HavanaReporter THE

YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE A Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency

©

YEAR VI Nº 21 NOV, 1 2016 HAVANA, CUBA ISSN 2224-5707

Price: 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN

Recovering From Hurricane Mathew P. 4

FIHAV 2016:

P. 14

Business Opportunities for All

Sports

Spotlight On

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P. 7

Sotomayor’s Long Standing High Jump Record

Classic Cuban Rums

Culture

Economy

P. 10

P. 14

The Renaissance Spirit of Leonardo Acosta

Cuba Tourism Boom Continues In 2016

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Culinary

Market

Gastronomy and business have been friends for centuries. The secret to humanity’s desire to sample exotic food, or to simply create a gourmet dish from a standard meal, is to be found in spices and quality foods. Panama Trade Net is an international trade services company that supplies wholesale and bulk products to food sector businesses. The company is internationally well placed to identify or generate long term businesses and establish them in a range of markets. The company also offers two distinct types of service: Trading and Direct Distribution. The first model is used by the company to identify on behalf of clients, the most time and cost effective delivery options, countries of origin and import-export management systems, until their product arrives at its final destination. In this regard, the company coordinates all sea, air and land international and domestic shipping services. Direct Distribution serves the specialized stored products market through rapid delivery and a network of suppliers who efficiently satisfy demand. The companies’ immediate triangle of operations is the Caribbean region, with offices in Panama, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic providing import and export services. Their supplier network, however, covers countries such as Chile, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, Spain, Italy, Holland, India, China and the United States.

in the

Caribbean By BettyHERNÁNDEZ

CUBA

EXPANDING THE TRIANGLE According to the Panama Trade Net director, Alfredo Azpurua, the company is presently seeking to improve its position in the Caribbean, and in this regard Cuba has become a long term strategic location due to the attention that the world is paying to openings for foreign investment. He said that “in line with our aim to extend services to Cuba, we are formally introducing the company called Especias Market (Spice Market), which is part of the Panama Trade Net group“. He explained that Especias Market was initially conceived in Venezuela to satisfy the gastronomy, food and

culinary demands of a segment of consumers who enjoy healthy and quality lifestyles and want fresh and craft foods. The business primarily aims to project enjoyable purchase experiences in a comfortable, pleasant and quality environment, that guarantees the profitability of the stores and the well being of employees. This concept translates into chain stores that sell a wide range of preferably craft and often organic or dietary, fresh and natural products made from local or exotic raw materials. The shops offer a wide range of fine

spices, flavors, dried and dehydrated fruits, cereals, grains, dairy and cacao products, delicatessen, desert, teas and other products. Some are sold in bulk (by weight) and others packed. There are presently Especias Market stores in three of Venezuela’s best shopping centers and at the international airport that serves the Caracas city. The company will open a shop next December in Santo Domingo’s BlueMall in the Dominican Republic and plans to open other new shops in the Punta Cana BlueMall and Panama city in 2017.

In keeping with the interest of Panama Trade Net in the Caribbean, the company has for the past few years kept an eye on the culinary arts evolution in Cuba. The director believes that particularly Havana has been gastronomically becoming a gourmet city, where are developing truly masters chefs of the domestic and international cuisine. He emphasized that important events such as Saborear lo Cubano (Taste Cuba), the Save Cuba’s Culinary Culture Gathering, The International Varadero Gourmet Festival, the International Gastronomy Seminar of Santiago de Cuba and the first International symposium „From Cacao to Chocolate“ have enhanced tourism and culinary recognition. He also recognized the work of the Habaguanex company and the Havana City Historian’s Office with the Chocolate Museum and the Marco Polo House of Spices, well established places where people purchase products for their recipes for both home and business use. These set a good precedent for the Especias Market concept that could be key to a Panama Trade Net entry to Cuba. Azpurua thinks that this concept might be a custom tailor for Havana‘s culinary market and could be gradually extend nationwide. He said that he hoped to find a partner in Cuba to facilitate the entry of Especias Market in this beautiful land that has a unique and rare fusion of aromas and flavors.

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CUBA

Recovering From Hurricane Mathew By YadiraCRUZ

The best description that came to mind to describe the devastation in the easternmost tip of Cuba that Hurricane Matthew left in it‘s wake, was that it was akin to what an atomic bomb without noxious gasses would have caused. Those of us who witnessed the scene were left almost without words to convey what we encountered. Very little had survived the fury of the most powerful extreme weather event to affect Cuba in a decade -- and the only category four hurricane to hit this area. Help however began to materialize a short few hours after its passing. Drivers and machines began to clear the Farola to Baracoa and the Playita de Cajobabo to Maisi roads --the latter complicated by the collapse of three bridges -- that connect the city of Guantanamo to municipalities in the east. The presence of President Raul Castro in both Baracoa and Maisi, two of the most affected areas, gave a great boost to the spirits of those who had been hardest hit by Matthew. After the transition to the Recovery Phase had been declared, the Provincial Civil Defense Council and a number of

