THE © YEAR V Nº 17 OCT 2, 2015 HAVANA, CUBA avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN Cuba EU-Cuba Dialogue Shows Pope Francis in Cuba: Optimism and Progress A Transcendental and Historic Visit P. 3 P.16 Health & Science Significant Nanotechnology Advance P. 5
Entertainment & Listings/P. 8-9 Culture Alicia Alonso Makes the Name of Havana’s Grand Theater Complete P. 10
International Guatemalan Elections in Times of Crisis /P.12 Sports Yusmari Mengana, The Road from Beach to River/P.15
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Cuba-U.S. Bilateral Commission Commences Work By WaldoMENDILUZA Cuba and the United States participated new era of rapprochement between including the combat of people and the host nation reiterated the in the first session of the bilateral the two nations, a process announced drug trafficking. necessity of lifting the blockade, the commission in Havana, which has been on last December by presidents Raul She added that a second block return of lands illegally occupied by described as unprecedented in recent Castro and Barack Obama which led the comprises questions of a bilateral the naval base at Guantanamo, the decades, loaded with motivating the reestablishment of diplomatic ties last nature on which the views of both cessation of illegal radio and television rapprochement between both nations. July and the re-opening of embassies. nations do not concur, including people transmissions, and subversive actions The instrument activated by Havana Vidal clarified in this regard that the trafficking, human rights and others of against Cuba in order for normal and Washington last August during the mechanism will not debate specific issues a multilateral impact such as climate bilateral relations to exist. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to because such matters fall within the remit change and confronting epidemics and The next meeting of the commission the island, established its functions, of of working groups and experts. pandemics. will be held in Washington in November. scope, schedule of the meetings and She outlined that the purpose of The third block will address Referring to the format of the issues to be addressed by both sides. the commission will be to guide and outstanding issues to be resolved, scheduled meetings, Vidal explained During a press briefing on details encourage the reaching of objectives initially concentrating on those relating that the intention was to alternate the of the event, Josefina Vidal, head of which may be manifest in accords, to compensations. venue between Washington and Havana, the Cuban delegation, told The Havana agreements, joint declarations and Cuba is claiming recompense for as was the case during the last round of Reporter that the mechanism lends itself memorandums of agreement. economic and human damages caused talks that lead to the reestablishment of to a continuance of works proposed for According to the Cuban delegation, to the country’s people by policies diplomatic ties, unilaterally fractured by the short term (the next few months) the meeting was held in a professional, such as their signature hostility: the Washington in 1961. that was never previously enjoyed. respectful and constructive atmosphere economic, financial and commercial The North American delegation at the According to the Cuban Foreign that facilitated focus on items to be blockade imposed for more than five meeting was led by Alex Leeby, the State Ministry’s U.S. director, both addressed. decades by Washington. Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary governments have discussed a range of Vidal said that a first block of issues There are still claims pending in the for Western Hemisphere Affairs. issues at prior bilateral encounters “but is related to bilateral cooperation in U.S. for North American The visitors did not issue any we did not previously have a road map.... areas of mutual interest, primarily properties nationalized following statements following the encounter, or such an organic or structured format.” environmental protection, the the triumph of the revolution on the 1st described as “a logistical meeting” by The commission will be responsible prevention of natural disasters, health, January 1959. State Department spokesperson, John for following up on and steering the civil aviation and law enforcement, In the meeting held in September, Kirby. EU-Cuba Dialogue Shows Optimism and Progress By Joel MichelVARONA
key elements concerning the trade issue, said Moreno. Leffer made it clear that the process is complex, but Progress has been reached on the cooperation issue and noted that a global understanding is expected to be only the details need to be polished, he added. reached in the upcoming meeting because of the fruitful A thorough analysis on the political dialogue has preparatory efforts. begun already, and the main topics of that part have been “We are at another level and look for a solid framework identified, as are the cases of the fight against discrimination, to strengthen Cuba-EU relations in the coming 20 years”, he human rights, and arms trafficking, he said. said. The results have met expectations, because the topics “We are making good progress and even though that concern both the European Union and Cuba are the common European stance dates back to 18 years,
PHOTO: Manuel Muñoa PHOTO: included in the talks. the current Cuban scenario is different and we want to Brussels will host the upcoming session of the dialogue The approaches to address many aspects are different, further improve cooperation with the Caribbean island,” started last April between delegations of Cuba and the but the parties have been reaching a consensus as the talks highlighted Leffer. European Union, which so far has been marked by optimism develop, the deputy foreign minister commented. There are many complex issues and it is necessary and progress, according to the parties involved in it. There have been no disagreements but different to reach understanding, chiefly on topics with different The Cuban Foreign Ministry (MINREX) hosted the fifth approaches with regard to some topics like human rights, interpretations, he noted. bilateral meeting on a political dialogue and cooperation migration, and some aspects on disarmament, stressed The European Union, Leffer recalled, cooperates agreement between the two sides, in a climate of respect Moreno. through dialogue, establishing links and by gradually and professionalism, the heads of the delegations said. The two parties agree that democracy is a choice of building confidence. In referring to the dialogue held in September, the the people, based on their historic, cultural and political “This is a long-term complex work but by no means Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno stated experiences, he sustained. are we trying to impose a perfect European model or that the reasons for boosting and further increasing Cuba- “We also agree on topics related to drug-trafficking, discourse; we are just trying to create a solid framework for EU cooperation are countless. money laundering, corruption, terrorism, and human the dialogue, hence strengthening cooperation with Cuba,” We have been gradually reaching progress in some of trafficking, as well as the right to education, public health, he noted. the key topics of the agreement, which consists of three employment, energy, transport, and welfare, among others. The sixth bilateral round for reaching consensus on a parts: cooperation, trade, and political dialogue, the deputy Meanwhile, the managing director for the Americas at political dialogue and cooperation agreement between minister explained. the European Foreign Action Service, Christian Leffler, said the delegations of Cuba and the EU will be held in Brussels This time, the parties practically finished analyzing the the commitment and climate exist for negotiating with Cuba. in the last two weeks of November.
A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE THE YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY HavanaReporter SPORTS.AND MORE President: Luis Enrique González. Graphic Designers: Laura Reyes. Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Víctor M. Carriba. Chief Graphic Editor: Antonio Paneque Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Maitté Marrero Canda. Advertising: Irina Hernández Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Chief Editor: Ilsa Rodríguez. Circulation: Commercial Department. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Fax: (53)7833-3068 Translation: Dayamí Interián/ Sean J. Clancy/Caris Brooks Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels. E-mail: [email protected] 4 CUBA Prepares Professionals who Contribute to Society By NuriemDE ARMAS professors had been enhanced and that there has been an increase in the number of careers and faculties registered by the National Accreditation Institute, and also in the number of university professors undertaking doctorates. University admissions are continuing and in this second phase include the institutions of Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, Villa Clara and Pinar del Río, with the third phase taking place in Havana. The process integrates complimentary specialties, Emilio Herrera PHOTO: resulting in better prepared for university admission, will be universities in order to pass Minister Rodolfo Alarcon future professionals. progressively implemented. directly into these careers.
