© YEAR VIII THE Nº 8 APR 30, 2018 , ISSN 2224-5707 Price: avana eporter 1.00 CUC H YOUR SOURCE OF NEWSR & MORE 1.00 USD A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.20 CAN FIT Cuba 2018 Tourism Industry’s Top Event

P. 2

Cuban Culural Havana’s Health & Science Cuban Coral Reefs Are Festival Warmly Prado Lions Uniquely Well Preserved Welcomed in P. 5 Washington Economy Vietnamese Companies Focus on Cuba P. 13 Sports Panama’s Russian World Cup Dream P. 7 P. 11 P. 15 2 TOURISM

FITCUBA 2018 Tourism Industry’s Top Event Text & Photos by RobertoF. CAMPOS There are also some 2,000 privately- owned restaurants known as ‘Paladares’ HAVANA.- The 38th International and over 21,000 guesthouse rooms. Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2018, to take place Some 34 percent of the total number on the Santa María Key between May 2nd of visitors to Cuba come from Canada and and 6th, will once again provide the ideal when combined with numbers visiting opportunity for tour operators and travel from the United States, the statistic rises agents to update themselves on the to 45 percent. wonders of the Cuban archipelago. Moreover, 33 percent originate in The fair will not only allow trade Europe and 16 percent come from other specialists to make their plans, book Latin American nations. hotels, tours and trips for the rest of the Despite US Governmental restrictions year, but also to get first-hand experience that limit US citizens to travel under one of the continuing growth trend in Cuba’s of 12 licensed categories, a 118 percent tourism industry. increase was recorded in the numbers An enhanced range of options, choosing to visit Cuba. new golf courses, an increased number For the first time ever Cuba welcomed of flights and investments in internal more than 4 million visitors during 2016, transportation for trips and tours greatly surpassing the annual target by nine compliment traditional modalities such percent. In 2017, this figure rose again to as nature, culture and congress tourism. 4.7 million foreign visitors. The previous edition of the fair was held A total of 68 airlines are now flying in the eastern province of Holguín and into Cuba, connecting it with 70 world was attended by 2,600 delegates from cities while 25 cruise ships are operating 41 countries, including 170 specialized on the island. journalists from around the world and The tourist sector includes 25 joint even greater numbers are expected to ventures in 14 hotels and 19 foreign attend this year. management contracts operate 41,000 Cuba’s Tourism Minister Manuel rooms. Marrero highlighted during the last Fair, Taking into consideration these that the country had 67,000 hotel rooms, figures, the forthcoming FITCuba Fair 7,000 of which were renovated last year is expected to be as successful as all its and 2,000 completely rebuilt. previous editions.

A Bimonthly 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: Paola A. González Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Lianet Arias Advertising: Javier García Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Chief Editor: Luis Melian Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Sean J. Clancy/Yanely Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Fax: (53)7833-3068 Interián E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3

Cuba’s New Parliament Reaffirms Commitment to Socialism By WaldoMENDILUZA

HAVANA.- On April 18-19 Cuba established a new People’s Power National Assembly (Parliament) which is constitutionally the supreme organ of Cuban State power. The 605 newly sworn-in legislators were elected on March 11, when almost 86 percent of registered voters or some 7,400,000 Cuban citizens exercised their right to vote. By the time Cuba’s 2017-2018 general elections closed on April 19, they had covered the election of 15 Provincial Assemblies with 1,265 delegates and 168 Municipal Assemblies with 12,515 town councilors, all directly nominated and elected by the constituents. On April 19, the 605 parliamentarians elected the 31 members of the Council of State, including its President, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who serves as Head of State and Government. Also elected were the first Vice President, Salvador Valdés Mesa, the five vice presidents, the secretary of the Council of State, as well as the president of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo Hernández.

CUBA’S PARLIAMENT REPRESENTS SOCIALISM IN SAFE HANDS NATIONAL DIVERSITY The newly elected leaders reiterated This newly elected five year-term their will to continue building socialism Parliament includes representatives from and their commitment to the legacy of the worlds of politics, culture, sport, as the historic generation of the Revolution. well as students and members of private A new member of the National and religious sectors. Assembly told The Havana Reporter Each of the country’s 168 that strengthening socialism must be the municipalities is represented in new Parliament’s priority. Parliament. Digna Guerra, the director of According to the National Candidature Cuba’s National Choir and recently Commission, 47 percent of the parliament elected legislator, said that “nothing were nominated and elected by local fundamentally changed on April 19, elections, of which 53.22 percent are because we now go on to build an even women. Cuba’s Parliament is ranked more robust Revolutionary Cuba, thanks second after Rwanda (61.3 percent) to the fact that, after so many years of worldwide regarding the number of struggle, the historic generation has female representatives. handed leadership of this process over to It is also noteworthy that of the 605 our generation.” elected legislators, 338 are serving for the Those who, for decades, have lived first time, 13.2 percent are between 18 under the markedly social project started and 35 years old, 40.6 percent are of black on January 1, 1959 have inherited vital and mixed race origin and more than 86 tools to continue defending the Cuban percent are university graduates. Revolution: principles, power and people’s unity, remarked Guerra, a representative for Centro Habana municipality. Shoemaker and legislator Jorge Luis Romero of Havana's Lisa municipality stated that the continuity of the socialist revolution is guaranteed in the country, as the people are aware of the need of preserving our social progress. “I am a country man, a shoemaker and a member of the National Assembly. This happens only in Cuba, where I feel very calm whenever my kids go to school or when a family member gets sick, because we have free and high-quality education and health.” “This is why the Cuban people defend their Revolution,” he added.

