THE © YEAR V Nº 18 OCT, 15 2015 , 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

Health & Science Progress in Sexual Rights Issue P. 5 Entertainment & Listings/P. 8-9 Culture

UN: Cuba at the Center of Attention P.4

70th Anniversary Celebrated Defending Cuba’s Patrimony P. 10 International Prelude to a Lengthy Struggle /P.12 Economy

Advance in Agricultural Cooperation with Argentina /P.13 Sports Divers Find Fierce Historic Agreement in Competition at Colombian Peace Process Pan American P.6 Championship/P.15

This newspaper is distributed on board Cubana de Aviacion´s flights 2 TOURISM Another Advance in the Flight of Cuban Tourism By Roberto F.CAMPOS

With the possibility of substantial growth in the Marino, highlighted that the new timetable supported number of North Americans visitors in the background, tourist exchanges between both countries and formed the Mexican airline Interjet, has increased its presence part of the economic program undertaken by the in Cuba in what is a vote of confidence in the prospects Pro-Mexican Commercial Council. for tourism on the island. Jimenez explained that the principal advantages In addition to announcing this development, that Interjet offered were; affordable direct travel and company directors referred to the potential of the more spacious seating. highly attractive links their airline has with U.S. cities. Interjet, a purely Mexican company belonging to This is consistent with the views of many analysts, the Alemán family, was founded 10 years ago, and flies based on a substantial flow of travelers from the to 47 destinations, 38 of which are in Mexico and 9 north, at least from the point of view of traveling by of which are international including Havana, Bogotá, plane, ferry or cruise ship. Costa Rica, Guatemala, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Interjet announced that it would commence New York and San Antonio. operations on two new routes between Mexico and The airline has 39 Airbus A320 and 16 Superjet 100 Cuba, which will stimulate tourism between both airplanes and is the only one that allows up to 50kg of nations and facilitate circuitous and multi-destination baggage without extra charge and offers women only travel in particular, from next October 15. bathroom facilities and discounts to travelers who are Flights connecting Varadero-Mexico and Havana- over 65 years of age.

Monterrey will be launched on that date. FotosPL PHOTO: Mexico currently ranks amongst the top 10 Interjet presently operates 24 flights per week between Havana and Cancun. countries from which tourists travel to Cuba, which between the Cuban and Mexican Capitals and 14 The Mexican Ambassador in Cuba, José Bremer de now welcomes in excess of 3 million visitors per year. New Cuban-U.S. Culinary Links Formed By Roberto F.CAMPOS

Eddy Fernandez, president of the Federation Republic of Germany, a team of Cuban of Culinary Associations of the Republic chefs represented Cuban cooking in the of Cuba (FACRC in Spanish) has said their Culinary Olympics. colleagues in the U.S. are very interested in This event brought the world’s best forming even closer ties with this country chefs together and was attended by, and soon hope to send a youth delegation to amongst others, the now deceased Gilberto Smith, who went on to become an honorary FACRC president. The success of the Cuban representatives is what led to the establishment of Cuban Cooking Day. For what remains of 2015, the

hold meetings with their Cuban counterparts. An example of this desire was told by

chef Odlavin Castelanos, who along with JOSE TITO MERINO PHOTOs: other Cuban culinary experts took part in the Orlando Cook Craft and Create event, held last August of a number of subjects, debates about the roles of Federation will be represented at the Meeting of at this U.S. city’s Marriot Center. technological applications in the form of state of the Presidents of the Association of American and Fernandez told The Havana Reporter that cooking equipment in culinary developments Caribbean Professionals Association, scheduled to run attendance had created a sensation, not simply prevailed among other debates. in Quito from October 23-25. because of current trends in Havana-Washington The FACRC president recalled that Food Day will be Delegations will also attend the Food and relations, but because of the professionalism of the celebrated on October 16, just two days after Cuban Technology Fair from October 27-30 in Fort Mayers, Cuban delegation. Cooking Day. Florida, U.S. and in Rutas, Panama from the November In addition to exchanges regarding the updating He said that on October 18, 1984, in the then Federal 6-15.

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] CUBA 3 World Recognition for Jimaguayú Constitution By MartaDENIS

The Constitution decision to divide civil of Jimaguayú, and military functions, born 120 years to be overseen ago in “Cuba separately by a Council Libre” (Free of Government Cuba), now with executive and has an even legislative powers greater historical and the nomination connotation of a General in Chief as the original and subordinate text has been Lieutenant General to included in substitute him in the the UNESCO case of absence. National Maximo Gomez, World Memory elected in 1892 by the Program. Cuban Revolutionary The important document, believed to have been a copy, Party who had has been in the Cuban National Archive since 1944. Experts organized the war, established its authenticity and fully restored it order for it was ratified as General to be conserved as a national documentary treasure. in Chief and Antonio Maceo his designated Lieutenant It was drafted and approved during the first General. Constituent Assembly of the 1895-1898 War of The Constitution, valid for two years until the 1897 Independence in order to establish the institutions and Yaya Constituent Assembly, represented a significant offices of the Republic of Cuba in Arms. measure to avoid problems that arose in the political- The 20 representatives of the five Liberation Army military leadership during the Ten Year War (1868-1878). corps met between September 13-18, 1895 in Jimaguayú, The Foundation Law of the Republic, with civil and in the Camagüey province; where Major General Ignacio political principles enshrined within the Constitution Agramonte (1894-1873)- one of the authors of the 1869 delegates, 13 were lawyers, doctors, journalists or other of 1940, granted legislative and constitutional power to Guaimaro Constitution – fell in combat. professionals. the Council of Ministers, in keeping with both previous Of the mostly younger generation revolutionary The text signed on September 16, contains the “Mambise” constitutions.

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UN: Cuba at the Center of Attention By Victor M.CARRIBA the Cuban sovereignty should order for full normalization be resolved too he said. of the relations between In the meeting, matters Cuba and the United States involving the cooperation in to take place it is necessary areas of mutual profit and for the embargo to be lifted. in third party countries such Not long beforehand, Obama as the case in Haiti were had expressed his trust in the discussed, as well as the Congress of his country “(which dialogue concerning bilateral will) inevitably lift an embargo and multilateral interest, that should not be in place.” and the solution to pending The activity of the Cuban problems between the two mandatory at the UN included nations. meetings and interviews Loey Felipe Loey PHOTO:

Amanda Voisard Amanda PHOTO: The issue of the US embargo with the president of Russia, UNITED NATIONS – The Cuban against Cuba was present Vladimir Putin; Venezuela, establishment of diplomatic president Raúl Castro’s first in Raúl Castro’s speeches Nicolás Maduro; France, relations with Palau and Islas participation in the United in the Summit regarding François Hollande; Belarús, Marshall. Moreover, he spoke Nations constituted the Sustainable Development, a Alexander Lukashenko; and with the New York governor, ratification of clear positions high level meeting about the Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, Andrew Cuomo, and other and arguments of his country empowerment of women and and finally with the first Prime North American personalities in matters of international the General debate of the Minister of Sweden, Stefan such as the expresident Bill development and politics, and highest authorities of the UN. Löfven. Clinton, the delegates Patrick the occasion for his second In the first meeting, he Furthermore, he was Leahy, Barbara Lee, James interview with the president of called for the adoption of received by the general McGovern, Charles Rangel and the United States, Barack Obama. tangible agreements that will secretary of the UN, Ban José Serrano, as well as a group The presence of the help development and find a Ki-moon, and he headed of business men and solidarity

Cuban governor, alongside solution to the problem of ‘the Pak Cia PHOTO: the ceremonies of the activists. the intervention of the Pope debt already paid multiple Francis before the plenary times’ and he assured that session of the Assembly, the instability in numerous became one of the main focal regions holds its roots in the points of attention in the World situation of sub development Headquarters, where during in which two thirds of the almost one week various world population live. meetings of the heads of state In similar terms it was said and of the government were in the meeting that in order held. to confirm putting an end to The main lights of all of the abuse against women, the the meetings were directed eradication of poverty and at the meeting held between hunger must be materialized Raúl Castro and the president as well as stopping conflicts, of the United States, Barack prioritizing human beings Obama, the second meeting above capital and preserving this year between the two the environment. of them and the first after The most all- the reestablishment of the encompassing speech that diplomatic relations between the Cuban president gave Havana and Washington last was presented in the General July 30. Debate of the General Some time before, the Assembly where he addressed Cuban dignitary attended a the main international reception offered by the White problems, and he ratified House in a hotel in New York, Cuba’s solid position in this his presence marked by one of aspect, urging to defend the his photographers and Obama UN from unilateralism and and his wife Michelle. forming a profound reform During the conversation to democratize it and bring it in the UN Headquartes, the closer to the people. Cuban head of state reiterated his will to work towards a new Raúl Castro gave his type of relations between opinion in front of the leaders the two countries but ratified of the 193 member states that in order for the links to of the UN: “It is in poverty be normalized, the embargo and inequality where the against Cuba imposed more causes of the conflicts than half a century ago must should be found, generated be lifted. firstly by colonialism and He recalled that this barrier the dispossession of the causes damage and hardship autonomous populations, and to the people of Cuba, as well then later by imperialism and as affecting the interests of the distribution of spheres of the North American citizens. influence”. Other detrimental issues for He also reiterated that in HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Progress in Sexual Rights Issue By YoeSUÁREZ

of the event’s organizers, has greatly advocated such topics as reproductive health, gender equality, and the fight against venereal diseases. “The creation of an institution like this one places the island ahead of other countries, many of which are developed. Germany, for example, does not have an institution of this type,” stressed Petzold. During the congress, several projects and organizations that denounce violence against women María Teresa Díaz, head of Cuba’s According to statistics, three in every such as the Oscar Arnulfo Romero No Violence against Women Campaign, four persons between 15 and 29 years Center and the Women’s Court spoke noted it is important to teach women old have denounced being victims of

PHOTOs: Emilio Herrera PHOTOs: of their achievements, with participants and provide them with local experiences homophobic practices at school. HAVANA.- Cuba’s achievements in sexual agreeing to say that the roles of the to help them avoid maltreatment. Experts from Cuba, Latin America rights issues were recognized during media and local organizations are vital In addressing the Congress, José and Europe attended the congress the seventh Cuban Congress on Sexual in the fight for ending violence against Ignacio Pichardo, doctor of social sponsored by the Cuban Public Health Education, Orientation and Therapy women. anthropology at the Autonomous Ministry’s National Office for Health recently held at Havana’s Convention “Aggressiveness (against women) University of Madrid, said that violence Promotion and Prevention of Diseases, Center, as highlighted in an interview calls for community governments to against non-heterosexual people have Cuba’s Multidisciplinary Society for between The Havana Reporter and the implement specialized policies for its major educative consequences, such Sexuality Studies and CENESEX. leftwing representative of the German prevention,” said Belkis Rojas, professor as school dropouts, low academic Supported by Cuba’s Public Bundestag, Harald Petzold, who is also at the University of Pinar del Río. The performance and a decrease in self- Health Ministry, the event’s program the speaker on sexuality issues. expert added that gender inequality esteem. included forums, courses, conferences, The German parliamentarian exists both in urban and rural areas, “Homophobia is the main cause symposiums, panels, roundtable talks highlighted that the National Center giving way to this type of (violent) for insults at teaching centers in and the presentation of digital and of Sexual Education (CENESEX), one scenario. Europe,” commented Pichardo. interactive posters. Cuba’s Aid in Fighting Ebola Praised By By AlfredoBOADA Jorge Pérez Jorge PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO: HAVANA._ British ambassador in Cuba, Tim Cole, of the Henry Reeve Contingent, which is made up countries in humanitarian crises such as Guatemala, praised the participation of the Cuban medical brigade of doctors specializing in the fight against disasters Pakistan, Indonesia, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, China, El in fighting the Ebola outbreak in Western Africa. and serious epidemics and who helped fight Ebola in Salvador, Chile and Haiti. In total they have aided 27 The diplomat told The Havana Reporter that „many Western Africa. countries with 44 brigades. countries in the world need the aid of countries like The medical contingent bears the name of a young Faced with the Ebola epidemic broke out, Cuba sent Cuba, which have good health services and specialists U.S. soldier who was brigadier general of the Cuban 256 health professionals to Guinea-Conakry, Liberia and willing to work in places under crisis situations such as Liberation Army by the time he was killed in combat Sierra Leone to help fight the deadly disease. Pakistan, Haiti, and now Dominica, after it was recently during the Cuban pro-independence wars against the All the doctors and nurses chosen to make up the hit by the tropical storm Erika.” Spanish colonialism. Cuban medical brigade had previous experience (up “It’s fascinating to know that –and there Except for people in the province of Camagüey where to 15 years) in solidarity missions but never in fighting were many Cubans there- were in Sierra Leone working he was known as ‘Henry the American’, he was nicknamed Ebola. Hence, they had intensive training courses at the together with British personnel at Ebola treatment ‘The Young Brit’ both by Cubans and Spaniards across Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute in Havana before health centers”, commented Cole. the rest of the island. leaving for Western Africa. He added: “They show a very good example and my The medical contingent was created in September Since Cuba first offered its medical cooperation government has learned a lot about what we can do 2005 after Hurricane Katrina pounded the U.S. City of in 1963 by sending a contingent to Algeria, millions together with the Cuban government, it is something to New Orleans, when 10,000 Cuban doctors offered to of people from 158 countries have been benefitted be taken into consideration in the future”. help the U.S. people. from the solidarity work of some 325,710 Cuban The British Embassy organized a talk with members Teams of that contingent have ever since helped health workers. 6 SOCIETY Historic Agreement in Colombian Peace Process By MaylínVIDAL

