HavanaReporter YEAR VINº 8

APR, 20 2017HAVANA, CUBAISSN 2224-5707

Price: 1.00 CUC, 1.00 USD, 1.20 CAN

Y O U R S O U R C E O F N E W S & M O R EA Bimonthly Newspaper of the Prensa Latina News Agency

©THE

Health & ScienceCubagua 2017: All about Water P. 5

Politics Progressive Moreno Wins Ecuadorian PresidencyP. 14

CultureBuena Fe Beat the Odds P. 10

CubaUNIDF Seeks Funds for Projects in CubaP.3

Sustainable Solutions to Drought in Cuba

P. 3

P. 14

Cuba features a national surgery network and access to minimum access technique, so it’s ranked among the most outstanding countries in these procedures in the region. With 119 service facilities distributed throughout the national territory, this network undergoes a permanent revitalization and modernization process aimed at developing each of the surgical specialties, as part of a policy to foster minimum access techniques on the Island. Cuba offers attractive options in this field, not only targeting beauty and self-satisfaction based on beauty patterns, but as ways to fix physical problems or psychological disorders as a result of the volume and body shape. The experience gathered by the country’s medical staffs, seriousness in these practices and postoperative processes that combine recovery and vacation programs on the Island, stand out as an excellent alternative.

Cosmetic Surgery Program

www.smcsalud.cu

2

CUBA 3

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

Graphic Designers: Laura Reyes.Chief Graphic Editor: Alfredo G. PierratAdvertising: Laura ClaroCirculation: Commercial Department.Printing: Imprenta Federico Engels.

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)7833-3068E-mail: thehavanareporter@prensa-latina.cu

YOUR SOURCE OF NEWS & MOREHavanaReporterTHEA W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r o f t h e P r e n s a L a t i n a N e w s A g e n c y SOCIETY.HEALTH & SCIENCE.POLITICS.CULTURE

ENTERTAINMENT.PHOTO FEATURE.ECONOMY SPORTS.AND MORE

The UN Industrial Development Fund (UNIDF) has applied funding for 16 projects in Cuba for the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, the agency‘s coordinator here, Fidel Domenech, has said.

The UN official told The Havana Reporter that the 2016-2020 cooperation framework program is raising 50 million Euros for the projects, three of which are underway since September 2016.

He revealed during the recent Cubagua 2017 International Convention that a total of $4.8m -- donated through cooperation agencies from different countries -- had been assigned to these three projects.

During the event, Domenech talked about UNIDF initiatives that help Cuban industry, including the sugarcane and food industries, use water in more efficient and sustainable ways.

He told THR that the three projects already being implemented are advancing well and include training seminars led by international experts.

He explained that UNIDF is committed to helping Cuba design sustainable economic and environmental industrial development policies and strategies.

The projects relate to modernization of a fertilizer

plant in Nuevitas, of an agricultural tool factory in the eastern province of Holguín and with the national music industry, he added.

The Engineering and Chemical Research Center, the Center for the Development of Agricultural Machineries and the Revolución de Octubre Enterprise of Nuevitas, Camagüey are collaborating on the fertilizer plant works.

One of its principal objectives is to synergize production with the promotion of new fertilization methods intended to both better exploit the scientific potential of the sector and to replace imports.

He highlighted that the 16 projected initiatives include the creation of an industrial ecological farm in Havana’s Cotorro municipality, shrimp farming and aquiculture sector developments and the promotion of renewable energy use.

In addition to helping Cuba implement the projects, UNIDF may also contribute to investments in key sectors.

Hilda Morales, the director of Industrial and Technological Policy at Cuba’s Industry Ministry, highlighted that the December 2015 agreed 2016-2020 framework is crucial to the consolidation of the alliance between both parties.

Relations are based on three key elements: enhancing the institutional and business environment, increasing industrial competitiveness and the promotion of investments.

It only took three days and two nights to thwart the mercenary invasion at Giron Beach in 1961, until then the White House and CIA’s most serious endeavor to defeat the newborn Cuban Revolution.

Ordered initially by President Eisenhower, more than 1,500 CIA and Pentagon trained, armed and equipped mercenaries, comprising five infantry battalions and one paratrooper battalion directly supported by the U.S. Army, participated in the failed military operation.

Their objective was to occupy a beachhead and set up a provisional government that would seek United States and the Organization of American States recognition and intervention.

Prior to the disembarkation in the south-central-region of Cuba, eight B-26 bombers with false Cuban Revolutionary Air Force markings simultaneously attacked the San Antonio de los Baños air base, Havana´s Ciudad Libertad runway and the Santiago de Cuba airport.

It was when the Cuban people gathered to pay their respects to the victims of the April 16, 1961 attack, that their Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, proclaimed the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution.

Ever since, the Rebel Army, the Managua tank battalion, the workers’, students’ and farmers’ militias and the Revolutionary Air Force have been prepared to defend the Socialist Revolution.

Combat commenced in earnest the following day and concluded on April 19 with the first great defeat of U.S. imperialism in the Americas.

The defeat of the mercenary assault fueled Washington‘s hostility, expressed since the first revolutionary laws had been proclaimed and manifest in numerous covert operations, sabotage and assassination attempts on the Cuban leadership.

The shameful defeat in record time exacerbated U.S. endeavors to asphyxiate the Cuban economy and minimize popular support for the socialist project.

Hence, President John F. Kennedy, a perpetuator of the warmongering endeavor, promulgated the blockade laws in 1962.

The economic, financial and commercial blockade was intensified by degrees to develop an extraterritorial character when Cuba had lost support following with the collapse of the socialist block in the 1990s.