EstebanLAZO 4 U.S.- LATIN AMERICA

Is the USA Closer to the Americas after the Summit?

businesspeople and legislators are in By LuisBRIZUELA favor of lifting that siege and improving bilateral relations. HAVANA.- President Donald Trump’s The Republican also behaved very absence from the 8th Summit of the aggressively against the constitutional Americas held in Lima proved that on government of Venezuelan President the U.S. agenda, Latin America and the Nicolás Maduro by highlighting the Caribbean deserve lesser attention than sanctions imposed against the South other regions. American country and promising new This was the common perception measures of that kind. among press media and analysts who He praised the restrictions adopted by stressed that, by making this decision, the the United States against some 50 former White House chief became the first U.S. and current Latin American officials, president to be absent from a meeting including Maduro, and the executive of this kind, which was first held in 1994 order preventing U.S. nationals to get in Miami, Florida, supported by the petros, the only cryptocurrency on the controversial Organization of American market backed by Venezuela’s physical States. assets. Trump justified the cancellation of his Just like he did during his tour of trip by alluding to the situation in Syria, a , Chile, Colombia and Panama in country that he had bombed unilaterally August 2017, Pence once more urged the both he hopes that the North America at the end of 2017 revealed that China and without the UN consent alleging regional governments to isolate Caracas Free Trade Agreement –a mechanism has become an important trading an uncertain chemical attack that he through diplomatic and economic means. criticized by Trump- is renegotiated partner for Latin America and the attributed, without any proof at all, to the “The U.S. vice president seems to be soon. Caribbean, with investments totaling Bashar al-Assad government. misinformed; he ignores the reality and According to Pence, he addressed more than 10 billion dollars over the past The real estate tycoon thus put off is concealing the truth,” Cuba’s Foreign the migration issue with Peña Nieto, but five years. what would have been his first visit to the Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez thus not the controversial border wall that According to U.S. think tanks and region after nearly 15 months in office, replied to the accusations that neither Trump wants to build and have conservative sectors, this poses a threat a period when he visited more distant human rights nor democracy are pay for in order to stop the entrance to Washington’s supremacy in what it destinations such as Europe, Asia and the respected in Cuba and Venezuela. of undocumented people that the U.S. used to call “its backyard.” Middle East. Rodríguez lamented the “insulting president has referred to as criminals and What remains to be seen now is if Even so, Vice President Mike Pence’s remarks” about those two countries and rapists. Washington will be able to generate a presence at the Summit as head of the “humiliating stance” toward regional The U.S. vice president said in Lima consensus that justifies the relevance the U.S. delegation was polemical nations. He then asked the U.S. vice that the United States would like to of summits considered insignificant and corroborated the White House’s president “whether or not the Monroe host the 9th Summit of the Americas in compared to forums such as the interfering and hostile policy toward Doctrine (1823) leads his government’s 2021 because of “the importance that Community of Latin American and some regional governments. policy toward Latin America.” Washington grants to the region and Caribbean States, and where the With regards to Cuba, the vice At the beginning of February, the the commitment contracted with the countries south of the Bravo River have president tried to justify the regulations then U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declaration of principles adopted in 1994” greater chances to reach agreements due announced by Trump almost a year ago said that the doctrine –America for the in Miami. to their geographic, historical and cultural to tighten the economic, commercial Americans- is still in force. Successive Trump administration officials have similarities. and financial blockade imposed in 1962. U.S. governments have resorted to expressed their interest in strengthening The United States will have to prove This policy has been almost unanimously this doctrine to interfere in the region relations with the continent, mainly from with concrete facts –improving relations rejected by the international community. politically and militarily. the economic and commercial point with Venezuela and Cuba, for example- Even though Pence highlighted that In addition to taking part in the of view, amid increasing conflicts with that it actually wants to establish different those restrictions aim at supporting the summit’s activities on April 13 and 14, Russia and China. and respectful relations with Latin Cuban people, different polls reveal that Pence talked with Mexican President A report published by the Atlantic America and the Caribbean, a region to most Cubans, Cuban-Americans and Enrique Peña Nieto and Canadian Prime Council and the Organization for which Trump has continued to turn his an increasing number of U.S. citizens, Minister Justin Trudeau. He told them Economic Cooperation and Development back so far. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

