© YEAR VIII THE Nº 16 AUG 31, 2018 HAVANA, CUBA ISSN 2224-5707 Price: avana eporter 1.00 CUC H YOUR SOURCE OF NEWSR & MORE 1.00 USD A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.20 CAN Society Cuban Tourism Looks Towards a Promising Future

Cubans Abroad Invited to Comment on Draft of New Constitution P. 4 Photo Feature

Havana’s Cannons P. 2 P. 11 Sports World Ballet Stars to Dance at Havana Festival

Summer Baseball in Cuba: Playing through the Heat P. 7 P. 15 2 TOURISM Cuban Tourism Looks Towards a Promising Future

Text & Phtos by Roberto F.CAMPOS There are certain aspects that keep Cuba’s tourism afloat: people’s safety, HAVANA.- The announcement that Cuba natural attractions and environmental welcomed three million foreign visitors protection, infrastructure and, above all, as of August 9, undoubtedly attracts the its people. attention of tour operators and travel During the 38th International agents who see the island as a significant Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2018, held in May tourist destination. in the keys north of central Cuba, the The report published by the Cuban authorities disclosed a series of statistics Tourism Ministry (MINTUR) corroborates that anticipate the increasing trend of the the latest opinions by experts in sector. saying that the local leisure industry is Cuba currently has 69,041 hotel recovering despite the decreases earlier rooms. As many as 63 percent of them announced. are four and five star-category, and 74 The storms that hit the country at the percent are located by the beach. end of 2017, anti-Cuba campaigns and A total of 110,416 Cubans are other issues well-known by the tourism presently working in the tourist industry- industry staff led to a decline in tourists 41.2 percent are women and 48 percent arrivals; however, the sector continues to are under 45 years old. be very dynamic. Last year, 4,689,896 foreign tourists Upon revealing that the country visited the island, representing an 11.6 welcomed tree million foreign visitors percent increase, but a 26 percent rise as of August 9 this year, MINTUR also had been recorded in the first eight envisaged better results for the upcoming months of that year. That pace slowed winter season (November-April). down with the arrival of Hurricane Irma Tourist arrivals have continued to in September. increase in 2018 despite campaigns A total of 17 cruise ship companies are organized and led by the U.S. government operating in Cuba, with 25 liners. The first to discourage U.S. citizens from travelling quarter of 2018 witnessed a 28.6 percent to the island, the Cuban ministry rise in that modality. reiterated. Moreover, 70 airlines are flying to Cuba The main issuing markets of tourists from 73 major world cities while 27 joint to Cuba are Canada, France, Germany, the ventures are operating in the country United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, Mexico, with more than 5,000 hotel rooms, and Argentina and Chile, in that order, the the investment portfolio features 140 MINTUR report reads. projects.

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: J. Alberto García Arias Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Information Vice President: Hector Miranda. Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial Vice President: Lianet Arias Advertising: Nelson Pérez Vergara 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/ Yanely Interián Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: [email protected] CUBA 3 Cuba: Source of Inspiration Cuba Aims to Increase for International Solidarity Farming Potential Movements PL PHOTO:

By CossetLAZO imposed by Washington on Havana for HAVANA.- The Cuban Revolution’s about five decades. humanist and social justice principles are “Cuba has taught us about its strength a source of inspiration for thousands of during all these years,” said Sandoval people from all over the world, who come when highlighting the work conducted to the country as part of the solidarity by the Cuban farmers, who humbly movements that offer their support to work the land and defend values such as