The Cuban socialist model had to then adapt to the challenging new circumstances and overcome a profound period of crisis that still affects the country.

Fifty six years after the resounding victory at Playa Giron and the proclamation of the Revolution’s socialist character, Cuba is engaged in another major, important and complex battle for the realization of a sustainable social and economic model, appropriate in the current context.

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UNIDF Seeks Funds for Projects in CubaBy Maria JuliaMAYORAL

Victory for Socialism at “Bay of Pigs”By ErnestoVERA

4 4 CUBA

Cuba’s Revolution continues to be a project that places her young people at the very heart of the economic and social changes underway in their country and as protagonists of the revolutionary process that commenced in January 1959.

At a recent press conference, Susely Morfa, general secretary of Cuba´s Young Communist League (UJC) described the role played by Cuba’s youth as a continuation rather than ¨relay, ¨ that assures the consolidation of the Revolution.

She stated the UJC has a responsibility to this population sector, be they members or otherwise.

Working in conjunction with ministries, statutory institutions and other relevant government entities to promote policies that prioritize Cuba´s younger generation, is one of the political group´s main objectives, she explained.

The origins of the UJC date back

to the Association of Young Rebels, a Commander Ernesto Che Guevara initiative and the increasing integration of Cuba’s youth movement.

April 4 marked the 55th anniversary of the founding of Cuba’s Communist Party´s youth organization, which presently has 300,752 members.

Morfa told of more than 33,000 local headquarters and the organization’s welcome of more than 60,000 new members in 2016.

She stressed that Cuba younger generations are aware of their role in society, as indicated by the large number of young Cubans that contribute to their homeland’s development in different economic and social fields.

During a nationwide tour, the UJC leadership reiterated that more than 65 percent of the productive workforce in some industries is young.

Official statistics reveal that there are almost three million Cubans in the 15-34 age group.

Morfa emphasized the UJC’s commitment to the reinforcement of a number of youth projects, such as those known as the historic routes, which facilitate learning about historical events in natural settings and summer camps that include workshops and debates.

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Cuba’s Youthful Revolution By NuriemDE ARMAS

Arturo Garcia, both a founder and the President of the Latin American Hotel and Tourism Investment Conferences (SAHIC), has said tourism is set to increase significantly in the near future and predicted that Cuba could soon become Latin America’s second most popular destination.

Announcing that Havana will host the SAHIC’s annual meeting in May, Garcia explained that the role of foreign investment in Cuba’s tourism industry will be crucial in the country’s rise to second place.

The island could welcome at least 12 million visitors annually to become the second largest tourist destination in the region after Mexico.

At a press conference in Havana´s Hotel Meliá Cohiba, where the 2017 SAHIC meeting will be held on May 15 and 16, he explained that some 250 hotel managers,

directors and top-level tourism experts interested in the development of the Cuban tourism industry would participate in the event.

García noted that the SAHIC is celebrating its 10th anniversary in charge of hotel and small, middle and large tourism project investments.

He said that the May meeting represents a great opportunity for Cuba, due to the attendance of top industry executives principally from the United States, but also from Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The President of the WorldTravel and Tourism Council (WTTC) David Scowsill is expected to participate.

Cuba has taken part in previous SAHIC meetings in Lima, Peru (2015) and Guayaquil, Ecuador (2016).

Also during the month of May in the eastern province of Holguin, the island will host the 37th International Tourism Fair, the largest of its kind in Cuba and the Caribbean.

Cuba´s Deputy Tourism Minister Luis Miguel Díaz and general development director at the Cuban Tourism Ministry José R. Daniel Alonso were also at the press conference.

Experts noted that Cuba had recently identified 110 new foreign investment opportunities which means that SAHIC forum will provide a space for the building of new

relationships and the advancement of new proposals.Issues such as the restoration and expansion of the

hotel network and the development of theme parks and golfing facilities are to form part the meeting´s agenda.

Skies Look Bright For Cuba‘s Tourism IndustryBy FranciscoMENÉNDEZ

HEALTH & SCIENCE 5

‘Talk about depression to take a step for life’, was the slogan for this years annual World Health Day on April 7, celebrated nationwide in Cuba with a varied program of activities.

Events included talks, film screenings, concerts, photo exhibitions and the distribution of posters about the main risk factors that can cause depression.

Cristian Morales, the PAHO/WHO representative in Cuba, referred to the prevalence of the condition that affects 300 million people worldwide, 50 millions of whom are in Latin America.

“Directly or indirectly, depression affects, our children, our parents, our siblings, our grandparents, everyone,” she said.

Morales told The Havana Reporter that depression “causes anxiety and debilitation to the point that it seriously impacts on everyday life activities, social

relations, work and study and can affect everyone and every part of life, including the economy”.

Alberto Fernández, Head of the Senior Adult Program, also told this newspaper that press that Cuba, the

condition is also associated with people aging, a phenomenon that has increased in the country over the last 50 years.

He explained that there are several projects in place on the island, such as the network of Older Adult Clubs that promote social contacts between people of retirement age – which according to the Cuban labor law is 60 years of age for women and 65 for men.

Fernández added that “the initiative to bring senior citizens in the community together not only aims to promote physical exercise, but also enhanced socialization and the creating of spaces for interaction.”

World Health Day, established in 1950 and celebrated on April 7, is dedicated to a different condition every year.

In 2015, it focused on food health, and last year on the prevention of diabetes.

Talking about DepressionBy Ana LauraARBESÚ

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Although over three quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, just 3% is suitable for human consumption. The figure, however, may decline because of the effects of climate change and excessive exploitation of water resources by mankind.

This life essential element, severely limited for some of our planet’s inhabitants, was the topic of a four-day event in Havana that brought over 200 delegates from 17 countries together.

