add a colorful economic and commercial restrictions element to tourism in Cuba, particularly imposed by Washington against Cuba in the capital. Apart from the award for were first implemented. They have been original parts and the popularity prize, the in force for more than 55 years and have best trophy is the attendance of passers-by been tightened by the Donald Trump and many of the tourists who are enjoying administration lately, the organizers their vacation in Cuba. recalled. Managers from the recently Those restrictions prohibited bringing inaugurated Hotel Grand Iberostar Packard more cars and spare parts onto the island; located on one side of the Havana Prado however, many of those that were here Walk are among the event’s organizers. before 1960 are still circulating all over the They have highlighted the peculiarity of a country. car show where the best preserved original These old cars have become a sort of engines are recognized. hallmark for the tourist industry in Cuba, The main objective is to extol the and this kind of activity involves many vintage and classic cars popularly known in people, from car owners to mechanics, Cuba as “Almendrones.” auto bodyworkers, relatives, friends, These cars can be seen anywhere in the public in general and many tourists Havana and are part of the program of visiting Havana. 12 POLITICS

Rejection of the U.S. Increases in Latin America & the Caribbean By RobertoGARCIA expand freedom and prosperity in all the western hemisphere.” HAVANA.- U.S. President Donald Trump deepened the In fact, Trump's hostile and intense policy against differences between his government and the interests Venezuela was a milestone in 2018. It is also an of the Latin American and Caribbean governments and example of the methods the president uses against people in 2018. those nations that don’t follow the dictates of the His measures against the immigrants, particularly United States. the repression against the Central American caravan In this context, Secretary General of the Organization that’s trying to cross the Mexican border, and the of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro stands out for insistence on renegotiating the North American Free being a pawn of the U.S. interests in the region. Trade Agreement, deteriorated the image of the United In an event held in Washington D.C. last December States in the region. 7, Almagro took a charge at the revolutionary The strengthening of the economic, commercial and processes conducted in Cuba and Venezuela, as part financial blockade against Cuba and the reversion on of his campaign to be re-elected in the post for the 2020- His trip to Argentina as part of the G20 Summit – the progress made by the Barack Obama administration 2025 term. held in Buenos Aires from November 30 to December (2009-2017) are additional signs that show the contempt On that occasion, he said that fighting “the bad 1 – didn’t contribute to healing the wounds opened the Head of the White House has for the region. influence” Cuba has on the rest of the region will be a between Washington and the rest of the hemisphere. Latin America and the Caribbean witnessed with priority in the Inter-American agenda starting from The fact is that for the past several months, Trump’s hope the restart of diplomatic relations between Havana now – a statement that was immediately rejected by the approval rating among the Latin American and and Washington in July 2015, but Trump insists on going Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry. Caribbean people sank to an all-time low – less than back to confrontation. Almagro, whose servility to Washington has 16 percent – while rejection of his post surpasses 63 The appointment, last April, of extreme right-wing been strongly criticized by progressive leaders of the percent, according to U.S. Pew Research Center. John Bolton as National Security advisor came as an continent, promised that the organization he heads Trump’s ”America first¨ policy” and his negative additional blow to the normalization of relations with will play a more active role in favor of the U.S. interests opinions on the Latin American nations and other Cuba and the rest of the region. against the Venezuelan government. countries of the world also affected the way Washington A sign of Bolton’s interest in intensifying the U.S. An additional element that revealed the little is perceived by the people. policy against Cuba and Venezuela was the visit he importance Trump attaches to the region was his This is actually a moment in which the level of paid to Brazil on November 30 and his interview with decision not to attend the 8th Summit of the Americas confrontation between Washington and most of the president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who will take on the post held in Lima, Peru, on April 13 & 14 this year. nations and the people of the hemisphere is growing, on January 1. That was the first time a U.S. president didn’t attend and according to experts, this situation shows no sign In a recent message on his Twitter account, Bolton such an event since its start in 1994. In addition to that, of improving in the medium term – even though right- said that he shares “many bilateral interests” with Trump became the first U.S. president in several decades wing figures in several governments of the area have Bolsonaro, and added that “we will work together to to not visit Latin America during his first year in office. risen to power. Peace in Colombia: A Failed Attempt? and transparent political party, and we By TaniaPEÑA handed in the goods that were part of our war economy,” Rodrigo Londoño BOGOTA.- Two years after the signing (Timochenko), FARC’s main leader, of an agreement that put an end to Latin recently highlighted. America’s longest armed conflict, peace However, the institutions of the in Colombia is still wavering. Colombian State - both the Court and Those who laid down their weapons the Congress – have been fickle in their to get involved in politics after creating decisions on the agreements reached. the Revolutionary Alternative Force of Many of the articles included in the the Common (FARC) are still doubtful Peace Agreement have been amended, about the government's commitment. to the point that they cannot be “The Colombian government was not recognized. ready to assume a far-reaching peace Timochenko commented that the process,” FARC’s National Political Council most serious violations to the agreements member Rodrigo Granda told The negotiated in Cuba include the distortion Havana Reporter. of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace; The former combatants lack both the fact that former guerrilla members legal security and the support to return to are still imprisoned, and the arbitrary

