YEAR XI NO 9 SEP 5, 2021 , ISSN 2224-5707 Price: 1.00 USD / 1.20 CAN

Discussion for a More Prosperous Country

P. 3

Cuba-U.S.A Health & Science Caribbean U.S. and its Double Cuban Vaccines Assassination and Earthquake: Stance on Immigration. Immunize All Haiti’s Constant State of Crisis

P. 4 P. 5 P. 9 2 TOURISM Tourist Attractions Trinidad’s in Wetland Manaca-Iznaga Tower By MayraPARDILLO

SANCTI SPIRITUS.- Built in the 19th The tower is one of the attractions century, the emblematic Manaca- in the town of Trinidad, declared a Iznaga Tower rises as a high bell tower Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO or watchtower in the central-southern in 1988, together with Valle de los Cuban city of Trinidad. Ingenios (Valley of the Sugarcane Several legends have been woven Mills), now on hold due to COVID-19 around it, such as the bet between and awaiting better times. brothers Pedro and Alejo Iznaga, two Centuries ago, it was from the tower rich landowners that were in love where the foremen of the Manaca- with the same woman, which is why Iznaga Sugarcane Mill watched slaves’ they decided that he who built the movement and thwarted any attempt most relevant work would express his to run away, in addition to issuing fire feelings to the young lady. alarms in the sugar plantations. The legend has it that Alejo built For experts, fired clay bricks and the 45-meter high tower –some traditional mortar of lime and sand documents say it is 43.5 meters- were used in the construction, making while Pedro dug a 28-meter it very resistant to natural disasters like deep well. tornados and hurricanes. Another legend speaks about Those who have counted the steps The guests are interested in sea bottoms, scuba diving, bird watching and underwater galleries, the seven-story tower -which of this architectonic jewel say there among others. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. has an internal staircase- and the are 184 up to the top. Meanwhile, infidelity of the beautiful wife of many people appraise its usefulness, By WilfredoALAYON of mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles such Mr. Alejo, who ordered to make deprived of any myths or legends, and as the Cuban crocodile. the monumental work to lock her maybe with some sort of ostentation. “Our guests are interested in sea bottoms, scuba up on the penultimate floor. Trinidad, the third of the seven CIENAGA DE ZAPATA.-The natural-historical diving, bird watching, underwater galleries, It is said that during her cruel towns first founded by the combination stands out as the main tourist among others, as well as the strong historical lockdown, Juana, the wife, went Spanish in Cuba and one of the attraction in this southern Cuban region, element” present in the zone, Jorge Sagarra, insane and lost her will to live, best preserved colonial cities in declared a Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar Site Director of the Zapata Wetland’s Integral Tourist until she died. The legend has it the Caribbean and , and considered the best-preserved wetland in Group (EITCZ), told The Havana Reporter. then that the ghost of a woman withstands, together with the the insular Caribbean. The entity runs more than 400 rooms at Playa dressed in white wanders around famous Manaca-Iznaga Tower, the In April of 1961, the Zapata Wetland was scenario Girón Villa, Playa Larga Hotel and Guamá, as well the place at night. passing of time. of fierce battles that Cuban revolutionary forces as an extra hotel network that is accepted by led by waged against troops of a national and foreign tourists. mercenary invasion equipped, organized and Sagarra informed that investments in the Guamá financed by the . and Playa Girón area are being used to build some Crushed in less than 72 hours, that mercenary 140 new rooms, a swimming pool, pedestrian attack has gone down in history as the first streets and restaurants. military defeat of U.S. imperialism on the A total of eleven certified diving sites with the American continent. necessary equipment and accessories, together That area comprises nearly 10,500 square with extremely beautiful coral reefs increase the kilometers, covering the entire northern region demand of that maritime activity, the director said. of Matanzas Province –about 180 kilometers Sagarra pointed out they develop an investment southeast of Havana- characterized by exclusively process to adds value and greater attractions to rich flora and fauna. the tourist experience in the wetland, which are That assertion is corroborated by the over 900 complemented with privately-owned rooms for varieties of plants identified there, 160 bird rent. species – of them three endemic to the region: “The firm has attractive and budget-friendly ferminia (Fermina cerverai), gallinuela de Santo offers, with biosafety protocols guaranteed for Tomás (Cyanolignas cerverai) and Cabrerito de la clients and our staff,” stressed Sagarra, who has The tower is one of the attractions in the town of Trinidad, declared a Cultural Cienaga (Zapata Sparrow)- and numerous species ten years’ experience as EITCZ director. Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. PHOTO: Prensa Latina.

SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY SPORTS.AND MORE

President: Luis Enrique González Art Direction: Anathais Rodríguez Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana Information:Vice President: Moisés Pérez Mok Graphic Designers: Fernando Fernández Tito Prensa Latina, S.A. Editorial:Vice President: Lianet Arias Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba Editorial Director: Mariela Pérez Valenzuela Assistant Staff: Yaimara Portuondo Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Chief Editor: Ilsa Rodríguez Santana Advertising: René García Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: [email protected] English Editor: Mitra Ghaffari Circulation: Commercial Department Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Yanely Interián Printing: Prensa Latina CUBA 3 Discussion for a More Prosperous Country

