Anti-Cuba Script Features Media War - Effective COVID-19 Vaccination Roadmap - Prensa Latina
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YEAR XI
NO 8
AUG 5, 2021
HAVANA,
CUBA
ISSN 2224-5707
Price: 1.00 USD / 1.20 CAN
Anti-Cuba Script Effective COVID-19
Features Media War Vaccination Roadmap
P. 3 P. 5
Cuba Economy Sports
Autonomy in Olympic Journey
Bridges of Love Entrepreneurial System Despite the Pandemic
P. 9 P. 13 P. 15
2 TOURISM
Looking for Light at the Traces of a Fortified Havana
End of the Tunnel By ElisaRODRÍGUEZ During the colonial period, a huge chain tied
between the San Salvador and the El Morro
castles blocked the way to harbor, a majestic
HAVANA.- In addition to an elegant urban example of the Renaissance’s military
design, Old Havana inherited a fortress system architecture.
unique to Latin America that dates back to The San Salvador de la Punta castle, whose
several centuries ago, for which it has been construction started in 1589 and finished
named the “Key to the New World,” among several years later, was an engineering
other titles. masterpiece at the time, a work erected on
The network of defensive constructions, stone totally exposed to the sea.
designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO After the storming of Havana by the English
Tourists largely came from Russia, Germany, Spain and Canada. PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
in 1982, protected the Cuban capital during (August 1762), the San Carlos de la Cabaña
the period of commercial splendor along the fortress was built, the final addition to
By Roberto F.CAMPOS In the case of Cubans that arrive through the route designed from Europe. the city’s defense system and the largest
airports of Varadero and Cayo Coco tourist Such a success was the result of the Spanish fortification in the New World.
resorts, they must comply with the 14-day exceptional function of its harbor and the La Cabaña, built from 1763 to 1774 by
HAVANA.-Despite the constant difficulties isolation protocol at its hotel facilities, and their stop ships had to make in their sea route the explicit order of King Charles III, has
the Cuban economy, and tourism in luggage is limited to one checked bag. to the Américas, as acknowledged by the inherited colonial traditions, including the
particular, has been facing, authorities look On the other hand, free movement of Organization of World Heritage Cities. cannon ceremony.
for a way out—to shine a light in the middle tourists outside of those tourist resorts Some of Latin America’s oldest and largest Other constructions also protected the former
of a dark tunnel, especially due to the health is prohibited, while health protocols are stone fortresses were built by the time, such as San Cristóbal de La Habana village, including
crisis caused by COVID-19. maintained with medical controls at hotels, La Cabaña, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza (Royal the Santo Domingo de Atarés and El Príncipe
Tourism executives and workers are faced as well as COVID-19 tests. Force Castle) and the El Morro and La Punta castles, the Cojímar tower or the Havana Wall.
with problems of all kinds, including Prime Minister Marrero said in a public address castles. The defense network joined the baroque and
financial and commercial barriers reinforced that Cuba welcomed 4.2 million tourists in The Royal Force Castle, one of the buildings neoclassical style of other monuments, as well
from the United States, as corroborated in 2019, 1.8 million in 2020 and some 122,000 in visitors admire the most, shows on top of as the homogenous complex of houses with
official statements and reports. the first half of 2021. one of its towers the La Giraldilla sculpture, arcades, balconies, wrought iron grilles and
Cuba’s Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cuba’s National Office of Statistics and a weather vane in the shape of a woman inside patios that characterize, par excellence,
said recently that Cuba hopes to maintain Information (ONEI) said in its latest report that that is a symbol of the Cuban capital and the environment of the city’s oldest part.
protocols against the pandemic at the until May 2021, the country had welcomed only that according to the legend, is looking
country’s tourist resorts, advocating for safe 11.1 percent of the number of tourists recorded into horizon in search of her beloved
tourism. in the same period of 2020. husband.