society, as well as the guarantee required imprisonment of former combatant Jesús Internet PHOTO: to preserve their physical integrity, Santrich. (PEACE WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE) Granda commented. The FARC leader stressed that the Such is the situation as 84 former debt of the Colombian State in terms of they put an end to kidnappings and to demanding that the guerrilla members combatants of the once Revolutionary implementation is huge, and proof of the military operations he describes as stop their actions. Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army that is the very minimal progress made criminal activities. Other factors are affecting the road (FARC-EP) have been murdered since regarding access to the land. According to ELN head negotiator to peace in Colombia: a highly-polarized November 24, 2016 – when the Peace Another huge debt in what regards Pablo Beltrán, Duque is complying with country; indifference toward the topic Agreement was signed in Bogotá. building a stable and lasting peace in the plan he designed to turn the peace on the major urban conglomerates, and In spite of the huge obstacles, the former Colombia is related to the standstill in the process to pieces, as a representative of a small presence in the media agenda, FARC-EP guerrilla members have zealously peace talks with the National Liberation the Colombian oligarchy and the right- in addition to the attacks and the complied with the agreements reached in Army (ELN). wing Center Democratic Party. stigmatization the former combatants the negotiations with the government of Colombian president Iván Duque, The guerrilla’s Central Command suffer. former president Juan Manuel Santos. who took this post last August 7, has recalled that the Colombian government The dream of peace leading to a more “We have sacredly kept our word. We emphatically said that talks with the has intensified the military operations in equitable and prosperous country is still a laid down weapons, we became a legal insurgent force will not resume until the areas where the ELN is present, while long way for the people of Colombia. ECONOMY 13

Vietnamese Company to Develop Megaproject in Mariel By MariaJuliaMAYORAL HAVANA.- The Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), just west of Havana, has attracted 10 new businesses this year amounting to 474 million dollars, and the construction of the first industrial park is included among the projects. ViMariel S.A., a 100% Vietnamese- capital company, began its implementation process last November 28, committed to achieving high standards of quality and speed in its development, in order to have the first urban lot ready by the third quarter of 2019. An affiliate of the Viglacera S.A.