By LissyRODRÍGUEZ result of local projects and visited one with potential to become a small enterprise, days after the Council of States approved that HAVANA.- The challenge to build a more concept with the objective of diversifying prosperous Cuba for all is an issue that the economy. the country’s top leadership is currently In another meeting, experts analyzed ways dealing with, prioritizing dialogue with to get rid of ties that affect state actors, representatives from all walks of life. boost foreign investment, and improve Presided over by President Miguel Díaz- accounting and training, with views to Canel, the talks revolve around a reality properly implement rules, policies and marked by the complex epidemiological measures approved by the country. situation caused by the spread of COVID-19, “The equation for the Cuban economy is the reinforcement of the U.S. economic very complex and the blockade is part of blockade and the media manipulation those difficulties; however, the blockade campaign created in Washington to disrupt is going to continue,” the president said, order on the island. while calling to overcome it. The analysis of current issues, as well as Díaz-Canel validated that point in another willingness to listen to possible solutions meeting with agricultural and livestock have been common denominators of the producers from Artemisa and Mayabeque discussions so far attended by students, Provinces, who recognized the deficiencies artists, women, religious and community they cope with to meet demands. leaders, lawyers, journalists, scientists and Meanwhile, they extolled the positive economists. impact of the measures that are boosting Developing spaces to reach consensus the sector and stimulating workers. is not a new practice of the country’s The Cuban head of State also centered his governmental strategy, as the head of attention on women because, in spite of all The Cuban president visits La Güinera neighborhood in Havana. PHOTOS: Presidency of Cuba. State has favored talks between authorities the progress made in the country in terms and the public since he took office. of women’s empowerment, some of them Addressing young students of different are still facing problems to fully exercise specialties, for whom several of these their job, achieve greater levels of equality meetings have been coordinated, Díaz-Canel and overcome gender stereotypes. analyzed how to improve management Given the importance of the juridical methods, and reiterated the idea that system for the society, workers from public employees must give explanations that sector took advantage of their to citizens. In the meantime, he praised the meeting with top leaders to reiterate role of universities students on the front line the importance of diverse opinions in of the battle against COVID-19. legislative exercises. In a meeting with journalists, emphasis was The talks reveal the commitment exists put on the need for rapid and transparent to make for Cuba’s future, as stated in the news services, mainly because, as stated by meeting with religious and ecumenical journalist Rosa Miriam Elizalde, those gaps leaders. They not only talked about how to give room for all the non-conventional war understand a complex and diverse society tactics used against the Caribbean island. but also about eliminating obstacles and It is also the Cuban authorities’ intention the need for self-criticism as well. to focus their attention on vulnerable Contrary to the vision of foreign media communities, as well as the over 60 that tries to sell the image of a country neighborhoods of the capital undergoing with its arms crossed, Cuba is developing a remodeling plan with the participation of its roadmap with the participation of all its state and private entities. citizens. In fact, the intention is to monitor In the San Isidro district, in Old Havana the topics addressed recently in future Municipality, the president praised the dialogues and set sights on other sectors.

Talks in the Havana University. 4 CUBA-U.S.A U.S. and its Double Stance on Immigration

By AdrianaROBREÑO According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 595 Cubans were rescued from sea during the course of this fiscal year – a lot higher than the 49 intercepted in 2020 and the 313 of 2019. The HAVANA.- Over 212,000 illegal immigrants arrived in the Cuban Ministry of Interior reported that in total, 763 Cubans United States in July through the Mexican border, an have been deported either by sea or air. In August 48 Cubans unprecedented figure the White House tries to reduce, were deported from U.S. although in the case of Cuba, Washington encourages The number of those missing or dead because of these conditions for a migratory crisis. incidents are unknown, but survivors’ stories should serve as Cuban-American lawyer José Pertierra affirms that U.S. testimonies to evaluate whether it is worth taking the risk. President Joe Biden has an immigration strategy that operates Havana and Washington have an agreement through which in two opposite directions. up to 20,000 Cubans could avoid that risky adventure, but the On the one hand, he tries to stop the flow of people on the U.S. government that does not fulfill its end of that agreement. southern border by sending money to Central American Former President Donald Trump (2017-2021) practically countries in order to improve local infrastructure and closed the U.S. embassy in the Cuban capital, particularly the foster employment. On the other hand, he uses the consular offices, and Biden maintains the same stance of his pandemic in Cuba as a weapon to ‘tighten the blockade,’ The United States encourages unsafe and disorderly migration predecessor, including all 243 punitive sanctions. the analyst said. from Cuba. PHOTO: Internet. In the meantime, thousands of families are separated and Pertierra added that the U.S. tries to economically asphyxiate according to U.S. government data, 100,000 immigration and the Cuban people in order to destroy the island’s government, In spite of that, some Cubans still try to swim to reach family reunification cases are still unresolved, which forces which could trigger an illegal exodus through the Strait of the United States amidst an economic crisis that has Cubans to travel to third party countries to get a visa, with Florida – causing negative consequences for the Democrat worsened due to the pandemic, the sanctions imposed more expenses and no guarantee of approval. administration. by Washington and the White House failure to meet Former President Barack Obama (2009-2017) abolished the Statistics confirm those statements, as 37 operations for the bilateral agreements pertaining to an ordered and safe “Wet-Foot, Dry-Foot” policy a few days before leaving the post, return of Cuban migrants have been conducted during the migratory flow. which guaranteed the Cubans residence just by reaching U.S. course of 2021: one from the Cayman Islands, three from Attempts to reach the United States – 90 nautical miles (167 soil. However, the well-known Cuban Adjustment Act – which Mexico, three from the Bahamas and 30 from the United States, km) away from Cuba – frequently ends in drowning, usually grants privileges to those born in Cuba if they stay one year in Cuban authorities affirm. when the people use boats in poor conditions. the U.S.– is still in effect.

On at least four occasions and in order to on the list of countries that do not cooperate Biden Tougher than Trump “pressure the regimen,” Biden announced with the anti-terror fight, as contained in a sanctions against Cuban officials of the new report published in May. White House, seven months after Joe Biden Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), including Likewise, it included Cuba –which has an took office, facts prove the opposite. its chief, Army General Álvaro López Miera, excellent performance in the fight against Since he assumed the presidency on January and the Ministry of Interior. trafficking- on a list of countries that do 20, 2021, Biden announced that the Cuban For the Cuban authorities, those restrictions are nothing or little in that regard, with the evident policy would be reviewed. In the best case irrelevant. However, from the political point of view objective of distorting the true essence of scenario, that would mean to distance himself they do have repercussions, as they are part of the Cuba’s cooperation programs in health. from his Republican predecessor Donald aggressive escalation fostered by Washington, In the meantime, in June it freed terrorist Trump and reestablish Barack Obama’s policy. which has even coerced third countries in its and assassin Eduardo Arocena, who in Cuba was just not a priority on the agenda attempt to have the island condemned. 1980 executed Cuban diplomat Félix García of the current administration until the July It is obvious that this governmental team, Rodríguez in cold blood. According to FBI 11 disturbances. which generally behaves insecure and accusations, he “was also responsible for at In statements to The Havana Reporter (THR), the disoriented, is actually driven by purely least two assassinations and 30 explosions in The Cuban Foreign Ministry´s General Director Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry’s General Director electoral ambitions connected to Florida, said New York, New Jersey and Florida.” for US Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío. for U.S. Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Fernández de Cossío. He is the same criminal that introduced PHOTO: Prensa Latina. warned that the Biden administration lied and What draws the most striking attention is the the hemorrhagic dengue fever epidemic created a false image about Cuba to justify its incoherent stance of the current government in Cuba in 1981, which claimed the lives of By DeisyFRANCIS aggressive stance from that moment on. with the promises made to its voters during the more than ten children. “They consider the July 11 events gave them presidential campaign. That is a sign of apparent After more than half a year in office, the an opportunity they cannot let go,” stressed weakness to political blackmail by extremist anti- democrat still has the 243 executive orders HAVANA.- If those in favor of a rapprochement Fernández de Cossío when commenting Cuban groups, the diplomat noted. approved by the Trump administration between the United States and Cuba ever that they launched a “fierce campaign of Analysts also recall that over the past seven (2017/2021), which tightened the economic, held hope that it would happen with the propaganda and slanders supported by the months, the Biden administration ratified commercial and financial blockade imposed arrival of a democratic administration at the mainstream media.” Trump’s fraudulent decision to include Cuba against the Cuban people for nearly six decades. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