He ratified the will to look for ways to From January to May, tourists largely came Finished in 1577, the castle served as
increase tourism income in the middle of from Russia, Germany, Spain, Canada, headquarters and main defensive complex
an adverse context, as long as they do not Philippine, Italy, the United States, France and for several centuries, in addition to being
harm the local public’s health. Ukraine, according to the source. used as residence of the General Captains
“When we see that the risk of tourist Cuba currently welcomes four weekly flights for almost 200 years.
operation is greater than the capabilities from Russia, with the number of Russian tourists Meanwhile, the San Salvador de la Punta
to control COVID-19 outbreaks, we’ll not totaling over 2,400 weekly, Cuban Tourism Castle, by the Malecón (sea wall), was
hesitate to re-close borders,” he insisted. Minister Juan Carlos García said recently. erected in a strategic position to protect
With the objective of keeping the pandemic García recalled that each traveler takes a the southern flank that allows entrance to
under control, the Ministry of Public Health PCR test upon arrival in Cuba, where there the harbor, which was defended on the
on July 15 adopted a series of measures to are many safe destinations such as Varadero, opposite side by the Castillo de los Tres Castillo de la Real Fuerza (Royal Force Castle).
PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
follow-up with travelers. Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa María and Cayo Largo. Reyes del Morro.
. . .
.
SOCIETY HEALTH & SCIENCE POLITICS CULTURE
.
ENTERTAINMENT PHOTO FEATURE ECONOMY
SPORTS AND MORE .
President: Luis Enrique González Art Direction: Anathais Rodríguez Publisher: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana
Information:Vice President: Moisés Pérez Mok Graphic Designers: Fernando Fernández Tito Prensa Latina, S.A.
Editorial:Vice President: Lianet Arias Chief Graphic Editor: Francisco González Calle E, esq. 19 No. 454, Vedado, La Habana-4, Cuba
Editorial Director: Mariela Pérez Valenzuela Assistant Staff: Yaimara Portuondo Telephone: (53)7838-3496 / 7832-3578
Chief Editor: Ilsa Rodríguez Santana Advertising: René García Fax: (53)7833-3068 E-mail: thr@prensa-latina.cu
English Editor: Mitra Ghaffari Circulation: Commercial Department
Translation: Dayamí Interian/ Yanely Interián Printing: Prensa Latina
CUBA 3
Anti-Cuba Script Features Media War
By ElizabethBORREGO In a press conference with local media, the president False news about speedboats departing from the United States
rejected the siege orchestrated by the media and social for all Cubans interested in leaving the country illegally, as well
media networks against the government’s management as fleets positioned near the territorial waters and waiting to
and the matrixes that stimulate a lack of unity in the country. invade the country also added to the virtual script conceived to
In the meantime, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez generate chaos.
denounced the implications of the U.S. media war against the However, those messages do not mention the looting of
country to encourage an alleged humanitarian intervention. commercial establishments or acts of vandalism on police
The Cuban minister urged Washington to deny its link to a cars on July 11 as part of the call to incite an uprising, which
company settled in Florida with the SOS Cuba campaign, was denounced by President Díaz-Canel.
associated to the call to action with use foreign force. They also avoided mentioning that the U.S. blockade is the
A few days ago that entity was granted a certificate by the main obstacle to Cuba’s economic growth and to fighting the
government of Florida to act with state funds, the minister pandemic, or that the United States has failed to comply with
announced. the current migratory agreements with Cuba, as denounced by
Cubans gathered on July 17 in support of the Revolution in a Rodríguez also demanded an explanation from Twitter the Head of State.
ceremony held in the capital. for the massive reproduction of messages as part of that That day, after touring San Antonio de los Baños town in the
crusade, a resource that violates the platform’s policies to western Province of Artemisa, the Cuban president admitted
HAVANA.- Media labs, robots to reproduce hashtags and flood the network. that the current scenario in the country gives ground for
messages inciting chaos from abroad flooded social media “Twitter did not enforce its own regulations even when concern.