PHOTO: Vladimir Molina PHOTO: The unification of Regular face-to-face Alarcón emphasized that HAVANA, (PL) -. Minister Rodolfo presently engaged in a process universities of the Higher education and distance learning work was underway for the Alarcón, has said that Cuba aspires of transformation that aims Education Ministry with those will also be changed, with efforts future implementation of to have citizens who are civilized to democratize the level of of the Teaching Sciences and of made to update technology new non-professional higher and contribute to society, who, education and enhance the Sports and Physical Education, platforms to enhance access to education modalities for a range through the practice of their quality of graduates. permits work of a multi and the content of the courses and of the nation´s economic sectors. professions are committed to their Alarcón is encouraged by the trans-disciplinary focus. to bring the modalities up to The Minister assured that homeland. results of changes implemented The Minister announced speed with modern times. even though a lot still remains According to the head of the through the university that from the academic year New possibilities to to be changed and done, the Ministry of Higher Education, this admissions process, which 2016-17 onwards, a series of stimulate the uptake of teaching Cuban higher education system is the fundamental objective of the have been gradually applied further changes, including the careers are planned, including will maintain the objective of formation of future professionals nationwide since 2009. reduction of various university an offer to basic secondary level the admission of those who in Cuban universities. He said that the political courses to four years and a pre- students to undertake high wish to undertake studies at This teaching process is and ideological formation of requisite standard of English school courses affiliated with university level. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Cuba Eliminates Substances that Deplete Ozone Layer By AlfredoBOADA
OTOZ director and doctor of than 2,500,000 refrigerators and almost The project seeks to ensure an Sciences, Nelson Espinosa 300,000 air conditioners in the residential environmentally safe outcome to SAO sector are to be destroyed. destruction by averting emission into The works form part of the “Energy the earth’s atmosphere, thus contributing Revolution” which fully eliminated the to Cuba meeting Montreal Protocol use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) in Commitments to gradually eradicate and Cuba in domestic refrigeration.Hydro- reduce SAO use. fluorocarbons (HCFC) will later be Cuba is the first country to totally destroyed in the plant which will, over eliminate CFC consumption in domestic the coming months, be collected from refrigeration, a significant contribution refrigeration and air conditioning units to the confrontation of climate change- around the country. related issues that affect the planet, Through this initiative, Cuba has because the gases that have an impact attained the destruction this year of on the Ozone Layer have a potent some 258.4 kilos of SAO, a result which greenhouse effect. According to OTOZ places the island within an elite group of data, the actions undertaken on the nations in the region with the capability island have reduced CO2 atmospheric Jorge Pérez Jorge PHOTO: to undertake this complex process. emissions by 4 million tons per year. Experts in Cuba have undertaken the from the Ozone Technical Office (OTOZ This figure will increase once the plant OTOZ director and doctor of initialization of a new plant based on in Spanish) explained to the Havana stabilizes. Sciences, Nelson Espinosa explained Japanese technology to deal with the Reporter that this modern installation The installation is part of a that one of the most notable Cuban destruction of substances that cause constructed in the Siguaney cement demonstrative collection, recovery, achievements of the past twenty years Ozone Layer depletion. factory in the province of Sancti storage, transport and regeneration of is the total elimination of a group of The fragile gaseous strata filters Spiritus, commenced operations last substances detrimental to the ozone substances that deplete the Ozone sunlight and impedes harmful solar April,and is presently in a functional layer initiative, that is the result of a layer, including the use of CFC’s in the ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface stabilization phase. strategy developed by the OTC and the manufacture of pharmaceutical and of the Earth, thus preserving human, During the first stage, Ozone Montreal Multilateral Protocol Fund, industrial aerosols, and methyl bromide plant and animal life. depletion substances (SAO in Spanish) via the United Nations Development in the fumigation of crops, storage units Natacha Figueredo MSc, specialist collected during the substitution of more Program(PNUD in Spanish). and other industrial installations. Significant Nanotechnology Advance By Manuel B.HUDSON
scientists with the tools to create miniature devices that could revolutionize the health care, environmental Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart care and energy sectors. Jorge Pérez Jorge PHOTO: The 10.3 hectare CEAC site will comprise HAVANA (PL) Nanotechnology science and its results in the investigative cycle and in development various nano-chemistry and nano-biology research application to the life sciences in particular, could and innovation enhancing technologically advanced laboratories and computer simulation and modeling become, in conjunction with other scientific sectors, biomedical and environmental system applications. facilities. one of Cuba’s development bases in the not too distant Ariel Felipe, program director of the Council of According to its directors, the installations will be future. State’s scientific advisory office, told The Havana open for national and international investigations and The role of this branch of science in the social and Reporter that among the priorities of this science will serve as a training center for advanced micro and economic transformation of Cuba, is a key element in Cuba we find nano-biotechnology and medicine, nano fabrication, facilitating the formation of human of the Cuban Center for Advanced Studies (CEAC ranging from medications and tissue regeneration to resources for Latin America. in Spanish), a new institution in the west of Havana disease detection devices. The entity will have nano-characterization, currently preparing for the planned commencement of He added that the existence in the country of a nano-engineering, standardization, energy and operations next year. robust biotechnology industry was something positive environmental laboratories. It will also promote the The staff presently research distinctive therapeutic that lent itself to future advancements in this regard. obtaining of nano-structures, nano-metric visualization cancer medicinal nano-formulations and nano-particles Through the Center for Advanced Studies, Cuba and high resolution analysis of composites and for the controlled release of drugs whilst simultaneously is endeavoring to boost its presence in the rapidly structures. seeking to extend the diagnosis of a greater number of growing sphere of nanotechnology and to establish It will also develop tools and devices for the diseases from the same blood sample. a presence in both the domestic and Latin American controlled release of medications, disease diagnosis In conjunction with universities, research centers and biotechnology markets. and environmental controls, and new devices for the national enterprises agencies, CEAC foresee significant Another aim is to provide Cuban engineers and production and storage of energy. 6 SOCIETY