of advanced age and with chronic diseases, said the expert. This vaccine went through a as they are more susceptible to experience clinical through a phase III clinical trial in eight Cuban Vaccines complications and death. provinces of Iran, where it got approval for “Also between September and October, emergency use, Vérez added. thimerosal-free doses will be administered to On the other hand, serums of people vaccinated Immunize All people allergic to that compound, while people with Soberana Plus in Italy will be studied to recovering from COVID-19 will be immunized test its response to the SARS-CoV-2 variants. By ClaudiaDUPEIRÓN With five COVID-19 vaccine candidates, three as well,” announced the BioCubaFarma director. Meanwhile, scientific authorities from both of which were already declared vaccines and Martinez praised the country’s efforts to countries are considering to carry out a clinical approved for use, the country aims to have overcome huge challenges to produce vaccines trial of Italians recovering from the disease. HAVANA.- COVID-19 statistics of the almost all of its population vaccinated by on a large scale due to the U.S. economic, Likewise, and other countries with high past months in Cuba show a complex November 2021. commercial and financial blockade. recovery rates from COVID-19 infection and epidemiological scenario with daily cases According to the president of Cuba’s On August 20, the vaccines developed by where different SARS-CoV-2 strains are circulating between 8,000 and 9,000. However, this is the Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries the Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV), Soberana have shown great interest in Soberana Plus, said only Latin American country that is fighting (BioCubaFarma) Business Group, Eduardo 02 and Soberana Plus, got approval the director. the pandemic with three locally produced Martínez, the objective is to implement a from the State Center for the Control of A study of pediatric age groups named vaccines. faster process in September and target people Medicines and Medical Equipment. Ismaelillo is also conducted alongside the Their heterologous scheme (two doses of vaccine, with the participation of 592 children Soberana 02 in 0-28 days plus one dose three to 18 years from Camagüey Province. of Soberana Plus on day 56), proved 91.2 All of the country’s vulnerable and high- percent effective against symptomatic risk groups are included in the current disease during phase III clinical trials. immunization phase. That same day, the Cuban regulatory entity also Referring to the Cuban vaccine response to SARS- certified a COVID-19 vaccine preparation that CoV-2 strains of great concern such as Delta, Dr. includes both shots but without thimerosal, María Guadalupe Guzmán, expert with the Pedro for people allergic to the substance. Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute, explained that all IFV Director Vicente Vérez highlighted that three of the vaccines have neutralizing effects on both Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus are used those mutations of the virus. in the clinical trial being developed in Havana Meanwhile, Dr. Ileana Morales, National Director on 350 volunteers between three and 18 of Science and Technological Innovation at the years, with promising results thus far. Public Health Ministry, stated recently that the With two doses of Soberana 02, children 12 to country’s main goal is to go on with the virology 18 years old are developing antibodies similar studies of the strains, to continue and speed up The objective is to implement a faster process in September. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. to those seen in adults after three doses, the vaccination process as much as possible.