PHOTO: Courtesy of escambray.cu

PHOTO: Courtesy of radioreloj

PHOTO: Courtesy of radioreloj

food preparation services and water pumping stations. Hurricane winds of up to 300km per hour smashed into Maisi and Baracoa‘s agricultural crops, causing the most serious damage to coffee, cacao and coconut plantations. Thousands of hectares of crops have been affected. Everything that could not be hurriedly harvested has been destroyed. Hundreds of tons of both coffee and cacao were also lost to damages inflicted by the hurricane on the units in which they were stored. In Baracoa alone, damages are estimated to surpass 35 million pesos and thousands of workers from the sector have been mobilized to support

ministers on the ground began to direct operations from Baracoa. The president of the National Civil Defence Council moved there to liaise on the taking of a number of vital recovery decisions, primarily focused on the supply of food, water and medical attention. The epidemiological situation is being very strictly monitored by health authorities, because even with actions already taken, hygiene conditions are far from ideal and sanitization efforts are being further intensified. The population is being made aware of all the measures that need to be taken. Less than a week after Matthew‘s assault, the province is gradually recovering from its serious effects, and intensive works undertaken to date by the electrical and communications companies have ensured that every

HavanaReporter

A Weekly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency

THE

YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MORE

President: Luis Enrique González. Information Vice President: Víctor M. Carriba. Editorial Vice President: Maitté Marrero Canda. Chief Editor: Ilsa Rodríguez. Translation: Dayamí Interián/ Sean J.Clancy/Yanely Interián

area affected has mobile phone services and half also have land lines restored. The extreme weather event played havoc with the electricity supply in almost all of the areas municipalities. The mountainous region surrounding Maisi, where the entire supply infrastructure collapsed, was the worst affected. As works to restore the supply of electricity to affected zones continues, generators are providing power to vital establishments such as hospitals,

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recovery efforts, in an endeavor to minimize the damage and to some extent alleviate the grave situation. With great effort and no small measure of difficulty, Cuba‘s easternmost province is recovering from the affects of the devastating hurricane. Both optimism and trust in the Cuban Revolution ensure that men and women are working every day with a force greater than that of Matthew, to rise again from the rubble it left behind

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

Graphic Designers: Laura Reyes. Chief Graphic Editor: Alejandro Gómez Advertising: Irina Hernández Circulation: Commercial Department. Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels.

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Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana, Prensa Latina, S.A. Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba. Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578 Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: [email protected]

HEALTH & SCIENCE

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Health Tourism in Cuba, a Renewed Option By Roberto F. CAMPOS

Visitors to Cuba have a large variety of choices available that are constantly renewed, where health and quality of life are priority issues. Many are the people who choose this tourism modality due to the experience of the Cuban physicians and the systems developed. Hereinafter, the president of the Cuban Medical Services Commercialization Company S.A (CSMC), Doctor Jorge Alberto Miranda Quintana, explains important details that must be taken into consideration with regard to this tourist modality. Miranda, who is also a member of the Cuban People’s Power National Assembly (Parliament), called fruitful the achievements attained and said that the road to be covered

will be equally successful. Founded on October 11, 2011, CSMC continues to grow each day, and one of its main objectives is to catch the attention of part of that type of growing tourist market, and to provide both tourists and foreign patients with direct health attention in the country, commented the doctor. This portfolio includes more than 250 different medical programs that are personalized for every case in particular, at very competitive prices, largely taking into consideration the experience and prestige of the Cuban health system. This trading company is a one hundred percent Cuban and its motto “Commitment to Life” is the fruit of more than 20 years

of work dedicated to medical and health tourism, with comprehensive goals that include teaching and academic affairs. For this reason, noted Miranda, the company’s portfolio has developed seven main points: medical services in Cuba, academic and teaching services in health, health services aiming at enhancing wellbeing and quality of life, border health and medical services, health services connected with optical and pharmaceutical products and natural and traditional medicine, scientific event services, and professional services related to medical aid abroad. As part of its infrastructure, CSMC has offices in almost all the Cuban provinces,

The training of highly qualified professionals with great ethical and humanistic principles is the reason why the company has a growing demand for academic and teaching services.

In addition to the foreign businesses mentioned above, that go from the hiring of Cuban medical staff to hospital managing and comprehensive projects, the company today has contracts with 140 travel agencies

and tour operators in the country, thus keeping in constant contact with tourism. CSMC has trade alliances with other important Cuban organizations and enterprises including the Tourism

supported by a network of clinics, hospitals and specialized institutes that provide medical attention to foreign patients. Also available for tourists are hotel medical services, rehabilitation villas for addicted people, ophthalmology centers, optician’s offices and drugstores. These medical services are backed up by the international prestige won by the Cuban health system for 50 years, from cooperation projects all over the world to the large variety of contracts that CSMC currently has in 22 countries, with a total of 57 trade agreements abroad. The new promotional campaign featuring CSMC S.A in FIHAV 2016 has the slogan ¨I choose Cuba“ and will be spread over 2017.

Ministry, BioCubaFarma Business Group, the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation, the Ministry of Higher Education and the Public Health Ministry.