Debates and exchanges about water, its use, reuse and management formed core parts of the 2017 II International Cubagua Convention at Havana’s Conference Centre and the Pabexpo Showground.

Participating countries including France, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, China, Denmark, Mexico, Germany, Canada, Spain and the United States, were complimented by 57 international companies and a number United Nations agencies.

Cubagua 2017 was a „mega-event“ comprising four simultaneous theoretical programs: the XIII International Hydraulics Engineering Congress; the IX Seminar on the

Comprehensive Use of Water; the II Technical-Commercial Symposium and the I Workshop on the Comprehensive Management of Hydrographical Basins.

The latter was held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the National and Territorial Councils on Hydrographical Basins.

Amongst the distinguished lecturers that contributed to the workshop were François Donzier, General Manager of the International Water Office and Secretary General of the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO).

Interviewed by The Havana Reporter, Donzier told how Cubagua 2017 had been well received by international water resource

management representatives.The French official explained that he

“had the opportunity to participate in the first edition and without a doubt, there were many more interventions by foreign delegates during this second convention.

This facilitated more in-depth analysis, experience sharing, problem solving and debates about potential solutions to the consequences of climate change and world population growth”.

Wang Hong, the Chinese Water Ministry‘s Chief Engineer, commented that the event had become an important platform for exchanges and understandings between the Asian giant and Latin America.

Hong stated during the opening session of the convention, dedicated to China this

year that “Cuba had provided a space for cooperation. By supporting each other in the field of technology, we have had great successes with processes such as the cleaning of rivers with low and very low water levels and we can now offer technical and financial assistance to other Latin American countries”.

Water problems go beyond so-called Third World countries and every region has difficulties dealing with water preservation and world biodiversity related issues.

These concern the next and future generations and need to be addressed so solutions that not only suit the characteristics of each individual country, but that also resolve the needs of all humanity, can be found.

Cubagua 2017: All about WaterBy NicholasVALDES

6 SPORTS

Cuban Baseball Strikes OutBy YasielCANCIO

A lackluster performance by the Cuban team at the recent IV World Baseball Classic has highlighted serious problems and major deficiencies in the nation’s baseball scene.

In spite of achieving their primary objective of qualifying for the tournament’s second round, the Caribbean team’s mediocre performances, poor technical display and lack of tactical ability, greatly disappointed both its home and foreign fans.

Almost every pitcher played poorly, speeds consistently fell below 90 mph and a terrible command of pitches resulted in a constant concession of basses on ball.

Latin America’s best épée fencer, Cuban Yunior Reytor, has been ranked among the 16 best in the world following the Budapest Grand Prix.

Having participated alongside 275 competitors from over 50 countries in the tournament in the Hungarian capital, Reytor climbed four positions in the world men’s épée ranking and to 14th in the world – in spite of his limited participation in international events.

Winner of the 2016 Pan-American Fencing Championship in Panama and presently ranked number one in Latin America, Reytor was seeded in the first round in Budapest tournament and then won in the 64-fencer round by defeating Swiss Karl Harmenberg 15-8.

In the group of 32, he beat the Israeli Yuval Shalom Freilich 32-15.

In the round comprising the 16 best, the Cuban lost 15-8 to France’s –Guadeloupian Yannick Borel - number two in the International Fencing Federation rankings, European champion and world team champion.

The Cuban player struggled to defeat the French two-time World Cup silver medalist (Germany 2015 and 2017) and three-time bronze, in Italy 2012, Argentina

2016 and Canada 2017.In the latter last February, Reytor took

the silver medal to consolidate his place as

best on the continent.In spite of the Budapest result, Reytor

achieved his target of finishing amongst

the 16 best at the Grand Prix, by taking 11th place.

The promising Cuban fencer had faced even stronger opposition at the Vancouver World Cup, where he won the silver medal.

He beat fencers there such as world champion Massaru Yamada, from Japan, whom Reytor defeated 15 to 14.

In order to reach the semi final stage of the event, he also defeated Italian Matteo Tagliariol, the Beijing 2008 Olympic champion by 15 points to 8.

Soon after that resounding success in Canada, Reytor told the press that “at that moment, I felt I capable of doing something great and went on to take the silver medal.”

“That experience taught me that, with patience and hard work. I can compete at that level. Sometimes we lack resources, but one must always go on and try to overcome challenges,” the Cuban fencer added.

Reytor’s current form is indicative of progress for Cuban fencing, which hopes to recover former glories, such as when the country won 2 silver and 3 bronze medals at the Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000 Olympics or the Olympic success of outstanding Cuban fencers Ramón Font and Manuel Dionisio Díaz at the beginning of the 20th century.

Cuban Fencer on FormBy AlfredoBOADA

This was what ultimately doomed them to a certain demise from the very moment the “Play Ball” call was heard.

“A number of problems must be solved soon if we want to raise the level of baseball in Cuba,” manager Carlos Martí said having been eliminated from the IV WBC in a humiliating 1-14 defeat by Holland.

He acknowledged that, in addition to solving several defensive details, a lot must be done in order to improve the Island’s baseball, which is suffering from an array of technical problems and pitchers that

require better and more modern preparation.“If I was to talk here about all the problems facing

Cuban baseball, I would be talking for a very long time,” he said.

Martí also highlighted that Cuba’s pitching is not up to Baseball Classic standard - something fans were reminded of by the fact that no pitcher had a great tournament.

The team reached the second round after losing to Japan and defeating China and Australia, in that order - two of the weakest teams in the tournament.

But in the second round, the Cubans were truly disappointing.

They lost all their matches against Japan, Israel - a team composed of US players - and the Netherlands - the dark horse of the Classic.