Crucial Times in the Fight Against COVID-19 By RosmerysBERNAL

HAVANA.- Predictions of the epidemiological situation Cuba would face in August because of the COVID-19 pandemic indicated that this would be a crucial month, with unprecedented figures of new cases, patients in intensive care units and deaths. Experts had predicted that the peak of cases confirmed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus – the agent responsible for the disease – could reach up to 9,500 people at one time. However, this figure has been exceeded on several occasions in the last weeks. Something similar happens with the number of seriously or critically ill patients, data that seemed inconceivable months ago and the reason why more people die at present because of complications associated with the disease – amounting to as much as 98 deaths per day. Scientists, health professionals and national authorities have reiterated that these high figures are the result of the spread in Family doctors and nurses give daily follow-ups to patients in home admission. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. Cuba of new variants and mutation patterns, including those that cause higher worldwide concern. Recent studies show that the Delta variant is twice more the fight against the pandemic, emphasizing health services, “The current context caused by COVID-19 is marked by high transmissible than previous variants of SARS-CoV-2. In prevention and protocol changes, including home admission transmission and spread, as well as by the increase of seriously addition, the incubation period is shorter and the number of for contacts and low-risk infected people. and critically ill cases and dead patients, a reality in which the viral particles is higher. Family doctors and nurses give daily follow-ups to patients Delta variant of the coronavirus has an important incidence,” Other studies indicate that the Delta variant is a thousand in home admission; however, as the number of cases to be Health minister José Angel Portal recently affirmed. times more contagious than the original one – first detected evaluated in the communities is high, working groups made The scientific evidence produced by the Pedro Kourí Tropical in Wuhan, China. up of other doctors, nurses, dentists, health technologists and Medicine Institute warned of a sustained increase in Cuba, as of Specialists, families and the community at large are worried other specialists have also been created. June this year, of the Delta variant – first in India in October 2020. about the current number of infected children under the age of Cuban and international scientists have reiterated the This variant started to prevail in August, when it was detected 18, as 26,157 minors were infected in a 15-day period in August importance of reaching high vaccination coverage against in all of the provinces of the country. As of the middle of this – about 1,744 cases per day on average. At present, the total COVID-19 and complying with all the protection measures month, 92 percent of the samples processed in this period number of infected children exceeds 96,000 cases. indicated: the only way to face this complex epidemiological were related to this variant, the health authority indicated. In this context, the island implements actions to intensify situation worldwide. 6 CULTURE Dialogue of Leading Young Faces Adorn Dance Couple Havana’s Walls By DanayGALLETTI “I remember that when I attended those performances in which Dani danced, I felt nostalgic and wanted to be on the stage. The most difficult HAVANA.- World ballet acknowledges the complicity time was the period after I gave birth. It was like and style of famous couples, such as the one starting from zero, and several times I told Dani that composed of English Margot Fonteyn and Russian I thought that it would be the end,” she recalled. Rudolf Nuréyev, and Cubans Anette Delgado and Five months later, after a lot of hard work, support Dani Hernández. and pain, she was able to return to the stage. That PHOTO: Prensa Latina. The young Cuban couple, leading dancers of the was one of the most beautiful and emotional Cuban National Ballet Company (BNC), whose physical performances of her professional career. By MarlenSAAVEDRA contrasts with somber, peeling, dialogue goes beyond the stage, recently participated in Ballet fans waited expectantly for her return. “I did worn-out environments or walls of a tour of Spain to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of not feel like this before; the recovery time was pretty unfinished and old constructions. prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso’s birthday. short, but I was so anxious to return to the stage that HAVANA.-Since 2015, the Cuban Prior to starting his work, he had to As a child, Anette attended a show in the Isla de la I decided to take the risk,” Anette commented. capital of Havana has served as a request the authorization of local Juventud municipality and, captivated by the skill On that occasion, she received a standing ovation canvas for murals with kids’ faces authorities and the approval of the and beauty of Alberto Méndez’s choreography of of the company and the audience, after being off of as part of a series that artist Maisel neighbors of the selected areas, which the ballet Muñecos (Dolls), she told her parents: “I the stage for over a year and a half. She performed López, calls Colosos (Giants). are mostly located in Playa. want to be a ballerina.” in Cinderella, a ballet that specialists describe Mostly black and white, the portraits’ “People know my work and that is “No doubt, you give up your childhood in many as difficult and complex from the technical and genesis is inspired by a phrase of the reason why many doors have ways, because this profession is full of sacrifices. artistic point of view and “which demands a lot of Cuban poet and intellectual José opened, because they know that During my years at the elementary level, I studied at training from a ballerina.” Martí that reads: “Children are the young, happy faces cheer up the night and finished around 10pm. Thus, I missed all Anette and Dani have been together in dance and hope of the world.” city’s grey areas,” said the artist. the games that a 9-year-old girl plays,” Delgado said. life for ten years; their little baby Ainoa is the fruit of The works include color in objects All of the murals make up an Dani, on the contrary, noticed the strength and that union. Communication, trust, understanding with special symbolism, such as outdoor gallery that is part of the agility of a couple that practiced aerobic exercises at and a guidance or correction look at the stage, the Cuban flag – which has three local urban art scene and now a gym near his grandma’s home. He then decided have new meanings when raising their little baby. blue stripes, two white stripes, a pass on a secondary message: to attend the cultural center located at his town to red triangle and a star – birds and “Huge proportions also call the learn popular Cuban rhythms and then enrolled in WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO DANCE butterflies linked to children’s attention of the current society to a ballet institution. TOGETHER? sensibility and delicacy, or the typical protect children during the crisis In his hometown of Remedios, located in the “On many occasions, the critics relay that trust, fauna of this Caribbean region. of COVID-19,” López warned. central province of Villa Clara and famous for its chemistry, and mutual understanding transcend “I was always interested in During the pandemic, Maisel patron saint’s day celebrations and parades, his and define the way we dance together, which making large-format paintings. focused his artistic practice on indoor family welcomed his interest in ballet. However, reaches the audience. However, we also dance The first was thanks to a neighbor canvases. He has now included masks once he enrolled the Olga Alonso Vocational Art with other dancers and play the role of the who allowed me to use one of in the murals, which will be finished School, his father raised objections. character we perform,” Delgado affirmed. the walls of his home. On that in one or two weeks, depending on “Today, he is proud of who I am and what I have Dani added that dancers somehow share occasion, I replicated a picture I the dimensions. achieved, and he has always payed attention to my the feelings, experiences and vibrations of a found in a magazine,” López told “My work is also a tribute to our career. However, he has never seen me dance in a show’s protagonist. In his opinion, one of the The Havana Reporter. doctors, their dedication, expertise theater in Havana, which would be a dream for me. achievements of the Cuban Ballet School is the The change that painting made and love. It shows the imprint of the The most important thing is that he understands fact that dancing expresses emotions, a precise on its surroundings and the message Cuba Saves, promoted me and tells me that, he didn’t at first,” he confessed. and sensorial dialogue and a professional interest of spectators marked the throughout the world with endless connection. start of this series, in which López examples and which tries to please UNITED IN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE “Not only in our case but those of other dance exhibits images of innocence, the soul,” the artist noted. “An artist never stops dreaming. Many of my couples. Ballet takes you to the world of beauty, happiness, hope and life. Just before the spread of COVID-19 dreams have come true: enrolling in a ballet emotions and sometimes, that love goes beyond in Cuba, on March 2020, Maisel school, being a member of the BNC, becoming the performance. In spite of COVID-19, we have WHO ARE THE CHILDREN conducted a workshop with a prima ballerina, representing my country on not stopped practicing; we are physically and PORTRAYED? youth and adults interested in the foreign stages, acting with foreign companies mentally busy,” Hernández stressed. Through the use of acrylic and technical universe of visual arts, to and of course, being a mother,” said the ballerina. In this period, all processes happen online, but waterproof varnish, Maisel extends teach skills and aesthetic sensibility. Anette defined motherhood as a difficult, scary Dani and Anette transformed home spaces into the durability of the works, although In addition to houses and shops, and wonderful period, although it represented a a rehersal space in order to practice and maintain he acknowledges that this is an the Colosos are portrayed at state pause in her career. During the first seven months, physically fit. They feel the need for interaction ephemeral art that only lasts five to institutions such as the Cuban she was fit, working with new generations at with the audience and the stage, nonetheless, ten years because of humidity and National Aquarium, the community daily rehearsals and classes. which they describe as “feeling alive.” interaction with the audience. organization Proyecto Akokán, “After I made the first mural, I Havana’s William Soler Pediatric started photographing Cuban Hospital – where three pieces were children from five to eight years donated – and the Saturnino Lora old, with the consent of their Hospital, in Santiago the Cuba (in the parents. Now, it is rather funny, country’s east). because parents are the ones “I want to stress that I do not who come to me, to my home, receive money for any of the with their children,” he affirmed. Colosos I make. I paint because From the file full of photos, he it moves me and I do it from the chooses those whose look, smile and heart, as a gift for the people expressions will make an impactful to enjoy,” affirmed López, who mark on the walls. On many has received several awards at

Anette and Dani have been together in dance and life for ten years. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. occasions, the realism of the strokes Havana’s Visual Arts Festival. SPOTLIGHT 7 El Malecón: Havana’s Famous Seafront Drive