Cyber Security at Havana’s International Trade Fair By Reina MAGDARIAGA

Many things are required to ensure our everyday lives can be fully enjoyed; being safe in whatever field we work is one of them. But rather than speculate on this, our intention is to refer to security in the context of progress made in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the need to create security programs that better protect equipment from the seemingly unstoppable growth of computer viruses. Segurmatica, a Cuban company in charge of computer security training, will present the results of its work during the 34th International Havana Trade Fair at the National Software Firm, DESOFT, one of its distributors, exhibition stands. The general director of the company, Niurka Edith Milanés, told The Havana Reporter that “we will be at Cuba’s largest trade fair with a promotional video about the services we offer for anyone interested, both Cubans and foreigners. In reference to the main distributors of their

leading product (Segurmatica Antivirus), the director mentioned both DESOFT and Joven Club. The former offers specialized services to legal entities and individuals, who can get the antivirus license for 50.00 Cuban pesos a year. Other distributors include the Information Technology and Communications Enterprise of the Agriculture Ministry and the Computer Services Enterprise of the Provincial Administration Council in Havana. Milanés said that thanks to the work of these institutions, “the company currently has more than 11,000 clients and 25,000 computers nationwide with our antivirus software”. SEGURMÁTICA’S ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE PROGRAMS The Cuban informatics security company complies with ISO 9001 quality standards 2008 and develops

several products, in addition to an antivirus for Microsoft Windows, compatible with the Windows 10 version. They also market „SavUnix“ for Linux operating systems and their latest product is Segurmatica Seguridad Móvil for Android cell phone devices. The Segurmatica Antivirus Kaspersky Edition, jointly developed with Kaspersky Lab Company, is available for Microsoft Windows operating systems. Their product list also includes binnacle analyzers and programs to detect removable devices. Milanés concluded by explaining that projects developed by Segurmatica Company are improved along the way, which enhances customer satisfaction levels.

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SPORTS

Sotomayor’s Long Standing High Jump Record

PHOTO: José Tito Meriño

By FaustoTRIANA

Javier Sotomayor, modest, reserved and in excellent physical condition was recently in Chile, where he told fans and admirers that he would like his high jump world

record to reach the 30 year mark. He was the subject of much media interest in Chile.and he made a strong impression during meetings with the Sports Minister, Natalia Riffo, other authorities, students and young high jump fans. He said that “the high jump is no different to other events. When a person stands out repeatedly, it’s difficult to find a substitute. That happened in Cuba, where it can be a bit complicated because we are a small country, but it can also happen in the United States.” The Havana Reporter journalist to whom he conceded an interview sought information on the life of the 1.95m tall and slender former athlete, born in Limonar, Matanzas province, almost 49 years ago. He continued to say “this happened, for example, to Ukrainian Serguei Bukka (…) who’s still has not been replaced. It has to do with periods, figures and circumstances. Jamaica has great sprinters; Kenya has great long distance runners, but they both lack form in other disciplines.” Sotomayor is still the most prolific high jump athlete of all times, and the 2.45 m world record he set in Salamanca, Spain still stands. He wants it to make 30 years. He smiles as he says so, half joking. “If someone had asked me about it in 2014, I would have answered that I thought my record would not last long; but now again I think in can,” he explained.

CUBAN SPORT Sotomayor, a member of the Cuban Athletics Federation, acknowledged that the results Cuba achieved in athletics in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games were lower than expected. He said in this regard that “we are fortunate to have had several athletes in various disciplines; sometimes we do well in some and not so well in others. I wouldn’t say that, in general, we are undergoing a crisis, although we do have to work a lot.” He added, “just look at the examples of Yarisley Silva – runner-up in London 2012, who didn’t win a medal in Rio - or Pedro Pablo Pichardo. They have the potential to return to the podium.” Sotomayor, an Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992, runner-up in Sydney 2000, and multiple world champion – indoors and outdoors – retired at the end of 2001. “I think that all the Cubans, both the sport fans and the experts are very demanding and always want to win. There are high expectations all the time. In Rio, the results were not bad, but they were not good either”. He concluded by saying that “we have the prospects and the potential to improve and to reclaim the best for Cuban sport. We have talent that I already referred to in athletics. We have a sound foundation and we are very serious about the task at hand”.

“The Beautiful Game” Unites Cuba and the U.S. A further chapter in the relationship between Cuba and the United States was recently written on the sports field. This time, it was the turn the most universal of all sports; football. All the eyes were once again on Havana where people enjoyed a friendly match between both countries. Fans at the Pedro Marrero stadium were excited by the magic of football as they watched in awe and at close range an elite U.S. team , one of the most powerful squads in the region and several-times world cup finalists. Their German manager, Jürgen Klinsmann, brought big guns that included footballers from the European leagues’ top clubs like Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Bobby Wood (Hamburg), and Timothy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt). As was to be expected, the U.S. team played to form and beat Cuba 2-0. The Cuban team, whose players are of a lower standard, seldom participates in international matches and is far from being a football force the Caribbean region.

PHOTO: Prensa-Latina.cu

By Yasiel CANCIO

However, the U.S. players could not overcome the power of the Cubans at first. They did not take the lead until the 62nd minute, when a shot by Chris Wondolowski hit the back of the net. Then in the 71st, Julian Green, having received a deadly pass from Wondolowski, increased the lead with a goal from a counterattack.

