THE © YEAR V Nº 16 SEPT 14, 2015 HAVANA, CUBA avana eporter ISSN 2224-5707 YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE H R Price: A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN Cuba Ready to Tourism Receive the Pope Francis P.16

TURNAT: Immersed in Cuban Nature P. 2

Health & Science Cuban Doctors Bring Health to Brazil’s Favelas P. 5

Politics Bilateral Commission Cuba - USA: A Complicated Task P.6 Entertainment & Listings/P. 8-9 Culture Loma de la Cruz - People and Basilica Gente D Zona Sets Record of El Cobre Ready and Gets the World Emblematic Symbol of Holguín Dancing P.10 P. 4 P. 4 International Migratory Crisis: Europe Under Pressure /P.12

Sports Beijing-2015, World Tournament of Surprises /P.15 This newspaper is distributed on board Cubana de Aviacion´s flights 2 TOURISM TURNAT: Immersed in Cuban Nature By Roberto F. CAMPOS and as a novelty; diving and fishing will be included too. The organizers have planned a celebration with talks about conservation and agro tourism in the scientific residence of the Havana National Botanic Garden. New products of this type of tourism will also be displayed there. The other western stop on the TURNAT’s journey is the Complejo Las Terrazas located in the Pinar del Rio province, a sustainable nature community project which is already famous among local excursionists and foreigners for its beautiful surroundings and its care for nature. The following stop is the Taburete campsite and the Soroa Tourist Park, given the name ‘The rainbow of Cuba’ for its colors and well kept panorama, also found in the extreme west region of Cuba. TURNAT’s interesting 2015 trip is therefore leaving to go to the Viñales Valley Cultural Humanity Landscape, with a visit programmed to the Rancho San Vicente HAVANA._ Organized every two years in the idyllic Hotel, where also one can enjoy the Crafts Fair. GARAL PHOTOs: and unique scene of the Cuban archipelago, this year’s And if that wasn’t enough, the list of enjoyment diving and nautical products already mentioned and edition will take place from September 22-27, the tenth includes a horse ride to the Guabina Farm, taking the described as an absolute novelty, in the surroundings edition of the international event of Nature Tourism path of Hell to Paradise, The Tabaco Route, between of Cabo de San Antonio, the most western part of Cuba. TURNAT, a professional meeting that relies on many valleys and mountains and the Valley Lookout. Cayo Jutias, Cayo Levia and a closing event in the upcoming entertainers of all corners of the globe. These trips will be complemented by cultural meets San Vicente Farm make up some other ideas for this Some 160 specialists will attend this special meeting like the planned one to Viñales. international meeting that has a stop planned at the characterized by the participants learning of the Cuban The list of trips will also take the assistants to the Güira campsite and the San Diego de los Baños Spa (of potentialities, as described by the two fundamental Indian Cave to contemplate the exit of the bats, the medicinal waters) on the way back to Havana. entertainers: The commercial director of ECOTUR, Wild Cave and a night party with the Yuca drum, which The river Cuyaguateje and the Villa Cabo de San Emma Rosa Fonseca and the commercial specialist without a doubt will enrich the knowledge of the Antonio round off the huge diversity of a program Franklin Marín Milanés. traditions of this archipelago. tailor-made by demanding professionals from the The 2015 edition is dedicated to the west of Cuba Furthermore, there will be the presentation of nature and adventure sector. CUBA 3 Cuba Favours Education that Forms All-Rounded Citizens By NuriemDE ARMAS PHOTO: Emilio Herrera PHOTO:

The Minister of Higher Education, committed to the Revolution, with

PHOTO: Manuel Muñoa PHOTO: Rodolfo Alarcón said that Cuba aspires skills and specialized knowledge in HAVANA- (PL) A new school year has The Minister explained that these to train patriotic and ethical citizens, accordance with society. begun in Cuba where as its foundations, adaptations and adjustments allow the education looks to increase its for the rescue of activities like quality and form new generations of all- knowledge meetings, working with rounded citizens. the teachers, the participation in For many it was the return to the circles of interest, the realization of classroom, for others it was the novelty agricultural fairs and other activities of a new period but the excitement of that contribute to the best formation the first day at school overcame more of the student. than 1,700,000 students that started the She added that the Ministry academic year 2015-2016. of Education guarantees a 95% During the previous weeks 10,300 teaching coverage, a figure similar educational centres in Cuba prepared to that of last year but this year the for the first day in which the teachers quality of the substitute teachers received their new pupils with books, that they will employ to resolve notebooks and uniforms. the lack of teachers will be higher. The State of Cuba spent 17.5 million The classrooms will welcome 8,000 dollars on necessary items for the school graduates from teaching degrees year: pencils and pens, water colours, she specified. colouring books and drawing books, In the meantime, the increase temperas, materials for manual art and in the number of places at daycare other necessary items for education. centers was made known with During this year the transformations more than 2,700 spaces being which make the timetables of the opened up to children in Cuba teachers more flexible will continue from 1-5 years old. in search for a better use of the During the academic year 2015- performance of the pupils and a better 2016 Higher education will also quality in the preparation carried out by continue with the transformations the teachers. and adaptations that are used in The Minister of Eduction, Ena Elsa search of a higher quality and better Velásquez underlined that the new professionals. conceptions keep the double teaching The process of university session; allowing for the tailoring integration which started in 2009 will of timetables in order for teachers be resumed and in this second stage together with pupils, family members the centers of higher education and the community, to contribute to in the provinces of Santiago de the vocational formation of children Cuba, Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, and young people, in their knowledge Villa Clara and Pinar del Río will be of history, their developmental abilities included. The third stage would be and the opening up to culture and sport. concluded in Havana.

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: Pedro Ríoseco 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: Prensa Latina English Department. Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels. E-mail: [email protected] 4 SOCIETY The Pope’s Visit: People and Basilica of El Cobre Ready

SANTIAGO DE CUBA – The town of El Cobre and opposite the church and a few blocks from La Plaza de the Basilica that welcome the Virgin of Charity, the Marte the people of Santiago de Cuba and other Cubans, Patron Saint of Cuba are getting ready to receive the principally easterners, will follow the details of the formal Pope Francis on September 21 and 22 during his visit ceremonies on TV screens. to the country. It is a pastoral visit through which the Pope will The seminarian Elvys Solís Vázquez on behalf of the confirm the Cubans in their faith as missionary of authorities of Santuario informed The Havana Reporter the clemency. that they are advancing the works in order for the In terms of space, the move through these places will religious enclosure to be a dignified area for the Eucharist be performed in an open vehicle which will facilitate the by the Supreme Pontiff on the morning of September 22 greetings of the locals and thousands of other visitors in front of thousands of people from all across the island. who will express their admiration, respect and affection Solís highlighted that the highest representative of for the Pope, said Solis. the Catholic Church will arrive in Santiago de Cuba after In accordance with the given program, once these the program put together in the Eastern city of Holguin activities are finished in the city, the Pope will depart to in the afternoon of September 21 where he will share his the US from the Antonio Maceo International Airport to prayer with the Cuban bishops and as all the travellers continue his tour. do he will pray to the image of the deity. Located 20 kilometers from the city, the town of Like the other believers who come to this holy place, El Cobre and especially el Santuario de la Virgen de la the Pope Francis will give flowers and candles to the Caridad welcome around 1000 people everyday – even Virgin as offerings, accompanied in the same way by more over the weekend – that come from various areas

Cuban bishops. Najarro David Lázaro : PHOTO of the island and from other countries too that are all People from all over Cuba will go to the Basilica and and afterwards they will be close to Father Francis when attracted by the mysticism of the blessed place. Santuario of El Cobre from Pinar del Rio to Guantanamo, he makes his brief tour around those areas. Through the attraction of its religious transcendence, natives in the majority of small communities where in Solís said that during the morning of September 22 the natural beauty of the landscape and the mountains the absence of churches the believers come together in a meeting between the Pope and Cuban families will of the Sierra Maestra in the background are brought homes offered by their own neighbors. take place in the Cathedral within the city, at the end together as well as with the secular stamp of the mining, Inside the Church there will be 1,700 Cubans and of which he will bless the city which just celebrated its a productive activity decades ago and the slave rebellion in the Plaza Mariana situated in the outskirts of the 500th anniversary, from the atrium. with the Monumento al Cimarrón (The Monument of building thousands will congregate to follow the ritual He added that from the central park Céspedes the Runaway Slave) a sculpture by Alberto Lescay. Loma de la Cruz - Emblematic Symbol of Holguín By MoisésPÉREZ