By OrlandoORAMAS becoming the main road that leads to the capital’s east beaches and to the famous Varadero beach resort in Matanzas Province. HAVANA.- Popularly known as El Malecón, If you go the other direction, the seafront Havana’s seawall drive is a symbol of this wall continues past the Almendares River city, of couple’s love, a paradise for families, or Quinta Avenida Tunnel, as it flows the final meeting point of partygoers, a into that famous artery, where Havana’s PHOTO: Prensa Latina. place where fishermen gather, but also the richest families used to live years ago. backrdrop of political events in Cuba. Emblematic hotels in the city overlook Its construction began in 1901, when U.S. the seawall drive, including the Hotel troops invaded and finally occupied the Nacional, which still houses the canons country, right after the war Cubans had that defended Havana during the Spanish waged against Spanish colonialization. colonial times. The concrete wall runs along eight That area is also a place where locals and kilometers of the Cuban capital’s coastline. visitors can enjoy the musical performances Its current design from La Punta Castle, at that characterize Havana’s summer carnivals, the mouth of the bay, to La Chorrera Fort, today interrupted due to the COVID-19 where the Almendares River flows into the pandemic. sea, was completed in 1958. What is known as the Anti-imperialist From La Punta Castle, El Malecón spreads Platform is located on a section of the along Port Avenue, heading to Guanabacoa wall as well, erected right in front of the Street and Vía Blanca Avenue, towards the U.S. embassy, the scene of concerts and country’s east and Matanzas City. political demonstrations such as the Also, right in front of the Malecón is the caravan for peace, love and solidarity entrance to Havana’s Tunnel, which runs that young Cubans held last August to underwater to the other side of the bay, support the Revolution. Havana’s seawall drive is a symbol of this city. PHOTOS: Prensa Latina. 8 ARTSHEALTH & ENTERTAINMENT& SCIENCE Two Realities of the Delta Variant By NaraROMERO COVID-19 patients. Florida itself gathers 20.7 percent of hospital admissions in the country. HAVANA.- The U.S. Food and Drug The rate of occupancy in health institutions Administration (FDA) granted full approval reaches 85.46 percent, while the ICU rate for the use of the Pfizer and BioNTech reaches 91.56 percent. Amidst this dire vaccine against COVID-19 last July. situation, federal authorities urge people This vaccine will continue to be used in to get vaccinated and wear masks. emergency cases in children between the In spite of the new COVID-19 outbreak, ages of 12 and 15 and those who may only half of the population in Florida is require a third dose. vaccinated, a figure just below the national Over 204 million units of the above average, as residents have decided not to mentioned anti-COVID immunogen were get vaccinated and the State government administered last year and if that pace does not require it. is maintained, about 30 percent of the In mid-August, over 2.78 million positive population is to be vaccinated, which will cases were reported in that area – over contain the unprecedented increase of half the total in Colombia. In fact, if infections due to the spread of the Delta Florida were a country, it would be In Florida. infections passed the 58,000 cases in a day. PHOTOS: Internet. variant – which is more contagious and included among the 20 nations with the deadly than other variants. highest number of infections, according “The Delta variant is sweeping the country. In an attempt to stop the increase of The epicenter of the new outbreak in to data provided by the Johns Hopkins A lot of people become infected very infections, the Centers for Disease Control the United States is located in the state University. quickly,” said Jason Salemi, epidemiologist and Prevention (CDC) authorized on August of Florida, where infections passed the In that period, most of the sick patients at the University of South Florida, who has 18 the administration of an additional dose of unprecedented figure of 58,000 cases were registered in the counties of Miami- researched and monitored the evolution of vaccines to patients whose immune system in a day, while hospital admissions Dade (562,000), Broward (281,000), Orange the virus since March last year. is compromised – about three percent of the exceed 15,000 patients in health centers, and Hillsborough (172,000 each), and Palm Salemi affirms that the new peak of adult population in the United States. 3,300 of which are seriously ill, the Beach (171,000). the pandemic is related to the fact that Cuban experts endorsed the security of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Experts warn about the high number of the people have decided not to get vaccines against the Delta variant of the Services indicated. children and youngsters hospitalized in vaccinated, a figure that could reach 8 SARS-CoV-2 virus, the agent responsible The health crisis keeps U.S. intensive clinics and intensive care units, because million citizens, and also because there for COVID-19, which in addition to the care units on alert, with up to 90 percent of the serious state in which they are are fewer restrictions on mobility and the hygienic-sanitary measures, are the most occupancy, and half that figure with admitted. use of masks. effective cure against the virus. CARIBBEANECONOMYCULTURE 9