Cuban Coral Reefs Are Uniquely Well Preserved

By BettyHERNANDEZ

HAVANA.- With global warming related phenomena wreaking havoc on the world’s most important coral reefs, Cuba's reef systems remain a sign of optimism for the Island and beyond. The 'bleaching' of reefs is one of the most common and serious phenomena associated with climate change that has adversely affected Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico since 2016, which are slightly too close to this island for comfort. Carlos Alberto Díaz, director of Cuba's National Protected Areas Center (CNAP), has issued a reassurance that Cuba's reefs are generally healthy. “We do have cases of coral reef bleaching in a few specific locations which are being monitored,” he said. A joint scientific expedition by Cuban and U.S. experts confirmed the above and recorded the existence in the Cuban coastal areas of over 130 species of fish and 260 of sponge. The study, conducted over 20 days in May and June 2017, covered one thousand 430 nautical miles and facilitated monitoring the distribution of mesophotic coral communities – ecosystems that depend on light – at depths ranging from 30 to 200 meters. The CNAP official explained that because of the depth of Cuba's mesophotic reefs, ecosystems are not seriously damaged by rising marine temperatures and the acidification of the oceans, risk factors that cause coral reef bleaching and destruction. Díaz highlighted that “the good health of our reefs also relates very much to sustainable land management, the practice of organic agriculture, the controlled and efficient use of fertilizers and other strategies implemented at a national level.” What is used on the land makes it into rivers and then on to the sea causing a chain of environmental harm. The official confirmed that CNAP continues monitoring the reefs and drafting strategies to enhance their resistance to threats from climate change and global warming. The Cuban State has traditionally acknowledged the role the protected areas play in safeguarding biodiversity, which has an influence on both the health ecosystems and the protection of the endemic or threatened species, and has allocated 45 million pesos (CUP) to preserve such areas, the official noted. Díaz explained that the 211 protected areas in Cuba cover 20.2 percent of the national territory, including the marine insular platform that stretches to a depth of 200m. “The National Protected Areas System (SNAP) employs over 6 thousand staff nationwide and oversees about 17 percent of the land area and 25 percent of the marine platform,” he said. In the specific case of coral reef protection, Cuba, in addition to the Statutory regulations in the ‘Tarea Vida’ (Life Task) program - to face climate change --, promotes a number of other initiatives. One of the most ambitious of these is the creation on the Guanahacabibes peninsula of the country’s first coral planting beds. This project aims to recover the Acropora Cervicornis species, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature has designated as Critically Endangered. Popularly known as elk-horn, this species was once widespread in the Caribbean coastal region and was considered one of the principal reef-building corals. Since the 1980s it has been affected by disease, pollution, overfishing, diving, the proliferation of invasive species and other risk factors. Cuba has not sat idly by in the face of the imminent threat from climate change or environmental problems that affect coral reefs. The actions taken by the island in this regard guarantee the country will continue to set a positive example on the conservation of marine species. 6 CULTURE