the government and the people of this honesty, equity and justice. PL PHOTO: Caribbean island. According to the Peruvian activist, Activists from all five continents have values like these favor the development By RobertoSALOMON usufruct to those who apply for a plot of come to Cuba for over fifty years now to of inclusive societies in a world in which land for the first time – for the farming corroborate the pro-Latin American and injustice affects the poorest sectors. HAVANA.- Cuba’s economic and forest production – has been altruistic spirit of the process the historic In July, members of the José development is inevitably linked increased from 13.42 to 26.84 hectares. leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Martí European Solidarity Brigade to the development of agriculture, One of the most novel features of Castro, started on January 1, 1959. visited Havana and urged to increase and in order to develop successfully, this norm includes the authorization of This year, members of the 13th international activism in favor of Cuba the country has to benefit from the up to three percent of the area granted International Primero de Mayo Solidarity and Latin America in view of Washington’s available land in order to increase the for farming and forest production for Brigade ratified their support for the intensification of its hostile policy. production of export items and reduce the construction of facilities. cause of the Cuban people at the Julio Young Italian journalist Niccola imports - which amount to 1.6 billion Antonio Mella International Camp, in the Matellini, one of the organization’s dollars. RESULTS SO FAR western province of Artemisa. 90 members, insisted on the need to To reach such an objective, in As if they were all native to the same increase activism and spread their work the last decade the government has Since its implementation, the country, about 300 activists from Latin in order to strengthen support to the introduced a number of legal norms process of granting idle lands in usufruct America, Europe, Asia and the United resistance of the Cuban people to the aimed at granting idle land to make a has resulted in the productive increase States stayed in Cuba for over two weeks economic, commercial and financial better use of it and thus develop this of items such as root vegetables, and had a full agenda that included blockade imposed on the island by the sector’s productivity. vegetables, corn, beans, rice, milk and productive activities and visits to United States. The most recent norms include meat, among others. However, these historical sites in the provinces of Havana, As usual, the activists - from Germany, Decree-Law No. 358/2018 and its results are far from meeting the needs. Villa Clara and Camagüey. the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Russia, Regulation, Decree No. 350/2018, According to Soil and Land “It’s really important that we have the Switzerland, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the published in the Gaceta Oficial. These Control Director Eddy Soca, 289,474 chance to meet each other from people United Kingdom, Sweden and Belgium norms rule the policy for granting state applications have been made. Of these, to people. We can communicate and – toured places of economic, social and idle lands through usufruct. 244,851 have been approved - 241,604 have brotherhood relations with people historical interest; did agricultural work, These documents also include the to individuals and 3,247 to legal entities from all over the world,” U.S. activist Aida and had conversations with people in amendments approved to solve issues (cooperatives and other companies). Horwitt told The Havana Reporter. communities and towns. that limit production in this sector. Based on the applications made, After talking about the importance At the beginning of August, the 25th The said norms are a follow-up to 2,102,454 hectares have been granted – of unity among all the peoples of the Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity the enactment of Decree-Laws 259 12 percent of these to women. world, Horwitt lamented the effects of the Brigade celebrated in Cuba the 92nd (2008) and 300 (2012), in compliance This constant process of granting blockade the government of the United anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro with the measures approved to revive plots of land in usufruct follows two States has imposed on Cuba for over 50 (1926-2016), the architect of the fights for the farming sector and foster the principles: these plots of land are a non- years. the defense of the country’s sovereignty incorporation, permanence and stability transferable property of the State, and Horwitt added that as a result of and independence. of the workforce and the family’s final they should be exploited, avoiding the the blockade, the Cuban people have Also this summer, the Peace Boat settlement. misuse of the land and the loss of its grown stronger, because they have members arrived to the capital’s port to According to the Agriculture productivity. had to overcome a lot of obstacles, and send a message of global solidarity and Ministry’s legal advisor, Orlando Díaz, Soca emphasized that in order to mentioned that one of the most negative promote the existence of a world free the main changes include the following: use such plots, it’s necessary to keep effects is that it makes it difficult to from nuclear weapons. authorizing individuals who are granted in mind the Cuban soils’ productive acquire certain medications. The ship, which is part of the non- or were granted a plot of land to join characteristics; that is, the most For his part, Peruvian activist Juan governmental organization with the same farming, sugar and forest companies. appropriate crops for such soils, because Sandoval was eager to know about the name, left Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on In accordance with the document, only 23.5 percent of the farming areas resistance of the Cubans to the siege May 8, on its 98th international tour. the maximum area to be granted in have favorable productive conditions. 4 SOCIETY Cubans Abroad Invited to Comment on Draft of New Constitution

By WaldoMENDILUZA

HAVANA.- As part of an unprecedented process, Cuban residents abroad will have the possibility of commenting on a draft bill that will replace the Constitution in force on the island since 1976. The nearly 1,400,000 Cubans currently living in some 120 countries, according to the Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry’s (MINREX) statistics, have been invited to express their opinions on a total reform of the Constitution, which will preserve the country’s socialist character and the Communist Party’s leading role in the society. On July 22 the People’s Power National Assembly approved a constitutional draft bill to be debated in the country’s 15 provinces through November 15. The Cuban residents abroad will be able to comment on the aforementioned document in the first week of September, once the technical conditions are created for their participation.They will have access to a form available on the Foreign Ministry’s website http://www. nacionyemigracion.cu/.

For the first time all Cubans alike, regardless of Internet PHOTO: their geographical location, will join the debate on the drawing up of the Constitution that Cubans want, number of Cuban residents abroad traveling to their and interference in the States’ internal affairs and said Ernesto Soberón, the MINREX Director of Consular country of birth,” the diplomat said. aggressions, and calls for disarmament and the Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad. Ever since the constitutional draft bill was approved elimination of nuclear weapons. In remarks to the press, the official praised the historic by the National Assembly, hundreds of Cuban residents Likewise, it recognizes the role of the market and step taken by the Cuban government to strengthen abroad have used websites to post their opinions on a of new forms of property in Cuba, including private relations with the Cuban community abroad, a policy document including a preamble and 224 articles (87 property, and expands people’s rights in a section on started in 1978. more than the current Constitution). nondiscrimination because of gender, sexual orientation, According to Soberón, the Cubans living abroad have The text reveals changes in the structure of the State ethnical origin and disability. the chance to help develop a socialist and democratic including the creation of the posts of president and The document also envisages the possibility for society guided by principles such as humanism and prime minister of the Republic, and grants constitutional people to go to courts to demand the restitution of their solidarity, which are elements reflected in the proposed status to several principles on foreign policy defended rights or compensation for the damages caused by the Constitution. by the Cuban Revolution for decades. action of State organs, executives or officials. The invitation extended to the Cuban community In this regard, it advocates world peace, Latin With regards to marriage, it defines it as the union abroad is in line with the recent updating of the American and Caribbean integration and environmental between two persons and not between a man and a migratory policy, which “has resulted in an increasing protection, protects human rights, condemns terrorism woman, as the current Constitution reads. Cubans Back to School in September

By MendiRODRIGUEZ enhancing education, which includes transformations in working methods HAVANA.- Thousands of schools, and styles, the creation of new learning including universities, will open their plans and syllabuses, textbooks and doors in Cuba on September 3 to welcome methodological guidelines. over 1,600,000 children, adolescents and In this sense he reiterated that college-aged students. The 2018-2019 education not only involves the family or school year will begin in the middle of a schools, but the entire society as well. process to further improve education on One of the sector’s challenges is the island. to have one hundred percent supply Given that schooling in this country of teachers (compared to today's 93 is universal and free of charge, the percent). The government hopes to different education levels, together with attain this goal within two or three healthcare, receive more than half of years at primary and special education the State budget assigned to the social schools, taking into account the tenths sector. These resources are used to repair of thousands of students in pedagogical and modernize teaching centers and schools and the new graduates. provide students with books, computers Cuba’s Education Minister Ena Elsa and other essential items. Velázquez advocated the collective