The assassination has been revisited after the recent Assassination and Earthquake: investigation by the National Network in Defense of Human Rights, which references alleged talks between the current Prime Minister, Ariel Henry and lawyer Joseph Felix Badio – Haiti’s Constant State of Crisis suspect in organizing the crime. The aforementioned body concluded that the president was By AnelíRUIZ Sam on July 1915 to those committed in Mexico, Bolivia, turned in by the heads of his security, commissioners Jean Venezuela, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, which Laguel Civil and Dimitri Hérard. total over 10 murders in a century. “This is a flagrant case of violations of life and security of the PORT-AU-PRINCE.- An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter The political whirlwind caused by the armed squad of deceased de facto president Jovenel Moïse, committed by scale devastated the south of Haiti, causing over 2,200 deaths and former Colombian soldiers – who burst into the presidential the very people responsible for protecting the victim,” the 12,000 injuries and pulled the focus of the recent assassination of residence without any resistance, shot the president dead document denounced. President Jovenel Moïse (2017-2021) out of the media. and wounded his wife Martine Étienne – was pushed to Amidst the political chaos caused by the assassination, Moïse was assassinated in his bedroom on July 7, receiving the back burner as a result of the powerful earthquake of Henry was sworn in on July 20, with the mission of reaching 12 gunshots to the upper body with bone fractures and signs August 14. consensus, promoting dialogue, furthering the murder of torture. This assassination is part of a long list of murders in Over 80 percent of the southern departments’ economy was investigation and calling elections. Latin America and the Caribbean, from the one committed destroyed in a few minutes: 130,000 houses collapsed and The latter is conducted in spite of the criticisms of political forces, against the then Haitian President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume schools, churches and hospitals disappeared. which state that the country needs a transition government responsible for restructuring state institutions, holding trials against public funds embezzlers and stabilizing the nation. After the earthquake, it is not clear if elections will be held this year; they will be “held when conditions allow it,” said Henry at the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States. Haiti again faces an economic, political and social recession, with over half a million displaced persons because of the earthquake, dependent on international assistance and national forces that still reject Henry as the head of the government. This crisis comes on top of the unstable situation of this small Caribbean nation, affected by weather and geological conditions, poverty, political riots, and violence generated by Former Colombian soldiers captured after the assassination. Over 80 percent of the southern departments’ economy was armed squads, all of which make a promising outlook even PHOTOS: Internet. destroyed in a few minutes. harder, if at all possible. 10 ECONOMYCUBA COVID-19 and the Solidarity Boomerang By ErnestoVERA resistance, humanism and dignity throughout Washington’s hostility. When announcing the establishment of a HAVANA.- Amidst the complex economic, humanitarian bridge with Cuba, the Mexican social and epidemiological situation resulting President stated his appreciation for the from the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba welcomes collaboration of Cuban doctors during the the solidarity of various countries that most difficult period his country has faced in acknowledge the island’s efforts to fight this the fight against COVID-19. disease in national and international territory. These signs of support also materialize The governments of Mexico, Russia, Venezuela, through the tons of medical supplies and Nicaragua and China, among others, recently equipment, oxygen, hospital items and food stated their decision to collaborate with Cuba, donated to Cuba to face the economic, social a country that has been subjected to a strong and health situation on the island. economic, commercial and financial blockade After the riots erupted on July 11 in some by Washington for more than 60 years. Cuban cities, worsened by social media The blockade was tightened to unprecedented campaigns promoted abroad, solidarity with levels during the administration of former U.S. Cuba and rejection of the U.S. siege became President Donald Trump (2017-2021), who stronger. implemented over 230 measures against Cubans residing abroad, political parties, social Cuba that remain unaltered– 55 of them since and solidarity organizations and movements, the pandemic. parliaments, personalities and people from all In this context, the island also faces a over the world showed support of Cuba. campaign—promoted by the United States Demonstrations held in over 40 countries on the social media—hoping to overthrow the – including the United States - rejected Revolution and lead the socialist development Washington’s hostile policy against the island. project to failure. Some of those demonstrations included the Cuba’s strength and vocation of solidarity 2,000 km-walk from Florida to Washington were acknowledged by Mexican President under the motto Bridges of Love, demanding Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who recently the White House to put an end to the blockade, affirmed that Cuba should be recognized in favor of the restart of respectful and civilized as a World Heritage Site for its example of relations between the two nations. The government of Mexico established a humanitarian bridge with Cuba. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. Headlines, Campaigns and Phobia

By ClaudiaGONZÁLEZ

HAVANA.- It seems that a photo and “spectacular” headline by the media to fabricate stories of “hidden burials” in is not new, it dates back to 1959 and the objective always are enough to reproduce content from any user on the common graves and the collapse of cemeteries, with has been to overthrow the government. The new element Internet, to post alleged news and create anti-Cuba images from other parts of the world accompanying the now is that the United States uses digital platforms with an campaigns with narratives marked by high manipulation. fake news. entire arsenal of media warfare operations. After the July 11 protests in various parts of the country, All that shows how Cubans are facing unprecedented This happens in times when the social distancing imposed social media echoed what they called “social outbreaks,” media attacks on social networks, with fake news and by COVID-19 has made people spend more hours accompanied by alleged repression and a list of “missing toxic campaigns from U.S. territory and supported by the watching TV, while Google, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and and dead” people that later on cleared up information on transnational right-wing. Instagram are accomplices of disinformation processes their own lives on national television. Doctor of Communication Studies Rosa Miriam Elizalde against the Caribbean island. There were also denunciations of hypothetical violations told The Havana Reporter that the anti-Cuba subversion Regarding this, officials showed evidence of “how of a due criminal process even when, as stated by the #SOSCuba (associated with an alleged humanitarian authorities, the detainees’ constitutional rights were fully intervention) 500 messages were posted on Twitter in only respected. three minutes, which generated over 315,000 reactions As part of the crusade against the Cuban government, and 132 comments?“. digital platforms reported that freely convertible currency Referring to this, the MINREX Director of Press, stores were allegedly selling food recently donated by Communication and Image, Juan Antonio Fernández, said: Mexico, as well as other products such as cooking oil, all of “It is spontaneous or it is a new operation on the networks which was denied. as part of the (media) warfare we are facing.” Moreover, Fincimex trade firm denounced slanders about “(The platforms) looked away during the violent signs that remittances to Cuba, making it clear that receivers get stimulated the social neurosis of the so-called Venezuelan the whole amount sent, without any deductions or taxes “guarimbas” in 2017 or the coup d’état against Bolivian applied. President Evo Morales in 2019 but magnified the recent Regarding this topic, the Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry events in Cuba,” stated ELizalde. (MINREX) stated that the U.S. government itself is the sole Now, when echoes of an amendment approved by party responsible for the obstacles against remittances, as the U.S. Senate to provide Cubans with Internet are it obstructs legal and safe mechanisms. reverberating, a new campaign is resounding in The fresh outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country, peaks cyberspace against the recently announced Law-Decree of daily cases exceeding 9,000 and deaths due to Cubans are facing unprecedented media attacks on social networks, 35, which is related to Information Technologies and complications associated with that disease were used with fake news and toxic campaigns from U.S. PHOTO: Internet. Communication across the country. PHOTO FEATURE 11

LA GÜIRA A Magical Rural Retreat Text and Photos: Roberto F. CAMPOS It is a unique space with various restaurants, stone roads, sculptures from different places and a truly beautiful landscape that PINAR DEL RÍO.- The former Cortina Estate illustrates Cuban nature. in Cuba, today La Güira Farm, is a natural Upon the triumph of the paradise, where the environment and in 1959, Cortina opened his estate’s doors universal culture are well preserved. to leader Fidel Castro and offered to Located in the western province of Pinar welcome visitors. del Río, this place has a very peculiar visual Japanese and Chinese symbols are kept attraction: a medieval entrance, as conceived at the farm and can be seen both in the by its first owner, the Cuban politician, writer former houses and the garden. and lawyer of that surname. La Güira has a name for itself among locals, José Manuel Cortina (1880-1970) created a and the area covered by the retreat today natural and culturally rich center that has had been formerly occupied by 28 tobacco been preserved and protected until now plantations and 89 houses dating back to and is currently open to welcome Cuban 1687. and international visitors alike. Its transformation today exhibits nine Reopened in December 2014 after being rooms, the Red House as a sort of museum, remodeled, the site is close to San Diego de los a desk, restaurants, bars, cafeterias, grills, Baños and Los Portales Cave, and has become parking lots and a swimming pool. the entrance to that territory’s eastern region. It also has a game room, amphitheater, It shows different styles, including the idea parks, museum, mini zoo, boat rides, to reproduce France’s Versailles Palace. natural trails, and bird watching areas.