By NeisaMESA Pauyet's Metallic CIEGO DE ÁVILA, CUBA.- The Pauyet Group power and the image praises the forces of the is one of the main exponents of creatively Orishas. crafting metals in Cuba to create works of art Pauyet’s newest work is a line of fine Works of Art and jewelry from different metals. jewelry, which includes bracelets, earrings and With great aesthetic and rings, an idea created in coordination with the human skills, the artists show in outstanding Cuban artist Nelson Domínguez, each of their pieces a unique style National Visual Arts Award Winner. and make artistic sculptures from The group’s main raw materials also any type of metal, although nickel include black coral and abalone shells. silver cutlery is the most used. Their two-galleries-workshops, located The works Pauyet makes are in Ciego de Ávila and Morón cities, exhibit nationally and internationally spoons and forks turned into dancers, chess renowned and generally represent pieces, classical cars from the 1930s, old either human or imaginary beings bicycles, engines and dogs, among others. in figurative or abstract forms. The most amazing pieces include a The members of the project, collection of horses, composed of a centaur, founded in 1998 by Rafael Blanco several warriors and the Quixote character – the director of the group since riding Rocinante. its foundation – make medium Also outstanding is a Silver Ibis, a beautiful and large-size sculptures. copy of the White Ibis, a species of aquatic Although at the beginning bird with snow-white feathers that abounds the raw materials used included on Cuba’s northern keys. spoons, forks and nickel-silver The valuable collection of metal figures kitchen utensils, today silver, amazes everyone for the brightness of the brass, copper, bronze, aluminum pieces, which gives the works a peculiar touch and other materials are also used. and excellent finish. Based on ‘Historia de la cuchara “The first thing to consider before making y el tenedor’ (The Story of Spoons a piece is to discuss the idea with the team, and Forks), an article included in and once we all agree, we turn that idea into a José Martí’s book 'La Edad de Oro' reality; we give it life,” said Blanco. (The Golden Age), the team uses Precision when drawing every line and a its imagination and skills to turn careful finish result in a beautiful work of art, utilitarian objects into beautiful a quality the six members of the group have works of art. been able to attain. Raudel Ruiz, one of the For the project’s craftsmen, their work founding craftsmen of the symbolizes their training, perseverance, group, explained that each figure discipline and respect for what they do and implicitly shows the expression for those who visit the galleries-workshops. and fantasy of a creator, who The pieces the group makes are sold masterly casts cutlery to make a through the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets beautiful and almost perfectly- in hotels and galleries located in tourist finished work. destinations and airports. According to the Yoruba Today, the group is responsible religion, Pauyet is a word of for producing a series of trophies and African origin that means “hand distinctions that are granted as awards in with silver staff,” an attribute of different tournaments and events held in the Obatalá, a deity of Afro-Cuban country. religion that owns the metal. In These include the Marlin sculpture, which the Caribbean region, it means is granted to the winners of the International Sport Fishing Tournament held in Cayo Guillermo; the Hummingbird, granted by the Heritage Commission to the winners of the Ornofay contest, and the Mockingbird, an award granted to the winners of the Cubadisco Song Festival. Many of the group’s works have been exhibited in Argentina, Italy, Russia, Canada, the United States and Spain. The group has also shared a space in the Cuban capital´s galleries with renowned visual artist Nelson Domínguez. The excellence of their work can be corroborated by their participation in over 50 exhibitions, including several editions of the Havana’s International Handicrafts Fair (FIART), the Arte para Mamá Fair, the Cucalambeana Day and the traveling exhibit ‘Autorretrato’ (Self-portrait), by Nelson Domínguez, with exclusive pieces. Pauyet has received several acknowledgements, including the nomination, on two occasions, for the UNESCO Award; the Artisan Mastery seal; two FIART prizes; the Manos (Hands) prize, granted by the Cuban Craftsmen and Artisans Association, and the second prize at a U.S. art festival. SPOTLIGHT ON 7 Cuban Culural Festival Warmly Welcomed in Washington By MarthaANDRES The event’s curator, Alicia Adams, first traveled to Cuba more than 20 years ago and in WASHINGTON.- Preparations are in full swing at the meantime has learned a lot about the Island the renowned John F. Kennedy Arts Center here and its cultural wealth. in the United States for the hosting of a major Almeida added that Cuba more than festival to celebrate Cuban culture, according to deserved a festival dedicated to its cultural the event’s organizers. diversity. The Kennedy center’s Director of International All of the institution’s exhibition spaces, Programming, Gilda Almeida, told the Prensa including nine theaters, will be occupied for the Latina News Agency that “we still have plenty event, which will run until June 3rd next. to do to be ready for the “Cuban Art: From the The Kennedy center has a team of between Island to the World” entitled exhibition, but we 200 and 250 volunteers to assist with all the have a strong team working to ensure the event arrangements. is a success and preparations are going very well.” Deborah Rutter, who is the Kennedy Center’s Set to commence on May 8th, over 200 Cuban president, highlighted when announcing the artists residing both in the country and abroad festival in December in a statement to media will partake in the cultural extravaganza. that Cuba is a global center of Culture. Almeida added that event will be important Meanwhile, Adams described the island as both “for the Kennedy Center and for containing a massive fusion of African, European, international world culture as an example.” Caribbean, North and South American cultural She went on to say that “Cuba has an influences that ensure its recognition as one of extraordinary cultural heritage and it took the world’s most dynamic cultures. numerous trips to the Island before performers Omara Portuondo, one of the best were selected to participate.” exponents of Cuban popular song, will open the We firmly believe that we have now pulled festival, complimented by performances by the an amazing program together and are confident Cuban National Ballet, the Malpaso and Irene that this will be a very successful venture.” Rodríguez Dance companies. The Festival will provide audiences with a Others who will perform during the exciting unique opportunity to experience the very best culture-fest include Aldo López-Gavilán, the that Cuba’s theater, music, dance, visual and Miguel Faílde Orchestra, Zule Guerra, Blues culinary arts, have to offer. de Habana Quintet, Aymée Nuviola, Haydée “The Kennedy Center is proud to host this and Pablo Milanés and the Van Van band as festival, which has been in the pipeline for a will the‘ El Público’ and Argos Teatro Theater’ number of years now,” she added. Companies. 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

UPCOMING

Martí Theater EVENTS Malpaso Dance Company premieres Tabula Rasa (May 4) Cuba´s Cinematheque pays tribute to Japanese director Kenji Mizoguchi (May 16-31)

Latin America & Caribbean Theater Festival, several venues in Havana (May 11-21) LATIN AMERICA &THE CARIBBEAN 9