The new school year was preceded by commitment to continue enhancing PL PHOTOS: efforts in several Cuban provinces to have on the preparations for the school year. He the quality of teaching in a country facilities affected by the rains in May and then mentioned some of the challenges whose achievements in this sector to keep improving it successfully, as June ready, as well as to overcome the facing education in Cuba, a country that have been recognized by the United is the case of the upgrading process effects caused by devastating Hurricane has been suffering the impact of the U.S. Nations Education, Science and Culture that is being carried out in more than Irma a year ago, local authorities stressed. economic blockade for six decades. Organization (UNESCO). 100 schools of the country, UNESCO At the end of April, President Miguel Díaz-Canel called for an active Even though Cuba is an example representative Katherine Müller Marín Díaz-Canel attended a national seminar collective role in the third process for of excellent education, it is committed stressed. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Keeping an Eye on Climate Change Vulnerabilities

By Ana LauraARBESU Likewise, some ten hectares of mangrove will be replanted to protect HAVANA.- With a strong investment the coast from rising sea levels. program, the Cuban government’s plan At the meeting, the Cuban Minister of to fight climate change is considered Sciences, Technology and Environment, vital for the country’s environmental Elba Rosa Pérez, called the attention on protection policy. the occurrence of irregular events in the “Tarea Vida” (Life Task) is the name of Guanahacabibes Peninsula, a Biosphere the megaproject to be implemented on Reserve located in Cuba’s westernmost the short (2020), mid (2030), long (2050) region and home to many endemic flora and very long (2100) terms in the priority and fauna species. zones. Among the most striking events A result of a process involving she mentioned the emergence of new scientific studies and technological invasive exotic species, the effects on innovation projects in recent years, the turtle nesting sites and the migration of initiative consists of five strategic actions the white pelican and the red crab. and eleven tasks aimed at counteracting “Tarea Vida” gives priority to 73 of the climate change effects in Cuba’s Cuba’s 168 municipalities; 63 of them vulnerable zones. in coastal regions and 10 others in the The estimated average sea level interior of the country. rises (27 centimeters by the year 2050 and 85 cm by 2100) would entail a slow reduction of the archipelago surface and salinization of underground waters. According to studies, 574 Cuban settlements would be considered vulnerable. Of them, 119 would be in a more unfavorable situation and 20 would disappear in the coming 80 years. Faced with this reality, the Tarea Vida program has been closely followed by local authorities after the Council of Ministers approved it as a strategy in 2017. In fact, that top executive organ recently analyzed the progress of enviromental goals, especially those for the western province of Pinar del Río, which is vulnerable to rising sea levels in the low southern areas. The authorities verified the relocation of houses in the localities of Punta de Cartas, San Juan y Martínez Municipality; La Bajada, Sandino Municipality; and

Guane, a tobacco growing region. Guerrillero Newspaper PHOTO:

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Text & Photos by Roberto F.CAMPOS Havana has many interesting statues, some of them classical and emblematic such as that of Jesus Christ on one side of the bay and another of Jose Marti at the Revolution Square. Walking in search of vivid statues of famous personalities may be quite fascinating indeed. Some of those sculptures go almost unnoticed to passers-by, but the history around them is quite interesting. Many of these statues can be found in Havana, from different origins and periods. Let’s mention a short but symbolic list. Very close to the Havana Malecón (Sea Wall avenue), passers-by can appreciate a statue of Cuba’s National Hero José Martí, wearing his classic frock coat and carrying a child in his arms. On Avenida del Puerto (Port Avenue),close to the bay’s commercial zone and Paula Church, the celebrated Mexican composer Agustin Lara stands out elegantly. The statue was donated by the people and government of Veracruz in November 2000, and reminds us of his love songs. Statues of gods such as Neptune can be seen as well. Erected close to the Malecón, the marble-carved Neptune is pointing to the entrance of the Havana bay with his trident. Also near the Malecón there are other less interesting and somewhat unknown figures such as Pierre Le Moyne 0'Iberville. He was a famous officer from New France, today Canada, who was admiral of Louis XIV and died in Havana in 1706. Donated by the Quebec government, the statue was erected by the Office of the Havana City’s Historian on November 14, 1999. Even lesser known is Japanese Hasehura Rokuemon Tsunenaga, hero of Sendai City and the first Japanese to come to Cuba, in 1614. His statue is located in a park in Havana, with plaques both in Spanish and Japanese indicating the 11,850 kilometers between Havana and Sendai. Another important sculpture is that of Don Francisco de Albear y Lara, erected on October 24, 1887 right after he died, in the park across the famous Floridita Restaurant. He was the designer of the aqueduct system of Havana, a masterwork that is still in operation. Meanwhile, Cuban artist Jorge Villa has played an active role over the past few years with his sculptures of rock musician John Lennon, who is seated on a bench in the park on 17th Street in Vedado neighborhood; the Ernest Hemingway leaning on the Floridita bar; Mother Teresa of Calcutta in the backyard of the Saint Francis of Assisi Church; and the Gentleman of Paris, as though he Cubans and tourists. Some other statues were a passer-by walking in front of the have disappeared already but are often San Francis of Assisi Church. remembered, such as that of Strauss. In the meantime, other still and Those sculptures, figures, busts and anonymous figures of beautiful naked cultural symbols stand out to those women also attract the attention of attentive to the details of a city that will passers-by, amid the hustle and bustle of turn 500 years old on November 16, 2019. SPOTLIGHT 7