in July to encourage a “humanitarian intervention” in Cuba. there was incitement to assassination and violence,” he A group of people gathered in that town to, “protest in one of
The recent events intended to cause turmoil in the Caribbean added. the city’s most central parks,” the Head of State said.
nation corroborated the use of a low trick manual with the Among other fake news, the networks posted that the Among the crowd there were peaceful protestors in need
fabrication of an alleged health crisis and governability in the Guantánamo Naval Base, a seized Cuban territory, had and with doubts that acted differently than those that
country, according to denunciations made by local authorities. welcomed warship flotillas waiting for an order to invade. hope to provoke a social outbreak, he stated.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel noted the media Those same websites broadcast false scenarios of protests “The latter do not want health to be a common good in Cuba;
pressure exerted in those spaces, which he also rated as in Cuba that were denied by local media and authorities. on the contrary, their principles are based on the neoliberal
opportunistic, given the context of the economic crisis and At the same time, many calls for a national strike spread on model, the privatization of medical services and education,”
increase of COVID-19 cases in the country. Twitter and Facebook. he sustained.
President Díaz-Canel and Army General Raúl Castro led the event in Havana.
More than 100,000 Cubans support the Revolution at the event held near the Havana Malecón.
PHOTOS: Prensa Latina.
4 CUBA-U.S.A
Cuba Denounces USA for Encouraging Irresponsible was another term used by the
Cuban minister to refer to U.S. politicians that
Protests and Tightening Blockade
support sending naval means to the island, and
mentioned the relationships among people that
acted as Foreign Service agents and diplomats.
We hope the current U.S. government
By KarinaMARRÓN does not go on with the policies of its
predecessors and acts with ethical sense,
he sustained. However, he admitted to
HAVANA.- Cuba condemned the United be shocked by the impunity with which
States for its complicity in the July 11 protests, migratory incidents are being encouraged.
where technological tools were used to create If the U.S president was truly concerned
an image of popular unrest on the island, about Cuba, he would adopt executive
where tranquility and social security have decisions and substantially change aspects
been some of the achievements attained by of the economic blockade, including those
its revolutionary process. related to fighting the pandemic, such as
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno the ones that prevent Cuba from buying
Rodríguez accused the U.S. administration pulmonary ventilators, the minister stated.
and the State of Florida, in particular, of Nevertheless, incidents like the one on July 11
funding Proactivo Miami Foundation will not allow Cuba to reach its goals: to fight the
Inc, a company involved in organizing a pandemic, solve problems, increase dialogues
campaign to incite the people to carry out with the people, discuss their concerns and
destabilizing movements. involve people in the search for solutions.
The Cuban minister denounced that We count on international solidarity and
Washington saw the COVID-19 pandemic the island will always act with autonomy, he
as an opportunity to tighten the economic stressed.
blockade with political motivations, in a
deliberate and cruel attempt to asphyxiate U.S. GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS
the country and cause social outbreaks. INTERFERENCE
Proof of that is the 243 coercive measures On July 22, the Cuban foreign minister
implemented by the Donald Trump denounced the U.S. government’s
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. administration (2017-2021) to reinforce the continuous interference in Cuba’s internal
U.S blockade against the Caribbean country, affairs, as it pressures European and Latin
50 were applied during the health emergency. American governments to sign a declaration
Likewise, each year the White House condemning the Caribbean island for
assigns, either open or covertly, millions alleged repression after the July 11 protests.
of dollars to incite subversion, create Washington has no legal, political or moral
instability and disrupt social consensus and authority to sanction anyone, stressed the
people’s tranquility, Rodríguez sustained. minister, who advised U.S. authorities to
However, this time social media was mind their own business.
the protagonist, as a machinery of Rodríguez denied that there were missing or
manipulation and incitement of violence, tortured people in the country or that trials
irregular migration, public unrest and even would be held without guaranteeing due
assassination started on social media. processes, urging the U.S. administration
“What happened on July 11 was not a to prove those accusations.
popular movement as they want to make He pointed out that rather, the United
it appear,” the Minister stressed. It was a big States was responsible for the violent acts
media operation that began in the middle in Cuba, because it was in complicity with
of June funded by the U.S. government, he the political operation the media carried
explained. out on social media to provoke those acts.