The Awakening of a Cuban Tradition: Vendors´cries By AnubisGALARDY HAVANA._ “Porkscratchinggggggzzzzzaaaaa…” pitched and falsetto-like voice that could final decades of the 20th century and at the vendor gives a loud cry, taking make any opera singer envious. the beginning of the 21st century, the passers-by in Havana by surprise at first. With their hands full of the very traditional cries have returned to Cuban But right away, a street vendor popular peanut cones, they are aware that life. “There are dark survivals, traditions of pushing a cart full of pork scratchings can their product has become part of the city’s remote origin and secular habits in those be seen close by; “a real treat, either for scenery. They even caught the attention of cries; in those primitive vocal instruments breakfast or as a snack”, the vendor says. used by professionals or street vendors His goods consist of little squares to catch the attention (of passers-by),” of pork scratching which following the Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier said in one correct portions of meat and fat are of his articles. cooked over low heat in order for the fat Vendors’ cries are once again dominating to evaporate. They are then chilled and public spaces in the capital, now with new cooked again in hot butter until they products like the ever more popular guava become an inviting golden color. cry popularized by Miguelito Cuní and and milk bar known as “matrimony,” just a the Arsenio Rodríguez Band, which was perfect combination for the palate. also taken to different world stages as Meanwhile, street sellers like Higinio included in versions performed by the Martínez continue on the search for Pacho Alonso and Chapotín Bands and original cries to promote their produce. most recently by the Pachito Alonso Band. There are those who even look for Also on the list is the popular cry sung amazing metrical combinations to U.S. actress Frances McDorman when she by Sara Montiel in the film “La reina del captivate passers-by and make them came to the island in 1998 accompanied Chantecler:” For pants and cardigan/ I turn their heads and stop in front of their by Ethan and Joel Coen (her husband) have cheap hangers. I have fish if you ask carts, which are full of highly attractive to attend the 20th edition of Havana’s me for it”. products that make their mouths water International Festival of New Latin Taken on with renewed spirit in the just by looking at them. American Film. The star of Fargo did not want to leave “One has to be creative,” Higinio Cuba without tasting Martínez, the vendor says as he explains the tempting, toasted the meaning of his cry to a potential client. peanuts covered with “People are sick and tired of listening to a pinch of salt, with the same old cries like ‘Porkscratchings their peculiar smell. for sale.’ It’s not the same as when you “Wonderful,” said the actress as she ate some before entering the Yara Movie-theater where The Coens were screening their latest film at the time: The Great Labrovsky. Another legendary cry that has become a real jewel of the Cuban folklore is the one called out by tamale or “ayaca” sellers in the eastern Cuban cry ‘Porkscratchinggggggzzzzzaaaaa…”, province of Santiago which tempts and invites the people with de Cuba: “Hot and not a touch of rumba he says. hot,” like the chorus Martínez is one of the ever-increasing of a piece written by number of street vendors that can be Jorge Anckerman that seen on the streets, in the plazas or in was performed at the parks in Cuba who are reviving an the former Alhambra old local tradition: street cries. These cries Theater. were once part of the Cuban musical Based on this and heritage included in memorable songs following that very by talented musicians such as Gonzalo tradition, the Aragón Roig, Moisés Simons, Rodrigo Prats, Félix Band made a version B. Caignet and Ernesto Lecuona. that turned out to be An example of these pieces is Simons’s one of the most popular “El manisero” (The Peanut Seller), whose songs of its kind: “Los chorus singer Rita Montaner, popularly tamalitos de Olga” known as ‘The One and Only’, enriched (Olga’s Tamales), which the piece with her extraordinary voice. has been performed all “Peanuts…,” street vendors call out over the world. as they strategically stand at the entrance “Coal…/ the and exit doors of movie-theaters in coalman/ 10 cents a Havana or who walk along the city streets sackful/ I sell cheaply” under the hot Caribbean sun, with a high- was another famous CULTURE 7 SPOTLIGHT ON Latin American Flavor for Russian Jazz Festival By MarthaSÁNCHEZ
of Rubalcaba himself, interpretations of so the group came back to play again, works by the Brazilian Chico Buarque and to greet the people and to prolong the Cuban composer and pianist Gonzalez the Cuban Chucho Valdez. improvisations that culminated with the of two pianos at the Russian festival, Rubalcaba, performed in Russia what he He said he wanted to illustrate the drummer tossing his sticks into the crowd. although he sees this as a necessity for considers to be essential standards of most contemporary elements of numbers In addition to the double Latin his current smaller sized band. continental American jazz. that have been around for three or four Grammy virtuoso and director of Volcán He commented that when he began As a guest artist at the illustrious decades and are still worthy of worldwide Rubalcaba, the band was joined by the with Volcán, he took up the skill of playing Koktebel Jazz Party, Rubalcaba and his diffusion. Cubans Horacio “El Negro” Hernández an electronic piano at the same time as Volcan band -- formed only two years ago The pianist and his group brought the on drums and Armando Gola on guitar playing a traditional piano because – were the Festival’s closing act. Koktebel Jazz Party public to their feet and Puerto Rican percussionist Giovanni thanks to the technology available, it In comments made exclusively to with their Cuban and Latin tinted tones. Hidalgo. produced a new acoustic aesthetic. the Havana Reporter, the musician said The more than 1,000 seat auditorium had Each received individual rounds of The band leader added that it also that without becoming blind to the remained still until Volcan erupted with a applause for the ingenuity and agility of expands the range of the quartet that, music of today, his idea was to highlight fusion of son, timba, contradanza, danzón their improvisations during an almost comprising himself, two percussionists what continue to be some important and African rhythms with American roots, hour long performance to a euphoric and a bass player, only has the melodic cultural references that composers from dating back to colonial times. public still craving more, that led to the element of the piano. “our America” have created and that still Nobody could stay in their seat. Some obvious conclusion that Latin jazz is a The maestro is enthused by a recent inspire younger generations. danced to their hearts delight whilst firm favorite in this part of the world. proposal for Volcán to perform during Volcan’s program included pieces by, others simply ran to the front of the Rubalcaba is considered to be one of the next Cuban International Jazz Festival amongst others, Cuban, Brazilian and U.S. stage to shout their approval and holler the leading figures of Afro-Cuban jazz and is striving to adjust his schedule to composers and the concert on a beach for more. Not wanting the show to end, and „par excelence“ performers, proof oblige. His return to a Cuban stage is an in Crimea featured in addition to those the audience clamored for an encore of which was his simultaneous playing exciting prospect. Lang Lang and Chucho Valdés to Play Together in Cuba By MaríaMARTÍNEZ