The Caribbean Continues to Demand Reparations from Former Colonial Powers

By Victor.MCARRIBA

HAVANA.- The former colonial powers, particularly Great Britain and , have again faced the demands of the Caribbean countries that were the victims of over 400 years of domination and slavery and that struggle to develop in spite of the legacy and the plunder suffered during the colonial time. Those 400 years, characterized by the abominable buying and selling of human beings, are part of what’s considered the biggest, inhumane and shameful movement of people in the history of humankind, which the United Nations has condemned on several occasions. The Secretary General of the UN himself, Antonio Guterres, has acknowledged the role his home country (Portugal) played in stealing the dignity and the life of over 20 million people, who were taken away from their homelands and sold as slaves. Guterres has also condemned recruitment of minors for armed conflicts, address “the fiscal entrapment resulting led to the establishment of several dates, the benefit the colonial powers enjoyed xenophobia, child labor and racial from slavery and colonialism.” including the International Day for from the dominated territories steeped discrimination. In 2015, all 15 CARICOM members the Abolition of Slavery (December in poverty. The commission drafted 10 objectives, proposed the British, French, Dutch, 2) and the International Day for But in addition to the claims and including the demand for a formal Portuguese, Spanish and Scandinavian the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, condemnations, the countries of the apology as opposed to mere statements governments to hold a “peaceful, as a tribute to the victims of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are of regret by the former metropolis for the confrontation-free dialogue” on the the Sharpeville massacre (March 21, spearheading a difficult and long fight tragedy caused, and the repatriation to issues of slavery reparation and the 1960). to force the former metropolis to pay their homelands of the descendants of native people genocide, but no answer The UN sponsored in 2001 a World the former colonies for the damages over 10 million Africans forcibly brought was given. Conference Against Racism, Racial caused,even though the latter gained to the Caribbean. History holds Great Britain responsible Discrimination, Xenophobia and independence some decades ago. The commission also seeks to for the transfer to its Caribbean colonies Related Intolerance, held in the South In 2013 that group created a establish a development program in of over 5 million slaves, most of them African city of Durban, where 2004 was commission so that “the indigenous favor of slavery survivors, as well as to taken to Jamaica, a country in which 80 declared as the International Year to and African descendant communities create cultural institutions to go into the percent of the population was illiterate at Commemorate the Struggle against who were the victims of crimes against history of slaves and their descendants the time of its independence – in 1962. Slavery and its Abolition. humanity in the forms of genocide, slavery, in depth, and to provide special Other claims the former metropolis On January 1, 2015, the International slave trading and racial discrimination” attention to the public health crisis in rejected include that which Namibia Decade for People of African Descent could attain fair reparation from the the Caribbean. submitted to (in 2016) for started with the opening at the UN colonialists. It also seeks to eradicate illiteracy, the genocide of the Herero and Nama headquarters of the ‘Ark of Return,’ The topic was brought back to light on to provide psychological rehabilitation peoples, and that which Benin submitted a work by Haitian-U.S. artist Rodney March 25 during the commemoration of to the victims and their descendants, to to France for the restitution of the eon, in remembrance of “one of the the Day of Remembrance of the Victims benefit from technology transfer in order treasures plundered during the conquest tragedies of modern history” and the of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave, an to access the development of science, of that African country in November 1892. threat of racism and discrimination, issue that includes human trafficking, and to write off the debts of the former The importance the international from which the slave descendants still sexual exploitation, forced marriage, the colonies, so that their governments can community gives to the topic of slavery suffer today. 10 CULTURE

Havana’s Arts Biennial Beckons

By MarthaSANCHEZ

HAVANA.- The call sent out to artists worldwide to participate in Havana’s13th International Biennial Art Festival is an invitation to once again transform public spaces in the city into a massive and thought inspiring gallery between April 12th and May 12th, 2019. Lesbia Vent Dumois, president of the Association of Plastic Artists affiliated to the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC), described the “Building the Possible,” the promotional slogan chosen, as “representative of the concept of communication between creators, curators, experts and institutions in their different roles and the importance of exploiting sustainable alternatives where possible.” She added that the Biennial project also “promotes the creative the Wall), enthusiastically described and commercial arts as a method to audience interaction with the foster new inroads into collective artwork on show as the greatest thinking and that such creations success of the last edition, which can serve to open avenues between makes the upcoming festival an individuals and communities, even greater challenge. through their products and bring And Vilma Bartolomé, the audiences and localities closer director of the Línea Project, noted together." that public art is a resource that A plastic artist herself, Vent refreshes memories and brings to Dumois described how these mind the historical and practical works contained the seeds of value of places while generating future concepts which, at least on certain less common but fruitful the poetic or symbolic level, may synergies. well meet some of the city’s social “All forms of artistic expression transformation needs. will be represented on Línea,” she The Wifredo Lam Contemporary said, adding that the event will Art Center will be one of the involve the El Público and Estudio festival’s primary venues, together Theater Companies, the El Ateneo with Pabellón Cuba exhibition book shop, the Mella and Raquel center, Casa de las Américas cultural Revuelta Theaters, the Acosta institution, the National Fine Arts Danza Dance Company, other Museum, Cuba’s Photographic adjacent galleries just off Línea Library, some properties controlled and a host of other restaurants, by the Office of the Havana City’s cafeterias and public institutions. Historian and some six kilometers The biennial is Cuba’s most of space along the principal Línea important international visual arts and Malecón city center streets. event by far and it has attracted The Biennial's curator, Nelson important contemporary artists, Herrera, told The Havana Reporter, whose works represent socio- that the festival’s objective is to cultural values since it was first transform two main arteries into held in 1984. substantial artistic corridors that In keeping with the now contribute, as well as enhancing involve not only the plastic arts but established tradition, the 13th relationships between them. will also feature theater, literature, edition of the festival will unite Through the exploitation of music, dance, engineering, general international artists in Havana to contemporary artistic production sciences and Cuban cultural turn the city into the world’s biggest processes, the festival aims to connect traditions, in order to breathe new gallery for a month and beyond. diverse fields of knowledge, and to life back into the areas. The event also significantly provide a space to hold workshops The Biennial Arts Festival will contributes to the improvement of on curatorship and meetings on also spread its creative wings the environment and consequently, architecture, urbanism and other to other Cuban cities including the life quality of their residents. topics. Matanzas, Sancti Spíritus, The Biennial also involves This idea of fostering a dialogue Cienfuegos, Camagüey -- and scientists, architects, musicians, between art and the environment has others yet to be defined -- for the designers, photographers, become the event’s trademark which first time ever. filmmakers, and professionals from endeavors to offer a visual party while Juan Delgado, director of the diverse sectors, so the semantic suggesting intelligent and sometimes Project “Detrás del muro” (Behind wealth of each profession can challenging options. PHOTO FEATURE 11