Proactivo Miami Foundation Inc is at the center Also, virtual spaces and the media posted fake
of all that, as the company was organized with news as part of that crusade, where cyberattacks
in order to attack the Caribbean island, such were held against Cuban websites.
as ADN Cuba, and grouping the most prolific In a press conference, the Cuban
users of #SOSCuba, which they artificially minister warned the U.S government of
turned into a global trend. preparations to send a fleet that on July 23
For this, they used robots that posted would approach Cuba’s territorial waters, a
millions of messages in a short period violation of international law and sign of an
of time, explained the Cuban minister of open provocation. The fleet finally involved
foreign affairs, who exemplified that one only four of the 100 motorboats that were
account from Spain posted over a million supposed to participate in the operation.
tweets, at a rate of five per second. The minister also disclosed the double standard
They also pressed influencers to promote of the release the White House issued on July
the hashtag, as well as real people to have 22, where they say they want to help the Cuban
them change their location and make it people but never mention the economic
seem like they were in Cuba. Their intention blockade imposed by the U.S. administration
was to make belief that 60 percent of the against the country for six decades.
messages had been posted from the island. Rodríguez recalled it is not the Cuban
Rodríguez denounced that even though government that bans family remittances
Twitter had been warned of violations of from U.S. territory, nor it is responsible for
its terms and conditions, the company did the closure of the U.S. consulate, which the
not activate its anti-spam policies nor block U.S. administration closed alleging attacks
accounts, a stance that the minister called against diplomats that has failed to be
disgraceful and conspiratorial. proven after four years.
HEALTH & SCIENCE 5
Unprecedented Cases in July
By GiselleHERNÁNDEZ
HAVANA.- The spread of the Delta in various provinces of the country,” reported in the past 15 days, with the
and Beta variants of SARS-CoV-2 has explained Durán. daily average over 1,000.
been worsening the epidemiologic Beta, first detected in the country “It is imperative that the population
scenario in Cuba over the past few in February, poses a greater risk of behaves more responsibly, because
months, especially in July, when severity and death. According to the if the population is not aware of the
unprecedented numbers of cases and expert, its presence in the country has biosafety actions to be adopted, it
deaths were reported. been responsible for the reduction will be very difficult to control this
The National Director of Epidemiology, of asymptomatic cases in the past situation, no matter the measures
Francisco Durán, also stressed that the months, as severe symptoms appeared and restrictions adopted or the
Delta variant –first detected in India- in the early stages of the disease. adjustments made to protocols,” the
has been the most contagious so far On the other hand, the average of expert stated recently. Members of the Henry Reeve brigade join the fight against
and the hit the Cuban population in daily cases that month reached over In the meantime, Dr. Raúl Guinovart, Covid-19 upon their return to Cuba. PHOTOS: Prensa Latina.
July. 5,000, and of daily deaths exceeded the Dean of the University of
The director also referred to the 40. Meanwhile, the incidence rate Havana’s Faculty of Mathematics
behavior of the pandemic so far in in the country was ever increasing, and Computer Sciences, said in a
2021, putting an emphasis on the with more than 900 positive cases television address that, according to
noticeable difference in the number per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 15 predictions made by specialists, the
of confirmed cases between January days, as of July 27. number of cases would continue to
(15 536) and the seventh month of the The provinces with the highest increase until the end of July. A peak
year (over 155,000). COVID-19 rates in the country was also predicted for the last days of
“The July statistics tripled those of were Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila and the month or the first days of August,
June (50,622) and what is even more Cienfuegos, displacing Havana, which with over 9,000 cases likely to be
regrettable is the death toll, with over occupied the seventh position that confirmed in one day.
a thousand, when last month was at same day. “The greatest impact of the
337. This shows that the transmission Commenting on pediatric cases, Dr. vaccination campaign is expected to
phase is complex; variants are very Durán said in press conference that be perceived in August, which will be
The National Director of Epidemiology, Francisco Durán.
contagious and have been detected over 17,000 confirmed cases had been decisive,” the scientist stated.