Though it does not entail a final settlement “We will do anything that is in our hands. of differences, the agreement reached We are ready, but if the entire society joins by the Colombian government and the forces on this goal, I think we could give the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia- country that good news sooner.” People’s Army (FARC-EP) on the creation of Cuban President Raúl Castro a Special Jurisdiction for Peace consolidates congratulated the two sides and stressed the road toward ending the armed conflict the importance of the agreement. “We are in the country. moving ever closer to attaining the peace After more than one year debating the that the Colombian people want and point on victims of the armed conflict, which deserve so badly,” he noted. is for many people the most complex in A total of 41 working sessions have been the agenda for the talks, the signing of the held, featuring both advances and tense agreement was made in front of President moments; but the main goal has prevailed: Juan Manuel Santos (for the first time ever to be able to put an end to an armed conflict during the peace talks) and the leader of the that has been bleeding the country for more FARC-EP Timoleón Jiménez. than 50 years, mainly in the countryside, The new round of Colombian Peace Talks where social inequalities are easily perceived. PHOTO: Miguel Guzman Ruiz PHOTO: was also attended by Cuban President Raúl Since the peace talks began, the victims Castro, with the parties announcing in a joint procedures: one for those who admit the who recognize having committed very of the armed conflict have been the center communiqué that the initiative is fruitful and truth and their responsibility; and the other serious crimes. of attention in different social forums where entails a point of no return toward putting for those who failed to do so or are very late in Those people who do so late will be many of them, mostly women, have called an end to the Colombian war, the oldest in doing it. The first would be given a sentence; sentenced to between five and eight years for justice, truth, and psycho-social programs Latin America. the second would face a contradictory trial under ordinary conditions. for minors affected by violence. The agreement establishes the in court. During his address at the Cubanacán During the forum held last year in the mechanisms for accomplishing justice Among the most important aspects, the Protocol Room west of Havana, the Colombian cities of Cali, Villavicencio and after the peace agreement is signed. These two parties have mentioned a commitment Colombian president also made another Barrancabermeja –whose proposals were mechanisms include the creation of a special with a justice formula that meets the rights of important announcement: March 23, 2016 sent to the negotiation table- the people peace court and a truth commission. the victims of the armed conflict: more than will be the deadline for signing the peace most affected by the conflict repeatedly According to the agreement, the court will four million displaced people, 220,000 dead agreement, “which is possible and closer advocated reconciliation, a dream that they have justice courtrooms and a peace court. The people and over 25,000 missing people. than ever before,” he added. now see as being closer than ever. courtrooms will largely consist of Colombian According to the communiqué, the Meanwhile, Timoleón Jiménez urged The historical photo in which Santos lawmakers and a small number of foreigners government and the rebels agreed to give Colombians to remain united to attain and Timoleón Jiménez are shaking hands who fulfill the most important requirements. sentences between five and eight years in lasting peace and to join efforts to neutralize in Havana gives them the hope that a new The Jurisdiction follows two types of prison under special conditions to those hatred. Colombia is being born. HEALTH & SCIENCE 7 SPOTLIGHT ON International Criminology Symposium in Havana By Nicholas Valdes

closely related to the activities of drug cartels in the region, because 65 percent of the opium grown there is cultivated in areas near the place where the massacre was reported. Meanwhile, Maria Alvarado reminded all of the interests behind the event, because Iguala City –which is near the Ayotzinapa estate- is one of the main routes through which white heroin is smuggled into the United States. Almost one year after the incident, Alvarado noted, the people involved in the case are still regarded as ¨allegedly¨ responsible, the 43 victims continue to be referred to as ¨missing¨ and the case remains open. Cuba is internationally renowned for its significant contribution to the implementation of forensic techniques and investigation procedures. The country upholds relations of mutual cooperation with different institutes of criminology such as those of Nicaragua, Angola and Mozambique. PHOTOs: FERVAL PHOTOs: HAVANA._ With the objective of techniques make viewers believe exchanging information from a that those methods are easy. professional point of view and bringing Transnational organized scientific results up to date, the Cuban crime steps up dramatically, and capital hosted the 9th International criminology must evolve equally fast, Symposium on Criminology Technique, said Bagdanov. Tecnicrim 2015, from September 23 to 25. Extremism, terrorism, and The President of Havana´s trafficking in human beings, arms and University of Medical Sciences, Jorge illegal drugs are some of the realities González, underlined Cuba´s high- that forensic experts have to deal level achievements in this specialty with, the Russian expert commented. and sustained that the country is on Attended by 200 delegates par with developed nations in terms of from 18 countries, Tecnicrim 2015 forensic techniques. provided room for discussing the However, the U.S. economic and case of the 43 Normalista members financial blockade imposed on the who went missing in Ayotzinapa. The island directly affects the development case was introduced by Lieutenant of the sector because the regulations Edgar Eliazar and criminologist Maria prevent Cuba from getting the Alvarado, who are members of an necessary equipment and related independent investigation team supplies, he recalled. from Mexico. In comments to The Havana Reporter It is known that the Normalistas the specialist referred to the importance had been monitored four hours of conducting a detailed analysis when before the events occurred. These working on a crime scene, and criticized the types of acts are rated as ¨terror easiness with which cases are solved in TV attacks¨ which ensure the operating series broadcast all over the world, which capacity of criminal organizations. distort viewers´ perception of the reality. However, it is not yet known why A similar warning was made by those 43 students were chosen, said Vladimir Bagdanov, head of Russia´s Eliazar. Institute of Criminology, who noted The lieutenant explained that the that the television series on forensic events on September 26, 2014 are 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

THEATER MUSIC *Note: theater companies are in parentheses

Teatro Trianón

(THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations) GETTINGCentro Cultura Fresa y Oratorio San Felipe Neri AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] Chocolate. RECOMMENDS • Concert by the Uruguayan Singer Jorge Drexler. IV Edition of The Popular Voices Encounter at Casa de las Americas. Línea e/ Paseo y A. Vedado. Tel: 7 831-9304. Fri.Oct. 2, 9, 16 Sat. Casa de las Américas Museo Nacional de Bellas 3, 10, 17 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 4, Artes 11, 18 (5 pm): Decamerón by (Teatro El Público).