25 CUP,

For 4 News Headlines per day for just $25.00 CUP / month, Send an SMS with the letters PL to 8100 12 LATIN AMERICA

SOUTHERN TRIANGLE Another Migratory Movement to the U.S. and Canada By OsvaldoRODRÍGUEZ offer them temporary shelter and food, and facilitate As part of the agenda, the Panamanian, Colombian and border crossing in coordination with the government Costa Rican Migration directors presented a report on of neighboring Costa Rica, as part of their transit to the the quota-controlled model of flow they established, and PANAMA.- The new mass migratory route from South United States and Canada. which they proposed to implement along the entire route, America to North America has created an unprecedented The idea to create a “controlled and safe migratory flow” is the Panamanian authorities informed at the close of the crisis centered around Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica, half-met, as not all the countries that are part of the route meeting. where the flow slows down in the Darién Jungle. get involved. For that reason, the Panamanian Ministry “The world spectates the irregular migration of the Unlike the caravans that started in the Central American of Foreign Affairs summoned a regional meeting of top Southern Triangle, a problem that is not exclusive to Northern Triangle (El Salvador-Honduras-Guatemala) – authorities last August, which was attended by dozens of Panama but of the entire region and which stands out composed of nationals from those countries – the South nations. among the group of mass movements,” Mouynes said at American wave includes immigrants who lived in Chile In addition to Panama, the host country, the virtual event the meeting. and Brazil and decided to pursue “the American Dream.” was attended by Foreign Affairs ministers and other senior This year, until the beginning of August, over 55,000 For humanitarian reasons, Panamanian authorities officials from Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, irregular immigrants have crossed Panama, stressed welcome irregular immigrants, take care of their health, Mexico, , Canada and the United States. Panamanian Migration director Zamira Gozaine. For the sake of safety, her country proposed all nations to implement controls in order to detect criminals through biometric data by searching international warnings in police files. A joint action against organized crime, responsible for people’s trafficking and trade, was also requested and proposals were made to increase sanctions for those crimes and to potentially grant transit visas at random in order to legalize people’s movement. The avalanche of irregular immigrants fuels the networks of human trafficking and is a way to hide the movement of dozens of people wanted for crimes, because they flee Until the beginning of August, over 55,000 irregular from border controls: another danger for the countries immigrants have crossed Panama. PHOTOS: Internet. that are part of the route. ECONOMY 13

and the versatility this type of energy offers, which goes from the use of large photovoltaic parks to the installation Transition to Renewable Energy of panels on commercial and private property. In addition, the construction and installation of this equipment is fast By TeyunéDÍAZ and efficient. STEPS TOWARDS CLEAN ENERGY HAVANA.- The degree of security that renewable energy As part of the action plan to boost the use of renewable offers to Cuba was highlighted by director for Energy Policy energy sources among the population – either and Strategy at the Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines, individuals or legal entities – the import of tax-free Ramsés Montes, in a statement to The Havana Reporter. photovoltaic systems was recently approved, without As part of Cuba’s transition to renewable sources, biomass, limit. wind and photovoltaic energies play essential roles, in In relation to the use of biomass, the AZCUBA Sugarcane addition to the use of other energy-efficient technologies Group will make investments in different mills to use that reduce dependency on fossil fuel, the official stated. sugarcane bagasse with the purpose of generating Director for Energy Policy and Strategy at the Cuban Ministry of Montes explained that the transformation of the energy electricity, under higher pressure and temperature than Energy and Mines, Ramsés Montes. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. matrix is of major importance for Cuba, not only because those existing. of environmental and economic benefits but because it Those indicators will be more efficient and will allow offers security. percent renewable energy. “It might not be possible for energy to be self-sufficient and supply the excess to the “We have been subject to the economic, commercial 2030, but we already have that vision,” the expert added. national network, the specialist commented. and financial blockade imposed by the United States for At present, the generation renewable energy sources is In relation to wind energy, this is expected to provide 700 over 60 years; for that reason, a gradual change to a clean just five percent behind the foreseen figure (37%). Over megawatts with the creation of various parks, especially energy environment provides security, because neither 90 percent of this figure is attained through sugarcane in the northeastern coast of Cuba – which has better the sun nor the wind can be blockaded,” he said. biomass and one percent through solar energy. In the case conditions for this type of generation. In 2014, Cuba approved a policy to develop renewable of wind energy, none of the new parks are in operation yet. Cuba has already identified the areas where renewable energy sources until 2030, with a goal to generate 24 In this context, initial projections were adjusted, and the energies will be developed and has the electrical vehicles percent of the electricity with clean sources. However, the goal now is to increase photovoltaic solar energy to reach and energy-efficient technologies in order to be less National Electricity Union recently updated its program 2,000 megawatts in the next eight years – much higher dependent on fossil fuels, Montes highlighted. and the intention is now to generate 37 percent. than the 700 initially planned. Those sources of generation are cheaper, as electricity is That figure, however, is not the final goal, as different According to Morales, photovoltaic solar energy is the most produced at lower prices in comparison to those of fossil actions are conducted to generate electricity by using 100 feasible in Cuba because of solar radiation on the island fuels, he concluded. Insufficient Foreign Funds for Latin America

By RaquelDÍAZ needs in 2020, ECLAC explained. That is the reason the UN agency stresses no significant changes in the institutional HAVANA.- The foreign funds assigned to Latin framework for development financing to America to help deal with the economic respond to the economic and social impact and health crisis caused by the COVID-19 of the pandemic in developing countries. pandemic are not enough, while considered Additionally, Latin American government the most affected region in the world. financial vulnerability is exacerbated by Latin America is the region with the greatest the sovereign ratings awarded by the three external debt burden on GDP with 56.3 major credit rating agencies. In the region, percent and with the highest external debt for 21 out of a sample of 27 economies are exports of goods and services at 59 percent. considered substantial risk or speculative These levels of debt reduce fiscal space. grade. All that endangers the recovery and future The most vulnerable economies are more growth of the area which, according to the susceptible to negative credit ratings and latest report by the Economic Commission downgrades; and they suffer most from for Latin America and the Caribbean them in terms of higher borrowing costs. (ECLAC), could expand 5.2 percent in 2021 Given the weak response of international and 2.9 percent in 2022. cooperation, Latin American countries However, ECLAC warns there is nothing to have financed themselves largely in private indicate that the low growth dynamic prior capital markets, particularly sovereign to the crisis caused by the pandemic is bonds. going to change. The complex panorama is also marked by Hence, the panorama is full of uncertainties structural issues that held back growth in and the funding issue is one of those the region before the pandemic and that worrying elements. have become more acute. This will have The International Monetary Fund (IMF) negative repercussions on the economic has lent $67 billion – flexible credit lines and labor market recovery despite the not included- to developing economies, predicted growth for 2021 and 2022. whereas $75 billion were allocated during Inequity, poverty, poor investment and the world financial crisis between January low productivity seem to have persisted in and September 2009. Latin America and the Caribbean over the On average, the IMF aid covered 23.1 to years, with COVID-19 related uncertainties 32.3 percent of the regional countries’ now exacerbating them. Latin America is the region with the greatest external debt burden on GDP with 56.3 percent. PHOTO: Internet. 14 ECONOMYCUBA U.S. Politicization of Human Rights