Effective COVID-19 Vaccination Roadmap
By Ana LauraARBESÚ The first batch of a Cuban-made COVID-19 antigen test,
baptized as Umelisa SARS-CoV-2, is used in the protocols
implemented by the national health system.
HAVANA.- Committed to immunize 60 percent of its Developed by the Center for Immunology Clinical Trials
population against SARS-Cov-2 by the end of August, Cuban (InmunoEnsayo), the test detects the presence of the virus in
health authorities spare no efforts to achieve that goal, amid asymptomatic patients with suspected COVID-19 within four
a delicate epidemiologic scenario due to the autochthonous hours. This way, it adds to three other kits to determine IgM,
transmission of the virus. total antibodies (IgG, IgM and IgA –the latter present in the
Havana, the epicenter of the disease for several consecutive mucosa).
weeks, was pioneer of clinical trials with vaccine candidates Until the end of July, the vaccination program in Cuba
developed in the country, and later on joined a number of had administered 9,1 million doses of Soberana 02 and
studies. At the end of July, all residents of its 15 municipalities Cuban health authorities and government spare no efforts to Soberana Plus vaccine candidates developed by the Finlay
over 19 years old had been vaccinated. immunize 60 percent of its population by the end of August. Vaccine Institute (IFV); as well as of the Abdala vaccine
PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
With over 11 million inhabitants in the country, seven of the 15 produced by the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Cuban provinces are fully engaged in the vaccination program; Center (CIGB).
with 30 municipalities making progress in the use of the at psychiatric hospitals, homes, psycho-pedagogical medical In total, 2 536 149 Cubans have received all COVID-19 doses
vaccines: Matanzas, Mayabeque and Artemisa, Ciego de Ávila centers, as well as more than 3,000 patients with hemodialysis on 27th of July, while up to that date 3 500 505 have been
and Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey and Holguín. treatment are being vaccinated these days to complete the administered the first.
Local health authorities also informed that the vaccination cycle by mid-August. Cuba is the only Latin American country with its own COVID-19
campaign has been successfully carried out in another 17 Also part of that scheme are clinical trials on children and vaccine and three immunization programs, exceeding the
municipalities of the country since July 29, largely in the adolescents between three and eleven years from the limit set by the World Health Organization (50 percent) to be
provincial capitals of provinces of Havana and Camagüey. recognized as vaccines.
Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Tunas, Granma, Santi Spiritus, Priority is being given to pregnant women, while those that Abdala proved to be 92.28 percent effective against
Mayabeque, Guantánamo and Pinar del Río, as well as in are two and three months pregnant and women that have just symptomatic disease and 100 percent effective against
the localities of San Antonio de los Baños in Artemisa, and given birth will be administered the shot gradually. severe disease and death. In the meantime, the combination
Nuevitas in Camagüey. According to the scientific community, the vaccination is of Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus showed 91.2 percent
The western province of Matanzas, now undergoing a difficult essential to fight COVID-19, together with the well-known protection against symptomatic discomfort and the same
situation with high tolls of infected people, will complete the preventive measures. number as Abdala against serious condition and death.
vaccination program in the localities of Jagüey Grande, Calimete, Members of the Cuban scientific community are not only The other Cuban vaccine candidates are Soberana 01,
Martí, Pedro Betancourt, Unión de Reyes, Jovellanos and Perico. immersed in producing vaccines but also in developing their (developed by IFV, which recently began its clinical trial phase
But the route designed in Cuba for the vaccination program own tools to detect the virus, providing the country with II in Cienfuegos Province) and Mambisa, by CIGB, administered
goes far beyond: vulnerable groups including 10,000 patients technological sovereignty. nasally for patients recovering from the disease.