HAVANA.- The Hill of the Cross (Loma de la Cruz)is a unique natural balcony overlooking the city of Holguín which characterizes this northeastern city that lies 770 kilometers from Havana where the Pope Francis will be welcomed on September 21 on his first visit to Cuba. Initially known as the Cerro Bayado, the short balcony up there, an oratorium, two viewpoints and a stairway of 261 meters above sea level was given its present of 458 steps. The first stage of the building was ready at named on May 3, 1790,when Antonio de Alegría, Friar the beginning of the 1930s but could only be declared of the Franciscan order, arrived at its Summit and placed finalized in 1951. there a blessed wooden cross, allegedly to prevent The truth is that Friar Alegria´s action also served to epidemics and catastrophes. initiate a festive religious tradition: the Romerias of the At the beginning of the heroic Cuban war of Cross, -similar to those held in Spain - that marked the Independence, on October 10, 1868, the Hill of the Cross day when, according to the Bible St. Helen found the acquired great importance when it was considered Cross of the Calvary. a strategic stronghold thanks to the visibility that it In this way, every May 3, the hill, illuminated and offered, not only over the city of San Isidoro de Holguín, decorated for the occasion, received thousands of Najarro David Lázaro : PHOTOs but a great distance beyond. believers who, accompanied by a military band or an As part of the festivities, the participants crown the Consequently, a tower named Numancia was orchestra, climbed to where the cross stands carrying summit of the Loma de la Cruz together with visitors erected there that during the war of 1895 was replaced with them flowers, candles and stones to put them at the from other latitudes, but now carrying with them the Ax by the fortress known as Vigia, where a heliograph foot of the cross and ask for three wishes. of Holguin, a replica of the Taino aboriginal ax and also was installed, a device which transmitted signals and Over two centuries later, the tradition was rescued as a symbol of the so-called city of parks. messages through the use of mirrors which allowed by young creatives of Holguin who make up the Saíz According to the program, the Supreme Pontiff will for communication with other defensive systems of Brothers Association, who each year organize the climb the Loma de la Cruz on September 21 to bless the the region. Romerias of May and make the East of Cuba the capital city and its people, after saying mass in the Plaza de la It was not until 1927, when a square began to be built of young art. Revolución Mayor General Calixto García. HEALTH & SCIENCE 5 Domineering Drought in Cuba By AlfredoBOADA

run by the National Institute of Hydraulic minimize the possible consequences. Resources only retained around Due to its condition in the 3,224,000,000 of cubic meters of water, archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba equivalent to 35% of their total capacity. is highly vulnerable to the current 165 Cuban dams contain below 50% climate change provoked by the of their useful capacity and 118 of these emission of contaminating greenhouse dams do not even hold 25% of their gases in the atmosphere. useful capacity. Of the latter group, 26 The current global warming dams are dry. causes the climate in the Greater Faced with this difficult situation, the Antilles to become hotter and hotter PHOTO: Manuel Muñoa PHOTO: Civil Defence called for an increase in the and more extreme. In 2015, Cuba has shown a worrying lack Caribbean archipelago. A recently vigilance of the drought and the rational Since mid last century, the Cubans of rain as in the first seven months of installed centre in the city of Bayamo in usage of water in order to minimise the have seen the average temperature of the the year only 70% of the usual average the Granma province in the east of the impact of this phenomenon, aggravated atmosphere rise by 0.9 degrees Celsius, rainfall for the country during this period country measured a maximum of 39.3 by the high temperatures. as well as the tendency for the decrease was reported. degrees Celsius on July 29. The Institute of Meteorology also in rainfall in the east of the country with Throughout the nation, the level The tense situation created by the predicted the extension of the current significant shortages in water since of the reservoirs is found to be a lot scarcity of water obliged the National intense drought, and the little activity in the 90s, as well as the occurrence of lower than their full capacity, and the Institute of Hydraulic Resources to the cyclonic season during what is left droughts that are becoming more and subterranean water sources are in actions which would alleviate the harm of the year, indicating that the scarcity more frequent, intense and prolonged. descent with respect to the preceding caused by the drought, principally in the of rainfall could continue, affecting the In accordance with the records, from months, which is owed to the high most damaged parts of the country. availability of the valued liquid for the 1966 to 2009 the sea level has risen 1.43 temperatures, responsible for a large According to the experts, the month next dry period starting in November. millimetres a year throughout Cuba. part of the evaporation. of July was dry in terms of precipitation These factors determine low levels For 2050, scientists predict an increase The summer climate in Cuba was registering a national rainfall of 89.6 in the availability of water for the in sea level of 27 centimetres on the accentuated with various records of millimetres which represents 67% of the population, agriculture, industry and Cuban coastline, and the loss of 2.31 % maximum temperatures for the seventh historical record of rainfall at this time. the services a large effort is therefore of the littoral terrestrial surface due to and eighth calendar months in the At the end of July, the 242 reservoirs required from everyone in order to climate change. Cuban Doctors Bring Health to Brazil’s Favelas By Manuel B.HUDSON

are Cubans, they make up for 11,400 of the total number of doctors. According to Pinto, this project has allowed for the widening of the coverage of assistants in giving primary health attention to more than 63 million people. Equally, the project represents the improvement of all the health indicators, the increase in the number of appointments, the widening of the practices of primary attention, above all the treatment given to children and pregnant women and the great satisfaction of the population. The first 400 Cuban doctors arrived in the South American giant in August 2013, in October of that same year another 2000 doctors arrived and in November, 3000 more came, affirmed Doctor Cristina Luna – the person in charge of the Cuban mission of the program More Doctors. The figure grew in January 2014 with the arrival of 2000 more health collaborators on Brazilian soil, and in March 4000 more Doctors arrived from the island.

PHOTO: FotosPL PHOTO: The Cubans have had to overcome a friendly manner’, said various Brazilians HAVANA.- In the favelas, the indigenous World organizations of Health (OMS/OPS the language barriers and get to know a in the same way that the patient Manuel districts and the poorest places in Brazil in Spanish). different health system, sometimes even Oliveira said he would like there to be more where a doctor has never checked in, ‘The Cuban doctors’ experience here traveling in boats during the early hours of Cuban doctors in Brazil. Cuban health collaborators are present is a success that the Brazilian people will the morning to tend to those most in need These Brazilian people are not mistaken who are integrating the More Doctors be thankful for for the rest of their lives’, no matter wherever they may be. because as Cuban Doctor Jacqueline program into this enormous South said Molina when commenting on the The Brazilian patients were not Junco explained: ‘We have won over the American country. labor of the medical brigade of the island. accustomed either to a doctor visiting their population by being doctors which we The participation of the doctors from Heider Aurelio Pinto, the vice minister house, tending to them in their own home, are used to being, those who listen and Cuba in this initiative introduced by of Health said that the More Doctors and taking time to almost be part of their examine, those who dedicate their time and President Dilma Rousseff to guarantee program relies on more than 18,000 family. look for causes to people’s health problems the health attention for 63 million people doctors in more than 4000 towns, 34 ‘Ever since they got here they have and try to solve them, the doctor that does is key in Brazil, said Joaquín Molina the special indigenous districts and all of been very punctual, they never miss an not send them to see another specialist can representative of the Panamerican and the Brazilian provinces, and the majority appointment and they always treat us in solve the problem’. 6 POLITICS Bilateral Commission Cuba – USA: A Complicated Task By RobertoGARCÍA