Cuba had at least one clear chance of a goal, but paid a high price for the inefficiency of forwards at the opposing goal. The U.S. team had 60% of all ball possession and 18 shots on target. The Cubans only shot 9 times - statistics that show the superiority of Klinsmann’s players. This was the first friendly football game

between Cuba and the United States since 1947. The Caribbean players beat their North American counterpart team 5-2 on that occasion. Since then, Cuban and U.S. teams have faced each other 9 times –always in official matches– with results that greatly favor for the U.S. teams (8 victories and 1 tie). But beyond the strictly sporting scenario, the match strengthening relations between Cuba and the United States after their restart at the end of 2014. In recent years, renowned sports figures have visited Cuba, including Barry Larkin; Ken Griffey Jr.; Derek Jeter and Clayton Kershaw; giant Shaquille O’Neal; Steve Nash; Rob Manfred, MLB baseball commissioner, and former manager of the New York Yankees, Joe Torre. In June 2015, the U.S. Cosmos club, captained by Spaniard Raúl González Blanco, visited Havana and defeated the Cuban national team 4-1. Last March, the Cuban President, Raúl Castro, and his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama watched the MLB Tampa Bay Rays team play a friendly match against the Cuban national team at Havana’s Latinoamericano Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT ON

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Classic Cuban Rums By CiroBIANCHI ROSS

Cuba entered the world of international rum production pretty late, but quickly made up for lost time. In 1778, the Island exported over 230 thousand liters of rum, but by the beginning of the 19th century – 20 to 25 years later – the country was producing over 4.5 million liters. By 1861, there were 125 distilleries in Cuba, mostly in privately owned sugarcane mills. This was the time that Cuba produced one third of all the world’s sugar. The production of Cuban rums marked a new age and a new culture in rum making. In the 1860s, people used to drink a range of “British” rums made in Jamaica, Guyana and Barbados, made from sugarcane molasses in pot stills. Cuba then introduced a new technology – continuous or column stills - that allowed distillers to create a new lighter and sweater spirit. Ever since, and almost 160 years later, the production of authentic Cuban rums has continued uninterrupted. The Island’s eight rum masters – one a woman – hold the knowledge about the product’s manufacture, and are conscientious guardians of the warehouses that preserve the spirits in ancient American white oak barrels. These natural spirits are produced from sugarcane molasses and aged without any flavor enhancing – a reason why they carry the Cuban Guarantee of Origin and Quality label, a guarantee of their high standard.

The rum master title is not granted by any academy or university. It is rather the result of a long apprenticeship. A rum master is a person who is acknowledged by specialists and co-workers in the field who are able to recognize such expertise and identify those who able to create a formula and act with unquestionable authority. Two of Cuba’s eight rum masters are of the first master category; José Pablo Navarro Campa and Juan Carlos Delgado González. All eight are university graduates and combine science and technology with the best practices of previous rum makers. Navarro has said that “Cuban rum is a combination of science, technology, culture, magic, creativity and dreams…“. Navarro adds that there are different kinds of rum masters: those who mix the rum, those who oversee aging, those who supervise the distillation process… but Cuban rum masters have to be experts on the entire process, which commences as sugarcane syrup and ends with bottled rum. They also have to be able to identify different types and ages of rum, and foresee what will happen in 10 or 15 years time. They keep the best of their work in the warehouses so that other rum masters can have better results in the future. Cuban rum masters also identify Cuban rum with the national culture and try to preserve and pass on to future generations the legacy they themselves inherited.

There is a great range of quality rums on the Island. One of the most appreciated is the “iconic” Havana Club 7-year old collection. This beverage is full of mysticism, it is strong and hot and it exposes people to its exotic flavors. Santiago de Cuba – 11, 12, 20, 25 and 50 years old – are smooth and brown rums created in the city of the same name, the cradle of the Cuban light rum, where Varadero and Caney rums are also produced. Also distilled and bottled in Santiago de Cuba are: Isla del Tesoro and Santiago de Cuba 500, limited edition rum to mark 500 years since the foundation of the city. It promises a magical trip through a variety of the mild flavors of the area’s fruits and spices. Cubay 1870 Extra Añejo rum, produced in the center of the country, is characterized by its delicate aging and soft, brown texture. For drinkers who prefer white rums. Cubay Carta Blanca Extra Viejo is perfectly balance and has a great taste. Other white and gold Havana Club rums are produced in the Santa Cruz distillery and Perla del Norte – white and gold – comes from the old Arechabala distillery in Cárdenas, near Varadero beach. This is a rum that reaffirms the flavours that characterize rums from western Cuba. All Cuban rums combine the essence of Cuba’s nature, and all simply are classic rums.

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ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS MUSIC

Casa de la Trova La Habana.

GETTING (THR is not responsible for any changes made by sponsoring organizations)

By MaylínZALDIVAR [email protected]

RECOMMENDS • Show “From the Roots to Popular Dances” by Traditional Dance Company JJ at Teatro Nacional de Cuba.

Tulipán y Santo Tomás. Cerro. Tel: 7 870-7940. Sun. Nov. 6 (3 pm): Club “Mi pequeño espacio” (My Little Place). Host: Yanet Machín.

MUSEUMS AND MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES GALLERIES

Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso (Grand Theater of Havana)

NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS El Jelengue de Areito

25th edition of the International Ballet Festival of Havana “Alicia Alonso.”

Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales (Center for the Development of Visual Arts)

San Miguel e/ Campanario y Lealtad.Centro Habana. Tel: 7 862-0673. Sat. Nov. 5 (5 pm): Pablo Menéndez and his band (Rumba, Rock, Jazz, Trova and Yoruba music). DANZA

DANCE

Teatro Nacional de Cuba

Galería Víctor Manuel Havana’s Plaza de la Catedral (Cathedral Square). Oct. 14-Nov. 15: Metal artwork exhibition “La Colección Espiral” (The Spiral Collection) by Cuban José Villa Soberón.