Bertol Brecht Calle Aguiar esq. Obrapía. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-3243. Sat. Oct. 17 (4 pm): Performance by the Exaudi choir with the Calle 23 e/ 10 y 12. Vedado. Tel: Mozarteum Orchestra by Maria 7 836 2096. Sun. Oct. 4, 11, 18, Felicia. 25 (6 pm): Performance by the soloist Yenisey del Castillo. Casa de Africa

Basílica Menor San Calle Trocadero e/ y Francisco de Asís Calle 3era. e/ G y F, el Vedado, Monserrate. Habana Vieja. Tel: Plaza de la Revolución, Ciudad 7 864-1577. Tue. Oct. 6 (7 pm): de La Habana. Sat. Oct. 3: The Human Voices Festival. Concert by the Uruguayan The Gritos Voices Concert. Singer Jorge Drexler. IV Edition Concert performed by the of The Popular Voices Encounter Kayra ensemble (Mali, Mexico, at Casa de las Americas. Senegal). Wed. 7 (9 pm): Laura Mollica Concert. La vuci mia Teatro Martí (My Voice). The Human Voices Obra Pía e/ San Ignacio y Festival. Thu. 8 (7 pm): Voices in Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Tel: Calle 13 esquina a I. Vedado. Tel: Electroacoustics. The Human 7 861-5798. Sat. Oct. 4 (5 pm): 7 832-9359. Café Teatro. Fri. 2, Voices Festival by the Nacional Synthesis Group. Sat. 11 (3 pm): Sat. 3 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 4 (5 Laboratory of Electroacoustic Obbiní Batá Group. Thu. 23 (10 pm): 4th Week of Polish Theater. music. Semicircle of Universal am): Group with love from the Art. Sat. 3 (3 pm): Performance solist Raúl Iglesias. MUSIC by the Luna Vocal Choir. Sat. 17 (3 pm): Performance by the Museo de la Música Teatro Karl Marx Instrumental Ensemble Our Calle Obrapía e/ Bernaza y Time by Enrique Perez Mesa. Sat. Villegas. Tel: 7 863-00-52. Wed. 17 (3 pm): Performance by the Oct. 22 (5 pm): Performance by soprano Ivette Betancourt. the Entrevoces Choir, directed by Digna Guerra. Thu. 30 (5 pm):. Casa del Centro Cultural Efraín Amador, Doris Oropesa Alba y Ariadna Amador (three lute Calle Línea e/ C y D. Vedado. pianos). Calle Dragones y Zulueta. Tel: 7 833-21-51. Sun. Oct. 4 (5 Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866- pm): Nueva Camerata Wind Antiguo Casino Español 7153. Sat. Sep. 26– Oct. 10: The Ensemble Concert. Director (Former Spanish Casino) Martí Theater will stage eight Haskell Armenteros. Sun. 11 Paseo del Prado esq. Ánimas. concerts from The Human (5 pm): Space in Meeting with Centro Habana .Sala Ignacio Voices Festival organized by the Eduardo Martin. Sat. 17 (11 Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, Cervantes.Fri. Oct. 2 (6 pm): Office. Fri. 9 (8:30 am): Nacional Children’s Choir Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Performance by the Dawn Trio. pm): Edin Karamazov Concert directed by Ladys Sotomayor. Sat. Oct. 11 (6 pm): Closing Directed by Efraín Amador, Calle 1era y 10. Miramar. Playa. at the Human Voices Festival. Sun. 18 (5 pm): Lyrical of the Leo Brouwer Festival. guest- Orchestra Solist Tel: 7 209-1991. Sun. Oct. 4 (9 Sat. 10 (8:30 pm): Performance Afternoon Meeting, guest Ivette Sat. 17 (6 pm): Performance from Havana. Su. 25 (6 pm): pm): Sinatra Concert meets by the Camerata Vocale Sine Betancourt. Sun. 25 (5 pm): Our of la Camerata Romeu by Performance of the Camerarpa Benny Moré. The Human Voices Nomine directed by Leonor America Meeting, guests Schola Zenaida Romeu. Sat. 25 (6 Project by Mirtha Ruth. Fri. 30 (6 Festival, Augusto Enríquez & The Suárez, guests Yasek Manzano Cantorum Coralina and Alina pm): Performance by the duo pm): Performance by the French Back Alley Big Band (Canadá) (trumpeter) Orraca. Promúsica. clarinetist Florent Hian. ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING PatioAROUND Bar-Egrem Museo Numismático Centro Habaneciendo Teatro Nacional de Cuba San Miguel e/ Campanario y NIGHTCLUBS & Lealtad. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 NIGHTCLUBSCABARETS & CABARETS 864-2006.Tue. Oct. 6, 13, 20, 26 (5 pm): Ensemble Group Chapotín. Submarino Amarillo. Wed. 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 pm): Performance by the folk singers Silvio Alejandro y Ihosvany Bernal. Thu. 8, 15, 22, 29 (4 pm): The Septet Round of Folk Singers. Fri. 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 pm): Weekly Meet of the Folkloric Group Party Lovers of Cuba. Sun. 4, 11, 18, 25 (4 pm): Timbalaye Galiano e/ Neptuno y Concordia, Group. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 862-4165. Mon. Oct. 5, 19, 26,(1 pm): Soloist Palacio de la Rumba Grisel-Grisel hosts jam session. Tue. 6, 13, 20, 27 (10 pm): Soloist Aurora Delgado. Fri. 9, 16, 23, Loma y 39. Plaza de la Calle Obispo e/ Aguiar y 30 (4 pm): Club “A Coffee with Revolución. Tel: 7 878-5590.Sala Habana. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Calle 17 esq. 12, Vedado, Habana. Rosalía”. Sat. 10, 17, 24, 31 (5 pm): Avellaneda.Sat. Oct. 24 (8:30 861- 5811. Fri. Oct. 23 (10 am): Tel: 7 830-6808.Sat. Oct. 3 (9 pm): Club “A Havana afternoon with pm) and Sun. 25 (5 pm): The Era Will welcome the Marine World Sweet Lizzy Project. Cary Bridón and guests.” of Danzón- tradicional Cuban Exhibition which will introduce dance- (Choreography: Eduardo the collector Ramón Rodríguez Fábrica de Arte. Diablo Tun-Tun Blanco. Music: Arturo Márquez Escandell, president of the [Danzón Nº2]. Design: Ricardo Association of Numismatics of Reymena) Cuba. Dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the magazine Sea and Fishing. Calle San Miguel e/ Hospital y Aramburu. Centro Habana. Tel: Casa Asia 7 873-0990. Tue. Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 (4 pm): Performance by the Havana Septet. Sat. 3, 10, 17 (4 pm): Apiñes Performance and its guests.