World Ballet Stars to Dance at Havana Festival

By MarthaSANCHEZ

HAVANA.- The Alicia Alonso International Ballet Festival of Havana stands as an exceptional opportunity for ballet lovers from around the world. As organizer of this festival, Cuba’s National Ballet Company (BNC) recently announced that the event will be held from October 28 to November 6. The upcoming 26th edition will mark the 70 years of the BNC founding by Alicia, Fernando and Alberto Alonso, on October 28, 1948. The festival’s program will feature the season marking the 75 years of Alicia Alonso’s debut in Giselle, which is expected to be performed by first dancers from Cuba and other countries. Dancers with the prestigious Cuban Ballet Company will alternate with artists and companies from other countries during the shows. Some of them will premiere pieces in Cuba. The main venues for the biennial festival will be the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, the Avellaneda and Covarrubias Halls at Teatro Nacional and Mella and Martí Theaters. The Ballet Company of the Grand Theater of Geneva, Switzerland; the National Ballet Company of Prague, Czech Republic; and the Danish Dance Theater of Denmark are among the foreign companies expected to perform in the festival. Moreover, dancers of the New York City Ballet will bring the show “Stars of American Ballet,” featuring names such as Daniel Ulbricht, Teresa Reichlen, Ask la Cour, Sterling Hyltin, Adrian Danchig Waring, Indiana Woodward and Gonzalo

García. N.Reyes PHOTO: HeeSeo, Isabella Boylston, Alban Lendorf and Cory Stearns will come ballet dancer and one of the greatest legends of dance for the American Ballet Theater, while in the world. Camila Bocca, Juan Pablo Ledo, Macarena “Prosperous is a magician that creates everything Giménez and Maximiliano Iglesias will in that place surrounded by sea, like a small island full represent the Buenos Aires Colon Ballet of music and dance. I rapidly pictured Alicia, who has Theater of Argentina. created a sort of magic around the BNC and its dancers,” The lead dancer of the New York City Marston told The Havana Reporter. Ballet, Spanish Joaquin de Luz, will return Different activities will be held in parallel to the to the Cuban festival, while U.S. Rasta festival such as exhibitions, theoretical conferences,

Thomas will perform for the first time in book launch, and film and video seasons. N.Reyes PHOTO: the event presided over by Cuban Prima The Havana festival, which is one of the oldest of its Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso. kind in the world, will offer a special choice this time: a Other dancers who have confirmed course on ballet technique for professionals, teachers their attendance are Rainer Krenstetter, and advanced-level students. of the Miami City Ballet, USA, and Marian The long list of ballet stars who have participated in Walter, of the Munich Ballet, Germany. the Cuban festival includes Russian Maya Plisétskaya, With more than 50 years of history, French Sylvie Guillem, Italian Carla Fracci and Alexandra the International Ballet Festival of Ferri, Spanish Tamara Rojo and José Carlos Martínez, Havana favors the exchange between Argentinean Julio Bocca, Maximiliano Guerra and internationally renowned lead dancers, Paloma Herrera and U.S. Cynthia Harvey. personalities, critics and businesspeople. The BNC organizers always insist on turning the In order to honor Alicia Alonso, festival into a party of choreographic art that claims a British choreographer Cathy Marston phrase by outstanding Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier is preparing a ballet piece inspired by as its own: “The spirit of dance is inseparable from the William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. human condition.” The choreographer will turn the play’s The Cuban Ballet Company has covered the country original male protagonist, Prosperous, and Latin America with glory ever since it was founded. into an equivalent female character to The Cuban Culture Ministry this year issued a decree honor Alonso, Cuba’s most important declaring the company Cultural Heritage of the Nation. PL PHOTO: 8 CULTURE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT [email protected] (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

Havana Mozart Festival The International Festival of New Latin American Cinema Oct. 25-28 Dec. 6-16