It was the Dutch team that also eliminated the Cubans in the 2013 edition four years ago, but on this occasion the result was beyond frustrating.

In the cruelest possible way, the Dutch buried Cubans‘ IV Baseball Classic dreams under a humiliating 14-1 knock-out in 7 innings that included 4 home-runs and a high percentage of powerful hits.

Although some still insist on reiterating that the Cuban team fulfilled its primary objective of qualifying for the second round, it is no secret that baseball in Cuba is not in good health: the team has not won a major tournament for years now and the national squad has become increasingly weaker.

The Cuban team has only once qualified to a World Baseball Classic semi-final in 2006, when the tournament was founded.

It has always since been knocked out at the second phase of the tournament, although this year’s elimination will be remembered as the most shameful in Cuban baseball’s recent history.

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SPOTLIGHT ON 7

SPOTLIGHT ON

Visitors to Cuba’s National

Botanical Garden are often

left almost speechless by the

unexpected and astounding

beauty they encounter within.

Words can simply seem

inadequate to communicate

the wonder and awe inspired

in part by more than 500

species of orchid and a

thousand varieties of cactus.

The National Botanical

Garden has over 140 thousand

species of plants from all

over the world and provides

temporary shelter to many

thousands of migratory birds.

In conjunction with Parque

Lenin, the National Zoo, the

Expo Cuba complex, the

Havana Forest and the Río

Cristal river, the Botanical

Garden forms part of the city’s

green lung.

About 25 km south of

Havana, the Garden covers a 6

km2 area.

It has a 35 km long internal

network of roads and seems to

be worlds away from the noise,

pollution and daily trials and

tribulations of busy city life.

It’s an ideal place to seek

solace, relaxation and learning.

The Japanese Garden, one

of the most attractive and

charming elements of the

Garden, reflects the very best

of this wonderful refuge.

Created by an architect from

Japan, it communicates the

typical charm and serenity that

other gardens of this type do.

It has the traditional

bonsais, a pond of exotic

fishes, bridges, arbors and

paths conducive to meditation

and reflection.

The archaic forest enchants

people and the pavilions

for shady species are most

impressive.

Begonias stand out for

their elegant foliage and

Curujey leaves offer thirst

quench waters.

The insectivorous

Nepenthes plant always

attracts visitor attention.

The wonders and

environmental integrity of the

National Botanical Garden are

perfectly complemented by

the “El Bambú” eco-restaurant.

The restaurant -- not

exclusively vegetarian --

promotes an understanding of

the virtues of ecological cuisine

with a varied aromatic, colorful

and textured buffet meal and a

menu that offers true treats for

visitors with a discerning and

cultured palate.

The Ernest Hemingway

International Yacht Club, Cuba’s

most prominent recreational

sailing event promoter and

institution, will host a series of

activities this year to mark its

25th anniversary.

Anniversary celebrations for

the Club founded on May 21,

1992, commenced in January

with the República de la Concha

regatta, followed a few days later

by the Torreón de La Chorrera

regatta, an event during which

29 yachts undertook the two-lap

circuit from Havana‘s El Morro

Castle to the mouth of the

Almendares River.

In February, the country

hosted the 6 day long St.

Petersburg-Havana race,

in which 90 sailboats

participated.

Commodore José Miguel

Díaz Escrich, head of the

Hemingway Yacht Club since

its foundation, told The

Havana Reporter that club

membership has grown from

an initial 28 members from 10

countries to the present 2,800

members from 73 countries.

He explained that a total

of 18 events have been

planned as part of this year’s

celebrations, which will

involve 500 boats and more

than 2,000 sailors, mostly from

the United States.

The Commodore, one

of only a select few Latin

American officials to have been

granted multiple honorary

club memberships all around

the world, highlighted that for

the first time in the history of

his club, a Cuban yacht crewed

by Cuban sailors will compete

in the Tampa-Havana regatta

between May 18th and 25th.

He also confirmed that the

French Rochelle Club plans

to hold an oceanic regatta in

2018, with a 10 day Atlantic

ocean crossing.

The Hemingway Club is

a non-governmental and a

not for profit organization,

founded in 1992 at Havana’s

Hemingway Marina, previously

called the Barlovento

During the first half of the

20th century, there were more

than 100 yacht clubs in Cuba, 39

out of which were in the capital.

Havana’s International Club

held the first ever Hemingway

Marlin Fishing Tournament

in 1950, after Commodore

Rafael Pozo and other club

officials convinced the prize

winning novelist to oversee

the competition that carried

his name.

In 1960, the competition

was suspended due to tensions

and between the US and Cuba,

but it was reconvened 1992,

following the foundation of

the Hemingway Yacht Club.

The Delights of the National Botanical Garden By CiroBIANCHI ROSS

Hemingway Club’s 25th AnniversaryBY ROBERTO F. CAMPOS

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8 ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS

TEATHER

*Note: theater companies are in parentheses.

Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura (Spanish-American Culture Center)

Calle Malecón e/ Prado y Capdevila, Centro Habana, Ciudad de La Habana. Tel: 7860-6282. Apr. Thu 20 y 27, (6:00 p.m.): ¨La Cabalgata del Monstruo¨ (The Monster´s Ride).

Ludi Teatro.Calle I e/ 9 y 11. Vedado. Fri. Apr. 21, 28, Sat. 22, 29 (8:30 pm) and Sun. 23, 30 (5 pm): “Nos vemos” (See You!). Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Fine Arts Museum)

Trocadero e/ Monserrate y Zulueta, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7861 0241 -7863 9484. Sun. Apr. 30 (11am): Clown performance.