Havana’s Prado Lions

By TinoMANUEL

HAVANA.- Tourists from around Walls, built to protect the city from the world have been enchanted pirate attacks. for years by majestically powerful That promenade was ideal and almost poetic beautiful bronze for parading in horse carriages Lions that dutifully guard a Havana during the afternoons and the one central Prado Promenade. kilometer tree-lined ‘New Prado’ -- These loyal and eternal figures, as it had been popularly baptized firmly protect parts of the tree- -- that ran between two of the city lined Marti Walk or Promenade wall’s gates soon became a very which strollers leisurely take from popular meeting and resting place. Central Park to Havana’s renowned The Marte field could still then Malecón seafront , almost sheltered be seen parallel to Prado as could from the surrounding hustle and nearby soldiers´ garrisons which bustle of city life. later became slave quarters. With the appearance that The area had even a botanical they are protectively growling in garden and by the end of the 18th defense of their charges, the lions century the Prado had become provide a perfect opportunity for a an integral part of Havana’s social family snap or an ideal addition to scene. a photo of the nearby Telégrafo or Its image had become even Sevilla Hotels. further enhanced by the end of the Historians claim that in the late 19th century when modern houses 1700s Spanish authorities decided were built in the vicinity. to implement a public works In 1928 the construction of program that would enhance the marble benches, street lamps, overall appearance of the then San cups and the majestic bronze lions Cristóbal de La Habana Villa (today forged from old canons gave the Havana), which was founded in zone a truly regal air. 1519. The promenade is formally After some debate, the city named Marti Walk, in honor of Cuba’s had been declared the capital of National Hero José Martí (1853- Cuba and consequently warranted 1895), but it has always been simply some special architectonic known by Habaneros as The Prado. improvements. It was also at one stage named These first works included the Outside Promenade, but two promenades, a theater and a whatever it may have been called, governmental palace. this landmark Havana Promenade One of the two walks was to be has always been best known for its constructed outside Havana City’s wonderful and well loved Lions. 12 SOCIETY

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN UNICEF Calls for More Action Against Child Marriage UNITED NATIONS.- At least 20 Sub-Saharan Africa and ahead of UNICEF, over one million girls By IbisFRADE million girls will have got married Southern Asia, a region that has and adolescents are the victims by 2030 in Latin America and the traditionally led the statistics of this of this type of abuse. They are Caribbean unless effective actions scourge – if no effective actions are often forced to get married to are taken, the United Nations taken and immediate investments their aggressors to hide the crime International Children Fund are made. and to avoid what some families (UNICEF) stated. “There’s silence; a political consider a ‘dishonor,’ Abdool UNICEF Regional GenderAdvisor silence; a social silence, which is commented. Shelly Abdool noted that the Latin changing very slowly but actually According to the official, the American child marriage reduction this topic is not dealt with a lot and number of child marriages and early rate is the lowest in the world. almost no debate is conducted in unions among indigenous, rural and Latin America and the Caribbean the region, which is not reflected low-income girls is higher than in is the only region in the world where in global debates either,” said the the urban areas and among higher- the rate of child marriage has not official. income sectors. decreased in the last decade, and According to UN reports, UNICEF Regional Director for 25 percent of young women on Latin America and the Caribbean Latin America and the Caribbean average still get is the second world region that María Cristina Perceval said that married before has a higher number of pregnant the girls forced to get married or the age of 18, the teenagers, a problem that’s very have a relationship before the age official indicated. much related to child marriage. of 18 miss opportunities to grow in “We have to When a girl under 18 gets life. increase efforts by pregnant, the most common thing A new campaign conducted about 200 times is that she gets married, whether by UNICEF, the United Nations in order to reach this decision is taken by the family, Population Fund and UN Women the Sustainable the community or even the girl tries to exert influence on those Development herself, explained the UNICEF countries where this problem has a goals of the representative. higher prevalence. 2030 Agenda in Even when the main reason to The initiative is essentially this regard,” said get married before the age of 18 aimed at strengthening legislation Abdool. might be different, the risk that a girl in this area; fostering joint actions The region gets pregnant afterwards is high, against child marriage, early will be placed she noted. pregnancy and violence; promoting second in the Another cause and a the empowerment of girls, and child marriage list consequence of child marriage improving collaboration and the ShellyABDOOL for 2030 - after is sexual violence: according to data-collection systems. ECONOMY 13