By IbisFRADE Cuban permanent representative at the United Nations Pedro Luis Pedroso highlighted that the alleged concerns the HAVANA.- U.S. politicization of human U.S. government has on human rights rights in Cuba has been largely denounced in Cuba are illegitimate, because if they by the Cuban representation at the United were really concerned, they would lift the Nations and the Cuban Ministry of Foreign blockade. Affairs. On June 23, after the approval of a Latin American countries such as resolution demanding the end of that Venezuela and Nicaragua, which also suffer siege at the General Assembly, the Washington’s unilateral sanctions and ambassador rejected statements issued measures, stress that the U.S. government by the U.S. delegation and described the manipulates as to justify its aggressive and achievements attained by Cuba. hostile policies. The diplomat also denied false accusations After the riots of July 11 in some parts of and made it clear that Cuba will not ask Cuba, U.S. president Joe Biden launched a for Washington’s permission to build the series of accusations on alleged violations economic, political and social system of human rights on the island, and on that decided in consultation with the people. pretext, imposed new sanctions against We have enough things to be proud of in law enforcement authorities. the field of human rights; we have made a Cuban minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno lot of progress in the enjoyment of these Rodríguez rejected those coercive actions in spite of the blockade we face with and affirmed that the United States has insuperable dignity, he stressed. no moral authority to make claims on the Pedroso recalled that while Cuba offers topic of human rights in Cuba. free healthcare, medical attention in the After maintaining Donald Trump’s hostile United States has exclusive prices. policy unaltered – including 243 measures According to general director for U.S. Affairs aimed at asphyxiating the Cuban people – at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Biden included the island as a top-priority Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Washington issue and showed an alleged concern for opportunistically takes advantage of the population. sensitive topics to attack governments that However, he forgot to mention topics defend their people’s sovereign right to such as the blockade that Washington has self-determination. imposed for over 60 years and the unilateral Cuba enjoys international prestige in the measures issued amidst the pandemic of field of human rights for its results in COVID-19. the promotion and protection of these, No statement was made about the acts of as well as for its traditional cooperation vandalism and attacks committed against with the United Nations mechanisms law enforcement officers and the state and its solidarity with other States, the property during the July 11 riots. diplomat said. Those acts were not included either in the He also recalled that Cuba was elected agenda of the main U.S. media outlets such member of the Human Rights Council as CNN or Fox, which maintain a media war for the 2021-2023 period and is part of against the island, as the Cuban Ministry of 44 of the 61 international instruments Cuban minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez.PHOTO: Prensa Latina. Foreign Affairs has denounced. on the topic.

PHOTO: United Nations. SPORTS 15

Cuba Touches the Olympic Sky By JhonahDIAZ

HAVANA.- There are many reasons to praise Cuba’s results at the 2020 Olympic Games. Seven gold medals, ranking 14th on the general Olympic table and countless emotions honor the protagonists of an event marked by COVID -19. Under the pandemic crossfire and stands without fans, the Cuban delegation overcame obstacles, commanded a feeling of respect and proved their strength. Individual dreams came true with extraordinary performances that had the international spectators in awe. Not even the thick barriers of the economic blockade imposed by the U.S. government were able to crush the spirit of our 69 athletes. Nor the thorny sanitary context that limited their training, reducing the flow of international events and sometimes affecting the health of competitors. The Cuban delegation shone in the Japanese capital from July 23 to August 8, recording historic numbers by becoming the Canoeing pair of Serguey Torres and Fernando Luis Orta, gold in Roman Wrestling PHOTOS: Prensa Latina. fourth delegation to win seven gold medals with less than 70 Dayán Jorge (C2-1,000M). members - in addition to winning three silver and five bronze. Such feat had only been accomplished by Turkey in Boxing once again was a beacon of light and leading discipline long jumper Juan Miguel Echevarría. Also, bronze medals the 1960 Olympic Games in (49 athletes-seven thanks to the four gold medals won by Andy Cruz (63 went to long jumper Maykel Massó, discus thrower Yaimé gold medals), Rumania in 1988 (68-seven) and kilograms), Roniel Iglesias (69), Arlen López (81) and Julio César Pérez, taekwondo fighter Rafael Alba (+80) y and wrestler Iran in 2012 (53-seven). Therefore, the Cubans la Cruz (91), as well as the bronze secured by Lázaro Álvarez (57). Reineris Salas (97, free style). athletes showed their rich tradition in times of a media Greco-Roman Wrestling also stood out with the brilliant The Caribbean island ratified itself as the country with war and continuing interference in the country’s performances of the great (and legendary) Mijaín López (130) and the second most Olympic medals in the history of the internal affairs. Luis Orta (60) who, together with the canoeing pair of Serguey American continent (84-69-82), after the United States, Likewise, Cuba had its best performance of the past 13 Torres and Fernando Dayán Jorge (C2-1,000M), completed the and the leader for the Spanish-speaking countries. years, surpassing the results of 2008 (3-10-17), list of Cuban champions. Cuba, together with Brazil (7-6-8) are Some couldn’t believe the fact that such achievements London 2012 (5-3-7) and Río de Janeiro 2016 (5-2-4). The the leading countries for Latin American athletics. could be obtained, as athletes performed exceptionally goal of being ranked among the top 20 participating It’s worth mentioning the second places of judoka Idalys amidst the anxiety caused by the most complex and countries was accomplished and exceeded. Ortiz (+78kg), shooter Leuris Pupo (rapid fire pistol) and unusual Olympic program of all time.

Legendary Roman Wrestling Mijaín López. Judoka Idalys Ortiz 16 U.S.A