MUMUSEUMSSEUMS AND GALLERIESAND GALLERIES Casa Africa Calle 5ta y 94. Miramar. Tel: Obra Pía e/ San Ignacio y 7 203-7676. Tue. Oct. 6, 13, Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. 20, 27 (5 pm): Performance Tel: 7 861-5798. Tue. Oct. 6 by the Habana D’Primera (10 am): Inauguration of the Orchestra. Thu. 6, 13, 20, 27 museological and transitory (11 pm): Performance by the –Didenoi (Choreography by: exposition: The Yoruba presence Orchestra. Fri. 9, 16, 23, 30 (11 Maruxa Salas. Music: Dulce in the Cuban culture. pm): Performance by The Boy Pontes. Lights: Pedro Benítez) and The Truth Orchestra. Sat. Factoría Habana 31 (11 pm): Performance by the –Triad (Choreography by: Calle O´ Reilly e/ Habana y fokloric group Osain del Monte. Eduardo Blanco. Music by: Aguiar. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 864- Gioachino Rossini. Costume 9518. Inauguration of the Signs DANCEDANCE design by: Salvador Fernández) exposition. Art and industry Mercaderes e/ Obrapía y and viceversa, reunites objects, Obispo. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 863- Las Carolinas –In the Light of Your Songs texts, artefacts, photographs, 9740.Mon. Oct. 26 (4 :30 pm): Amargura e/ Mercaderes y San (Choreography: Alicia Alonso. ceramics, graphic work, videos Photographic Wushu Exhibition: Ignacio. La Habana Vieja. Tel: Music: Ernesto Lecuona [1895- and printed materials, with 20th anniversary of the Cuban 78604341.Fri. Oct. 23, Sat. 24 1963], Orlando de la Rosa [1919- the aim to make the creative Wushu School. For two decades, and Sun. 25 (7 pm): The Dance 1957] y Adolfo Guzmán [1920- experiences stand out in the Cuban Wushu School has Company Snippets invites 1976]. Design: Ricardo Reymena. which a balanced fusion of promoted a wide line of work you to the performances of Lights: Pedro Benítez) art, design and industry is set to increase levels of health, the company of The Leigh created alongside the particular well-being and ethical integrity Gerdine College of Fine Arts –Rare Bird (Choreography: elements of the arquitectural in the community, through Calle 26 entre 11 y 13, Vedado. Conservatory/USA with the Alberto Méndez. Music: George and urbanistic scene where the practice of martial arts, Tel: 7 838- 2260. Fri. Oct. 2 (6 show “Big love” from Charles Frideric Haendel y Alessandro such experiences by COLECTIVO traditional exercises and other pm): The Queen and The Royal Mee, as part of the XVI Havana Marcello. Costumes: Salvador DE AUTOR have been made. elements of the Chinese culture. (Hip Hop). Theatre Festival. Fernández) 10 CULTURE

70th Anniversary Celebrated Defending Cuba’s Patrimony By IbisFRADE

HAVANA.- Irina Bokova, Director General the battle for respecting diversity. incorporating diverse understandings of UNESCO, recently undertook a second Bokova said that this was a most of production models, there was the official visit to Cuba which included a timely UNESCO meeting in Havana shared objective that together they busy schedule of commitments with the because at the end of September the would constitute a peace zone. single purpose of creating a vision of United Nations Organization will discuss Bokova also referred to the culture as a driving life and sustainable post 2015 Sustainable Development meeting of Cultural Cela Ministers as development force. Objectives. being a big opportunity to be able to In a world ravaged by war, cultural The UNESCO Director General added elaborate strategies that watch over the destruction and looting, heritage that one of her organizations’ primary preservation of patrimony and diversity. preservation has become an absolute objectives is the inclusion of culture as During her visit, Bokova celebrated Emilio Herrera PHOTO: necessity, and as such permeated a fundamental factor in this program, 70 years of UNESCO at the Regional The Historical Center of Havana every event in which the diplomat in recognition of its role as a motor for Office for Culture in Latin America and has been a designated World Heritage participated in Havana. sustainable development. the Caribbean on the island: the first Site since 1982 and according to the Indeed, this was the central topic She shared that we have worked to be established outside the Paris Director General, the city is in essence of the UNESCO workshop held on over a number of years to validate this headquarters. a mixed “nucleus of the union between September 18 to approve a work plan and area as a force for inclusion and social In a ceremony held at the Palacio the American and the other continents”. on day two, a third meeting of Ministers justice and considered that we have de Segundo Cabo, in the heart of This year marks the 10th anniversary of Culture from the Community of Latin great future potential. Old Havana, Bokova presented the of the Convention on Cultural Diversity American and Caribbean States (CELAC We now face a major challenge, she official Historian of Havana, Eusebio and Bokova acknowledged Cuba‘s in Spanish) took place on September 18 added: the facilitation of sustainable Leal, with a 70 year commemorative efforts in this regard. and 19. models of social and economic medal, a recognition that she explained Irina Bokova has been Director The document approved at the development within which culture is an symbolized peace. General of the United Nations Education, workshop included themes relating essential element of the endeavors to The diplomat thanked the loyal Science and Culture Organization since to the defense, safekeeping and eradicate hunger and poverty. defender of the Cuban capitals heritage the November 15, 2009, having been conservation of heritage material, the She emphasized that although for his tireless work, describing his reelected to the post for a second term prevention of and the fight against the Latin America and the Caribbean were “symbol for UNESCO, as an illustrious in 2013. She is the first woman and the illicit trafficking of heritage items and very much heterogeneous regions humanist and a man of his time”. first Eastern European Director to date. The Cuban Contemporary Dance Company: 57 Years Young... By MarthaSÁNCHEZ

based more on diversity than equality”. She praised the natural talent and love of dance that is predominant in the DCC, a company she described as being fantastic. In addition to the world premiere of “Otros Caprichos”, the Miguel Iglesias directed group performed works such as “ El Cristal”, an ironic deconstruction of a cynical, aggressive, highly manipulative late 20th century society with enmeshed gender boundaries that eliminates the individual in favor of the many, by the Cuban, Julio César Iglesias.

The dancers assimilated the concepts of the Alfaro Yailin PHOTO: choreography into stellar histrionics, participants and and the Harlem Dance Theater and Bad Boys of Dance accomplices with a cultural industry of stereotypical choreographer, Brandon Russel. tendencies, in order to be seen and accepted in Rasta’s stylistic dancing to the sound of pop was keeping with the norm. a marked contrast. By the time he left the stage after PHOTO: Ismario Rodríguez Pérez PHOTO: “Reversible”, By Belgian-Colombian Annabelle his “El Crystal” performance, the audience had been The Cuban Contemporary Dance Company (DCC Lopez-Ochoa, lent a note of lyricism to the program. impressed by more than just his technical abilities. in Spanish) recently shared the 57th anniversary of This work touches on sensuality and explores and One might say he had set the stage alight. The its foundation with special guest, the North American debates femininity and masculinity on the basis of the grace of this experienced dancer complimented a dancer Rasta Thomas and the company‘s own choreographer´s belief that the soul is not gender solid classical base, flawless delivery and a dance characteristic energy and versatility. specific. virtuosity that encompassed more than a hint of the Their recent shows from the September 24-27 at The ebullient and stylistically tribal opening and martial arts and urban break-dance like movements Havana’s Mella Theater started with a premiere of finale are an invitation to celebrate – rather than deny from his homeland. “Otros Caprichos”, choreographed by Angels Margarit – the primitive instinct. Thomas also performed an interpretation of Viñals from Catalonia and based on works by Italian The audience is left breathless by a closing focused “Bumble Bee”; a Milton Myres choreographed work virtuoso violinist, Niccolo Paganini. on the sun set surrounded by the poetry of stage. about renowned Russian composer, Nikolai Rimsky- The creator explained that she “aimed to This year “Matria Etnocentra” by another Cuban Korsakov. reinterpret every musical caprice with corresponding choreographer, Georges Céspedes, completed a This work confirmed the dancer´s maturity and choreography in order to visualize music in space trilogy inspired by Cuban music. This birth was potent physical presence. Both works might have through movement”. “Otros Caprichos” invited the defined by what had gone before; “Mambo 3XXI” and been somewhat short therefore many in the audience audience into a type of game in which the dancers “Identidad a la Menos Uno”, three intense pieces that were left longing for more from the celebrated dancer. made difficult seem easy. demand a great degree of coordination. Mexican audiences will have that wish fulfilled, Angels, winner of Spain‘s National Dance Prize and On September 26 and 26, U.S. dancer, Rasta because Rasta traveled to Cuba, attracted by the other awards in France and Switzerland, added that Thomas participated in the premiere of “Gimme All version of “Carmina Burana” created by Georges “the work contains very little unison, I was interested Your Love”, a work based on a recent North American Cespedes for the DCC and he plans to dance on in free-form and encountering a degree of chorality band, Alabama Shakes, and created by dancer, master, October 7 and 8 at the Mexican National Auditorium. PHOTO FEATURE 11 Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve Photos by ManuelMUÑOA