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By AnelíRUIZ

PORT AU PRINCE.- On December 4, the part of the Cuban teaching methods ‘Yo Cuban Medical Brigade in Haiti, one Sí Puedo’ (Yes, I Can) and ‘Aprann,’ which of the many examples of the constant have been implemented in Haiti for support the island has given this sister almost 20 years. nation, will celebrate 20 years of presence This figure comes on top of about in this territory. 448,339 students who learned to read The first doctors, paramedics and and write with the educational programs- specialists arrived here in 1998 after the -which Cuban specialists help advise-- passage of hurricane George, which and which are aimed at incorporating brought heavy rains and caused mud the participants into the country’s socio- Text & Photo by NéstorROSA-MARBELLL avalanches and catastrophic flooding for economic life. the country’s infrastructure, in addition to According to the minister, Cuba is SAN JUAN.- A combination of different In that period, nearly 432,000 persons the death of about 400 people. assisting Haiti in the fields of medicine, factors including the low birth rate and migrated to other countries, mainly to The Henry Reeve Contingent also agriculture and construction of reservoirs. a constant exodus that has intensified the United States. arrived in the country in 2010, when Water is one of the major problems for almost one year with the aftermath Deputy Víctor Parés of the the Haitians suffered one of the worst in Toussaint Louverture’s land. Recent of Hurricane Maria, has led to a dramatic governmental New Progressive Party humanitarian catastrophes as a result of studies have revealed that half of the decrease in the Puerto Rican population. (PNP) is fostering a draft bill seeking the earthquake that registered 7.3 on the rural population doesn’t have access to The report that the Multi-sector a partial solution to this situation, in Richter scale –, killing over 300,000 people drinking water or must pay more than Committee for Demographic Challenge order to make it mandatory that the and displacing about 500,000. On that 600 gourdes (about nine dollars) for it. presented recently before the Puerto health insurances controlled by private occasion, the Cuban specialists helped The initiative devised by Haiti and Rican Chamber of Deputies’ Commission companies cover all kinds of fertility fight the cholera epidemic resulting from Cuba foresees the creation of micro- for Economic Development and treatments and related procedures and the earthquake, which caused the death reservoirs that will allow supplying Planning revealed that in 2017, there medicine. of an additional 10,000 people. water to the population and agriculture were 1,065 more deaths than the According to the survey, the Puerto According to data provided by the and generating power, in addition to number of births in this Caribbean Rican population is now estimated at 3.4 Cuba Coopera site, the Cuban specialists exploring other projects for the use of island, which is going through an million people, while 5.4 million Puerto have conducted about 626,100 surgeries this resource in different facilities. This will economic crisis. Ricans are living in the United States. to date, in addition to assisting over have a positive impact on the country’s The economic situation is a factor for The exodus situation gets worse 178,107 births and giving about 1,649,700 economic and social development. the country´s lower birth rate. It should because 52 percent of the young people vaccines. Other fields have also been included in also be noted that the population is who leave the country are university “As a person responsible for the Cuban the cooperation between both countries. aging rapidly. graduates, while the economically cooperation, I have witnessed the results, In 1999, Cuban experts on freshwater “The death rate is relatively constant active population between 20 and and I can affirm that this is the most fishes’ reproduction arrived in Pont while the birth rate keeps decreasing,” 59 years old is decreasing, the report important technical cooperation Haiti Sonde, in the Artibonite department, and reads the document. noted. has received from any country,” Planning started working in an area of about one The reduction in the number of However, there is this peculiar and Foreign Cooperation Minister Aviol hectare built by the Food and Agriculture births largely owes to a family planning element: second and third generations Fleurant told The Havana Reporter. Organization of the United Nations. policy aimed at avoiding pregnancies, of Puerto Ricans born in the United In 2005, the first group of Haitian Other contributions Cuba has malnutrition in pregnant women, babies States recognize themselves as Puerto students graduated from the Latin made include the strengthening of and children in their first years of life. Rican-born and proudly defend the flag American School of Medicine, and the the hydro-meteorological surveillance Adding to this situation are the high that preserves the Caribbean island’s first steps were taken for the formation of through the transfer of tools that help costs of fertility treatments, obstetrics, national identity. another 1,000 doctors in a decade, who improve monitoring and forecasting C-sections and medical services, Some sectors fear that the would help the Caribbean nation palliate meteorological phenomena. The Haitian together with the high number of births annexationist policy of the Ricardo the primary care deficit. center now has a numerical model that in poverty situation and the lack of Rosselló Nevares administration Moreover, cooperation has allows predicting a hurricane’s potential prenatal education. may result in the replacement of the expanded to other fields, such as path in a period of 48 to 72 hours in All this takes place in a country Puerto Rican population by Anglo- construction, hydraulic resources, advance. where, after 120 years of U.S. colonial Saxon population by privatizing fishing, veterinary medicine and the Almost 20 years later, solidarity domination, per capita income is public education and importing environment. The micro-reservoir between both countries keeps getting estimated at 11,394 USD annually. skillful construction workers from the construction projects and the literacy stronger and a commitment the leader of Puerto Rico is half the size of Mississippi, northern country; due to the shortage program are still in place. the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, made the poorest U.S. territory. of workforce after Hurricane Maria Last June, about 700 citizens received remains intact: to be together with this Between 2010 and 2017, Puerto destroyed the infrastructure upon their certificates after taking lessons as nation under any circumstances. Rico recorded 388,980 less inhabitants. hitting the country in September 2017. PHOTOS: PL Havana was founded andtheconstruction disappeared, Garden of theBotanical obtain snuff. were setupthere to grind tobacco and owes itsnameto two windmillsthat Garden1981, theQuinta delosMolinos for preservation. rescuing natural treasures through acall capital, theecological promotes park asCarlos also known Tercero, intheCuban and nature. to enjoy bothhistory and opportunity Estate) standsasanexcellent escape Windmill (The Quinta delosMolinos and general hustleandbustleinHavana, thetraffic,construction, thestreet lights HAVANA.- Amidst allofthenew A ButterflyGarden inCuba When theKing’s windmills Declared aNational in Monument Located onSalvador Allende Avenue, 10 Quinta delosMolinos: CULTURE By RachelPEREDA that nature offers to mankind. itisto thetreasure preserve important settings inthecity, reminding usofhow exhibits oneofthemostattractivepark City’s Historian. program organized ofthe by theOffice included intheRutasyAndares tour families ingeneral. involve children, youth and Cuban that numerous actions community workshops, cultural events, clubsand has alsoprovided aspace for educational added. the expert in the park,”overpopulation of butterflies some shade,” sheexplained. they are cold theyneed bloodedinsects, because,other is darker even though from theirmainpredators, whilethe closely woven to protect thebutterflies ofwire netting.two kinds that has themetallicstructure Reporter Contreras,Isys Marisol told The Havana expert, Department the Sociocultural the ecosystems where theylive. and their benefits for of butterflies cycle where thelife thevisitors canobserve treasures isCuba’s garden, firstbutterfly Cuba. chiefs wars theIndependence in during oneofthemainmilitary Gómez, Máximo astheresidencehouse served ofGeneral began. of arest homefor theGeneralCaptains The environment intheecological Also inthesummer, is thepark The Garden Quinta de los Molinos long-term goalisto have an “The “One of the wire nettings is more Commenting onthis peculiar place, One ofQuinta delosMolinos’ many interestingSome information: the for future works. thegolden start and Malcom, marking international to music market Delgado that brought the attention of the “Bailando” isthenameofsong Iglesias.and SpanishsingerEnrique together withCuban Descemer Bueno out thealbumwhere theduetperforms collaborations have beengreat hits. of different musicalgenres. All those even with performers other artists, de Zona’s success is the joint work with consideration when referring to Gente finds noborder orlanguagebarriers. characterizes theduet, whose music joined Alexander isthesealthat now exhibited by Malcom thebandafter changes. thesonority Nevertheless, is the best example to illustrate those 18 years andtheirdiscography ofwork, music, thanksto Gente deZona’s impact. with genres suchasrumbaandurban music has democratized”“been today and timba.Butthedelight found in astraditionalwas music what isknown years, thegreatest musicalattraction destination butalsoamusicalone. For andworld stars. artists work that alsoinvolves otherCuban is doing an interesting and celebrated replaced Malcom-,theduet by Randy Jacob Forever –thelatter was later made upofAlexander and Delgado album: Visualízate.newest which isenjoying thesuccess ofits international renown nowadays, and undoubtedly the local band of greatest genre inCuba isGente deZona, whichis generations. scene, especially among the newer place in the music has an important of theworld, musicinCuba urban HAVANA.- Likeinmany otherparts Gente deZonaDuet:Good The listislong, butwe can’t leave An element to be taken into Needless to say theduethasgrown in Cuba isnotonlyaprestigious tourist Founded in2000andoriginally The mainexponent ofthismusical Urban MusicfromCuba By YanisbelPEÑA largest island intheCaribbean. the goodmusic that ismadeonthe aboutthefusionofall when speaking de Zona, anameofworld reference destination inCuba becauseofGente Varadero Festival. 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PHOTO: Panchito González PHOTO FEATURE 11 Havana’s Cannons Text & Photos by TinoMANUEL