MUSIC

Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís

Calle Oficios \ Amargura y Churruca, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 862-9683. Apr. Thu, 20. (6:00 p.m): Clarinet Party at San Felipe Neri concert hall.

Museo de Artes Decorativas (Decorative Art Museum)

Calle 17 e/ D y E, Vedado. Tel: 7832-0924. Wed. Apr. 26 (4 pm): Club ¨Lo que me queda por vivir¨. Host: Gloria Liz. Sat. 22 (3 pm): Soprano Mayra Luz Alemán and guests.

Casa del Alba Cultural (ALBA Culture House)

Calle Linea e/ C y D, Vedado. Tel: 7833 2151Thu. Apr. 20, (6:00 p.m): Club ¨Canto de Todos¨ with Vicente Feliú and guests.

Museo de Artes Decorativas (Decorative Art Museum)Sat. 22, Apr. (3:00 p.m): Soprano Mayra Luz Alemán and guests (concert music).

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Fine Arts Museum)Trocadero e/ Monserrate y Zulueta, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-0241 -7 863-9484. Patio del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte Cubano. Sat. Apr. 22 (7 pm): Concert by singer songwriter Liuba María Hevia. Thu. Apr. 25 to 29: Chamber Music Festival (concerts, workshops, conferences) organized by the National Concert Music Center.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.

Museo de Artes Decorativas (Decorative Art Museum)

Calle 17 e/ D y E, Vedado. Tel: 7 832-0924. Hasta Jun. 30 (10 am): Temporary exhibition “95 Years of Life” dedicated to Dulce María Loynáz.

Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)

Calle 26 entre 11 y 13, Vedado. Tel: 7 838-2260. Personal exhibition by María Laura García (dresses and handmade objects).

Vitrina de Valonia.

San Ignacio No. 356 entre Muralla y Teniente Rey. Tel: 7868 3561. Apr. 23. (10:00 a.m): Exhibition ¨Blanco, Negro y Rosa¨ (White, Black and Pink) by Alexander Izquierdo Plasencia, as part of the week of French culture.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Fine Art Museum) Edificio de Arte Cubano. Fri. Apr. 21 (4pm): Opening of the exhibit ¨Juego de ángeles¨ (Angels’ Game) dedicated to artist Eugenio Rodríguez.

NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS

Casa de la Música de Miramar

Ave. 20 No. 3308 esq. a 35, Miramar, La Habana, Cuba. Tel: 7 204 0447.Apr. Wed.26, (11:00 p.m): Adalberto Alvarez y su Son band (salsa).

Teatro Mariana Grajales

Sun. Apr. 30, (4:00 p.m.): Club ¨Solo quiero amor” with Rafael Espín.

TEATHER

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

MUSIC

GETTING AROUNDRECOMMENDS

• Clarinet Party at Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís

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

By MaylínZALDIVARthr@prensa-latina.cu

NIGHTCLUBS & CABARETS

24th ¨Romerías de Mayo¨ International FestivalDate: May 2 to 8

Venue: Holguín province.

ENTERTAINMENT& LISTINGS 9

DANCE

Centro Hispanoamericano de Cultura (Spanish-American Culture Center) Malecón e/ Prado y Capdevila, Centro Habana, Ciudad de La Habana. Tel: 7860-6282. Apr. Sat, 22, (2:00 p.m.): 8th Choreography Contest “Creative” (children and adolescents).

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Fine Arts Museum) Trocadero e/ Monserrate y Zulueta, Habana Vieja. Tel: 7 861-0241 -78639484. Patio del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte Cubano: Sun. Apr. 23 (11 am): Children´s dance troupe “Paso a Paso.”

DANCE

GETTING AROUND

10 CULTURE

Buena Fe Beat the OddsBy DaimarelysPÉREZ

Eugenio Rodríguez, A Cuban Sculptor of Consequence By AlainPLANELLS

When Israel Rojas and Yoel Martinez, founders of the Buena Fe duo, first took to the stage 20 years ago, they may not have envisaged the extent to which they would become beloved by their people.

Déjame entrar (Let me in) was the excellent musical expression of their ideas that introduced them to the music scene and brought them into the everyday life of Cubans.

Following further offerings that include the acclaimed Presagios; Pi 3.14; Catalejo and Dial, the duo from Cuba’s musical eastern region‘s intelligent and insightful lyrics have ensured the organic expansion of a substantial fan base.

Without foreseeing the future, without mathematical calculation and without imagining how well their work would be received - both in Cuba and abroad - Buena Fe has survived and thrived in a

very competitive musical context.Their most recent recording,

Sobreviviente, was launched after 18 years of philosophizing and metaphorical discourse on day to day events that affect the Cuban way of life.

Duo director, Israel Rojas, told that Sobreviviente is a well thought-out and introspective work that broaches a “well-balanced selection of subjects. We had a lot of time to facilitate its creation.”

In an interview with The Havana Reporter, Rojas explained that such a “well thought-out record includes songs that the ideas for which needed a reasonable length of time to organize.” He added that he considers it to have achieved a “good balance between entertainment, sound and experimentation.”

In response to a question about the October 2016 La Tempestad recording

with singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, the director of the duo said that the project reflected generational concerns and endeavored to shine a light on contemporary Cuba’s societal scene.

He elaborated; “La Tempestad, with Silvio’s invaluable partnership, is an important form of generational interaction. Some might consider it more of a clash, but I prefer to call it an expression of the ongoing exchanges through which the young constantly seek new avenues to explore and their elders reflect on unfulfilled dreams.”

He stressed that “the way is paved by dreaming and by trying to keep up with your times.”