Corporation, ViMariel S.A. hopes to bring Manuel MUÑOA PHOTOS: the vast and successful experience its head office has in the development and industrial park at ZEDM’s sector A, near made in such a short time in the Cuba and Vietnam are experiencing an operation of industrial parks to Cuba, as the Mariel deep water port. preparation of the investment process,” upward trend, with initiatives at ZEDM executive Tran Anh Tuan explained. According to Tran Anh Tuan, the she commented. and in other parts of the national territory. Founded in 1974, Viglacera is a megaproject benefits from the high quality Igarza explained that the park is “The presence of ViMariel S.A. leading company in Vietnam in the of the national workforce; the geographical projected to bring together different (endorsed on March 29, 2018) is a sign of production and commercialization of location of the site, and the atmosphere types of businesses, in line with the basic the strategic nature of the links between building materials. It is also renowned as of social, political and legislative stability pillars defined at ZEDM: logistic activity; the two nations, and the potential is still one of the most prestigious trademarks in in the country, in addition to the facilities packaging and boxing; biotechnology to be exploited,” the official commented. the field of real estate investments. provided by ZEDM’s single window system and pharmaceutical industries; After receiving the construction With more than 38 affiliate companies, and tax incentives in force. electronics; manufacturing, and the license, on November 28, ViMariel signed a the corporation turns over more than 30 ZEDM’s General Manager Ana Teresa building material industry. framework agreement with a Portuguese million dollars a year for its exports to Igarza said that ViMariel’s activity will As of 2019 and for a period of up to company that produces plastic packages about 40 countries and is one of the major include high constructive and managing five years, the company should create the and molds and is interested in setting up industrial park investors in Vietnam. standards and will be an important point park’s basic infrastructure with its own future businesses at the industrial park. ViMariel, which was granted a 50-year of reference for business opportunities capital and could build standard facilities At present, ZEDM has 41 users from 19 administrative concession by the Cuban in Cuba for investors from Vietnam and to be rented to investors. countries and after five years of operation, government, is responsible for planning, other parts of the world. According to Cuban Minister of the investments amount to 1.66 billion investing, building, and managing the The company’s working group “has Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo dollars, said the director of the Zone’s infrastructure, as well as for a 156-hectare showed how much progress can be Malmierca, the economic ties between single window system, Wendy Miranda. Cuba Will Put 24 Oilfields in the Gulf of Mexico out to Tender By IvetteFERNANDEZ opportunity in this sector, as the dividend investors or contractors can HAVANA.- As of April 2019, 24 oilfields receive amounts to 65.5 percent – a located in the Gulf of Mexico – Cuba’s figure that in cases like this many Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE) - will be governments retain. put out to tender, the Cuban Oil Union He added that collaboration with (CUPET) indicated. the country will benefit from the According to the entity’s Exploration expertise CUPET has accumulated, and Production Group’s Business Director, as this entity has been working with Jesús Marrero, additional projects of foreign companies for more than 25 oilfields located on the mainland as well years and with infrastructure for oil as others related to output increases will exploration and production all over be presented to foreign investors during the country. the second stage. Other benefits are related to the Cuba has 79 oilfields available and high qualification of the Cuban staff 9 are under contract - located on the linked to this economic activity and to mainland, in shallow waters and in the the agreements for the demarcation ZEE. In relation to the latter, the country of borders with Haiti, Bahamas, the estimates that this might contain over 10 United States and Mexico.

billion barrels of good-quality oil that can The country counts on a study PL PHOTO: be extracted, as the 2018-2019 business conducted by the prestigious Chinese portfolio states. geophysics services company BGP with Group, Osvaldo López, the country needs The most important exploration result During a speech delivered at the Second data on 26,880 kilometers, including to increase the national productive levels the country reached last year is related to Energy, Oil and Gas Conference recently held information on 2,000 kilometers on the – which today meet about 50 percent the discovery of a 22.6 degree API oil well in Havana, Marrero said that the projects Cuban sector in the Gulf of Mexico which of the national demand – in view of the in an area where crude oil reaches 9 or 10 proposed at the shallow and deep waters is extremely useful for those interested in increase linked to the domestic energy degree API, which means they are more include the exploration and production investing in this field, Marrero indicated. demand, the investment volumes and dense. modalities, in addition to technical services. As explained during the conference, international tourism. This, in addition to evidence of the In relation to the mainland projects, Cuba extracts 99 percent of the national López added that by developing existence of light crude oil of more contracts could be signed for the oil from the 750 km2 zone located technological capacity, designing new than 35 or 40 degree API in the national exploration and production sectors, in between Havana and Varadero a exploration campaigns to determine the territory, is a sign of an active generating addition to productive improvement and percentage that’s completely allocated to existence of hydrocarbons and opening system and shows the relevance of non-conventional oil projects. power generation. the country to foreign investment, the future seismic campaigns in areas where According to the official, Cuba is According to statements issued Cuban oil industry hopes to increase its oil wells with these characteristics are becoming an attractive investment by the Head of the CUPET Exploration productions. located, the official concluded. 14 ECONOMY