Galería Abelardo Estorino Calle 2 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado, La Habana. Hasta Fri. Nov. 7 (5 pm): Exhibition “Felinos con Solfa” (Sol-fa Felines) by Diana Balboa and Ela Rabasco-Bio.

Casa 26 Calle 26 e/ 1ra y 3ra, Miramar. Through December 13. Exhibition “Frecuencia y Tiempo” (Frequency and Time) by Yonlay Cabrera.

Paseo de Martí esq. boulevard San Rafael. Centro Habana. Tel: 7 861-7391. Thru. Dec. 31 at Gran Salón: Collective painting exhibition “Fuerza y Sangre” (Strength and Blood), dedicated to honor the Cuban flag.

San Ignacio y Teniente Rey, en la Plaza Vieja. Tel: Thru. Nov. 10. Collective exhibition “Historia irracional de un conjunto de medidas nulas” (Irrational History of a Group of Null Measurements) by Cristina Garrido (Spain), Lev Manovich / Nadav Hochman / Jay Chow (USA), Pavel Méndez (Cuba), Yusnier Mentado (Cuba), Yucef Merhi (Venezuela/USA), Rodolfo Peraza (Cuba), Milton Raggi (Cuba) and Héctor Remedios (Cuba).

Tue. Nov. 1 and Wed.2 (5 pm): “25th International Ballet Festival of Havana, Lesgrands Ballets Canadiens Company performing. Fri. 4 and Sat. 5 (5 pm): “25th International Ballet Festival of Havana, Buenos Aires Ballet Company performs. Fri. 11, Sat. 12 (8:30 pm) and Sun.13 (5 pm): Show “From the Roots to Popular Dances” by Traditional Dance Company JJ.

Date: Oct. 28-Nov. 6. Venues: Teatro Karl Marx, Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, Teatro Mella, Teatro Nacional.

ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

AROUND

6th edition of “Títeres al Centro” Theater Festival. Date: Nov. 8-13.

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11th World Meeting of Salsa Dancers and Academies “Baila en Cuba” (Dance in Cuba). Date: November 20-26. Main venue: Salón Rosado de la Tropical Benny Moré. Activities: Night concerts, dance contests, casino dance lessons.

Main venue: Teatro Abdala. Address: Honorato del Castillo No 1 entre Independencia y Joaquin de Agüero, Ciego de Avila province. Other venues: Local plazas and parks. Organizing committee: Polichinela Company. Sponsors: Hermanos Saiz Assaociation, the National and Provincial Councils of the Performing Arts, Cuba’s Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC), Paradiso Agency and Cuba’s Culture Ministry. Address: Honorato del Castillo No 1 entre Independencia y Joaquin de Agüero, Ciego de Avila province. Other venues: Local plazas and parks. Organizing committee: Polichinela Company. Sponsors: Hermanos Saiz Assaociation, the National and Provincial Councils of the Performing Arts, Cuba’s Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC), Paradiso Agency and Cuba’s Culture Ministry. Activities: Night concerts, dance contests, casino dance lessons.

21st Benny Moré Festival.

Date: November 24-27. Venue: Cienfuegos province. Sponsors: Casa del Benny and the Provincial Culture Center of Cienfuegos.

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CULTURE

The Renaissance Spirit of Leonardo Acosta Leonardo Acosta was about to celebrate his 82nd birthday when I called on him. He commented that conversation was far less productive than writing and that it also tended to be dangerous. Preferring to conduct his communications by email, Leonardo Acosta does not usually welcome journalists at his home, so I felt particularly privileged to be there. According to the Cuban intellectual José Rodríguez Feo, Acosta was the foremost essayist of the 1980s, and his books about music rank amongst those that have made the greatest contribution to their field. His vast bibliography includes titles such as “Del tambor al sintetizador” (From the Drum to the Synthesizer) “Elige tú que canto yo” (You Choose and I will Sing) and “Descarga cubana: el jazz en Cuba 19001950” (Cuban Jam Sessions: Jazz in Cuba 1900-1950). These and many other works earned him the National Literature Prize Award in 2006. He likes things properly organized and he compiles lists: lists of national literature prizes, of Cubans who returned to the island in 1959 and of colleagues from the Prensa Latina News Agency.

PHOTO: Courtesy of granma.cu

By YoeSUÁREZ

This man for all seasons was a saxophonist (he even performed with the prestigious Benny Moré Band for a while), policeman, musicologist and journalist. Acosta was one of the founders of the Prensa Latina News Agency established by Jorge Ricardo Masseti. It was there he met Rodolfo Walsh, another excellent writer.

They worked together in the Special Services Department and became friends during a celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the agency, when he performed an invited musical group. Acosta served as Prensa Latina’s Mexico correspondent for one year. On the rainy afternoon of my visit to his apartment in Vedado he recalled that “we had group of Mexicans way older than me there that were helping us”. He then stayed a year in Prague with Leoncio Fernández, from where he travelled to Germany. His work was mostly to assist Cubans en route to Eastern Europe. The Czech capital served as a stopover for Moscow, where most Cubans were going then. Widely renowned in music research, Acosta applied his knowledge of history, sociology, philosophy, economy, psychology and anthropology to the field. And when he passed away last September 23 at the age of 83, his renaissance spirit, as another colleague called it, was also saying goodbye.