Israel Rojas spoke very positively about the duo’s collaborations with Cuban troubadours from different generations, including Frank Delgado and Vicente Alejandro Trigo – director

of the “De Corazón” group.He said that such threesomes

work “to inspire good ideas and good creations, because human sentiments are always in fashion and belong to every generation.”

He also confessed his deep fondness for the work of the renowned Cuban visual artist, Roberto Fabelo.

He spoke in this regard about how they met and how popular female forms conceived from the artists brush strokes, have formed part of his recent productions.

“Everything I have in my life has come through my songs: my friends, my loves, my most precious experiences and the countries I’ve seen. They have been so good and kind to me. The fact that Fabelo come to us, that we had reached him through our melodies seems beautiful, poetic and very important to me.”

Havana’s National Fine Arts Museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of sculptor Eugenio Rodríguez, with an exhibition that reflects the result of efforts made by scholars and institutions to preserve an artistic legacy consigned to oblivion for several decades.

The 100th anniversary of Rodríguez’s – who died in 1968 – birth provides an ideal context for this important exhibition, which runs until July 31st and renders tribute to one of the most versatile and prolific Cuban artists of the second half of the 20th century.

Over 50 sculptures, engravings and paintings that provide a unique insight into their authors thematic and inspirational versatility, will be on show in the Transitory Hall of the Cuban Arts Building.

The exhibition’s “Juego de Ángeles” title refers to the artist’s ability to transcend poetic trends.

The organizers selected works created between 1944 and 1968 that illustrate Rodríguez’s prominence in

the modernization of Cuban sculpture.The pieces also highlight aesthetic

developments in Cuban engraving and

painting during those same decades.Their selection demonstrates

the artist’s progression from the

reproduction of classical norms to his discovery through stone and woodcarvings of the unlimited potential of breaking with figurative traditions.

The Rodríguez paintings on show clearly indicate a constant evocation of his three-dimensional sculptural works, of which they are almost afterthoughts that oppose the development of this specific medium.

There is also an undeniable thematic universe that in his later years included tangible evidence of the political and social processes of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, on January 1, 1959.

This element has come in for particular praise from the critics for the way abstract language is fused with new contextual motivations and its communicative environmental compatibility with other figurative expressions.

During this period, Eugenio Rodríguez also devoted himself to the direction and development of the National Fine Arts Museum, an institution that today lauds his highly artistic and eloquent imprint.

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PHOTO FEATURE 11

Havana’s Orchid Festival

By BettyHERNANDEZ

The fifth Havana’s National Orchid Festival proved once again to be a truly great occasion for Cuba‘s community of collectors, scholars and orchid lovers to exchange ideas and celebrate nature and its preservation.

Held in the capital’s Quinta de los Molinos garden, the floral fest was jointly sponsored by the Cuban Botanical Society (Socubot, in Spanish) and the Havana City Historian’s Office.

This year, the event included a range of competitions, plant exhibitions, photo contests and lectures on the flora of the Caribbean’s largest island and the cultivation and preservation of orchids.

The agenda aimed to enhance participants and visitors awareness of the

importance of these plants and promote the protection of Cuba’s natural ecosystems.

Alelí Morales, Socubot’s Deputy Chairwoman, highlighted a growing interest in the cultivation of exotic plants in Cuba and said that one of the Orchid Festival’s objectives is to reduce pressure on endemic species.

The specialist commented explained that “the problem still exists today, although it has decreased because collectors now have greater access to brighter and more colorful ornamental species.

She added that her organization works to broaden popular knowledge about cultivation of plants, particularly orchids,

in order to reproduce them outside their natural environment.

In Cuba, there are 130 endemic varieties of orchid, found in their wild form in different nationwide, often accompanied by other species from the Caribbean and South America. There are 308 species present overall.

These wonderful wild flowers grow, where conditions exist, all over Cuba.

Most however are in the Pinar del Río province’s Sierra de los Órganos and Sierra del Rosario, in the central Guamuhaya mountain range and in the Sierra Maestra and Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa, in the eastern region.

12 POLITICS

Ecuadors new President Lenín Moreno celebrated his victory with a rendition of Antonio Machado’s verses that translate as “there is no path, so one must be plotted”, to music by Joan Manuel Serrat.

He promised the thousands that had assembled to celebrate his triumph that he would maintain their Citizens Revolution.

His melodic voice rang out in song at midnight on April 2nd on a stage set up on the principal Los Shyris avenue, in front of his Alianza Pais party’s Quito headquarters.

The young, women, entire families and children came out to join the man chosen to succeed president Rafael Correa, who has led the South American nation for 10 years, often referred to -- because of the significant economic, social and political progress made -- as the Won Decade, on May 24 next.

Flags, vuvuzelas, banners in support of the former vice- president and slogans such as ‚Lenín, amigo, el pueblo está contigo‘ (Lenin, friend, the people are with you) flooded an area more accustomed to hosting opposition demonstrations against the national government.

For this second round of presidential elections, those that had always favored the continuity of the Citizens Revolution had gathered here ensure their proximity to the Alianza Pais high command, when victory was declared.

What started out as dozens and grown to hundreds as polls closed, became a multitude of thousands following the National Electoral Commission’s first official bulletin just after 8pm, confirming the candidate’s victory.

With his usual robust sweetness, Moreno promised to continue on the path chosen by Correa back in 2007 and to reinforce the very real transformations experienced

since by the people, in the interests of their increased well being.

The eradication of infant malnutrition and poverty, to improve the lot of the elderly and to promote the creation of jobs and enterprises, above all for the young, all form part of the incoming administrations priorities.

One of its main commitments is to wage a battle against corruption that already exists or might arise during his mandate.