6 CULTURE
Cuban Art Goes Beyond Borders
(MINREX) with the support of the La Rueda (Speech to Intellectuals), delivered by The digital scenario also welcomed singer
Films production company. historical leader of the Cuban Revolution and songwriter Ismael de la Torre, who
The gathering, entitled Cuba Va Conmigo Fidel Castro 60 years ago, who established played the theme Ay, Aurora (Oh, Aurora!),
(Cuba goes with me), was attended by 88 the guidelines of the cultural policy. written by Manuel Corona, in addition
artists settled in 15 countries, including In that sense, León-Jacomino ratified the to Yoerlandy García, who danced at the
guitarist and composer Joaquín Clerch; need to strengthen ties with the community rhythm of Je reviendrai à Montréal, by
violinist Ilmar López Gavilán; pianists settled in other countries, in addition to Robert Charlebois, and musicians Rey
Nachito Herrera, Arturo O´Farril and Marcos consolidating the existing bonds and Cabrera, Rosario Portuondo and Hakely
Madrigal, and cellist Douglas Vistel, among promoting these artists’ aptitudes as a form Nakao.
other exponents of the musical industry. to articulate Cuban art. Another fascinating moment of the Festival
Internationally-renowned artists from The participants reaffirmed Cuba’s inevitable arrived with Arturo O´Farril, who played
the world of literature, visual and stage influence on their works through messages the theme Manteca, a song chosen as the
arts also participated in the event, like sent from Italy, Spain, Germany, the United soundtrack of this unprecedented event
choreographer Pepe Hevia, settled in Peru; States, France, South Africa, England, the because of the importance it has had
dancer Carlos Acosta, current director of Netherlands, Costa Rica, Belgium, Turkey, in the history of music in Cuba since its
Cuban Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso highlighted the British Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Canada, Switzerland, Colombia, Mexico, première in 1947 – thanks to the mastery
the importance of this event.PHOTO: Prensa Latina. film director Luis Ernesto Doñas. Peru, United Arab Emirates and Slovakia. of composers Dizzy Gillespie, "Chano" Pozo
Intended to connect the Cuban community Broadcast through the Streaming Cuba and Gil Fuller.
settled abroad back to Cuba’s everyday platform, its related websites and the official The collaboration entitled Eee Táa, by
By LizBOBADILLA life, the event promoted an organic sites of MINCULT and Nación y Emigración Ramón Valle and Dutch instrument players
relationship to art and opened the path for (Nation and Emigration), one of the and singers, as part of the Boundless Forces
future editions beyond the virtual world. outstanding performances included that of project, aimed to break down musical and
HAVANA.- Creative discourse went beyond Cuban Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso singer Aymée Nuviola, who made a version artistic barriers in a context marked by
geographical borders and created new highlighted on Twitter the importance of this of the classic Chan Chan, by Cuban composer social distancing because of COVID-19.
paths for art with the celebration of the event as a space for gathering, while Foreign Francisco Repilado, aka "Compay Segundo". The piece Cecilia, by choreographer Pepe
first Cultural Festival of Cubans Residents Affairs minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla Similarly, Madrigal performed a work Hevia – performed by first dancer of the
Abroad, held for three days. stressed the significance of this initiative, which for piano in G minor, Opus 15, by Czech Cuban National Ballet Gretel Morejón, with
Roots, history, findings, personalities and serves as a tribute to Cuba’s history and roots. composer Bedrich Smetana, with U.S. Tai musical accompaniment of X Alfonso –
promising youth gathered at this event, MINCULT Deputy Minister Fernando León- Murray and Russian Nikolay Shugaev, while also stood out, as well as the presentation
an idea developed by the Cuban ministries Jacomino recalled the validity of the speech drummer Dafnis Prieto entertained the of fragments of productions performed by
of Culture (MINCULT) and Foreign Affairs known as Palabras a los intelectuales audience with the piece Blah Blah. Carlos Acosta.