When Art Resembles Life

When Cuban artist Alexis “Kcho” Leyva or any of his colleagues talk about the Romerillo Organic Museum (MOR) in Havana, they seems to refer to collective idea rather than a physical space. This feeling is induced by art presented more like a natural event than works limited to the walls of some cultural institution. Almost three years after the cultural initiative was implemented, MOR had spread to local houses, establishments, cafeterias, parks, sidewalks, bus stops, facades, and walls.

In the Los Marinos Market for example, one of the most important establishments in the Romerillo neighborhood, pieces by famous artists hang on the walls as though it were a prestigious gallery. And when they needed a place to radiate all their energy and the experience they had accumulated on community art projects both in Cuba and Haiti, they came upon an abandoned workshop. First it became a library with hundreds of pieces -- many by Kcho and others donated by artists and cultural institutions -- and four internet access areas. La Nave - a reference to the ships present in every piece made by the artist from the Isle of Youth- then evolved to alternate between an exhibition site and a creative workshop. Once inside, you can smell fresh oil paints and charcoal; the spaces seem smaller because of the works on

PHOTO: ain

PHOTO: ain

By AlainPLANELLS

display and other objects piled up for upcoming installations. A cross, similar to that given to Pope Francis when he visited the Cuban capital, rests against a wall. A smaller room has printing presses similar to those at the Havana Graphic Workshop. Their operation by students from the National School of Art and the San Alejandro National Fine Arts Academy help keep this ancient engravement craft alive. Parallel to La Nave, the Martha

Machado Gallery has a retrospective on works by the Cuban photographer Raúl Corrales, which temporarily replaces a collection by Wifredo Lam, including the largest ceramic dish made by the renowned artist. Outdoor spaces also exhibit almost 100 other artworks by Cuban and foreign artists, evenly distributed for the pleasure of the hundreds of visitors that the museum welcomes every day.

PHOTO FEATURE

Healthy Hiking in Cuba By Roberto F.CAMPOS

Cuba has many naturally wonderful sites that are ideal for both health tourism and hiking; two options increasingly enjoyed by visitors from all around the world. With an area of over 110 thousand km2, Cuba has a fascinating natural environment that includes 6 Biosphere Reserves, 6 Ramsar Sites (wetlands), 2 Natural World Heritage Sites and 14 Natural Parks. All reflect the political will of the Island‘s authorities to protect the environment. Such diversity ensures that the Cuban Tourism Ministry can offer a range of proposals, many of which include outdoor hiking. Amongst the best sites for hiking are Centinelas del Río Melodioso and Los Helechos, in the central province

of Villa Clara, an area recommended by experts for the viewing of geological formations and enjoyment of the local landscape, flora and fauna. The name Centinelas del Río Melodioso is derived from the fact that hikers seem like sentries patrolling a river in the Guanayara Park, as they tread a 2km long path. The park is located some 16 km from Topes de Collantes, in the Sierra del Escambray. Here people start and finish their trek at a typical rural house, built at the beginning of the 20th century by Vicente Sotelo Gómez, a Spanish coffee grower. It is known as “La casa de la Gallega”, in tribute to Amada Sotelo, a woman of Galician descent, who left a legacy of culinary art.

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POLITICS

Eastern Caribbean Organization Promotes Empowerment By YolaidyMARTÍNEZ

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is developing an economic growth strategy that goes hand in hand with youth empowerment, in order to become stronger amid the complex world scenario. OECS director general Didacus Jules told The Havana Reporter that the document now going through its final phase, will define the bloc’s single market opportunities to foster prosperity and ethical progress, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. He outlined that the main objective of the strategy is to create a productive basis for sustainable economic growth. Agriculture and tourism receive special attention due to their great importance for the generation of jobs and enhancing the quality of life in the region. In this regard, he said that revitalizing agriculture would help save foreign currency expenses, reduce food imports, and improve health indicators. “World awareness about what we eat is increasing.People want organic food and the farm to the table movement continues to grow,” he said. The OECS director said this would positively influence tourism through the inclusion of more locally grown food on menus.Tourism accounts for 86 percent of the GDP of the Caribbean economies. Jules also referred to OECS plans to diversify its productive

sectors and trade relations. The objective is to become less dependent on the international market, to better cope with and overcome foreign challenges and to ensure that the region plays a more active role on the international stage. He said that over the past ten years that young people in the region had been polled about their concerns to design an empowerment policy that meets the needs of the population group, considered the most vulnerable in the region. The studies identified seven key factors connected to citizenship and identity, employment and management, education, culture, environment and sustainable development, healthy standards of living, and protection of

their rights. Jules stressed that they had “designed specific ideas for each of the issues raised by young people themselves (...) we aim that they have a sense of responsibility and assume a leading role in the society”. The OECS has a center in Dominica that will be in charge of identifying the elements needed to empower youth and have them involved in the creation of businesses. It will develop a similar strategy to also help women and retired people. When speaking about the organization’s goals for the coming two years, Jules explained that the bloc plans to increase the number of member states, facilitate the free movement of people, goods and services and ensure the population’s wellbeing. With regard to climate change and its devastating effects on the Caribbean, the official mentioned new policies implemented to protect the environment and biodiversity, and for the reponsible use of land, coastal areas, water and renewable energy sources. “Our current challenges are so multi- dimensional and so interconnected that we must reconsider how we live, work and act on personal, community and national levels (...) The world crisis not an ecological or economic crisis alone, but a crisis of civilization as well,” he said.