Encouraged by his tried and trusted trajectory, Moreno called on all the people of Ecuador to ‘continue the construction of a better nation’ to honor the founder of a new Ecuador, the outgoing President Correa.

The election winner repeatedly expressed ‘thank you Rafael’ and said that he was ready to go to work, even on

behalf of those who had not voted for him.The night’s celebrations closed with a duo during

which the incoming and outgoing presidents were accompanied by their people.

The following day, Ecuador’s new president elects expressed gratitude for the many messages of support and congratulations he had received from Latin American leaders and called for the strengthening of regional integration processes.

Amongst the first to congratulate him were presidents Evo Morales (Bolivia), Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela) and Salvador Sánchez Ceren (El Salvador) and Argentina’s ex president Cristina Férnandez.

Cuban president, Raul Castro Ruz, was also among the first to send a message that expressed „my congratulations on an electoral triumph that represents a new dawn for the Citizen‘s Revolution and the continuation of this sister nation‘s commitment to the unity, defense and sovereignty of Our America.“

The Cuban leader transmitted his nation‘s „highest esteem and consideration“ to Moreno, adding that, „Cuba will accompany you in the same spirit of friendship and solidarity as always.“

With 99.05% of votes counted, the incumbent party’s candidate had the support of 51.16% of the electorate and his rival and former banker Guillermo Lasso had taken 48.84%.

With authorities having called for peace, this second round of elections in Ecuador was a tranquil affair, although at the close of polls, some members of the opposition gathered rowdily outside the National Electoral Commission’s offices in the capital and other parts of the country such as Guayaquil.

In addition to being a nation used frequently for transit and a country from which it’s own people migrate, Mexico, at a time when US border controls have been tightened because of the isolationist and xenophobic policies of president Donald Trump, is presently experiencing increased migratory related challenges.

Mexican authorities are facing a

“migratory bottleneck” with several thousand Haitian, African, Central American and Caribbean migrants now having to decide to remain on their side of the US border.

The director of the UN Mexico Information Centre, Giancarlo Summa, has revealed that between 2011 and 2016, the number of people seeking asylum in

Mexico increased by 1060%.In 2016, 8,781 persons, 90% of whom

were from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala requested refugee status.

In view of this, he explained that it is necessary to make people aware of the importance of supporting the migrants and refugees that arrive in Mexico and to regard them “not as a problem, but rather an additional resource for the nation. He stressed that they can contribute to the development of community and society

Antonio Molpeceres, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Mexico, said that Tapachula, in the southern state of Chiapas, is one of the main points of entry for migrants and refugees.

He added that in recent years, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had increased their staff in Chiapas to attend the increasing needs of Central American migrants and refugees arriving there.

Molpeceres concurs that the majority of people are from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

THE “TRUMP’S WALL”On a related matter, the Mexican

government issued a strong rejection at the UN of the migratory policies of US President Donald Trump, and the proposed construction of his border wall, the visa veto for refugees and citizens from designated Muslim countries and the plan to accelerate deportations, in particular.

Miguel Ruiz Cabañas, Mexico’s Deputy Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, declared at the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council that “walls between nations are walls between peoples that convert extremism and intolerance into physical and ideological barriers that we can never accept under any circumstances.”

Cabañas added that Mexico shares the “most profound concerns” expressed by other international mechanisms about the vulnerability of migrants who are frequently the victims of measures that, on a supposed pretext of enhancing security, infringe their most fundamental human rights and integrity.

He continued, “let us not be mistaken, racism and xenophobia lurk behind such words.”

Ruiz Cabañas stated that ill-conceived security measures not only restrict the movement of people, they also add the vulnerability and risks that migrants face and put their lives in danger.

Progressive Moreno Wins Ecuadorian PresidencyBy SinayCESPEDES

Mexico Faces Migration BottleneckBy OrlandoORAMAS

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ECONOMY 13

The Czech Republic’s Agriculture Minister, Marian Jurecka, spoke of his country’s willingness to contribute to the improvement of land use in Cuba, during a bilateral business forum and the XX International Agribusiness and Food and Agriculture Fair (Fiagrop, in Spanish).

In an interview with The Havana Reporter, the minister said that “we have discovered great potential for the production of food.”

Jurecka was in Cuba specifically to participate in the both the bilateral meeting and the Fiagrop event, in which 170 exhibitors from 16 countries participated at the Rancho Boyeros show grounds in Havana.

The Czech Republic minister was accompanied by a delegation of 61 businessmen representing 40 companies, the largest to participate in the agriculture and cattle raising exhibition.

His delegation represented various sectors such as livestock, the food and beer brewing industries, agricultural machinery and equipment, and

international companies such as Skoda.“We are ready to supply products,

technologies and genetic material for artificial insemination to the Cuban cattle sector and to offer advice on the crucial issue of livestock fodder,” the minister added.

Jurecka said that the two nations had “enjoyed strong cooperation relationships prior to 1990 and now hope to reestablish them.”

The minister highlighted the delegation’s inclusion of banking representatives to support investment projects and to provide long-term financial credits for the acquisition of technologies.

Orlando Hernández, chairman of the

Cuban Chamber of Commerce, explained that the presence of such a significant Czech delegation demonstrated a strong desire to cooperate with the Cuban food and agricultural sectors.

The official said at the business forum that the sector has strengths and opportunities that can be fostered by foreign investment.

VETERINARY AND PHYTOSANITARY AGREEMENT

After concluding the first day of the intense agenda at Fiagrop 2017, the minister met with his Cuban counterpart, Gustavo Rodríguez, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote veterinary and phytosanitary cooperation.

The agreement also covers cooperation on scientific and research into animal and plant health, ecological agriculture, organic production treatment, post-season handling and organic fertilization processes.