The topic of the relations between planned to make the laws that prohibit Cuba and the United States will again the Northamericans from visiting Cuba take the ‘public floor’ for various more flexible. reasons, among them being the start On that subject, in mid-August various of the work of a commission that will US media showed that with the use of analyze the pressing topics of the his executive attributions the President bilateral agenda. anticipates the relaxation in the possible The creation of this work group mentioned regulations imposed by the was announced by the chancellor Congress. Bruno Rodríguez on August 14 The Northamericans that go to Cuba during the Secretary of State John have to be within 12 categories approved Kerry’s visit to Havana who directed by the White House on last January 15. : Emilio Herrera : PHOTO the official opening ceremony of the FotosPL : PHOTOs Various websites have recently said US Embassy. financial embargo placed against the Caribbean territory that Obama is also planning on implementing changes Its members will discuss the way in which they can more than half a century ago. in the bans on giving Cuba loans, with the aim to come to an agreement despite the different conceptions The installation of the Commission coincides with facilitate the purchases of Northamerican products, held in regards to human rights, democracy, the the fact that President Barack Obama will decide in purchases which at present the companies on the island application of law and the practice of international law. September whether Cuba will continue for another year are making via advanced payments or in cash. Among the pending matters is Cuba’s complaint to be the only nation sanctioned in virtue of the Trading In this context, the US department of the Treasury for Washington to return the territory occupied by the with the Enemy Act which dates back to 1917. of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) freed naval base in Guantanamo Bay, as well as the cessation of Experts on the subject highlight that it is difficult dozens of foreign companies and individuals from the illegal transmissions and subversions against the island. for the head of the White House to maintain the island list of sanctioned entities for maintained some sort of On their behalf, the Northamericans request to under this act after the reestablishment of the bilateral economic and financial relationship with Cuba. discuss the compensation for their nationals affected by relations and the reopening of the respective diplomatic The relation, published on August 27, includes nationalization after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution embassies as well as Obama himself asking the Congress entities from Germany, Cyprus, Kuwait, Ecuador, Jamaica, in 1959, an aspect which Havana is guaranteed to be to lift the sanctions against Havana. Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela. ready to tackle. According to the Cuban authorities, the embargo Although the economic, commercial and financial The Commission’s work is developed in a new context constitutes the main obstacle impeding the advances embargo can only be lifted by the Congress, Obama has in the Cuban- US links and in the middle of a strong towards normalization of the links between the two wide executive faculties which can relax a considerable debate in the Northamerican society regarding the need neighboring nations and at the centre of the debate number of unilateral sanctions, but experts consider for the Congress to lift the economic, commercial and is the possibility that Obama will adopt new measures that to date he has done very little.

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To subscribe please contact : Gerencia editorial Prensa Latina www.cubaplusmagazine.com Email: [email protected] Telf. 7833 2279 CULTURE 7 SPOTLIGHT ON Julio Cortázar- Man of the World with House and Award in Cuba By IbisFRADE

precisely on the date of his birthday – was won by ‘frenchified’ writer, and it was precisely in ‘the City the Chilean writer Oscar Barrientos, with the story of Light’ where some of his works were born. Quillas como espadas(Keels as Swords), which has One of his most remembered and praised an unusual plot that creates an atmosphere that novels Rayuela breaks the conventional structure manages to erase reality. of narration and allows for various ways of reading Julio Florencio Cortázar was born on August it not only in the linear fashion. The formula caused 26, 1914 – a few days before the German invasion rage in the literary world and even surprised the in Belgium – in the Argentinean embassy in creator himself. Brussels, which was classed as ‘a product of He even once confessed: ‘I wrote long passages tourism and diplomacy’. of Rayuela without having any idea about where ‘I spent my childhood in a haze of spirits, elves, they were located and what they were actually with a sense of space and time that was different responding to…It was a way of making things up from that of the others’ he said when recalling as I wrote, without ever progressing from what I those times. could see in that moment’. The father of ’cronopios’, lover of cats, jazz and On February 12, 1984, leukemia wrote the final boxing, claimed that a novel should win for ‘rings’ chapter of the life of this brilliant Argentinean and a story for ‘knockout’. who had an eternally young-looking face and was As a child, when his asthma, multiple fractures always visible in a crowd with his height of 1.93m. and frequent illnesses kept him bed bound, When he left, he left the Magician behind surrounded by books, he dreamt that he visited and Horacio Oliveira too, crying inconsolably in Europe and made his home in Paris. glíglico and drawing hopscotch over his tomb in In fact, some critics consider him to be a the Montparnasse cemetery. : Martin Hacthoun : PHOTO HAVANA.-Julio Cortázar, an Argentinean of colossal height and an even more expansive mind, lover of Paris and of the World, also visited Havana and fell in love with it, where today he still has a house. According to what the intellectual Roberto Fernández Retamar once wrote, the author of Rayuela (Hopscotch) said: ‘although he (Cortázar) was born by chance in Brussels, he is of course Argentinean; and since 1959 he also has another country: Cuba’. The phrase made those from the island ‘spectacularly happy’ and during his second visit to the Caribbean nation, the journalists pestered the narrator, people stopped him in the street and they visited him in his hotel, told the present president of the House of the Americas in a letter. This institution opened its doors to him and embraced his work and his audacious thinking. There he met other prestigious authors of his generation and he began to take a little more interest in the Latin-American political reality. Only two years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cortázar made his first trip to the island and then confessed that during his visit he discovered his big political void: ‘From that day on I tried to acquaint myself with it, tried to understand it, and read about it’. By coincidence, the same year of the publication of his novel Rayuela in 1963, he participated as judge in the House of the Americas Literary Award competition. Now, this cultural centre, along with the Cuban Book Institute, The Ministry of Argentinean Culture and the Alia Foundation annually cofund a competition in his name. The Julio Cortázar Ibero-American Award of stories – awarded 8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

THEATER MUSIC *Note: theater companies are in parentheses

Sala Hubert De Blanck

(THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations) GETTINGTeatro Mella. Basílica Menor San AROUND By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected] Francisco de Asís RECOMMENDS • Otros Caprichos (Other Caprices) by (Cía Danza Contemporánea de Cuba)at Teatro Mella.