Vietnamese Companies Focus on Cuba

By JuliaGONZALEZ

HAVANA.-A franchise granted to the Viglacera Company to construct an industrial park in the Mariel Special Development Zone, some 40km west of Havana, is just one indication that Vietnamese companies are looking towards Cuba for opportunities to expand their businesses. This is the first such permit signed under Decree 340 by President Raúl Castro on February 28 ever given in the zone. The announcement followed a business meeting held during a visit to Havana by the Communist Party of the Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, at the end of March. Ana Teresa Igarza, the ZEDM Office’s general director, said that Viglacera’s presence in Mariel will enhance nationwide effort to boost the infrastructure necessary to stimulate foreign investments. Igarza detailed how the company will operate through a Cuban partner in a 160-hectare area, be fully financed with Vietnamese capital through an enterprise known as ViMariel and which, once established, will oversee development in the area and attract investments. The deal will help alleviate the Cuban government’s financial burden in ZEDM, where some $300 million personal and domestic consumer goods, electronics and goal is to increase that to $500 million in the short term, have been invested annually in electrical networks, the electricity sector. the minister said. aqueducts, road works, telecommunications and other The franchise will be valid for 50 years, making it the Cuba’s Foreign Trade and Investment, Minister essential urban works and should both open access to longest so far granted, and contains a continuity clause Rodrigo Malmierca, explained that Vietnam is Cuba’s new markets and companies and speed up urbanization should both sides wish it to remain in effect for longer, second largest trading partner in the Asia-Oceania region in ZEDM. Igarza told The Havana Reporter. and the single biggest supplier of rice to the Island. Ana Teresa added that ViMariel will build standard Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Tran The minister announced that two new investment and customized plants for renting and will commence Tuan Anh, stated that there are also a number of other projects by the Tin Thanh Company had been approved its own commercial activities by building glass Vietnamese companies keeping the possibility of doing for the central province of Camaguey. blocks, bathroom fittings and window panes for the business with their Cuban counterparts open with a They consist of a renewable energy fed 50 megawatt construction industry. view to placing quality and affordable products in both bioelectrical plant and an agricultural project. Explaining that Viglacera’s principal activity in markets and in third markets as well. Officials from the two nations signed nine bilateral Vietnam is the construction of industrial parks, she He enthusiastically praised the bilateral interest in agreements in the presence of Cuban President Raúl described the firm as the ideal partner to attract the promotion of joint ventures to export goods, but Castro and Nguyen Phu Trong, including one on companies from key sectors for Cuba to the Zone, state-of-the-art manufactured goods in particular. cooperation and exchange between the two communist such as pharmaceutics, logistics, biotechnology and The value of bilateral exchange of goods and services parties and another writing off the Cuban government’s advanced manufacture in general, giving priority to currently stands at about $200 million annually and the debts to Vietnam. Havana Club's Growing Global Appeal HAVANA.- Cuba's tourism sector market registered a very positive in Germany, Cuba and France, incorporates a wide-range of sales trend and double-digit although it is the domestic market original high quality products and growth in line with the rise of that has registered the highest Cuban rums in particular play a foreign tourism in the country. increases – due in no small very important role in the overall Havana Club rums benefit from measure to the success of the tourist experience. such rising trends, he added. spirit Masters' Selection. A recent announcement by Barré commented that over The increased demand also The International Havana Club recent years, the company’s coincides with a time that Cuba (HCI) joint venture forecasting nationwide network of sales is reporting record numbers of sales of 4.5 million cases of nine- representatives undertook some tourist arrivals, which amounted liter bottles by the end of this year very important commercial work. to a record 4, 7 million last year. is good news indeed, in this regard. He highlighted that the Barré noted that other An article published by the company is also very focused countries that consume Havana Cuban business weekly 'Opciones' on the export market and Club products include the United magazine, brought such figures to is benefiting from current Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Canada, light and once again highlighted international market trends that Mexico and Russia. the success story behind this have Premium rum in vogue and HCI is also expanding its uniquely Cuban drink. higher quality brands available on market presence in China and HCI General director, French an almost daily basis. Japan and researching markets Christian Barré, said that the The company is also focusing such as Thailand, Vietnam and most important thing now is the on enhancing efforts for the Singapore. growth in added value and stated distribution of the increasingly The official noted that that such indicators are the key popular Havana Club's 7 Year beverages produced by HCI - a to development, as the company old rum whose growth is very joint venture created in 1993 as a is presently more interested in strong today, not to mention the result of the union between the increasing market value than the seemingly unstoppable rise of Cuba Ron Corporation and the physical volume of boxes sold. their 3 Year Old rum. French group Pernod Ricard - are He explained that during the The Havana Club company presently available in 125 nations first part of the year, the Cuban has attained dynamic growth worldwide. (PL) 14 ECONOMY