Ecuador and Peru Promote Mutual Development The governments of Ecuador and Peru have reaffirmed their political willingness to continue the promotion of a common future for the well being and development of their citizens, in particular for those residing in border areas. This was reiterated by the Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa, and his Peruvian counterpart, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynsky, in a joint Presidential Statement signed at the conclusion of the 10th Inter-Nations’ Ministers Cabinet in Macas, in the Ecuadorian province of Morona Santiago. Both leaders agreed that such meetings play a vital role in the integration processes of both territories. They also highlighted their interest in strengthening mechanisms to facilitate talks and decision-making at the highest level. The document also includes a series of agreements that reflect this new phase in their bilateral relations – something

inconceivable 20 years ago when armed conflict prevailed. Morona Santiago itself happened to be a territory planted with land mines in 1995, during an armed conflict between Ecuador and Peru known as Guerra de las Minas (War of the Mines). The clearing of mines in the area that is now a peace zone, is a clear indication that both countries’ are willing to peacefully co-exist. According statistics presented by the Ecuadorian President after signing the Inter-Nations’ Presidential Statement, between 2000 and 2015, an area of 463,685 m2 was swept and 10,558 mines were destroyed in the region. This effort was recognized in the document signed by both Heads of State, who also ratified achievements made in fulfillment of the Brasilia 1998 Peace Agreements, particularly those related to Trade and Navigation Centers and

the clearing of mines in the one square kilometer area of Tiwinza. Both presidents also reaffirmed their willingness to continue efforts for the implementation of commitments undertaken, including the PuyangoTumbes Inter-Nations Project. The final document endorsed by Correa and Kuczynski also includes agreements for the benefit of people living in border zones, in fields that include health, education, trade and defense. The Peruvian president considers the improvement of the road network and the development of a 500 kilovolts power connection to replace the existing 220 kilovolts connection, essential to the integration process. He also proposed pumping oil from Ecuador to the Pacific through the Northern pipeline -currently under repair - an initiative that was welcomed by his counterpart.

Correa, for his part, commented that “fortunately, there have never been as many positives in Ecuadorian-Peruvian bilateral relations, as in the last 10 years.” Correa added that “this friendship and cooperation is irreversible“. He continued „peace between the peoples of Ecuador and Peru is manifest in projects that have already been implemented. Others are underway to provide quality public services to our people, to improve border security and to work together for the development of modern infrastructural connections”. Official statistics reveal that joint security operations in recent years led to the dismantling of 33 criminal gangs and a reduction in homicide rates from 14.5 per 100 thousand people in 2011 to 7.1 in 2015 – more than half. Correa said that “there is no time left to waste, because we need to recover all the time that was lost.”

ECONOMY

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Investment in Dairy Foods Complex The Havana Dairy Foods Complex, the single biggest such industrial center in Cuba, has been the subject of a gradual investment program to modernize its obsolete and outdated installations and to increase the supply of a range of products to meet the home market and tourism sector demand. The center’s general director, Modesto Pérez Correa, explained that having opened in August 1974, production at the complex had been in a state of progressive operational decline until, by July, only one boiler was functional. He stated that the updating investment program includes the purchase of two 14 ton cauldrons for the pasteurization of milk and ice cream at an estimated cost of 1.5 million pesos and the sanitation of equipment; works essential for the manipulation of foods that are very susceptible to contamination. According to the director, the

PHOTO: Courtesy of radiorebelde.cu

By María JuliaMAYORAL

investment will also cover the acquisition of cold compressors to ensure the provision of requisite services for the production and conservation of products. The works already underway are part of a development plan in effect until 2020 that envisages technological advances on various lines, including powder milk, soya yoghurt and ice cream.

Pérez Correa said that the state had also decided to import some of the refrigerated vehicles that the Dairy Foods Complex needs to distribute its products. The center also has responsibility for a range of packaging formats for imported powder milk that is sold in Cuba under the Matilda brand. The director general added that the

installation of four new Brazillian machines during 2016 will ensure improvements in this process. According to one of the base’s managers, Élido Ortiz, old machines at the factory had been kept working thanks to the creativity of staff belonging to the rationalization and innovation movement. The Center’s deputy director, Jorge Luis Soulet, told this newspaper that cheeses of “exquisite quality” that sell in Havana’s shops and are used in some of the capital’s hotel kitchens, such as Matilda, Gratina and Monumental, rank among the most sought after lines. Ortiz added that „Matilda is whey and icing salt based processed cheese and both Gratina, a semi-hard cheese of which we produce 12 tons per month and white cheese, of which we produce between twelve and eight tons per month, are made from fresh milk“. According to government sources, the recuperation of manufacturing facilities in key sectors such as food, should contribute to import substitutions and reductions.