Topes de Collantes is a nature reserve park rehabilitation services and therapies: The Kurhotel. The Tope de Collantes park is also home to a almost 800 meters above sea level, featuring This Cuban tourist resort, initially built in large variety of flowers including Cuba’s national rich flora and fauna privileged by the peculiar the 1930s as a spa near the former tuberculosis flower the mariposa (butterfly), some 15 pine climatological conditions of that magical place hospital, attracts national and foreign nature lovers tree species, 12 species of eucalyptus and nearly in the central Cuban province of Sancti Spíritus, who enjoy bird watching, as the place is home to one hundred types of ornamental plants such as most specifically near the former Villa de la more than one hundred bird species, 45 percent of orchids and tree ferns. Santísima Trinidad. which are endemic to Cuba. Some 20 kilometers from Trinidad –the city Topes de Collantes is one of Cuba’s most Visitors may also be delighted by the nearly founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514- and 350 beautiful natural settings, where patients from all 800 pieces made by famous Cuban painters that kilometers from Havana, Topes de Collantes over the country and different parts of the world are on display in the rooms and other different comprises an area of 110 square kilometers can receive treatment at a hotel specializing in areas of the hotel. featuring famous paths, caves, rivers and waterfalls. Manuel Muñoa PHOTOs: 12 INTERNATIONAL BRICS: A Better World Order in the Making By ElsyFORS

Acronyms can change the world as you see it today. Following its own path Not only has BRICS gone Not because of the letters, but the countries that form forward on a divergent path from the G-7, but it is them and their increasing impact on world economy also associated to other groups like the Shanghai and politics. Cooperation Organization (SCO) comprising For example, the BRICS group which is made up Russia, China, Kazajstan, Kirguistan, Tadjikistan and of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China which Uzbekistan, which has as observers Iran, India, Pakistan, came together in 2009, and one year later added South Mongolia, Afghanistan and as invited members Africa- put together half of the world’s population, Belarus, Sri Lanka, Azerbaidzhan, Syria, Maldive Islands geographic extension and Gross Domestic Product and Egypt. (GDP). They decided to come together in an attempt During the summit held in March, 2013 in Durban, to change the rules imposed at the end of the Second the leaders of BRICS announced their intention World War through the Bretton Woods twins: the World of creating a new Development Bank aimed at Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “mobilizing resources for infrastructure projects and The neoliberal recipes of the latter institutions for the sustainable development of BRICS, other rising were imposed on developing countries, putting these economies and developing countries” in the way of an on the brink of default several times over the past investment fund. decades. This decision cannot be overrated. For starters, The background of how BRICS came to be is it reflects the enormous success in sustainable interesting; eight years earlier before they came development over the last four decades of the BRICS together, on October 30, 2001, the director of Global and the rebalancing of the world economy it entails. Economy of the firm Goldman Sachs, Jim O’Neill In December 2011, Goldman Sachs indicated in a published a work titled “Building Better Global study that ‘after 10 years, BRICS were already half way Economic Brics (as construction bricks), offering a new to making a big transformation’. arrangement for a more efficient world order. Xueren/Xinhua FotosPL/Li PHOTO: As for resources, the New Development Bank was O’Neill, however, was mistaken because he in world dynamics, boosted by the new powers of approved last July 22 with an initial capital of 50 billion analyzed the possible (and desirable according to him) accelerated growth in the developing world. dollars, expandable to 100 billion and a capacity to inclusion of the four strongest emergent countries in Policies in favor of the poor and significant reach 400 billion dollars in the short term. the G-7, group of the most developed countries. investments in the capacities of persons (through The first investments are scheduled to take off next The UN Development Program predicted in its education, nutrition, health and work abilities) can January, 2016. The first mega- project will be a railroad Report on Human Development in 2013 that there expand access to a dignified job and sustained that will cross through Brazil from East to West, linking would be over the next decades a deep change progress for the group, said the UNDP report. the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Prelude to a Lengthy Struggle By Héctor MIRANDA

Most are of the view that this Rodríguez Velzé highlighted that the have not won anything yet”. fight has barely started and there is judges ratified the spirit of the treaties As Morales expressed gratitude ample time to regain any lost ground and accords of both countries to seek for international support, including or an outright triumph, which could resolution, which is really important as from Pope Francis and Chilean social ultimately involve a refusal to recognize today the world still bears witness to movements, Bachelet insisted that the the decision of the judges. wars and he recalled that “both nations only matter decided to date was the What is certain is that, 14 of the 16 had resorted to this peaceful resource Court’s competence to acknowledge the ICJ magistrates dismissed the Chilean to resolve long-standing and complex Bolivian claim and that no evaluation of objection and La Paz responded with differences, and that they would its validity had been undertaken. resounding cheers as if, rather than continue to resolve this difference in a As if to settle the matter once and representing the slightest of steps on peaceful manner”. for all she stated, “be assured that the long road to resolution, a direct route Whilst accepting that he would my government will adopt every to the coast requiring no migration have liked the ICJ to have upheld their corresponding measure to safeguard control or customs declarations, had objection, his Chilean counterpart the integrity of our national territory in been opened. Felipe Bulnes nonetheless thought such a way that it will never be affected The Bolivian enthusiasm not only that Santiago did not come off badly under any circumstances whatsoever”.