The New York Times has event -- is a U.S. national, said that National Symphony Orchestra for described Lang Lang as the “music is important in Havana and the concert -- will decide the final greatest artist on Earth and he is we have many cultural interests in concert program. included in Time magazine’s list of common with our near neighbor.” Latsky describes the event as the 100 most influential people in “Having visited the city a “a festive occasion”. Even though the world. If a picture can paint a number of times now it has been, he met Chucho Valdés in person thousand words, this 30 year old on a personal level, my dream for the first time last March, he has Chinese man has a pretty “cool” to build musical bridges. In the loved his music for a long time, as image, wearing sneakers, bright new context of dialogue and has the concert’s co-producer and José Tito José Tito Meriño PHOTO: colored jackets with his hair openness, the time feels right for CAMI Music New York president Martínez Jesús Adonis PHOTO: On October 9, piano stars Lang spiked like a sea urchin. an international co operational Jean-Jacques Cesbron, who has The Colombian press has Lang of China, and Cuban Chucho In this attire he plays concert. The Cuban Institute worked with the Cuban musician reported that Lang has introduced Valdés will combine their talents Liszt, Mozart, Beethoven and of Music and its president for some years. the unadulterated enjoyment of in what promises to be a fiery Rachmaninoff with what even the Orlando Vistel Columbié have For now, it is a question of classical music to audiences who musical extravaganza in Havana. harshest of critics have described been excellent partners in the waiting until early October to always thought it boring. Cultural communicator and as “astounding and passionate enterprise.” witness the presentation of Dionisio de Jesús Valdés organizer Eric Latzky, told The virtuosity”, something he shares He preferred to reveal almost a complex, but nonetheless Rodríguez – better known as Havana Reporter that the artists with the Havana born and 8 nothing in advance about the enthusiastically prepared gift. Chucho Valdés – was inscribed had met last year in Vienna. He time Grammy winner Cuban jazz repertoire, but he did respond He explained that their plan is in the Los Angeles Latin Jazz Hall added that “they were both there musician, in whose native city most enthusiastically when asked “simply to create a beautiful concert of Fame in the U.S. in 2002 and to give presentations and after a the concert will be held as part of if the Cuban public might hear for the Cuban people to celebrate has Honoris Causa Doctorates casual encounter and playing a the 500th foundation anniversary some local numbers. the forthcoming 500th anniversary from Cuban, U.S. and Canadian bit of jazz in private, they decided celebrations. Each artist has put together of the foundation of Havana, in the universities. that they would like to do a Latzky, who along with a list of pieces they propose to very special surroundings of Old In 2012, The New York Times concert together. The concert in other members of the concert perform, based on which the Havana’s Cathedral Plaza, featuring named him the “Deacon of Latin Havana will be their first public production crew, who recently current Baltimore Symphony world class artists Marin Alsop and Jazz” and inspired by the sounds performance, and I understand spent a few days in Havana to Orchestra conductor, North the National Symphony Orchestra of this musical genre, there is even that both are very excited about look over the Plaza de la Catedral American violinist Marin Alsop of Cuba with Lang Lang and a “Chucho” brand of Japanese the prospect. --selected as the venue for the -- who will conduct the Cuban Chucho Valdés. made pianos. 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS
THEATER MUSIC *Note: theater companies are in parentheses
Sala Hubert De Blanck
(THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations) GETTINGBasílica Menor San Museo Castillo de La Real AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] Francisco de Asís Fuerza. RECOMMENDS • The Martí Theater will stage eight concerts from The Human Voices Festival organized by the Leo Brouwer Office at Theater Martí
Teatro Raquel Revuelta MUSIC MUSIC
Teatro Nacional de Cuba
Calzada e/ A y B. Vedado. Tel: 7 830-1011. Fri. Sep. 25, Sat. 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 27 (5 pm): Las heridas del viento (The Wounds of the Wind) by Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, (Compañía Hubert de Blanck). Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Sat. Sep. 26 (6 pm): Presentation Teatro Trianón of Cuban Countertenors. Wed. Línea e/ Paseo y A. Vedado. 30 (6 pm): Presentation by Isabel Tel: 7 831-9304. Fri.Sep. 25, Sat. Mesa (pianist). 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 27 (5 pm): Decamerón by (Teatro El Calle Línea esquina a B. Vedado. Teatro Martí Público). Tel: 7 833-0225. Sala Raquel Revuelta. Fri. Sep. 25, Sat. 26 Sala Adolfo Llauradó and Sun. 27 (8:30 pm): Nuestra Calle 11 entre D y E. Vedado. Tel: señora de las nubes (Our Calle O’Reilly e/ Avenida del 7 832-5373. Fri. Sep. 25, Sat. 26 Lady of the Clouds) by (Teatro Puerto y Tacón. La Habana (8:30 pm) and Sun. 27 (8 pm): D´Dos).Osvaldo Dragún. Fri. Vieja. Tel: 7 864-4490. Until Pedir la mano (Asking For Her 25, Sat. 26 and Sun. 27 (7 pm): Sep. 30: Exhibit “Modelismo en Hand) by (Pálpito). Macbeth by (Teatro D´Dos). acción IV” (Model-making in Action 4) by students from José Bertol Brecht Sótano Martí Secondary School in Old Havana.
Loma y 39. Plaza de la Casa de Artistas y Revolución. Tel: 7 878-5590. Sala creadores de Centro Avellaneda. Sun. Sep. 27 (11 am): Habana. Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional en San Lázaro e/ Gervasio y concierto (National Symphony Belascoaín. Centro Habana. Orchestra in concert) Director Hasta el Wed. Sep 30: Exhibition Musical (Musical director): “Los Cadalso, Identidad y Enrique Pérez Mesa. patrimonio” (The Cadalsos, Identity and Fatherland). Iglesia de Paula Calle Dragones y Zulueta. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866- Museo Numismático 7153. Sat. Sep. 26– Oct. 10: The Calle Obispo e/ Aguiar y Calle K entre 25 y 27. Vedado. Martí Theater will stage eight Habana. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Tel: 7 832-0630. Fri. Sep. 25, Sat. concerts from The Human 861- 5811. Through September): 26 (8:30 pm): El amnésico y Voices Festival organized by the Colecciones numismáticas la entregada (The Amnesiac Leo Brouwer Office. del Vaticano (Numismatic and the Devoted) by (Cía Rita collections of the Vatican) Montaner). MUSEUMSMUSEUMS AND GALLERIES AND exhibition. The attending public GALLERIES can appreciate collections of Calle 13 esquina a I. Vedado. Sala Argos Teatro. Paula esq. San Ignacio, La medals from the Vatican state Tel: 7 832-9359. Café Teatro. Fri. Ayestarán y 20 de mayo. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 860-4210. Galería Habana from the 20th century until the 25, Sat. 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. Plaza de la Revolución. Tel.: 7 Wed. Sep. 23 (7 pm): Alegoría Calle Línea e/ E y F. Vedado. present day, with images of the 27 (5 pm): Las Mariposas saltan 878-5551. Fri. Sep. 25, Sat. 26 barroca (Barroque Allegory, Until Sun. Oct. 11: Collective Supreme Pontiffs who occupied al vacío (The Butterflies Take (8:30 pm) and Sun. 27 (5 pm): with the quintet of Santa Cecilia exhibition of “Pintura Fresca II” the Holy See during this period; Flight) by (Pequeño Teatro de la Mecánica (Mechanics) by (Argos wind and the invited musicians (Fresh Painting II). Habanarte as well as being able to get to Habana). Teatro). of the Cáliz duo. 2015 by (Colectivo de autor) know their current circulation. ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9
GETTING CasaAROUND Oswaldo Jardines del Mella DANCE Guayasamín. Línea entre A y B. Vedado. Tel: DANCE 7 833-8696. Wed. Sep. 30 (6 Th pm): Peña Jazz in Colors of Zule Teatro Nacional de Cuba Guerra (Zule War) and Blues de Habana (Havana Blues).