HAVANA.- Nearly 500 years after its founding, Havana is an interesting medley of curiosities, interesting details and historic sites, particularly the attractive old cannons scattered throughout the city. The city is a constant attraction for curious travelers. Colorful settings, a well-preserved colonial architecture and the warmth of the locals are some of the features visitors feel attracted to the most, in addition to the ancient cannons that can be found all over. An interesting piece of information on this topic, according to some historians, is the list the El Morro and La Punta fortresses used to keep by the time. These two fortresses were a bastion against the pirate attacks and invasions. On August 14, 1762, when Havana was stormed by the English, both fortresses had 104 cannons; nine bronze mortars; two iron mortars of several calibers; 4,157 rifles; 460 empty bombs; cannon balls; the equivalent to 3,000 kg of bullets, and 125,000 cartridges. But all these pieces have a higher attraction if we take into consideration that according to some historians, the world’s biggest cannon, nicknamed Ordoñez, is located at Hotel Nacional de Cuba. The Santa Clara Battery was positioned there (part of it can be still seen), as part of the third and last defensive system of Havana. The Krupp and Ordonez cannons - the latter inspired by the 1870 French naval piece- were placed there between 1895 and 1898. Made by Salvador Ordóñez, the cannon was considered the biggest at the time - caliber: 30.5 centimeters, length: 10 meters, weight: 48,300 kilograms. In June 1898, during the naval blockade of Havana in the course of the Spanish-Cuban-American War, Ordóñez shot the USS cruiser Montgomery. Tourists can now take photos of a plaque set up there to remember the event. 12 POLITICS

Bachelet: Another Latin American Woman in a Senior UN Post area, expressed its pleasure for the election of the former By IbisFRADE Chilean president for this post. According to GRULAC, Bachelet is very experienced UNITED NATIONS.- Latin American women will play an and played an important role in the defense of women’s important role at the UN when Chilean Michelle Bachelet rights and genre equality. The group also recalled the assumes the post of United Nations High Commissioner work she did as President of Chile (2006-2010 and 2014- for Human Rights this September and Ecuadorian María 2018), Health Minister (2000-2002) and Defense Minister Fernanda Espinosa starts as president of the General (2002-2004). Assembly. Bachelet will take on the post next September 1 – for The former Chilean president was appointed in four years – when United Nations High Commissioner for August at the suggestion of UN Secretary General Human Rights Zeid RaadAl Hussein will end his term. António Guterres, and her appointment was unanimously approved by the General Assembly. The United Nations Secretary General expressed his satisfaction with Bachelet’s appointment to the post. In her native country, Chile, Bachelet was the first woman to hold the post of president, and she’s also a survivor of the violence used by the authorities, who went after her and her family several decades ago, as she said. She was a forerunner at the United Nations, as she was the first leader of UN Women, Guterres added. During the Pinochet dictatorship, Bachelet lived in the dark, and as a doctor, she got familiar with the trials of people in need of healthcare and eager to enjoy other key economic and social rights. Guterres also noted that she will take on the post at a critical time for human rights, as hate and inequality continue to increase. Meanwhile, in a video posted on Twitter, Bachelet appreciated the trust people have in her and reiterated her commitment to this “great task whose goal is to contribute to the wellbeing and the dignity of all people.” The Latin American and Caribbean Regional Group

(GRULAC), which gathers 33 UN member countries in the Internet PHOTOS: Chile, Nightmares of the Never Again