Bertol Brecht Sótano

Calzada e/ A y B. Vedado. Tel: 7 Línea entre A y B. Vedado. Tel: 830-1011. Fri. Sep. 11, 18, 25, Sat. 7 833-8696. Tue. Sep. 8, Wed. 9 12, 19, 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. (8:30 pm): Programa Concierto 13, 20, 27 (5 pm): Las heridas (Concert program) by (Cía del viento (The Wounds of the GEDE). Fri. 11, Sat. 12 (8:30 pm) Oficios e/ Amargura y Churruca, Wind) by (Compañía Hubert de and Sun. 13 (5 pm): Programa Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862- Blanck). Concierto by (Conjunto 9683. Sat. Sep. 12 (6 pm): The Calle 13 esquina a I. Vedado. Folklórico Nacional de Cuba. orchestra of Havana guitars Teatro Trianón Tel: 7 832-9359. Café Teatro. Fri. Wed. 16 (8:30 pm): Yoruba will celebrate the 80th birthday Línea e/ Paseo y A. Vedado. Sep. 4, Sat. 5 and Sun. 6 (8:30 Andabo. of the professor Jesús Ortega. Tel: 7 831-9304. Fri.Sep. 4, pm): Monólogos de la vagina Tue. 15 (6 pm): The concert of Sat. 5 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 6 (5 (The Vagina Monologues) by Iglesia de Paula homage for Independence pm): Decamerón by (Teatro El (Mujeres Fuente de creación). Day in Costa Rica will consist of Público). Tue. 8, Wed. 9 (8:30 pm): Mujeres works written by the Costarican de la Luna (Women of the Calle K entre 25 y 27. Vedado. professor Marvin Camacho Sala Adolfo Llauradó Moon) by (Teatro de la Luna). Tel: 7 832-0630. Fri. Sep. 4, 11, 18, Villegas for voice and piano Fri. 11, 18, 25, Sat. 12, 19, 26 25, Sat, 5, 12, 19, 26 (8:30 pm): El and the professor Guido López- (8:30 pm) and Sun. 13, 20, 27 amnésico y la entregada (The Gavilán. The soloists will be (5 pm): Las Mariposas saltan Amnesiac and the Devoted) by the soprano Ivette Betancourt al vacío (The Butterflies Take (Cía Rita Montaner). and the pianist Maite Aboy. Flight) by (Pequeño Teatro de la Sat. 19 (6 pm): The clarinetist Habana). Sala Argos Teatro. Arístides Porto alongside the Ayestarán y 20 de mayo. Plaza duo Promúsica, accompanied Teatro Raquel Revuelta de la Revolución. Tel.: 7 878- by the violinist Alfredo Muñoz 5551. Fri. Sep. 4, 11, 18, 25, Sat. and the pianist María Victoria 5, 12, 19, 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. del Collado. 6, 13, 20, 27 (5 pm): Mecánica Paula esq. San Ignacio, La (Mechanics) by (Argos Teatro). Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 860-4210. Fri. Oratorio San Felipe Neri Sep. 11 (7 pm): Concert by the MUSIC MUSIC soloists of the group Ars Longa (Musica antigua- Old music). Sat. 12 (7 pm): Concert for Teatro Nacional de Cuba ‘celestial instruments’, directed Calle 11 entre D y E. Vedado. Tel: Loma y 39. Plaza de la by the prestigious cellist 7 832-5373. Fri. Sep. 4, 11, 18, 25, Revolución. Tel: 7 878-5590. Sala Alejandro Saúl Martínez. Fri. 18 Sat. 5, 12, 19, 26 (8:30 pm) and Avellaneda. Sat. Sep. 12 (8:30 (7 pm): Vocal and instrumental Sun. 6, 13, 20, 27 (8 pm): Pedir la pm) and Sun. 13, (5 pm): La corte virtuosity in the works of Italian mano (Asking For Her Hand) by del Faraón (The Court of Faraón) composers from 18th century (Pálpito). by (Teatro Lirico Nacional de by the Old Music of Ars Longa. Calle Línea esquina a B. Vedado. Cuba). Sala Covarrubias. Tue. 8, Sat. 19 (7 pm): Concierto Dulces Teatro Lázaro Peña Tel: 7 833-0225. Sala Raquel Wed. 9 (8:30 pm) : La otra rumba sonidos, (Sweet sounds concert Calle Marquéz González, Esq. Revuelta. Fri. Sep. 4, 11, 18, 25, de Papa Montero (The Other by the instrumentalists from the Peñalver. Centro Habana. Tel: Sat. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Sun. 6, 13, Rumba of Papa Montero) by Ars Longa group with German, Calle Aguiar esq. Obrapía. 7 873- 1616. Fri. Sep. 4, Sat. 20, 27 (8:30 pm): Nuestra señora (Cía de danzas Tradicionale de English and Italian works from Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-3243. 5 (5 pm) and Sun. 6 (11 am): de las nubes (Our Lady of the Cuba). Sun. 27 (11 am): Orquesta the 17th and 18th century). Sat. Sep. 12 (4 pm):The pianist “Los mejores momentos de La Clouds) by (Teatro D´Dos). Sinfónica Nacional en concierto Wed. 23 (7 pm): Alegoría barroca Huberal will give a unique Colmenita” (The Best Moments Osvaldo Dragún. Fri. 4, 11, 18, (National Symphony Orchestra (Barroque Allegory, with the concert on this stage. Thu. 17 (7 of the Beehive). Habanarte 2015 25, Sat. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Sun. 6, in concert) Director Musical quintet of Santa Cecilia wind pm): The pianists Mayte Aboy y Dirección (Director): Carlos 13, 20, 27 (7 pm): Macbeth by (Musical director): Enrique Pérez and the invited musicians of the Paula Suárez will give a program Cremata. (Teatro D´Dos). Mesa. Cáliz duo. of two pianos. ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

GETTING TeatroAROUND Martí Fototeca de Cuba September: Exhibition of pm): Concert of homage to 25, Sat. 26 (8:30 pm) and Sun. Calle Mercaderes e/ Brasil y baskets of vegetable fiber Omara Portuondo. 27 (5 pm): Otros Caprichos Muralla Plaza Vieja. Until Fri. that belong to the indigenous (Other Caprices) by (Cía Danza Sep. 14 (6 pm): La mujer del s. community of the Eperaara La casa de 18 Contemporánea de Cuba). XX al s. XXI (The Woman from Siapedaara nationality with Calle 18 e/ 5ta y 7ma. Playa. Tel: 20th century to 21st century) by approximately 400 habitants. 7 204-1212. Fri. Sep. 11, 18, 25 Cine Teatro Miramar (Colectivo de autor) The women grow totora and (6 pm): Leidis Díaz en descarga Calle 5ta Avenida y 94. Playa chacolillo, materials which (Leidis Díaz on discharge) (Miramar). Tel: 7 203-7676. Sat. Museo Castillo de La Real provide the fiber for the (Boleros). Sep. 5 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 6 (5 Fuerza. manufacture of the baskets. pm): Un beso de mi Habana (A Calle O’Reilly e/ Avenida del The women are also in charge Sauce Kiss from my Havana) by (Cía Puerto y Tacón. La Habana of elaborating the baskets Raíces Profundas). Tue. 8, Wed. Vieja. Tel: 7 864-4490. Until which have utilitarian and 9 (7 pm): Tablao (Stage) by (Cía Sep. 30: Exhibit “Modelismo en commercial purposes. The Flamenca ECOS). Fri. 11, Sat, 12 acción IV” (Model-making in fibers are intertwined using (8:30 pm) and Sun. 13 (5 pm): Action 4) by students from José cords and create a magnificent Bonteau Mitan by (Cía Folclórica Martí Secondary School in Old style giving the baskets various BanRará). Havana. uses. El Ciervo Encantado Casa de Artistas y NIGHTCLUBS & Calle 18 e/ Línea y 11. Vedado. creadores de entro NIGHTCLUBSCABARETS & CABARETS Tel: 7 833 – 6982. Fri. 4, Sat. 5 Calle Dragones y Zulueta. Habana. and Sun. 6 (830 pm): Malsón by Centro Habana. Tel: 7 866- San Lázaro e/ Gervasio y Club Barbaram-Pepito ‘s (Danza Abierta). 7153. Sat. Sep. 26– Oct. 10: The Belascoaín. Centro Habana. Bar Martí Theater will stage eight Hatta el Wed. Sep 30: Exhibition Calle 26 e/ Avenida Zoológico Teatro Martí concerts from The Human “Los Cadalso, Identidad y y 47, Nuevo Vedado. Tel: 7881- Calle Dragones esq. Zulueta. Voices Festival organized by the patrimonio” (The Cadalsos, 1808.Thu. Sep. 10, 17, 24 (5 pm): Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866- 7153. Leo Brouwer Office. Identity and Fatherland). Los Francos (rock music). Sat. Calle 9na e/ 190 y 130, Sat. Sep. 12 (8:30 pm): Fiesta 22 (5 pm): Yaima Sáez (boleros, Cubanacán. Playa. Tel: 7204- Mayor de Barcelona (The MUSEUMSMUSEUMS AND GALLERIES AND Palacio de Lombillo balads, son y popular song) 7114. Sun. Aug. 23, 30 (5 pm): Biggest Party in Barcelona) by GALLERIES Obrapía e/ San Ignacio y Concert by Charly Salgado. (Cía Flamenco ECOS) Mercaderes. Habana Vieja.Tel: Diablo Tun Tun Pabellón Cuba 7 861- 5798. Until Sun. Sep. 13 Calle 20 esq. 35, Miramar, Playa. La Zorra y el Cuervo Teatro Las Carolinas Exhibition: Emilio Roig and the Tel: 7 202-6147. Tue. Sep. 3 (5 Calle 23 y O, Vedado. Tel: 7 Calle Obrapía e/ Oficios y San National Congresses of History pm): Ray Fernandez (Trova 833-2402. Sat. Sep. 12 (10 pm): Ignacio. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 866 in commemoration of the 126th Music) Yasek Manzano & his band. 0512. Fri. Sep. 11, Sat. 12, (7 pm): anniversary of his birth. Sun. 13 (10 pm): Lázaro Valdés Posible imposible (Possible Teatro Nacional de Cuba & his Jazz. Mon. 14 (10 pm): Impossible) (CíaDanza Retazos). Casa Museo del Tabaco Loma y 39. Plaza de la Bobby Carcassés & Afrojazz. (Cigar Museum) Revolución. Tel: 7 878-5590. Tue. 15 (10 pm): Zule Guerra The renowned pianists Calle Mercaderes e/ Obrapía Café Cantante. Wed. Sep. 2 (Zule War) & Blues de Havana Lang Lang from China y Obispo. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 (5 pm): Qva Libre en el Café (Havana Blues). Wed. 16 (10 pm): and Chucho Valdés from 861-5795. Tue. Sep. 15-Sat. 19 (9 Cantante. Harold López Nussa & Trío. Thu. Cuba will give an open am): 6th Internacional Havana 17 (10 pm): Roberto Fonseca & air concert in the Plaza de Symposium. Maxim Rock Temperamento (temperament). la Catedral in Havana on Calle Bruzón e/ Almendares y October 9 to celebrate the Museo Numismático Ayestarán. Centro Habana. Tel: DANCE DANCE 500th anniversary of the Calle Obispo e/ Aguiar y 7 877-5925. Sun. Sep. 13 (5 pm): founding of the Cuban Habana. Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 Closing of Habanarte 2015 with Teatro Nacional de Cuba capital. 861- 5811. Through September): the concerts of Eddy Escobar, Loma y 39. Plaza de la Colecciones numismáticas Anima Mundi, La Vieja Escuela Revolución. Tel: 7 878-5590. del Vaticano (Numismatic and Odisea Sala Avellaneda. Sat. Sep. Sat. collections of the Vatican) 5 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 6 (5 pm): exhibition. The attending public Jardines del Mella Carmen: Furia de Pasión en can appreciate collections of Línea entre A y B. Vedado. Tel: 7 flamenco (The Fury of Passion in Calle 23 Esq. N, el Vedado, medals from the Vatican state 833-8696. Thu. Sep. 17 (5 pm): Flamenco) by (Ballet Español de Ciudad de La Habana. Tel: 7 from the 20th century until the Kialo (Alternative music). Wed. Cuba). Tue. 22, Wed. 23 (8:30 pm): 832-3511. Until Sep 13: The present day, with images of the 30 (6 pm): Peña Jazz in Colors Japón baila Cuba (Japan Dances exhibition “En campaña de Supreme Pontiffs who occupied of Zule Guerra (Zule War) and Cuba) by (Cía Narciso Medina) verano” (In the Season of the Holy See during this period; Blues de Habana (Havana Summer) as well as being able to get to Blues). Teatro Mella. know their current circulation. Línea entre A y B. Vedado. Tel: Galería Habana Teatro Karl Marx 7 833-8696. Fri. Sep.4, Sat. 5 Calle Línea e/ E y F. Vedado. Casa Oswaldo Calle 1era. y 10, Miramar, Playa, (8:30 pm) and Sun. 6 (5 pm): Until Sun. Oct. 11: Collective Guayasamín. Ciudad de La Habana. Tel: 7 Concert Program by (Ballet exhibition of “Pintura Fresca II” Obrapía e/ Oficios y 209-1991. Fri. Sep. 4 (8:30 pm): de Camaguey). Thu. 17, Fri. 18 (Fresh Painting II). Habanarte Mercaderes. Habana Vieja. Concert for Lartiza Bacallao’s (8:30 pm): Concert Program 2015 by (Colectivo de autor) Tel: 7 861-3843. Throughout 5th anniversary. Thu. 10 (10 by (Cía Habana Compás). Fri. 10 CULTURE Gente D Zona Sets Record and Gets the World Dancing By DamiánESTRADA