La casa de 18 Calle 18 e/ 5ta y 7ma. Playa. Tel: 7 204-1212. Fri. Sep. 25 (6 pm): Leidis Díaz en descarga (Leidis Díaz on discharge) (Boleros).
Sauce
Obrapía e/ Oficios y Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-3843. Throughout September: Exhibition of baskets of vegetable fiber that belong to the indigenous community of the Eperaara Siapedaara nationality with approximately 400 habitants. The women grow totora and chacolillo, materials which provide the fiber for the Loma y 39. Plaza de la manufacture of the baskets. Revolución. Tel: 7 878-5590.Sala The women are also in charge Avellaneda.Tue.Sep. 22, Wed. of elaborating the baskets 23 (8:30 pm): Japón baila Cuba which have utilitarian and Calle 9na e/ 190 y 130, (Japan Dances Cuba) by (Cía commercial purposes. The fibers Cubanacán. Playa. Tel: 7204- Narciso Medina) are intertwined using cords 7114. Sun. Aug. 23, 30 (5 pm): and create a magnificent style Concert by Charly Salgado. Teatro Mella. giving the baskets various uses. La Zorra y el Cuervo NIGHTCLUBS & NIGHTCLUBSCABARETS & CABARETS Club Barbaram-Pepito ‘s Bar The renowned pianists Lang Lang from China and Chucho Valdés from Cuba will give an open air concert in the Plaza de la Catedral in Havana on October 9 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban capital.
Calle 23 y O, Vedado. Tel: 7 833-2402. Sat. Sep. 26 (10 pm): Yasek Manzano & his band. Calle 26 e/ Avenida Zoológico Sun. 27 (10 pm): Delvis Ponce Línea entre A y B. Vedado. y 47, Nuevo Vedado. Tel: 7881- & Experimental Jazz. Mon. 28 Tel: 7 833-8696. Fri. Sep. 25, 1808.Thu. Sep. 24 (5 pm): Los (10 pm): Yanet Valdés and her Sat. 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. Francos (rock music). Sat. 22 (5 guests. Tue. 29 (10 pm): Odalys & 27 (5 pm): Otros Caprichos pm): Yaima Sáez (boleros, balads, Teclas Habana. Wed. 30 (10 pm): (Other Caprices) by (Cía Danza son y popular song) Leyanis Valdés and her project Contemporánea de Cuba). 10 CULTURE Alicia Alonso Makes the Name of Havana’s Grand Theater Complete By MarthaSÁNCHEZ The Gran Teatro de La Habana (Grand always welcomed her with applauses theater of Ernesto Lecuona, Amadeo Theater of Havana, GTH), the oldest active and prolonged standing ovations. Alicia’s Roldán, Rita Montaner, Esther Borja, Bola coliseum in Latin America, has officially presence there has never gone unnoticed. de Nieve, Rosa Fornés, Omara Portuondo added the name of the prestigious The building closed in early 2013 to and Pablo Milanés. The mere mention of Cuban dancer Alicia Alonso to its name, undergo full restoration, sponsored by these names has bestowed the institution as agreed by the Council of State of the the Office of the Havana City’s Historian. with great prestige. Republic of Cuba to honor the work of the Its reopening has been set for January 1, It was there where Alicia Alonso played talented Prima Ballerina Assoluta. 2016, with a gala dedicated to the triumph the role of Carmen for the first time, and The decision made on September 8, of the Cuban Revolution and performed it was her who baptized the building as 2015 recognizes the work of the artist, who by the company directed by Alonso: the Gran Teatro de La Habana in 1985. will turn 95 years old on December 21. Ballet Nacional de Cuba (Cuba’s National The institution has served as the Together with the brothers Fernando Ballet). headquarters of Cuba’s National Ballet since the 1960s, and has hosted all the International Ballet Festivals of Havana, an event that honors the country every two years by bringing together the world’s most famous ballet stars. The theater witnessed another cultural-historic event for Cuba when the Royal Ballet of London, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, performed there for the first time in Cuba in summer 2009, at the Federico García Lorca Hall. Undoubtedly, the Gran Teatro de la Habana may well be considered the Cuban institution that has most shown the development of world dance. The spread of its name alongside the name of one of the world’s most prestigious ballet dancers reaffirms its importance and demonstrates even more clearly its
impact. Miguel Guzmán Ruiz PHOTO:
and Alberto Alonso, Alicia founded Cuba’s Since the building opened on first professional ballet company in February 18, 1838, famous artists from 1948, in times when this type of artistic all over the world have performed there manifestation was little known within including the actresses Sara Bernhardt Latin societies. Despite political, social and Eleonora Dusse, the tenor Enrico and health issues, she was determined to Caruso, pianists like Serguei Rachmaninov increase her reputation as a ballet dancer. and Arthur Rubinstein, and dancers Alonso supported the Cuban such as Carmen Amaya, Cristina Hoyos Revolution of 1959 and overcame and Antonio Gades. All of them have prejudices and bourgeois ideologies in captivated Havana’s audiences, setting a her efforts to take her art to the people; milestone in the Cuban culture. to factories, to the countryside, to forests, An extraordinary event for the world valleys, to any street. of dance occurred in 1841 when Fanny She became widely known in the Elssler, one of the world’s top five dancers world of ballet for her exceptional turns of the 19th century, performed at this and peculiar technique. Some people still theater, bringing the art of ballet to Cuba refer to “the fifth Alonso” in alluding to for the first time. a specific position of the feet; while old Throughout the 19th century the ballet fans hold very fond memories of institution opened its doors to the most the times when they saw her transform talented Cuban artists, as were the cases into Giselle and Carmen. of Cuban National Hero José Martí, and The resolution of the Cuban Council writer Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, of State recalls that a considerable whom poet Luisa Pérez de Zambrana part of the Prima Ballerina Assoluta’s presented with a laurel wreath. pedagogical work is closely related to Mythical Russian dancer Anna Pavlova the Gran Teatro de la Habana, which she would also captivate the audience in ran for many years and also bore witness Havana, when the former Tacón Theater to great success. It was hence decided to had been renamed The National Theater. place a sculpture of the artist in the foyer As for the 20th century, it is unforgivable of the institution where the audience has not to refer to the performances at the PHOTO FEATURE 11 The Valley of Viñales, a Riot of Color By RobertoCAMPOS
Situated amidst the Sierra de los Órganos in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, Viñales Valley is a totally natural and colorful place where strong popular traditions thrive alongside the brilliantly green and distinctive mogote mountain landscape. Viñales forms part of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico group of mountains, and this valley and a significant portion of the surrounding range was declared a National Park in 1999. In December of that same year it was named a World Heritage Cultural Landscape by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Also a National Monument since 1979, the beauty of its surroundings enchants all eyes that behold it. Tobacco-growing is the most significant activity in a region where the work of human beings and the surrounding countryside coexist in harmony. The “Prehistoric Mural” is an outstanding feature of the “Dos Hermanos” (two brothers) valley. The 120 to 160m long rock which extends the length of the valley was cleaned in order to be painted by the late Leovigildo Gonzalez Morillo, formerly the Cartography Director of the Cuban Academy of Science. Comprising 12 themes, this work portrays the evolution of humans and animals in the Sierra de los Órganos, with artistic reproductions of Guanahatabeyes Indians, mammals, gigantic animals and molluscs. The greenery and caves of the landscape presently host adventure and nature tourism, which can for the more bold and brazen of visitors, extend to the climbing of the mogotes mountains. 12 INTERNATIONAL Guatemalan Elections in Times of Crisis Text and photos by RandySABORIT