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Latest GDP Estimates Project Further Growth

By MariaJuliaMAYORAL and investment, and attain higher redistribution benefits. ECLAC's “Fiscal Panorama of Latin HAVANA.- Experts have cautioned America and the Caribbean 2018: Public that there will be significant differences policies challenges in the framework of between enhanced economic recovery the 2030 Agenda,” calls for a mobilization rates in Latin America and the Caribbean of domestic resources through a broader during 2018 and there will be limits to tax base and improvements in the design the redistribution impact of fiscal policies of tax systems. and high rates of tax evasion. The institution also called for more According to the latest estimates effective tax administration and the released by the Economic Commission elimination of channels for tax avoidance for Latin American and the Caribbean and evasion. (ECLAC), the region’s Gross Domestic The report stressed the need to Product (GDP) could register a 2.2 percent reinforce social protection systems and growth on average, up on the 1.2 percent taxes on personal income, which would rise recorded last year. result in a double benefit by improving Greater dynamism is expected in both the fiscal policy’s stabilization role and its foreign and domestic demand, with the redistributive impact. latter playing an important role in higher It indicates that in most of the growth rates, despite obvious differences countries of the region, the resources that among the components, the United come into the public coffers are below par Nations agency noted. due to deficiencies in tax administration ECLAC estimates that investments and design, but also to high levels of tax should make a greater contribution evasion. compared to previous years, although ECLAC Executive Secretary, Alicia they “will continue to be low” and private Bárcena, said that such” obstacles result consumption will primarily continue to in another major regional shortcoming: drive domestic demand. the weak redistributive capacity of tax Projections suggest that the rise of systems dominated by regressive indirect consumption will relate in some cases taxation structures, in a region such as to improvements in real wages, the Latin America, that notwithstanding expansion of credits and increased family progress made in this regard during the remittances - essential to the Central past decade, remains the most unequal American region's economic profile. on the planet.” Fiscal consolidation will continue to be a common regional feature, ensuring that investment and public expenses make a lower contribution to GDP growth. As has been the case in previous years, regional economies will demonstrate different dynamics in 2018. A 2 percent growth rate is being forecast for South America, in comparison to the 0.8 percent recorded in 2017 – principally because Brazil’s projections are for 2.2 percent. Several other South American countries presently indicating a moderate growth rate need to stimulate economic activity, but ECLAC forecasts that Chile’s GDP will rise by 3.3 percent, Colombia’s by 2.6 and Peru’s by 3.5. Expansion in the Central American region could reach 3.6 percent – higher than the 3.4 recorded in 2017. In Latin America, Panama is expected to attain the region's highest growth rate of 5.6 percent, followed by the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua with 5.0, the report indicated. An average 1.4 percent increase is foreseen for the English-speaking Caribbean, higher than the 0.1 percent recorded in 2017. The overall trend of the analysis suggests that these figures are part of a more favorable international context, despite lingering “uncertainty regarding protectionist tendencies, financial dynamics and geopolitical risks.” Other recent analysis by the United Nations recommended that governments in the region reinforce fiscal instruments that promote aggregate demand SPORTS 15 Panama’s Russian World Cup Dream By NubiaPIQUERAS

PANAMA CITY.- With less than two months to go before the start of the Football World Cup, a Panamanian “red tide” is preparing to face the planet´s most talented teams during their first ever performance in the final round. National Team coach Hernán Darío Gómez has devised an array of details to give “his boys” an edge in the face of such footballing giants as England, Tunisia and Belgium (Group G). The crafty national coach has strategically measured his team’s strength against Denmark and Switzerland in friendly matches prior to the Russian World Cup, from June 14 to July 15, 2018. Despite defeats by Denmark (0-1) and Switzerland (0-6), the games were not without certain merit, although fans really do fear what might happen when push comes to shove. Gómez said after the match against Denmark that he “liked that the team had played with dignity and had done well from a tactical point of view, we were no walkover.” There is a view shared by national experts that their players should focus more on the business of playing football than of repeatedly arguing with referees, a tendency that could make a difficult task impossible should it result in the showing of a red card. A respected sports commentator from a national newspaper wisely cautioned that “Panama must understand that they have to tread carefully during the World Cup, and cannot afford to go one player down during a game.” He also suggested that they were more likely to succeed by paying more attention to balls moving behind defensive lines and to cross passes, because “there will be a lot of that style of play in Russia.” Other local sports commentators agree that the Panamanian team has positive tactical aspects, but that players lack goal scoring ability, something of a necessity considering the task on hand. With all this in mind, the Panamanian team continues to train hard and welcomes Northern Ireland on May 29th. It will finish its preparations against Norway in Oslo, on June 6th. During a recent visit to Panama, President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, congratulated the local team for having qualified for the Russia World Cup and thanked them for the welcome given him by Panamanians, who truly love the game of football. Infantino also praised the work of the authorities to develop this sport. Panama’s glorious qualification for the World Cup came thanks to two goals scored against Costa Rica on October 10th last by Gabriel Torres and Román Torres, the hero of a now unforgettable game. 16