Courtesy of telesurtv PHOTO: came from the masses who congregated and as a result of the position taken by Whatever the final decision might Bolivia won the first round at the in the streets and squares many hours the Court, the Bolivian claim had been be, and however it is made, just like International Court of Justice (ICJ) in before finding out the verdict, but it reduced. other residents of La Moneda, neither The Hague, but this is just the start of a also came from many authorities that He insisted that “any eventual right Bachelet nor the Chilean Government battle with neither a victory nor an end dream of one day arriving at the coast, of Bolivia to a sovereign ocean exit seem at all inclined to enter into talks in sight, partly because there are many although it may only be across a small was not at issue, rather that the Court with Bolivia. with robust opinions on which side is strip of land, open to a few kilometers could rule on a possible obligation or When the Republic of Bolivia was right. of the sea. otherwise negotiate with them”. established in 1825 it had a Pacific The court, which sits in the Dutch Former president Eduardo Rodríguez From his point of view, Evo Morales coast, but a Chilean invasion in February city of the same name, has just issued Velzé, appointed by president Evo considered the ruling from The Hague of 1879 snatched more than 400km of a response, denying a Chilean objection Morales to address the issues before the a victory and he congratulated those shoreline and 120,000 km squared of to its competence to adjudicate on a ICJ and also the Bolivian Ambassador responsible for the Bolivian claim, mineral rich lands. dispute regarding Boliva’s claim to a sea in Holland, considers the tribunal’s whilst inviting Chile to negotiate and Twenty five years later both sides exit, establishing that it has jurisdiction decisions to be of great importance not resolve the dispute. However, by then signed the Peace and Friendship Treaty, to deal with the case presented by La only for Bolivia but for Chile itself and the Chilean president Michelle Bachelet to which Chile always resorts when the Paz in 2013. the whole of Latin America. had already publicly stated that “Bolivia La Paz claim to a sea exit is raised. ECONOMY 13 Advance in Agricultural Cooperation with Argentina By CiraRODRÍGUEZ

Cuba and Argentina have begun materialized through different commercial, business and a new phase of cooperation production systems both for technical cooperation reached with the signing of various livestock and products of animal by Cuba and Argentina were agreements in the fields of origin and for agriculture and signed during the recent visit agriculture, livestock and rural products of plant origin. made to Havana by Argentinean development, with trade, In relation to livestock, President Cristina Fernández. business and technical contracts what has been predicted is; a During the visit, Minister also contributing to further precise agriculture and of fruit of Rural Development Carla expand bilateral collaboration. development in relation with Campos Bilbao underlined the According to Argentinean the management of mixed importance of contributing to Agriculture Minister Carlos agriculture in the tropical fruit food safety and self-sufficiency Casamiquela, the agreements culture. in Cuba. involve a commitment for Similarly, the two parties She put emphasis on strategic union on the part of the agreed to exchange the results topics related to animal Argentinean government. Such of research, innovations and protein production and supply, actions will be complemented biotechnological achievements particularly poultry and milk

with the visit to Cuba in Manuel Muñooa PHOTO: in agriculture, as well as their products, also reinforcing actions November of a technical mission, signed by the Cuban and job undertaken together with experiences in the creation and for raising pigs. representing the first steps in Argentinean agricultural nutritional, reproductive and implementation of public policies Campos Bilbao noted that beginning to comply with the ministries on January 19, 2009, sanitary management of milk- for local rural development with the chances are being studied for agreements. and involve bilateral actions for producing cattle, and technology an inclusive nature. combining a productive sector The first session to be held the period of 2015-2020. for milking and processing. To make this possible, it is of small producers –like the one in Cuba is intended to define The agreements signed by Furthermore technology for necessary to take socio-regional already in place in Cuba- with the a program of specific actions Casamiquela and his Cuban production as well as the adding peculiarities into consideration, development of strategic food for each sector, and will be peer, Gustavo Rodríguez, give of value to bovine, porcine and with a gender and agro ecology- producing companies largely run complemented by a visit to priority to food safety, sanity and avian meat, are foreseen among based approach. Providing an by State. Argentina by a Cuban delegation. innocuousness, while proposing others. exchange for the development Regarding that, the idea is The date of the other visit is still to develop projects under the What is proposed for attained in technology and to reproduce the successful to be agreed upon. modalities of joint business, agriculture is the employment agricultural machines must be experiences recorded by These agreements are technical cooperation and trade of technology in the taken into consideration as well, Argentina in the provinces the continuation of the agreements. mechanization of farming as the agreement reads. of La Rioja and Catamarca, Memorandum of Understanding Those modalities are well as the introduction of The agreements on among others. 14 ECONOMY Discover the thrill of unspoiled nature in Cuba By ElsyFORS