Julio Solórzano, magistrate of the highest Guatemalan electoral institution, refuted the alleged fraud and clarified that the count delay is by no means malicious because vote reception groups have a five day time-frame to conclude review hearings. academic and social sectors GUATEMALA.- Everything seems TSE statistics show that of victim of a conspiracy against Guatemalans went to the have called for the cancellation to indicate that the presidential the 5,390,005 votes cast in the his organization, he told the polls in an unusual climate or postponement of the candidates in elections on presidential binomial, 270,970 local Radio Sonora station that marked by a political crisis elections due to an absence of October 25 will be Jimmy were blank and 225,026 were the TSE has a double count following the uncovering of adequate conditions. Morales of the National null and void. system. various corruption cases, one According to the Public Convergence Front and Sandra LIDER candidate Baldizón, According to his version, it is of which involves the former Ministry, who deployed more Torres of the National Unity of lost the presidency in 2011 to illogical that with LIDER having leaders Otto Pérez Molina and than 23,000 observers across Hope. retired general Pérez Molina, taken at least 150 mayors and Roxana Baldetti. the country, at least 532 people According to the Supreme who was recently detained in 40 seats that this degree of For the first time ever, were arrested and 34 police Electoral Tribunal’s (TSE for it’s preventative custody for crimes support is not reflected in the elections take place with both a injured during nationwide Spanish initials) results, based of passive bribery, corruption, presidential elections. president protests. on 99.09% of tables scrutinized, illicit association and a special He said that „it is also strange and vice president behind The governance of Torres received 5,958 more customs fraud case. that the Tribunal is still keeping bars, because both Pérez Molina Guatemala, which in a few votes than her rival Manuel The Renewed Democratic the rest of the information and Baldetti resigned from short months suffered the Baldizón. Freedom (LIDER in Spanish) sealed, because many tables their offices due to citizenship collapse of the Patriotic Party Torres, with 19.76 of the denounced alleged electoral have supposedly been demands arising from their administration – described by votes in her favor remains in fraud although he admitted cancelled. It is obvious that the alleged steering of a customs the now incarcerated Perez second place behind Morales, “not having sufficient evidence” system has been interfered with fraud network. Molina as a U.S. perpetrated at 23.85 with a total vote of to substantiate the charge. and there are clear indications During the campaign that “soft coup” – has become 1,167,003. Claiming that he was the of fraud.” commenced on last May 2, increasingly complex. Venezuela Works for Better Border Relations with Colombia By ErnestoVERA CARACAS.-Faced with growing threats ever of the instrument of a state standing in Venezuela. to the country’s national security and of exception, included in the 1999 The Colombian side has economic stability, Venezuela initiated approved Carta Magna, to replace further alleged that the human actions in August 2015 to interrupt the “suspensions and restrictions of paramilitary gang activity, narco- guarantees” and “states of emergency” trafficking and the smuggling of goods contained in the 1961 constitution, into Colombia from its territory. indicates the strategic importance that The measures form part of a the Venezuelan government places on liberation and sovereignty plan, resolving the problem. involving the installation of a series of The measures, which involve the new bases, to better control the areas deployment of Bolivarian Armed Forces that surround the more than 2,200km and internal security agency units, problem to the Bolivarian government porous joint border. have been criticized by Colombian subsidies on essential goods and President Nicolás Maduro said authorities and the neighboring gasoline, the world’s cheapest. the closure of land crossings and the countries right- wing press. The actions taken by Venezuela implementation of a state of exception The Bogota government, whilst have resulted in a drastic reduction in these border regions are the first recognizing the legitimacy of the Apimages PHOTO: of crime in general, and smuggling in steps towards wiping out the grievous measures, has denounced the alleged rights of refugees from their country particular and have facilitated both a social economic harms caused by para- mistreatment of their countrymen have been breached -- something gradual improvement in the provision militarism. during operations to repatriate more denied by Venezuela – and Columbia of basic goods to the population, and The declaration for the first time than 1,000 Colombians of no legal has attributed the origin of the the saving of fuel. ECONOMY 13 Keys to Foreign Investment in Cuba By CiraRODRÍGUEZ HAVANA._ The number of business attractive sectors are, tourism, renewable people interested in investing in Cuba energy, and the agriculture and energy continues to grow every year. That reality fields. is mainly owed to the potentialities that For Rippes Aller, tourism is the one exist in different sectors and to the that most calls the attention due to its attractive future offered to investors in growth prospects in coming years in Cuba. terms of potential number of visitors, Both foreigners and Cubans are and hotel and non-hotel facilities. well aware that the opportunities that Agriculture is likewise attractive. Cuba offers to foreign investment are The group, she noted, is like a link attractive and can boost and consolidate that serves to channel foreign interests commercial links that contribute capital, in the Mariel Special Development technology and market in the short Zone (ZEDM) though a collaboration term. agreement, and at the same time, it With a business portfolio of 246 monitors all proposals either for that projects from priority sectors at $8.7 zone or for the rest of the country with billion, it seems beneficial to use that the objective of helping them to come alternative to develop the island in line true. with the strategies conceived to update Enrique González Luis PHOTO: The business portfolio is expected its economic model, according to Cuban Rippes Aller, the group’s coordinator , a complement in a common mission. to be updated in November with new experts. told The Havana Reporter. As part of their functions, a total of projects likely to be included, while The main objective of the Cuban The idea, she explained, is to serve as 170 notifications from different countries others already approved in the fields of Chamber of Commerce’s Group for the a bridge for all those people interested were received in the first eight months tourism, agriculture and construction Promotion of Foreign Investment is to –both in the country and abroad- in of this year, featuring such countries as will be removed from the list. make public and follow all the interests knowing about the feasibility of the Italy, Germany, China, Panama, Venezuela, A total of five foreign investment and proposals coming from abroad. businesses made, and to provide legal Brazil, Canada, Portugal and France. projects have been approved at the Since that group began operating assistance and assess every proposal Other countries with no commercial ZEDM for the production of goods and in January this year, a strategy has and its commercial and economic ties with Cuba like Cayman Islands and services, including one from Spain and been adopted to spread Foreign effectiveness, which is crucial for the two Australia have expressed their interest two from Mexico. Investment Law 118 (approved in sides. in investing here, while the United Unlike other countries that welcome March 2014), to receive proposals These tasks are complemented States and Puerto Rico have presented foreign investment in any sector, Cuba from potential investors, and follow up through a similar group created by their offers already; yet, the economic, does not include the fields of education, exchanges with the negotiating teams the Center for the Promotion of Cuba’s commercial and financial blockade does health and armed institutions, except for from organizations, as well as training Foreign Trade and Investment (CEPEC), not allow any of these deals to take place. their business systems. In the case of the initiatives for the parties involved, Mirtha not with competitiveness in mind but as According to observers, the most land, only the usufruct system is in place. We are more than a travel magazine...