China-Latin America Relations Keep Growing second largest trading partner in Latin America and comprehensive relations that have yielded excellent By YolaidyMARTINEZ the Caribbean. In turn, that region is the second largest results. market for Chinese investments. “China and Latin America complement each other BEIJING.- As part of its efforts towards national According to the Chinese Ministry of Trade, very well economically, which is why there is ample revitalization, China is working to consolidate joint commercial exchange between January and September room for them to develop economic and commercial international relations in a community of shared this year registered a year-on-year 20 percent growth, cooperation,” he commented. interests, responsibilities and benefits, based on the accounting for some $228.6 billion. Gao reiterated his government’s willingness principles of mutual respect and sovereignty. The figures are promising, because they are to continue working with the Latin American and In the course of this process, it focuses on priority getting close to the total recorded in 2017, when the Caribbean countries and bring the cooperation in the regions for its foreign agenda, featuring Latin America commercial exchange in both directions closed at some context of the Belt and Road Initiative to higher levels. and the Caribbean, where more countries have chosen $257.8 billion, representing an 18.8 percent rise over the In fact, the parties are actively involved in the initiative to establish diplomatic links with Beijing lately, while previous year. through an industrial park opened in 2017 in the southern socioeconomic cooperation continues to increase. In that period, the Chinese companies invested city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. It is strategically When in 1960 Cuba recognized the People’s Republic $387 billion in Latin America and the Caribbean, while located in the Hengqin free trade zone, near the special of China as the only legitimate representative of its the contracts signed were estimated at $164.2 billion. administrative regions of Macao and Hong Kong. people in the world, the road was open for a friendly The Chinese Trade Ministry’s spokesman, Gao Feng, Another proof of that region’s importance was the rapprochement between the Asian country and the said that the statistics are indicative of better and more recent tour by President Xi Jinping, with stopovers in region. Argentina and Panama. Now in less than one year, first Panama It was his fourth trip to Latin America and then the Dominican Republic and El since he took office in 2013, when he visited Salvador decided to establish relations Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico. with the world’s second biggest power Then in 2014, the president traveled to and join projects such as the Belt and Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba, and Road initiative, which aims at building in 2016 he visited Ecuador, Peru and Chile. a large network of infrastructure and Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang commercial operations by land and sea. Yi called this new tour of the region Those decisions were sealed by the a signal of growing, strong relations visits paid by the respective presidents enriched with equal, reciprocal and to China, with the consequent signing inclusive exchanges. of agreements to coordinate stances on Likewise, it was part of Beijing’s multilateral scenarios, expand businesses diplomatic offensive to protect in both directions and adopt definite plans multilateralism, free trade and global to ensure balanced growth, prosperity peace in the face of the current and progress for their countries. protectionist and unilateralist stance that Recent estimates revealed that threatens to doom the world into another

the Asian country continues to be the Presidents_DaniloMEDINA&XI Internet PHOTO: big recession. SPORTS 15