The international hit Bailando, composed the island, Gente D Zona gathered 60 by Cuban Descemer Bueno and thousand people in a dowtown Havana interpreted by his compatriots Gente avenue facing the sea. D Zona and Spaniard Enrique Iglesias is Meanwhile, internationally, both today among the most seen video clips songs lead the hit lists. Moreover, their in the history of the Internet. collaboration with Venezuelans Chino With about one billion hits on the and Nacho, the Cuban-Americans Pitbull popular website You Tube, Bailando is and Jean Carlos Canela and Spaniard sixth among the most seen music videos Juan Magan also became popular. ever on this website since it was founded The Cuban reggaeton group, winner in 2005. of several Grammy Latino Awards is Bailando also sets the milestone preparing the details of their next album, of being the only song in Spanish in Visualízate (Visualize) the list of the 10 most visited videos The origins of the group go back to on You Tube, topped by South Korean the year 2000 when several rappers met artista Psy and his super hit of 2012, in Alamar, a coastal town east of Havana, Gangnam Style. known as the cradle of Cuban hip-hop. Recently, on Twitter Enrique Iglesias Having seen a thing or two, Gente D said “Thanks for making it possible for Zona climbs high in different latitudes, the spanish version of Bailando to reach above all in Spain, where La Gozadera has one billion hits”. become the theme song this summer, Despite the credit generally being having held seven weeks at the top of given to Iglesias, long before the Spanish the chart. Without beating about the artist even bought the rights to the bush, it is certain that this musical talent video, the whole of Cuba was already FERVAL : PHOTO in Cuba is intact, one really has to search enjoying the first video clip. several figures known worldwide. successor of Bailando. for alternatives and new strategies As well as establishing Bueno as one After that hit, the duo conquered the Both clips are directed by Cuban which allow those artists to achieve the of the best composers in the present Latin American and European market Alejandro Pérez and use dancing as a promotion and international fame they Latin American musical panorama, it together with popular Puerto Rican fundamental element in the videos. undoubtedly deserve. also opened doors for the duo of urban salsa star Marc Anthony with the song In a recent concert in Havana, after Bailando and La gozadera confirm music Gente D Zona to collaborate with La Gozadera that can well classify as two years of absence from stages on the theory. Ivette Cepeda – A Charming Cuban Singer By ReinaMAGDARIAGA : FERVAL : PHOTOs Honduras and Ucrania with her show ‘Habana Mía’ (My Excellent vocal qualities and a very exclusive stamp Her power on the stage has allowed the author of Havana). characterize the Cuban singer Ivette Cepeda, who has albums such as Estaciones (seasons-2010), Una ventana During 2006 she worked as a soloist for the been given standing ovations across national stages entre dos (One window between two-2011) and Pullmantur Company accompanied by the band ‘Traje and is known as one of the most important artists on Miracle (2012) to introduce herself across important Nuevo’ (New Suit) on the Blue Moon cruise liner which the scene today. international stages. traveled through the Baltics and the Mediterranean. Although she does not have an academic Among her successes abroad we find her concert The following year she toured the north of Spain with knowledge of music, she is capable of enriching the in Paris in 2011 in the Centre of Arts of the French the show ‘Son del Trópico’ (They’re From The Tropics). most diverse musical styles. Using a range of nuances community Enghien-les-Bains which ended up being In 2009, accompanied by the band ‘Reflexión’ and modulations, the singer performs different made into a CD-DVD named ‘A Cuban in Paris’. (Reflection) who she is grateful to for her successes, she genres such as the ‘son’, bolero, jazz, bossa nova and During her travels through other countries in went on tour in Denmark, Germany and Switzerland above all fusion. 1994 she shared her beautiful contralto voice in a and in 2010 – during the promotion of her album In her artistic career that spans more than 15 years tour across various countries in Africa with the band ¨Estaciones¨ (Seasons)- she went on tour through she has dealt with music from important composers Raíces Cubanas. She also became part of the cast of Europe, Canada, Japan and Argentina. such as Tom Jobin, Caetano Veloso, Agustín Lara, Cole the Cuban - Bahamas production ‘Caribe’ (Caribbean) This singer and teacher of training who comes from Porter, Gershwin, Vinicius de Moraes, Rafael Hernández, performed especially for the Crystal Palace Hotel in the central Cuban province Sancti Spíritus is considered Joaquín Sabina, Joan Manuel Serrat, Miguel Matamoros, Nassau (1998-2000). to be neither a bolero singer nor a salsa singer who and Juan Formell. Moreover she has performed music In 2002, Cepeda played a role in the show ‘Buenavista touches the hearts of those who listen to her music from other Cuban singer-songwriters like Pablo Milanés, Salsa Habana’ (The Havana Buenavista Salsa) that because as she herself confessed: ‘my performance is Silvio Rodríguez, Vicente Feliú, Amaury Pérez Vidal, performed in the Munich German Theatre in Germany always the bridge between the public and me, they David Álvarez, Kelvis Ochoa, Raúl Torres and others. and in 2005 she went on tour through various cities of give me everything and I simply give it back’. PHOTO FEATURE 11