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Projects such as the Mariel Special of Panamanian tourists, business peace, integration and well-being, Development Zone (ZEDM in Spanish), persons, professionals and in contrast to conflicts in other which – as had been demonstrated at the students in Cuba and viceversa. parts of the world. last Summit of the Americas - are acts of The president added that During the course of the faith in the future country and the region, this expression of trust will be forum, representatives of beneficial to both peoples, who the Cuban business sector are writing a new history of social presented information about
New Migratory Agreement PHOTOs: Miguel Guzmán Ruiz PHOTOs: were exemplary in this regard. Varela recalled that during that HAVANA.- Cuba and Panama signed a new migratory agreement encounter, differences had been set aside aimed at relaxing the visa application process between the two and sights were focused on the common countries. The signing was made during the recent visit made to goals of regional and social well-being and Havana by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela. peace. He explained how two processes The Panamanian president told press in Havana that the had clearly emerged from the forum. signing of a migratory cooperation agreement would allow the One was the political rapprochement change from a restricted to a stamped visa (for Cuban citizens). between Cuba and the U.S. in which he The migratory agreement will make Cuba-Panama trips The Panamanian president, Juan Carlos reiterated that Panama would stand by more flexible, thus allowing advances to take place in human Valera, ratified at the closing of an Cuba’s side until the very end, thanks to the and social integration and the exchange of information (...) It enterprise forum in Havana his nation’s existence of a solid, trusting and sovereign is an agreement that will help bring the people from the two decision to stand alongside Cuba until identification. countries closer together, he added. justice has been attained by the lifting of He said that Panama would also Varela was welcomed by his Cuban peer, Raúl Castro, at the the economic, financial and commercial accompany Cuba in the second task; the Palacio de la Revolución (Palace of the Revolution). blockade imposed for an excess of 50 years rekindling of the economy and foreign As part of his agenda, the Panamanian president visited the on the island by the U.S. investments. Panama is willing to fight Solidarity with Panama School, which opened in the 1980s for The Central American nation’s Head of alongside Cuba for the promotion of fair children with motor disabilities. State closed the meeting during which both and integrationist trade. Varela came to Cuba accompanied by a delegation sides identified common trade interests During his visit, the Central-American consisting of 12 businesspeople and the Minister for Trade and and addressed bilateral economic relations. leader also announced his intention to Industries, Melitón Arrocha. The other activities of his agenda Expanding on the issue, Valera stressed initiate a secure investment treaty for included a tour of the Mariel Special Development Zone west the importance of trust and confidence, Panamanian investors, as other countries of Havana, which he did accompanied by the Cuban Foreign values that Cuba had instilled in its have, which facilitates access to Cuba Trade and Investment Minister, Rodrigo Malmierca. people and shown in each of the country’s to third country business interests, for a He also visited the Latin American School of Medicine, where decisions. promising future and an increased number he met with Panamanian students who are being trained as doctors in Cuba.