Cuban Baseball-MLB Agreement Welcomed in Havana

By HectorMIRANDA

HAVANA.- The agreement signed the MLB to pay the Cuban players and between the Cuban Baseball Federation the FCB. (FCB, in Spanish) and the Major Leagues Velez remarked the money flowing of the United States (MLB) assures a safe from the contracts will be invested in route for players of the island to be able improving training and forming young to play in the Big Show, FCB President players on the island. Higinio Velez highlighted. In general terms, its clauses are similar In statements to the media, Velez to those established by the MLB with other remarked that the accord gives peace foreign leagues such as the Japanese of mind to their relatives because any Professional Baseball League, the League of these players can be hired by major of the Korean Baseball Organization and league teams, and also from other the Chinese Taipei Professional Baseball baseball organizations of the region League (CPBL). Any player at 25 after whose teams are under the auspice of playing for six years in the Cuban League MLB. is free to sign a contract. They will no longer have to take the U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy risks of traveling to other countries in the hailed the MLB-FCB agreement, hands of unscrupulous people, he added, describing baseball as “bridge referring to the way they used to leave between the two nations” that Cuba, often illegally, with the intention of will serve to bring the two playing in the MLB. countries closer. The two federations that are non- Leahy recalled that one of the governmental organizations were able first steps on this path was the to strike the deal -he stressed-after games Orioles played in Havana the U.S. Government issued a permit against a Cuban team, and then through a special license of the Office of a second match in Baltimore in

Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) allowing 1999. Internet PHOTOS:

Ibargüen, Echevarria and Domadores, Winners in Prensa Latina's Poll His 8.83-meter-long jump By YasielCANCIO stands out among Echevarría’s most impressive results this HAVANA.- Cuban Juan Miguel season. Although he had a tail Echevarría, Colombian Caterine Ibargüen wind, this jump showed to the and Domadores de Cuba boxing team world that he has real chances won the Prensa Latina annual poll’s prizes to break the world record set for best athletes and team, respectively. by U.S. jumper Mike Powell With this recognition, which in the 8.95-meter-long jump Echevarría won for the first time in his category and the 8.70-meter short career, the long jumper gave back record set by Cuban Iván to Cuba the prize it had failed to win Pedroso. for 17 years in the best male athlete Meanwhile, Colombian category. Ibargüen easily defeated her In a hard-fought battle for the award, main contenders to the prize Echevarría defeated the world soccer star for women with 59 votes, of Argentina Lionel Messi with 36 votes, thus becoming the historic who was placed second with 29 of the winner of the poll with five votes cast by press media in this region awards (2011, 2014, 2015, and other parts of the world. 2016 y 2018). The Cuban long jumper told The This way the South Havana Reporter that this prize American athlete got ahead represents another achievement in his of Cuban runner Ana Fidelia

career, above all because the challenge Quirot (1989, 1991, 1995 Internet PHOTOS: was against the South American soccer y 1997), winning the 11th player and member of the Spanish FC prize for her country in the Best Athlete condition granted by the International football squad (26) and Brazil's female Barcelona club. Category (both genders) and the seventh Association of Athletics Federations. volleyball team (15). In remarks to The The 20-year-old jumper this year prize among women. The award for Best Team of the Havana Reporter, Acebal said that the won the gold at the Birmingham Indoor This season the Colombian won Year went to the Cuban boxing team team deserved that recognition because Grand Prix, UK; the IAAF World Challenge the triple and long jump titles at the Domadores de Cuba, winner of the World it was the world leader after a hard- in Ostrava and the world competitions in Continental Cup, the Diamond League Boxing Championships having defeated fought battle against the Kazakhstanis. Bad Langensalza and Guadalajara. and the Central American and Caribbean the Astana Arlans of Kazakhstan 7-3 “The Domadores de Cuba deserved Likewise, the world ranking leader Games of Barranquilla-2018, Colombia. During the tournament the team to win the prize for best Latin American won the Diamond League in Stockholm, Given her excellent performance this trained by Coach Rolando Acebal won team,” the coach commented during the the silver medal in Rome, the gold at the year, the triple jump Olympic champion 34 of the 45 fights, a victory that earned prize-giving ceremony that awarded the Karlsruhe tournament and the silver at of Rio de Janeiro-2016 was also them the PL Poll’s distinction with 35 best athletes of the year in Cuba, where the world competition in Metz, France. recognized with the Athlete of the Year votes, thus getting ahead of Peru's he was also recognized in that category. 16