Nature tourism is going strong among their recreational activities and culture, those who visit Cuba, where one can their music and their unique ‘repentism’- find exceptional sea bottoms, mountains (improvised verses)- which characterizes with a large variety of endemic flora and these rural dwellers. fauna, cave systems with underground rivers, and landscapes that go from ADVENTURE valleys to semi desert lands and Is the idea of feeding sharks adventurous rainforests. enough for you? Experienced divers Coral reefs, very well conserved in the can take you safely to and from the Cuban archipelago, extend 45 thousand sharks’ feeding ground. This is one of the square kilometers while unspoiled keys adventure excursions being offered by and beaches attract more and more CorporaciónTuristica del Caribe.S.A. www. nature lovers each year to the Largest of cubanparadises.com the Antilles. FERVAL PHOTO: Adventure tourism offers diving lessons From 2008 to date, travelers looking Caribbean named Cienaga de Zapata, TOBACCO in Maria la Gorda, Pinar del Río, diving in the to spend their vacation within this area with crocodile breeding farms, an Indian Visitors can follow the process undertaken coral reefs and at the Marina Hemingway of tourism have surpassed 1,100,000, village with cabins to accommodate at tobacco farms where harvesters remove and sports fishing. It also offers trekking in according to official statistics. tourists, and flocks of birds that migrate the leaves of the plant from top to bottom, the historic in the east of the Nature and adventure tourism in in winter from North America. take the leaves to be dried in barns, and country as well as in the Sierra Escambray Cuba include trails, mountain climbing, subsequently take these leaves to the in the center of Cuba and in Sierra del camping, adventures, observing the THE ROUTES cigar factory where expert hands of men Rosario in Pinar del Río. Moreover there is flora and fauna and enjoy breathtaking SLAVE and women roll them in order to make the hiking, following trails in protected areas landscapes, some of which like the The routes of the Slave, reminiscent of final product; prime quality ‘habanos’. of exuberant flora and fauna, through Valley of Viñales, have been declared ancient coffee and sugar plantations are On this Route tourists can speak with national parks like the Alexander Humboldt landscapes of humanity by Unesco. staged in several places along the island, outstanding tobacco growers and workers and through rainforests near Primate City Over 90 percent of the trails for hiking from Las Terrazas in as they follow the process that ends at the of Baracoa, founded in 1511, part of the and tours are found within national where the visitor can see the ruins of a factory. easternmost province of the archipelago, parks and protected areas, which offer coffee plantation to where Guantanamo. for example; beautiful butterflies, the there was a slave rebellion at a sugar AGROTOURISM Cuba thus has a lot to offer in the way of smallest bird in the world, the sunsuncito cane factory, and finally to Santiago de Many visitors want to know how farm work ecological tourism and adventure; a market and the tiniest frog, all endemic to Cuba. Cuba, where there is a well-kept mansion is done in Cuba, how a sugarcane plantation expected to become the third choice after South of the center of the island you surrounded by a coffee plantation, built works, what life is like around a farmhouse, sea-sun and cultural tours, bound to can see the biggest swampland in the by a Frenchman who married a slave girl. what a cooperative is like alongside make Cuba a privileged destination. FAO Supports Aquaculture Development By RobertoSALOMÓN HAVANA._ The UN Food and Agriculture Organization juridical framework for food and agriculture, fishing, and (FAO) has implemented a project in Cuba for increasing the forestry; with efforts intended to increase knowledge in production of freshwater fish by improving their genes. those areas. The FAO representative for Central America and the World fish production is expected to increase by 17 Caribbean, Carlos Pulgarín, told The Havana Reporter that the percent in the coming ten years, principally associated with cooperation project also includes, among others, a National aquaculture, an activity that plays an ever more important Genetic Improvement Plan involving local training. role in supplying fish for human consumption. The project is being carried out at El Dique, an entity that Another project resulting from FAO´s cooperation in belongs to the Center for the Development of Aquaculture Cuba is contributing to the increase in the capacity of two Techniques in Loma de Tierra locality, in the country´s west. centers for the processing of pig semen in the country´s west, According to Pulgarín, a biologist by profession who is Miguel Guzman Ruiz PHOTO: among other activities. one in Havana and the other in the province of Artemisa. also an expert in genetic improvement, this discipline allows In addition to contributing to food security in the country, This program helps increase the productive genetic raising higher quality fish, thus contributing to an increase the FAO cooperation in Cuba goes hand in hand with the potential of pigs, and is also intended to raise technical, their production. Cuban counterparts regarding the country´s priorities for economic and productive efficiency; while spreading the Zenaida Arboleya, the center´s director informed us that the development of sectors related to agriculture and food, use of artificial insemination techniques among private pig between 20 and 50 researchers, technicians and fish farmers with the objective of supporting the sustainable increase of farmers. currently involved in the reproduction and intensive feeding food supply. The international organization is also developing a of tilapia will be trained at El Dique. Similarly, it supports the preservation and strengthening project for increasing the capacities in the sustainable The project has been assigned around $300,000 for of natural resources, while contributing to ensure a favorable production of honey and other bee-related products. activities related to training, courses and related events, SPORTS 15 Divers Find Fierce Competition at Pan American Championship By CotoWONG

Divers from the United States, Canada, their respective countries. on the level of national diving. and Mexico, who have world potential, Specialists consider that in the The use of this Matanzas institution will participate in the Pan American competition, the US, Canadian and together with the help given by Canadian junior Championships which will take Mexican athletes will accumulate a large friends in terms of resources required by place in the western Cuban province of number of gold medals as a result of this sport, made it possible to remain in Matanzas from October 8-11. their indisputable quality that treasures the national junior and senior shortlists. Alongside the future stars Olympic and worldwide titles. Jorge Betancourt García who of this trio of northern nations, In the installation headquarters which achieved fourth place in the 2004 Athens representatives from Chile, Brazil, has become the general headquarters of Olympic Games, and is the current head Venezuela, Ecuador, Dominican local high performance diving, the Cuban of the podium in this discipline in the Republic, Columbia and Cuba Project is taking place with athletes from Matanzas EIDE, praised the conditions will compete. In total around 120 the host province Havana, and also from of the pool and predicted that the best participants are expected to attend. , Pinar del Río and possibilities for the Cubans to win medals The event will, for the first time take Camagüey, among others, some of them lie in the category of those younger than place in the pool complex at the School of newly acquired following the National 11 years of age. Sporting Initiation Luis Augusto Turcios School and Junior Games last summer. Cuba has a renowned guarantee in this Lima (EIDE in Spanish) in the Capital. Economic difficulties impede the sport. The duo consisting of José Antonio The following groups will compete: 10- tuning up of the main competitive front Guerra and Jenkler Aguirre achieved 11 years of age, 12-13, 14-15 y 16-18; for this aquatic sport on the island at the gold in the synchronized 10m platform immediate and future pools of young Baraguá Pool complex in East Havana, a competition in the Pan American games

Vladimir Molina PHOTO: players in this type of aquatic sport in fact that has had a determining impact in Toronto, Canada. Cuban Footballer’s Olympic Dream By CharlyMORALES the scarcity of boots, balls, decent pitches, snuffed out by Jamaica in the third round. Cuban football fans’ support their team’s international experience and the limited The “Nicas” will not be bringing any of Olympic dream; in the hope that talent, drive competition options that the domestic their best players, but for the Cuban selection and bullet proof enthusiasm will be enough soccer scene affords are all contributing anything is better than nothing. to ensure it does not turn into yet another factors. For now, the ever-growing body of nightmare. Nevertheless, Cuban football does not throw in the towel; it arises and advances. The next item on the agenda is Olympic qualification, which will be sought by Manager, Raúl González Triana’s disciples in the U.S., in games against the home team, Panama, Canada, Olympic champions Mexico, Haiti, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Eight teams competing for two tickets to the Rio-2016 Games. A tough prospect indeed.... The winner of the bronze medal in the finals in North America, Central America and the Caribbean will be given the possibility of a reprieve against Colombia, a team that, in Brazil-2014 showed their intention to Jorge Pérez Jorge PHOTOs: recover their former position as regional Cuban football faces something like the mythical task of Sisyphus, who eternally had to start again at the bottom of a hill he endeavored to conquest, every hopeful moment shadowed by a further setback. Nonetheless this scenario never stifles the dream that Cuban football fans hold of future glory. At the Central American Games in football protagonists. Veracruz last year, the national team played Even so, González Triana remains some fine football, good enough to foster optimistic, assuring that the conditions dreams of qualification for Russia-2018. exist for the first ever Olympic qualification This however was followed a short few by Cuban footballers. It only requires fewer months later by the collapse at the CONCAAF blank spaces than there were prior to the Gold Cup and the former Barcelona player World Cup qualifiers. The team’s recent win Patrick Kluivert‘s rude arousal of the Cubans over Jamaica in Puerto Príncipe indicates from their World Cup dreams. And so the that this is a competitive squad, able to story goes on.... hold their own and perhaps even spring a What is going on with football in Cuba? surprise on us. How is it that a nation that consumes and As if their prayers had been answered, plays so much football, consistently fails to two games against Nicaragua in the Pedro impress on the international stage? Marrero Stadium in Havana took place. The Without accounting for the difficulties of Central American squad is in good form keeping talent at home and the consequent following a decent showing in their battle need for constant player replacement, for a Russia-2018 ticket, a dream eventually 16