the list of business Meliton Arrocha, the Isthmian opportunities nation’s Minister of Industry and in Cuba and the Trade, examined the mechanisms, complimentary legal opportunities and the efforts of framework for the the Cuban Government and people protection of foreign to enhance commerce and their investments on the economic capabilities with other island. countries. In light of the He said that the present value facilities offered of bilateral trade was in excess of by the island 100 million dollars per year, but to enterprises, that both nations had the potential Panamanian officials to increase this, particularly on and businesspersons the basis of the logistical platform expressed their provided by both Panamanian willingness to ports and that of Mariel, for the support the growth enhancement of efficiency, the offer of economic and of cheaper products, the creation commercial relations of wealth and the generation of with Cuba. exports to third countries. PHOTO: Miguel Guzmán Ruiz PHOTO: SPORTS 15
Disappointing Cuban Performance at World Wrestling Championships By Lemay PADRÓN
An impressive start by Cuba in the action, falling in his quarter final bout recently concluded World Wrestling to Narsingh Pancham Yadav of India, a Championships in Las Vegas, concluded previously unknown star who shone at with many wanting more medals, or at this event. least being awarded their ticket to the Faced with a difficult prospect of Rio de Janeiro-2016 Olympics. beating Kyrgyz, Magomed Musaev in Ismael Borrero’s(59 kg) gold and the 97kg division, Javier Cortina could Mijaín López’ (130kg)controversial silver not repeat, let alone improve on, his on the second day, raised expectations Tashkent-2014 bronze. for the freestyle bouts to follow, where The well respected Russian double Cuba seemingly had its strongest world champion, Victor Lebedev, contenders. defeated Yowlys Bonne (57kg) in a closed At the end of what had appeared 2-2 bout; by no means a bad performance until then to be a somewhat mediocre by the wrestler from Guantanamo. year -- during which he was not able Neither do the performances of the to reach gold at the Toronto-2015 Pan- women Katherine Videaux (63kg) or American Games -- Borrero pulled off Lisset Echevarria (75kg) warrant criticism, the best performance of his and became because they both fought well and were a world champion at just 23 years of age. beaten by equal or better opponents. Five time world -- and twice Olympic Logic dictated that, being a pre- -- champion, López, lost in his final Olympic event, and the first with tickets match against Turkey’s Riza Kayaalp, the to the games on offer, the competition at only wrestler capable of beating him these championships would be stiff, but in recent years, although the deciding such a poor start seems beyond reason. point of this bout was the result of a managed to qualify for the last stages, Pedro Francisco Ceballos, who he had Prior to the event, numerous titles warning issued to the Cuban. some eliminated by opponents of beaten numerous times, stands out. had been anticipated, and only two In what was to follow, none of the seemingly lower caliber. Of the other considered favorites medals were won. For this very reason Caribbean nation’s medalists from the The defeat of double world medalist to reach the podium at the event was the competitors were probably left previous Tashkent-2014 championships Reineris Salas (86kg) by the Venezuelan, Liván López(74kg) who saw the most unsatisfied. Yusmari Mengana, The Road from Beach to River By RafaelARZUAGA Achieving fifth place in the 200m trial at the Milan World making Rio a promising prospect indeed. event means that Mengana has achieved something no other Cuban woman to date has achieved; a ticket to the Rio ROWING de Janeiro-2016 Olympic Games. Mengana’s spouse and world multi-medalist Angel Fournier, Since reaching her goal last August, she has been clear that is Cuba’s great hope to take their first Olympic rowing medal she will not settle for being just another competitor, she in Rio-2016. intends to make the most impressive debut possible. Without shining at the World Rowing Championships in A dreamer who battles hard, she said that “with character, Aiguebelette, France, Fournier did secure his qualification for commitment, effort, talent of course and a little bit of luck, I the forthcoming Games. can go far in this; a sport I find fascinating”. The pair Adrian Oquendo - Eduardo Rubio showed better Nobody could doubt her ability to surprise. Yusmari Mengana results, having worked together for less than one month, yet has meritoriously carved out her niche in the Kayak kingdom, finishing third in their short oar doubles race.
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As she told this reporter in Toronto, she aspires only to TELEPHONE: (537) 830-1344; (537) 830-2276 “increase the rhythm and reach the goals that my talent and EXT. 120; AND (537) 834-6528. EMAIL: [email protected] commitment allow me to reach.” or [email protected]. 16 CUBA Pope Francis in Cuba: A Transcendental and Historic Visit By CarmenESQUIVEL Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope number 266 on the March 13, 2013 to replace Benedict XVI, who had retired a few days before. The first Vatican Head of State from the American continent chose his Papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian saint and founder of the Franciscan Order who was known for his commitment to the poor.
MESSAGES AND AGAINST WAR AND IN FAVOUR OF PEACE
Raúl Castro PHOTO: Joaquín Hernández Mena PHOTO:
Cuba in this regard. He said „may the blood shed by thousands of PHOTO: Vladimir Molina PHOTO:
Fidel Castro Castro Alex PHOTO: innocents during so many decades of armed conflict HAVANA: The Pope Francis was warmly and become one with the blood shed by Our Lord, Jesus respectfully welcomed to Cuba by both believers During his Papacy, Pope Francis has endeavored Christ, and sustain everybody -- including those from and non-believers for a pastoral visit described as to introduce a new culture of Catholic Church this beautiful island --in their endeavors for a definitive transcendental and historic, during which the Holy leadership, closer to the most marginalized and has resolution“. Pontiff reiterated his opposition to war and his criticized in a number of his sermons an economic During an extensive exchange with Fidel Castro, support for peace, dialogue and reconciliation. model that follows a profit-only logic that excludes historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, topics such From September 19-22, the bishop of Rome many and also destroys the environment. as the preservation of peace and the survival of the officiated at masses in Havana, Holguín and Santiago In a meeting with young people at the Felix Varela human species were discussed. de Cuba, made a courtesy call to Fidel Castro; historical Cultural Center in Havana, Jorge Mario Bergoglio Fidel highly praised the Pontiff for his repeated leader of the Cuban Revolution, and had a meeting reflected on the serious situation faced by the youth of public comments in favor of distinctive social strata with president Raul Castro and visited heritage sites. Europe due to the lack of employment opportunities. and his commitment to the well being of humankind His Holiness arrived in the Cuban capital during the He regretted that „they form part of a disposable whilst Francisco thanked Cuba for its contributions to afternoon of September 19, where he was welcomed culture. In the Empire of the Money God, people and peace and the preservation of the human species in a at Jose Marti International Airport by president Raul things are disposable“. world swamped by hatred and aggression. Castro. The Pope has also drawn worldwide attention to The Holy Father’s visit coincided with the 80th In his first speech, the Pope thanked the president his declarations against war and in favor of dialogue anniversary of uninterrupted relations between Cuba for his welcome and his thoughtful words in the name to resolve conflict. and the Holy See. In addition to the aforementioned of the Government and the people of Cuba. He warned that „the world needs reconciliation sites, the Pope also visited the Cathedrals of Havana The head of the Catholic Church took advantage during this third world war by stages that we are and Santiago de Cuba, the Hill of the Cross in Holguín of his time in Cuba to acknowledge the process that living through“. and Caridad del Cobre Sanctuary in Santiago de Cuba. led to the reestablishment of diplomatic relations During his words in Havana´s historic Revolution On every street, avenue and plaza that the Pope between Cuba and the U.S, and called on the Square the Pope Francis also called for peace in Francis passed, the Cuban people warmly welcomed politicians responsible to continue their progress in Colombia and highlighted efforts undertaken by him with traditional hospitality and respect. this regard. „We have been witnessing over the course of recent months something that fills us with hope: the process of normalization of relations between two peoples, distant for years“. He said that the process was a sign of victory in the culture of the meeting. The Cuban president in turn emphasized the first Latin American Pope’s declarations regarding social affairs and the future of and care for humanity and the planet, which he said would serve as references for the U.N. Summit on the post 2015 development Agenda and the Paris climate change conference. Raul Castro thanked the Supreme Pontiff for his support with the talks with the U.S. The president said that „the reestablishment of diplomatic relations was a first step in a process towards the normalization of bilateral ties which requires a resolution of problems and the repair of injustices. The blockade, which has resulted in the deprivation of Cuban families and is responsible for harm caused to people, is cruel, immoral and illegal and should be lifted.“ This visit by the Bishop of Rome is the third Papal visit to Cuba in 17 years and follows those by John Paul II in 1998 and Benedict XVI in 2012. Born on December 17, 1936 in Argentina, Jorge