La Redonda Lagoon: Nature and Fishing Text and Photod By FranciscoMENÉNDEZ

Nature tourism in Cuba grows every year, in infrastructure as well as in the number of travellers interested in having an active vacation. In this case, La Redonda Lagoon gives off a kind of magic that many people appreciate. La Redonda is found eight kilometres from the north of the city Morón on the road leading to Turiguanó Island, in the centre of the Ciego de Ávila province. It has an area of approximately five square kilometers, with an extensive presence of trout, the majority of the population of these fresh water fish in Cuba being found here. This place is ideal for fishing tourism and an International centre for this sport is found here which allows its fans to have an adventurous and unbeatable vacation. Also, from its central quay one can participate in an excursion by speedboat through the its reflection of the water and its network of foliage and channels that are found in its surroundings. In August 2012, the place was chosen by the Sustainability Project group which works in the archipelago of Sabana-Camagüey, as a tour product of the strengthening of sustainable nature tourism in the region.

This working group is cofunded by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Program. The Lagoon relies on the vegetation of swamps and diverse channels which nourish it (one can also find the Milk Lagoon a few kilometers away) and it is separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land. La Redonda is the favorite place for mouth bass fishermen, some of which even managed to trap a piece that weighed seven kilos. In the lagoon, visitors have also caught more than 1,500 sea bass which preserves the balance of the species. The rich fauna of the place includes white mullets, manatees, turtles, crocodiles, European eels and the Cuban fish - ‘biajacas criollas’, among other species. The Lagoon is classified as a lagoon as it connected to the sea with a volume of around 100 million cubic meters. Fishing, yachting and excursions characterize the place in moments when the Ministry of Cuban Tourism favors the diversification of its offers in terms of modalities like nature and adventures, without abandoning the classical sun and seaside trips. 12 INTERNATIONAL Migratory Crisis: Europe Under Pressure By Luisa MaríaGONZÁLEZ

poverty in countries like Eritrea Macedonia collapsed last week in order to distribute the and Somalia, or from the with the entrance of several undocumented immigrants devastation caused by wars in thousand foreigners looking across the 28 countries of the Siria, Iraq and Afghanistan. This to get to Serbia by train and regional block, but the initiative flow will continue whilst life consequently arrive in Hungary, was not successful as many conditions remain in a terrible where they also cannot control states refuse to open their state in the countries of origin. the arrivals. doors to the foreigners. The mass arrivals have Faced with the chaos, calls Despite these closed recently raised alarms in the from various European leaders positions, it is becoming more so-called ‘Old Continent’: have been made to request and more difficult to refuse ‘Currently there is no crisis that the coordination of efforts in refuge to the people who come is more urgent, more dramatic order to confront the complex from countries of war, who have nor more loaded with threats situation; however, the concrete sufficient reason to justify their for the stability of Europe than actions are of limited capacity request for this refuge. that which is taking place and are few and far between All of these factors draw a on our borders’, indicated a in giving an integral response complex panorama of Europe recent publisher of the French to the problem, like a criticized where the pressure will not newspaper Le Monde. military mission against the stop growing and the news

PHOTO: Apimages PHOTO: In Calais there were trafficking of persons. talk of a country overflowing A few days ago it was the new rescues of travelers in the riots when thousands of On the other hand, activists with migrants. French city of Calais, now it is Mediterranean ocean, and the undocumented immigrants and human rights organisations However, some analysts and the Greek islands, Macedonia UN have situated the number of tried to cross the Eurotunnel- demand measures, those that organizations question whether or Hungary and tomorrow the arrivals until August at 292, 000, which crosses the English stand out being the broadening the conflict is really that of migratory crisis can detonate a figure which is already higher Channel- in order to get to of channels for legal migration, incompetence, or in fact lack in any other place in Europe, than the 219, 000 registered British soil, and in the tiny and the opening of new of goodwill. There are certainly a continent which seems to arrivals during the course of Greek islands the situation capacities to take in those who almost 300, 000 people that be overflowing with the mass 2014. became unsustainable given seek refuge. have arrived in the countries of arrival of undocumented It is predicted that the the incompetence of the local The European Commission, Europe, a region with more than immigrants. number will continue to grow authorities in handling the on their behalf have proposed 700 million inhabitants which Every day, the Italian and as those arriving are people mass flow of people. the establishment of an contains several of the richest Greek coast guards report who are fleeing from extreme The small territory of obligatory system of quotas powers on the planet. ECONOMY 13 Imminent Return to a World Economic Collapse By CiraRODRÍGUEZ Experts’ predictions of an imminent hell In Kamel Mellahi’s opinion, a in the world’s economy and markets specialist in emerging markets from currently follow the uncertainty Warwick Business School in the United unleashed by the generalized fall of the Kingdom, it will be fundamental to see stock exchange and raw materials in the every economy’s ability to react and how last few weeks. they substitute the fall in raw materials. Three successive devaluations of the There are countries like Mexico that can yuan, the Chinese currency, is added to replace the Chinese Market with that of these predictions made by prominent the United States. specialists publicized on the Infowars Faced with the chaos which reigns in website, according to which in due the international markets in an attempt course will exploit a World financial crisis to improve the exchange course, the in epic proportions which will bring Latin American governments can resort Europe, Japan and the United States to to the devaluation of the national their knees. Due to this crisis, the planet currencies, something which will make will be left with serious consequences them more competitive. during the following five years. Apimages PHOTO: For Liu Baocheng, the director of The biggest collapse of the Chinese the planet which the emerging countries region, for example in Venezuela with the Center for International Business stock market from 2007 provoked a being not too far away and of course the oil and in Chile with the copper (they Ethics in China, escaping the present wave of contractions on Monday August Latin America and the Caribbean too. export 47% of what they produce to world situation requires a consensus of 24, named Black Monday in the markets For a few years the region has felt Beijing). decisions that can have an important throughout the world whilst the price of the impact of the Chinese deceleration The impact of the devaluation of the impact on the global financial market oil has again marked its lowest level. therefore the Economic Commission for yuan is not insignificant either in the and raw materials. Again the effect dominated, wreaking Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPA Latin American currencies, leaving the ‘If a world consensus is put together, havoc from which a sustained recovery in Spanish) showed in their most recent Brazilian Real to fall below 1% while the we will see the structural changes that is still not taking place in response to prediction that it would only grow by Chilean Peso has suffered an even more can lead the main economies of the the growth nor to the stock-exchange 0.5% this year, and they cited the fall of noticeable setback in 12 years. World down the right path’, he said. values, therefore the big pillars in the the prices of raw materials due to one Generally, the economists warn us that In his opinion, Beijing only takes World’s economy are in decline. of the main causes being the slowing there will be countries affected, above all some of the blame for the present What is certain is that the economic down of the Asian giant. those that sell raw materials who export crisis and China is capable of playing deceleration of China is shaking the rest Such an impact is already felt in the them to China: Brazil, Chile, Columbia, the central role in the recovery of the of the financial and productive scene on large producers of raw materials in the Argentina, Venezuela and Peru. world economy. Belgian Companies Explore Up Close Cuban Market By ElsyFORS deals in voice, courier and connectivity services, Commerzbank which is ready to financially support Belgian interests in the Cuban market, Cypress Diagnostics which is looking for Cuban associates to introduce their products, appreciated in laboratories of over 100 countries worldwide. Dredging International is a company specializing in dredging bays, soils and hydraulic engineering, with experience in over 90 countries. It has already identified Cuban firms such as the Empresa Constructora de ObrasMaritimas, which could be interested in a joint product of this kind. Others like PackoInox propose solutions in stainless Steel and Ses Satellites, a world leading operator in satellite communications. They own and operate a fleet of 53 geostationary satellites. They want to do business with the state entity in charge of access to the Internet. Guy Bultynck recommended business men and women accompanying him to be patient and persistent and increase presence of companies from Belgium and Luxembourg in this country that has a privileged geographic position that can introduce