Cuba Tourism Boom Continues In 2016 Tourism industry authorities have said here that the arrival of more than three million visitors thus far in 2016 has further established Cuba’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most attractive tourist destinations. According to the Tourism Ministry (Mintur), the three million visitior mark was reached on October 8, indicates a year on year rise of 12% and came thirty nine days sooner than in 2015. The Ministry did acknowledge that the popularity of the Island does however present significant product and service improvement and diversification challenges. Under the Auténtico Cuba brand, Mintur will continue global promotions throughout October at events in European countries like Portugal and Spain. The report says that these tours involve meeting tour operators, airline officials, travel agencies, hotel groups and journalists in the cities of Sevilla, Lisbon, Vigo, Gijón, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Madrid. In regard to European links, the Ministry highlighted that on may 28 last, the German airline, Air Berlin, launched two weekly flights between Düsseldorf and Havana. Cuba also recently conceded to the French companies Bouygues and París Airports respectively extension and

PHOTO:Emilio Herrera

By JuliaCRUZATA

management contracts at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport in order the elevate the quality of passenger, crew and aircraft service standards. In the face of this growth in demand Mintur also envisages taking on new and better accommodation services over the coming years. It is estimated that more than 85,000 rooms will be on offer by 2020. Planned investments include quality hotels, theme parks, golf courses and a range of other all inclusive options. Xonia Beltrán, the provincial Mintur

delegate, said that Havana – one of the World’s Seven Wonder Cities – is one of the most popular sites and is almost operating at maximum capacity She said that as an initial response “we are raising standards at lower quality hotels to cope with the growing demand and to offer effective sales”. Santiago de Cuba, many hundreds of kilometers east of Havana, is also looking to consolidate its image as a successful destination due to its heritage values, history, traditions, culture and natural attractions.

For Marisol Rodríguez, Mintur’s delegate for the city, nautical activities and water sports are areas with promising prospects for growth. She said that the coastal municipality of Guamá, for example, could become a sailing and disembark point for nature tourism because it is graced by both mountains and the sea. According to Travel Trade Caribbean magazine, private enterprise is also growing in Cuba and now offers 16,800 guest rooms and 1,700 restaurants, some of which are included in travel agency tourism packages. The Cuba.cu website has quoted expert predictions that y 2030, hotel developments will have 134,300 rooms of a potential national maximum of 273, 500. Cuba reached the record figure of 3,524,779 foreign visitors last year, accounting for a growth of 17.4% on the previous year. Mintur cites Canada, Germany, the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy Spain, Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina as the principal source markets. Recent surveys reveal that 96 per cent of visitors were happy with the destination, that 89 per cent felt that the price to value ratio was positive and 94 per cent of travelers would recommend Cuba to their friends as a holiday destination.

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ECONOMY

PHOTO:José Tito Meriño

FIHAV 2016:Business Opportunities for All By RobertoSALOMÓN

Running from October 31 to November 4, Havana’s 34th International Trade Fair, FIHAV 2016, will host some 4,500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries, in a 25,000 square meters area at the Expocuba exhibition site. Held annually at this center in Havana, FIHAV is the largest trade show in Cuba, the most important in the Caribbean and one of the most representatives in Latin America. During the fair, Pabexpo becomes a meeting place for Cuban and foreign businesspeople to commence or advance commercial contacts, make deals, identify new trading partners and get updates about the latest technological advances. One of the highlights of this year’s event is the 1st Investment Forum on November 1 and 2, the objective of which is to diversify foreign capital sources to avoid dependence on a only few markets. According to the Foreign Trade and Investment Ministry’s (MINCEX) general director for investment,

Déborah Rivas, the fair is particularly important for establishing links with Cuba and doing business. It also facilitates direct exchanges between foreign businesspeople and their peers from more than 15 Cuban economic sectors (including the Office of the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED). During the fair, Cuba’s Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca will present the third Portfolio of Foreign Investment Opportunities 2016-2017. This new edition includes new general and sector specific policies and projects in fields that have already been on the previous lists. According to organizers, the fair is expected to welcome representatives from more than 50 chambers of commerce, associations and exchange promoting institutions from 35 countries, and a significant number of official delegations headed by ministers, vice ministers and other top officials.

CUBAN PARTICIPATION The main exhibition area comprises 5,000 square meters and is overseen by Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce. A total of 120 enterprises representing some 355 institutions from almost all Cuba’s economic sectors will exhibit products and services. The event’s program includes important activities such as the SUCRE Regional Monetary System Conference, two other seminars –one organized by Russia’s International Investment Bank and the other by the European Unionas well as business meetings between Cuba and Venezuela, Russia, Brazil, Curacao, Mexico, Italy, Germany and the Caribbean countries. As usual, the fair will celebrate the independence days of each country and the number of professional visitors is expected to increase, meaning that

businesspeople other than exhibitors can participate in the activities. According to its sponsors, FIHAV 2016 has evoked special interest, due not only to the ongoing process of updating the Cuban economic and social model but also for the noticeable increase in the number of presidents or heads of state and governments accompanying business delegations, following the 2014 announcement that the process toward the normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States had begun. Over the course of its thirty year history the trade fair has been a barometer for the support Cuba has received from foreign businesspeople and their rejection of the U.S. economic blockade of the island. Despite some positive measures approved by the current U.S. administration, the essence of this blockade policy remains unchanged.

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