By FaustoTRIANA humanity, on the grounds of loopholes that contravene international law. SANTIAGO DE CHILE.- Next September The wave of violence and inquiring 11 will mark the 45th anniversary of looks from abroad in particular, have the bloody coup d’état in Chile led forced certain central-rightwing figures by Augusto Pinochet, who overthrew to condemn the Supreme Court ruling. President Salvador Allende and left Meanwhile, the leftwing is planning to a trail of crimes, missing people and take the case to all instances possible. tortures. Although it may be hard to believe, CURRENT PARNORAMA the incident has not been condemned Victims of the Pinochet dictatorship in by the entire society. Politicians and Chile (1973-1990) asked that the Supreme parliamentarians from the Independent Court decision be annulled. Democratic Union (UDI) rightwing faction “The Group of Family Members of openly praised Pinochet. the Politically Executed (AFEP) feels it is Rightwing extremists are even happy our moral and historic duty to voice our

to have had a military junta in power for sense of indignation and condemn this Internet PHOTO: 17 years that left nearly 3,200 people new sign of impunity,” the institution said dead, 1,300 missing and 33,000 victims of in a release. “Both the past and present work The AFEP members will not be torture. They also ratified their willingness of the AFEP is closely linked to the mere spectators as “the assassins of our The panic then spread still has its to take part in all the causes for fight for truth and justice, and (the relatives are trying to enjoy the impunity consequences. The contrasting opinions the protection and support for the group) is currently involved in most of that began with the lack of justice during of the population about the topic become prisoners in Punta Peuco (prison with the juridical processes for executions the dictatorship and continued during accentuated every September 11. Some special privileges). They are 'murderers committed by the State agents,” the a significant part of the transition,” the victims of cruel tortures even prefer to and torturers who have provided no document reads. group stated. avoid talking about the issue and, faced backgrounds to the processes nor have The impunity enjoyed by many Upon knowing that one of the judges with pressures, they rather forgive and expressed their remorse.' torturers, murderers and all those that granted the parole to the criminals forget. In recent days, the Supreme Court was responsible for the repression lived is connected with a former police officer This is the only possible explanation forced to revoke one of its decisions over during the dictatorship will end with –lawyer of murderers and torturers to the controversial decision by the seven criminals after knowing that there the due enforcement of appropriate during the dictatorship- “we ask that the Supreme Court in grating parole to seven were other human rights charges against sentences, according to the crime sentences ruled by the Supreme Court be people who committed crimes against them. committed, it noted. annulled,” the group stressed. ECONOMY 13 Golf in Cuba: Cuba Simplifies Foreign A Near Future Project Investment Procedures

By Roberto F.CAMPOS An intensive calendar that will start this September with the creation of the HAVANA.- The development of tourism so-called Amigos de Punta Colorada Club in Cuba is focused on the expansion of was announced, as well as the launch of the offerings currently available and the other international campaigns. provision of a wide-ranging number of Among the companies interested in recreational activities, without giving up the project, Accor and Minor, international the sun and beach modality. hotel chains; Sener, Univergy International This is precisely the case of recent and Assyce, from the energy field, and announcements linked to golf, a kind of Vinci, world leader in the airport sector, active holiday that attracts several people were included. from all over the world and bets for the Other corporations include Progolf, expansion of multiple destinations. a golf course construction company; A golfer, be it a professional or an IPG, world leader in golf engineering; amateur, looks for multiple destinations Comsa and Lena, construction and golf courses when travelling abroad, companies; Porcelanosa, a company and until now, Cuba only has one top- that designs, manufactures and supplies quality golf course: the Varadero Golf building materials, and Vifesa, leader in Club, in the country’s most important construction machinery. beach resort, in western Cuba. Marina 92, one the world’s three most

For this reason, an ambitious plan important companies that manages PL PHOTO: that could include 19 golf courses is marinas and large-format facilities for currently in progress, according to official boats’ refitting, also expressed its interest By IvetteHERNANDEZ tools to better draw up the feasibility announcements. in the project. studies, the director said. A recent report on the topic stated Golf courses, marinas and real HAVANA.- Cuba’s strategy to open up to The new rule aims at attracting more that on May 2017, the joint venture Punta estate agencies will be included in the foreign investment is getting stronger foreign investment and successfully, Colorada S.A. was set up at the eastern development plan that will no doubt with the decision to streamline the above all in sectors that are top Guardalavaca beach. add a touch of distinction to the Cuban procedures prior to approving the priorities for the country’s economic In line with that, on July 18, the tourism sector. projects. and social development in the mid and executives of that group met at The changes to the complementary long terms, Rivas explained. the Havana’s 1830 Restaurant with regulations of Law No. 118 will speed “Speeding up the steps needed to businessmen, diplomats and Cuban up the paperwork needed to approve approve the associations does not mean authorities to support a new initiative: the businesses funded with foreign capital, that the parties involved will not abide Punta Colorada Golf and Marina project, the official of the Cuban Foreign Trade by all the directives in force in Law 118 which is getting underway. and Investment Ministry (MINCEX), or Foreign Investment Law,” she stressed. During the presentation of the Deborah Rivas, said in a press Referring to the changes made to project, entitled ‘Cuba y Punta Colorada, conference. the law, Rivas revealed that a resolution creciendo juntos’ (Cuba and Punta The former regulation requested a by the Ministry of Labor and Social Colorada, growing together), Cubagolf complete feasibility study with several Security that updates the directives on Executive and Deputy Chairman of analyses attached to the proposal, she the use of the workforce for that kind of the Punta Colorada S.A. Joint Venture, noted. economic association was included. Raudel García, referred to the beginning The decree now accepts a The approval of the norms is of the works related to different golf prefeasibility study with a lower in line with a decree issued by the resorts. level of analysis, thus simplifying the economic, juridical and constitutional The Cubagolf and associates portfolio assessment process and the reception commissions of the people’s Power includes 13 projects, of which Punta of the files by MINCEX. National Assembly (Parliament) to go Colorada is the biggest and the one in Therefore, all those entities that through and adjust the procedures which the most progress has been made. already have a prefeasibility study will established for the correct course of At the meeting, Alberto Domingo, be able to present their investment the investment processes, particularly Technical Director of GOREC Corp. – project beginning in September, when those for foreign investment. the project’s management company the regulation will take effect. According to statistics previously – launched an international campaign At the same time, the changes provided by the MINCEX sources, the aimed at carrying out the recreational made to this process enhance the estimated amount of the projects complex, located in Pinar del Río, Cuba’s methodological bases for the projects contained in the 2018 Cuban Investment

westernmost province. Internet PHOTO: and provide consulting agencies with Portfolio exceeds $10.7 billion. 14 ECONOMY