PHOTO: Courtesy of radiohc. PHOTO: these companies to the Latin American market. HAVANA.- A dozen enterprises of Belgium and Cuba for centuries, and mentioned the Belgian artisan Omar Fernández, Secretary General of the Cuban Luxemburg met with their Cuban peers to explore Charles Fabre, who designed the paving stones that Chamber of Commerce, called both parts to identify commercial, collaboration and investment cover some of Old Havana streets, but the time has existing potentialities in their respective markets that opportunities now open to foreign capital in Cuba. come to do much more, he said. have not been exploited adequately until now, and Headed by Omar Fernandez, Secretary General of Seven Senses Group is a holding company that thus diversify our trade links. the Cuban Chamber of Commerce and the President never did business with Cuba, but is now interested As it was informed, Belgium occupies the sixth of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce to undertake a very concrete project, building a great place among the main commercial partners of Cuba (CBL), Guy Bultynck, the business forum included hotel compound of over 100 hectares with suites, in Europe and the fifteenth worldwide. presentations from both parties and bilateral meetings villas, spa, sports complex with a golf course and a From Belgium, Cuba imports powdered milk, between Cuban and Belgian businesspeople. medical center of world class. lubricants and other chemicals and exports petroleum Guy Bultynck recalled the Belgian presence in Other international companies like BICS that derivatives, coffee, and honey. 14 ECONOMY Cuba & PMA: Working Towards a Sustainable Diet In particular, the Country’s Program of the social protection systems related is narrowly linked to food safety in to food and nutrition safety, which will order to guarantee the reduction in benefit pregnant and breast-feeding the importation of foods, as well as women, children 6-23 months old and the corresponding with the challenges of elderly with an additional distribution of United Nations’ general secretary – Ban beans in centres of health and education. Ki-moon’s- Zero Hunger campaign. Furthermore, the actions for improving Similarly, it is aligned with the United healthy eating habits and stable access to Nation’s agenda of post 2015 Sustainable nutritious foods directed to these groups Development Goals. of vulnerable populations will increase. Citizens older than 65, pregnant In particular, an integral plan for the women, and girls and boys will be under control and prevention of anaemia will

: Manuel Muñoa : PHOTO the protection of the Country’s Program be developed through the delivery of HAVANA._ The Country’s Program (El Cuba was selected to implement until the year 2018 as it is in their interest pulverized micronutrients for children of Programa del Pais) 2015-2018 will benefit this program after standing out among that the lack of micronutrients and the 6-11 months old and the distribution of some 900,000 people in seven Cuban the nations that completed the first consumption of foods are studied, as well a fortified food (nutririce) for children of provinces in a mission which hopes to goal of the millennium and for being an as the prevention and control of anaemia 12-23 months, expectant mothers and strengthen ties with social, local and example and relevant actor in the efforts in vulnerable populations. breast-feeding women. national protection systems with priority to maintain food safety in the political These efforts are guided to strengthen For Laura Melo, the representative held in food and nutrition safety. agenda of the region, as assured by the the links between the social protection of the PMA in Cuba, the program is all Driven by the World Food Program regional director of the PMA, Miguel systems and the chains of agricultural about the strengthening of the systems (PMA in Spanish), the project includes Barreto. value through integral diagnostics, of social, local and national protection in food assistance and support in the The planned actions will take place in training and equipping of producers supporting food safety, the production distribution of beans across primary the provinces of Pinar del Río, Matanzas, as is done with the personnel of public chain and agricultural values, putting schools, and the increase in facilities Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de institutions that handle food. an emphasis on beans, and on the for the cooking and storage of foods in Cuba and Guantánamo, supported by a Among the strategical areas of this consolidation of the abilities required to centres of health and education. budget of 18 million dollars. plan one finds in first place the support manage the risks of disasters. Banking Facilities for Self-Employed Businesses By MiriamCÉSAR

and know their 10 most recent operations. Although often unknown to the so-called self-employed This can be done via a website, which they can access persons, such facilities do not reach the half million mark of from anywhere in the national territory, simply by connecting those workers registered in the country for lack of habit or to the network. economic know-how. Such a service is favored with the recent perks for This also influences the rejection to credit and the browsing the Internet, as clients have the advantage of relationship with banks, despite the importance of accessing the internet using cell phones, personal computers responding to needs of the emergent models of economic

: Courtesy of escambray.cu : PHOTO or tablets with wifi applications. management, therefore the financial institutions look for New and attractive facilities from the Cuban banking The BPA is studying the possibility that owners of new alternatives, like the creation of specialized structures system are now at the disposal of self-employed businesses, businesses could pay their hired workers through remote for that sector. even without the need to resort to commercial offices, banking, after transferring money to the current accounts of In this effort the Banco de Credito y Comercio (Bandec) modality introduced and in progress by the Banco Popular the workers. stands out with credits that allow the private worker to de Ahorro (BPA). Another service under trial, of great usefulness to trade develop their activity with attractive periods of grace, It consists of modern financing services in the Cuban and the liquidation of tax obligations is the operation of minimum interest rates, less troublesome documents, and financial system since 2011 when the Law 289 was approved funds through checkbooks and magnetic cards by non-state exemption from payment for the analysis of credit approval. to give natives other banking services to attract the non- businesspeople. Bandec has established a figure of the person who State sector. The BPA portfolio of offers also includes the access to applies for microcredit on behalf of his client, to assist private As of two months ago, such is the case of remote banking loans for the acquisition of goods, inputs and equipment, workers in the area where they work, without the need to go for clients of the BPA, an electronic facility that allows the opening current accounts both in Cuban pesos, or in to commercial offices. client to access banking services without their physical Convertible pesos as well as giving advice for paying in or In the agencies of that banking institution they can also presence in the branch. taking out money. make tax payments, contributions, pay the bills for electricity, The director of the Business Banking of that financial BPA executives explain that loans can be approved for telephone, water and gas through current accounts, a entity, Greicher La Nuez, affirmed that such a mechanism work capital or investment, beginning at a minimum of one banking service not used by private workers that manage was only offered to juridical persons (enterprises), but now thousand pesos, while the maximum will depend on the their businesses. self-employed business people can make money transfers, applicant´s capacity to pay back, a resource which is also Such current accounts can be associated to a magnetic receive information on the state of their current accounts available for non-agricultural cooperatives. card, which reduces the handling of cash in retail stores. SPORTS 15 Almost Perfect in Boxing Pre-World Tournament By LemayPADRÓN