The instrument also encourages agricultural biotechnology, agro-meteorology, climate change and agriculture research and initiatives, to promote the recovery of agricultural areas affected by climate change.

Finally, it outlines scientific norms for the mutual support of trade and investment in sectors such as agriculture, industry, food, technology and machinery, soil preservation techniques, irrigation and the exchange of experiences and information in the agricultural, food and forestry industries.

The Czech Ambassador, Vladimir Eisenbruk, told The Havana Reporter that “although Cuba and the Czech Republic cooperate on energy and the environment and we now also want to establish a presence in the agricultural and food sector.”

The Air Europa Airline has increased the number of its flights to Cuba, with the introduction of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the world’s most modern airplanes, on its Spain to Havana route.

According to Cuba’s Tourism Ministry (Mintur), the 296 seat craft will operate daily.

Accompanied by other company

executives, the Air Europa chairman, Juan José Hidalgo landed in Havana on board the inaugural flight.

Hidalgo informed the press of his satisfaction with the airline’s addition of Cuba to four other regional destinations: Miami, Bogotá, Santo Domingo and Buenos Aires.

“With this extraordinary airplane, we consider the inclusion of Cuba as a fixed route to be something of a coup, and we reaffirm both our commitment to the country and our efforts to make this fashionable destination more accessible for all wanting to visit,” he added.

María del Carmen Orellana, Mintur’s General Marketing Manager, told The Havana Reporter that she greatly appreciated “the airline’s consistent work with the country ,” and reiterated the importance Spain as a market.

She said the “The introduction of this plane represents a new beginning that opens up possibilities to be availed of by travelers.

We appreciate that and we will continue to work in partnership to achieve even more exceptional results.”

The Mintur executive highlighted that the development reflects both Air Europa’s commitment to the destination and the capacity of Cuba’s airport infrastructure

to assimilate new and more efficient technologies that obviously enhance customer comfort levels.

The incorporation of the new airliner is important not only from an aviation perspective but also for the Caribbean nation’s tourism industry as a whole.

It is also an indication of the favorable conditions that now exist in the country for foreign investment and business.

These aircraft use 20% less fuel and produce 20% less emissions than others of a similar size.

Their aerodynamic characteristics reduce flight times their enhanced passenger entertainment and on board Wi-Fi service options make them more comfortable.

Spain is one of Cuba’s principal tourist emissary markets.

During 2016, 153,340 Spanish tourists visited the country, which represents a 42% year on year increase on the figure for 2015.

Cuban and Czech Farmers Do BusinessBy RobertoSALOMÓN

Air Europa Increases Flights to CubaBy MasielFERNÁNDEZ

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14 ECONOMY

Sustainable Solutions to Drought in CubaBy JuliaCRUZATA

A sustainable solution to drought in Cuba would by necessity include water infiltration provisions and increased wooded areas nationwide, the FAO representative in the country, Theodor Friedrich, has said.

Interviewed by The Havana Reporter during the recent International Cubagua Convention 2017, an event that brought experts from multilateral organizations and several countries together, the expert explained that “the capacity of woodlands in this regard arises not from the presence of trees, but from not farming the land and maintaining the soil’s natural structure.”

According to Friedrich, conservation agriculture technologies could

convert all areas on earth, particularly agricultural lands, into places where water can be preserved.

The official said that helping nature to work properly -- with soil as a key element – guarantees the recovery of clean water ecosystem services and also creates safe and pleasant natural environments.

Friedrich added that drought is not the sole cause of Cuba’s current water shortage.

Many water reservoirs are overexploited or in danger of salinization due to sea incursions, as lakes register their lowest water levels in history.

He highlighted that for years, the exploitation of land water had exceeded precipitation levels.

For this reason, the issue is not exclusively due to the past three-year period, during which rainfall had notably and progressively decreased.

The United Nations Food and Agricultural (FAO) expert recognized that Cuban authorities concur with this point of view and that their national

water policy includes a comprehensive approach to such challenges.

He added that water management and use can be improved in the country by reducing pipeline leaks and increasing the efficient use of the resource.

The Cuban government and its Agriculture Ministry in particular – in close collaboration with the FAO - are

aware of this situation.Cuba is making massive investments

to reduce water leakages in pipelines. It’s not a problem of a lack of awareness but of the additional financing the country needs.

Responsible for in excess of 70% of all national water consumption, agriculture is one of the sectors most adversely affected by drought.

This highlights the need to enhance the efficient use of water resources in the sector, because in many cases, there are high indexes of consumption but expected output levels are not achieved, as happened with rice production.

The FAO expert also mentioned that only parts of precipitations are collected in aquifers, which related to the 30% of the wooded surface in the country.

He added that in the rest of the territory, water generally runs off the surface and ends up in the sea, without contributing to the

refilling of land aquifers.He estimated that with more

reservoirs, over 40% of rainfall could be collected. But because of sedimentation

in places, this figure becomes reduced over time and ultimately only 50% of precipitation potential can be exploited.

The noteworthy solution in Cuba of the construction of lakes has solved the problems of serious flooding, but not of drought nor the management of underground water, he said.

In the opinion of the FAO representative, an element that requires very special attention is the drilling of infiltration wells to alleviate the ravages of drought; as such actions could result in an unwanted contamination of aquifers.

Considering the potential consequences of climate change, it is possible that severe droughts could get even worse in the future, hence the importance of finding sustainable solutions.

According to data provided by the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH, in Spanish), 71% of Cuba’s national territory is affected by drought and that 141 out of 168 municipalities are facing water shortages. In 61 of these the drought is classed as extreme and in a further 50 it is described as severe.

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