EU-LatAm Links Aim to Expand in the Future

energy strategies, which is beneficial in terms of environmental protection and the proposed goal of building a sustainable electricity network, the UN agency commented. The European experience is a reference for developing micro, small and medium enterprises and the institutions needed for their promotion. Similarly, commercial agreements have been signed between Latin American countries and the EU. This leads to a sensitive reduction of taxes, although a big disparity between industrial and agricultural products still exists. While industrial products are tax free on the community market, the agricultural products are taxed in average between four percent (in the case of Peru) and 8.9 percent (in the case of Chile). The only exception is the agricultural produce of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of By María JuliaMAYORAL States, which are practically tax free in the EU. HAVANA.- The European Union (EU) According to ECLAC, the EU maintains is the third largest trading partner of medium taxes especially high for dairy Latin America and the Caribbean, with products (36 percent), sugar (27) and bilateral links increasing in different meats (19). sectors. However, this cross-regional This situation prevents Latin American cooperation could be more dynamic and countries from fully using their strengths comprehensive based on multilateralism. in the agricultural and agro-industrial Foreign Affairs Ministers of the EU sectors, and limiting the EU exports and country members of the Community to only a few products, the UN entity of Latin American and Caribbean States explained. (CELAC) analyzed the topic during a The EU presently has commercial meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, in the agreements with 26 Latin American and middle of July. Caribbean countries, being the non- Amid current global tensions, the two regional partner with the biggest number blocs have the opportunity to renew their of these kinds of agreements. cooperation policy in order to advance If the negotiations between the “towards more modern, productive and Southern Common Market and the EU inclusive societies, in line with the 2030 are successful, the latter would have trade Sustainable Development Goals and the deals with 30 of the 33 CELAC member Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” The countries, ECLAC noted. Economic Commission for Latin American Nevertheless, the relations should go and the Caribbean (ECLAC) noted. far beyond the commercial sphere and In 2017, bilateral exchange registered foster the creation of a true productive 231 billion dollars, representing a nine integration that allows the transfer of percent increase over the previous year, technology and innovation and the according to ECLAC. inclusion of the micro, small and medium As for investment, the European bloc enterprises, ECLAC executive secretary occupies the top position: from 2010 to Alicia Bárcena said. 2017, 39 percent of the total value of the It would be useful if those bonds new projects in Latin America and the contributed to “achieving a progressive Caribbean belonged to EU companies. structural change with greater productive More than one fourth of those levels, better jobs and higher salaries,” she

initiatives were connected to renewable commented. Internet PHOTOS: SPORTS 15 Summer Baseball in Cuba: Playing through the Heat

Together with the new scoreboard, cut after the 45th game, with six teams By FranciscoNAVARRO the public welcomed the return of advancing to the next round, beginning HAVANA.- It is very difficult to play Rey Vicente Anglada, a star of Cuban in mid-October. baseball in the summer, at least in baseball, as manager of the Havana This time a new element is marking Cuba, where the temperature in August team: the Industriales. the transition from one phase to the makes it very difficult and challenging The 58th National Baseball Series other: for the first time those who make to play outdoor sports. However, the kicked off with the bitter taste left by the it to the six-team round will only add the international league calendar requires it, recent Central American and Caribbean wins they achieve against the other five and so they endure the heat for the love Games of Barranquilla 2018, where the teams. This new modification may lead of the game. Cuban lineup ranked second. to changes in the ranking once the last Therefore, for a third consecutive Except for the Havana-1982 edition, phase begins. year the baseball series was inaugurated Cuba had been the big winner of the It’s worth saying that the series will amidst the heat of the first days of games since 1966, when they were held be the acid test for 98 new players, while August. It is scheduled to close at the end in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The silver medal four managers will be coaching their of January, when the national champion won this time was finally well accepted teams for the first time: Eduardo Paret of the 58th edition will be decided. That because it means the ticket to the 2019 (Villa Clara), Heriberto Rosales (Santiago same team will represent Cuba during Pan-American Games in Lima. de Cuba), Alaín Álvarez (Cienfuegos) and the Caribbean Baseball Series at the But the Peruvian capital is far from Eduardo Pavo (Guantánamo). beginning of February. being the highest goal for the Cuban The eastern teams of Granma and Las Also competing in those games, baseball program in the coming months. Tunas, the champion and the runner-up known as Little World Baseball Series, Anyone who looks at the panorama of the previous series, respectively, are will be the teams that will have just won without going from one extreme to the the favorites to continue to the next the titles in Puerto Rico, The Dominican other may well agree to say that it will phase. Historically, the Industriales, Villa Republic, Venezuela and Mexico (The be very difficult for the Cuban baseball Clara, Pinar del Río and Santiago de Cuba Pacific League). to return to the Olympics for the Tokyo teams frequently survived after the 45th There is plenty that could be said 2020 Games. game. about what has been the number one In the meantime, the games are held The designation of the National sports attraction in Cuba. in the 15 provinces and the Special team´s manager is one of the topics In the meantime and like any electronic scoreboard donated by Municipality of the Isle of Youth with most debated by baseball fans in Cuba. cosmopolitan city, Havana needs some Samsung was inaugurated upon the the same format as in recent years: one Anglada, a gold medalist at Central new elements including the latest opening of the baseball league at the first round where all 16 teams will be American and Pan-American Games, is

innovations in technology. A modern Latin American Stadium of Havana. competing against each other and a already receiving votes for the position. González Panchito PHOTO: 16