The Cuban boxers’ performance was almost perfect in Joahnys Argilagos boxer was not present at the semifinal after a slight cut the Pre-World Tournament held at the end of August in during his previous combat. the Venezuelan state of Vargas, where the largest of the Joselito Velasquez Anyway, few doubt that the only place where Antilles conquered seven out of the10 crowns in dispute, the northern fighter won that battle was at home. It with barely three defeats in 30 combats. is unlikely that they will see each other at the world The three losers were the three present world tournament, so this return fight will not be seen at least medalists Yosbany Veitía (Bronze in 52 kgs), Lazaro until next year. Álvarez (gold in 60 kgs) and Julio César La Cruz (gold in In general, Cuba achieved its objective of winning all 81 kgs). the tickets for the World of Doha, but to date there have The best news was the victory of young Joahnys been a lot of wins obtained by the Caribbean boxers Argilagos against Mexican Joselito Velasquez, in a tight since the end of the Fifth World series and although fight that could have turned in favor of either of the two, refereeing has played its role in some of them, it is but what could seem like a good prediction was actually something to improve for the next world tournament. a message to organizers: take the lead now, because it Luckily it will be in Qatar, a country where there are will be another story when you fight against Venezuelans. not many quality boxers, but fighting against the stands Effectively, the fights of La Cruz and Veitia against should always be a fixed signature in any sport where Albert Ramirez and Yoel Finol, respectively, if it is true appreciation of third parties can decide. they lacked their previous glow, they could have stayed After Cuba, who won its 10 tickets, were the on the Cuban side. hosts who guaranteed the presence of eight of their None of the two were sufficiently aggressive, but representatives in the world venue, while Argentina will their rivals also did not show too much but profited take part in the Qatar capital with six boxers and Mexico more from the fervor of fans. with five. More justice was seen in the defeat of Alvarez It is clear that the universal contest will be much against Brazilian Robson Conceicao, who went all out more demanding, but already in Vargas there was a and connected several effective blows, something very Vladimir Molina PHOTO: premiere of which Latin American boxers should be unusual when the double world monarch from Pinar del seen was the revenge of Yasniel Toledo against Canadian protagonists from October 8 to October 17, when the Rio is in the ring. Arthur Biyarslanov, who won a polemic fight at the Pan first three in each weight category will win their ticket The only fight that was expected and could not be American Games of Toronto-2015, but the northern to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro-2016. Beijing-2015, World Tournament of Surprises By Duber LuisPIÑEIRO Many were the surprises given by the the hegemony showed by Russians and recently concluded 15th Athletics North Americans since Tokyo-1991. World Championship Beijing-2015, with The Kenyans, specialists in the middle highlights for Jamaicans Usain Bolt and long distances also won the title and Sally-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Colombian of the 400 meter-hurdles for men with Caterine Ibargüen, Briton Mo Farah and Nicholas Bett, while Julius Yego, who Kenyan athletes, leaders of the Medal List. learned to throw javelin watching videos Despite Bolt affirming that he was on YouTube, won the gold in that event. ready for the competition, many doubted The victory of Asbel Kiprop, who for this, because he had scarcely run during the third time was crowned champion of the last two years. However, the Jamaican the 1500 meters, was the icing on the cake sprinter did not leave a margin of doubt made with ingredients unprecedented and from the second day onwards he until now. showed he had come to win, by coming The only setback suffered by Kenya first in the 100-meters ahead of the was that two of their sprinters, Koki favorite U.S. Justin Gatlin. Manunga and Joyce Zakary tested The Caribbean also swept away positive for doping. the titles of 200 meters and the 4x100 Ashton Eaton of the U.S. who made relay race, as he did in the previous the only world record in Beijing was

three editions of this context. He only Vilamajó Vales Dami PHOTO: outstanding too as he beat his own lost the gold metal in the 100 meters and her 29th consecutive victory. The the first athlete to be victorious in the record in decathlon, being awarded the at Daegu-2011 due to a false start. In Colombian was beaten three years before 5000 and 10000 meters in the third second world title outdoors. this way, Bolt ratified himself as the best in the London Olympics of 2012.With consecutive world tournament, a feat Last but not least, the performance runner of all times, with 11 gold medals her present triumph, Caterine equaled without precedence in long-distance of young sprinter from Holland, Dafne and two silver won at Osaka-2007. the feat of Russian Tatiana Lébedevaand races. Schippers, who won gold in the 200-meter On her part, Fraser-Pryce came second Cuban Yargelis Savigne with two world race with a time of 21.63 seconds, the to him by winning gold in the 100 and titles in triple jump. KENYA, THE GREAT SURPRISE fastest time in 17 years and the third 4x100 relay, to be confirmed as the fastest Discus thrower, Denia Caballero and Many were left dumbstruck at Kenya’s fastest of all times, something ever more woman on the planet and second winner pole vault jumper Yarisley Silva gave excellent performance at the Bird´s Nest surprising for someone who dedicated of maximum trophies in world events, Cuba its first gold medals since the World in Beijing. They dominated the general herself to speed racing only two months with seven gold and two silver, only Tournament of 2009 in Berlin, cutting medal table for the first time, after ago. behind US athlete Allyson Felix (9-3-1). short the worst slump of the island in winning seven gold medals, six silver and Now we will have to wait until Both form a marvelous double that over two decades. three bronze for a total of 16. London-2017 to see if any of these participated in five of seven titles won by The silver medal of triple jumper The African nation managed to lead champions manage to retain their crowns, Jamaica at the Chinese capital. Pedro Pablo Pichardo also completed the over Jamaica (7-2-3) and leave the United whether the Africans are capable of Meanwhile, triple jumper Caterine best Cuban performance in the last ten States in a not less surprising third place maintaining their hegemony or whether Ibargüen had the best result for South years. (6-6-6). the U.S. athletes recover the summit of America, with her second world title Briton Mo Farah was also outstanding, Africans and Caribbeans destroyed the medal table. 16 CUBA Cuba Ready to Receive the Pope Francis By Joel MichelVARONA

Cuba prepares all in order to welcome the Pope Francis, the Cuban Island and the Conference of Catholic Bishops. third that has visited the Caribbean island in 17 years, who is On the same day he will pay a visit of courtesy to the planned to officiate three masses among other activities in Cuban president Raúl Castro and he will meet with priests, various Cuban cities. monks and seminarians in the Cathedral of Havana. He will A few days away from the arrival of the Supreme Pontiff also greet young people in the Félix Varela Cultural Center. and his apostolic visit is already aimed towards success if we Monday September 21 he will move to Holguín to take into account the quality and professionalism with which the Plaza de la Revolución “Calixto García Iñiguez” to the necessary constructive works are being undertaken in officiate mass. Havana as well as in the eastern province of Holguín. That same day the Supreme Pontiff will travel to Santiago The Monsignor Rodolfo Loiz from the National de Cuba and on Tuesday 22 he will say mass in the Basílica Commission of Archbishops in Havana in charge of the Menor of Santuario of the “Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre”, preparation for the Head of the Vatican State’s trip – planned On September 22 the Supreme Pontiff, whose visit to take place from September 19 to September 22 – holds the motto ‘the Missionary of Clemency’, will be bid described the built infrastructure as excellent. farewell in the heroic city by the people of Santiago and Loiz, who also participated in the organization of the Inetti; Evandro : PHOTO the Cuban authorities. visits of Juan Pablo II in 1998, and Benedicto XVI in 2012, said in the country. During the closing ceremony of the 5th Ordinary that he felt satisfied by the work undertaken by the team These tasks were completed with efficiency, quality and Period of Sessions of the 8th Legislature of the National from the Metallic Productions Company who are preparing professionalism said Pérez. He underlined that 50 workers Assembly of the People’s Power, the Cuban president Raúl the Plaza de la Revolución José Martí in the Cuban Capital, took on shifts of 12 hours a day from the beginning of the Castro expressed the following: ‘From now onwards we are where the Pope will officiate mass on Sunday September 20. construction on July 8. preparing to receive the Pope Francis in September with They implemented a plan with the expected At the moment we find ourselves making the finishing affection, respect and hospitality, as he deserves’. requirements, he said in allusion of the civil work of the touches of the painting and we are waiting for the set-up of The Cuban dignitary underlined that “Pope Francis’ Pope’s podium, two platforms for the press professionals, symbols in the church, said Pérez, who added that the works sermon awakens world admiration in favor of peace and one for the choir and the orchestra of the liturgical ceremony are executed by the same group that participated in the equity, the eradication of poverty, the protection of the and the sacristy where the mass is prepared specifies the construction when the Pope Benedicto XVI visited Cuba in environment and his analysis of the causes of the problems place for the Chancellery. March, 2012. of Humanity’. In a tour carried out by The Havana Reporter in the Plaza The head of the Vatican state will begin his apostolic After visiting the largest of the Antilles the Supreme de la Revolución in Havana, they noted these advances. journey on Saturday September 19 in Havana, where the Pontiff of the Catholic church will set forth on his apostolic According to the technical productive director of the Cuban government and the country’s people will give him journey to the United states that will lead him through Metallic Productions Company in Havana which belongs the most cordial welcome. Washington, New York and Philadelphia. to the Ministry of Construction, the men that work here The following day, he will officiate mass in the Plaza de Previously the Pope Benedict XVI had been to the Cuban perform to the highest of their abilities in the middle of a la Revolución José Martí according to the program agreed nation in March 2012, whilst 14 years before Juan Pablo II had complicated period due to the high temperatures registered upon by the Vatican authorities, the government of the done the same.