Ernest Hemingway’s Adopted Homeland
By DanayGALLETTI
HAVANA.-After U.S. writer Ernest Hemingway died on July
2, 1961, Cuban leader Fidel Castro went to his Finca Vigía
estate to read his will in front of his ex-wife Mary Welsh.
Nobody knows for sure when the intellectual became an
avid supporter of the revolutionary leader. However, essayist
Ciro Bianchi believes it could have started in the 1950s, by
the time Fidel was in the Sierra Maestra mountain range.
The first time the two of them met was during the
International Billfishing Contest on May 5, 1960, when
Hemingway set sail aboard his Yacht the Pilar and Fidel,
accompanied by Argentinean Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara,
aboard the Yacht the Cristal.
“At the end of the day, they met at the pier. It is unknown The Hemingway museum in his old Havana residence La Vigía. PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
whether he ever visited him at Finca Vigía, but some people
say the intellectual would warn Fidel about American A NOBEL PRIZE FOR CUBA asked him to do it again. The intellectual then told them
policy,” Bianchi told The Havana Reporter in an exclusive In 1954, when Hemingway was granted the Nobel with a smile: I said I was Cuban, not an actor. He even
interview. Literature Prize, he said: “this prize belongs to Cuba, offered the Nobel Prize to Cuba’s Patron Saint: The Virgin of
His famous novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, published in because my work was conceived and created in Cuba, with Charity,” explained Bianchi.
1940, represents his first link with the Cuban Revolution. my people from Cojímar Town, where I am a citizen. All On August 13, 1956 at the reception of the Hatuey Brewery,
In 1975, during a talk Fidel Castro had with U.S. citizens the translations make allusion to this adopted homeland, the novelist gave that award to the guests. Although more
Kirby Jones and Frank Mankiewicz, which would later on where I have my books and my house.” than 20 cultural institutions attended that celebration,
become the book “With Fidel: A Portrait of Castro and Bianchi recalled that when the writer returned to the Hemingway shared the award with his fishermen friends
Cuba”, the lawyer and politician said: island in 1959, a journalist asked him about the United from Cojímar, whom he considered “the best people of Cuba.”
“Of all the North American authors, Hemingway is one of States’ lack of enthusiasm about the Caribbean country. Many people believe that when he left the island in 1960,
my favorite ones…I was familiar with his work since before In addition to admitting that he regretted that situation, the U.S. author could not forget its smells, tastes, routines
the Revolution… it was about the rearguard of a guerrilla the novelist answered that, after 20 years residing in the and landscapes. That same year, while hospitalized at a
group that was fighting a conventional army…That novel country, he considered himself truly Cuban. U.S. clinic and as though he was bidding a farewell, he told
was one of the works that helped me devise tactics to fight “He then grabbed the Cuban flag and kissed it. The the journalists that approached him: “We people of honor
the Batista army.” photographers had no time to capture the gesture and believe in the Cuban Revolution.”
SPOTLIGHT 7
Havana’s Focsa Building
By OrlandoORAMAS upper part would move no more than 10 centimeters,
which was not significant for health nor the building’s
infrastructure.
HAVANA.- The Focsa building, 121 meters tall, is one In relation to prices, five percent was saved on the lower
of the unavoidable landscapes of the Cuban capital floors and 18 on the upper ones.
that was once included among the tallest concrete
constructions in the world. DETAILS
Erected in the Vedado neighborhood, the 39-floor The Focsa building has a ‘Y’ shape and three main
building was built in 28 months, a milestone for the components.
time, as well as the fact that it was selected as one of the In the first of these, the ground floor, stores, TV studios,
seven wonders of Cuban architecture. bank and advertising agencies, offices, restaurants,
This building, which recently celebrated its 65th cafeterias, a pharmacy, a theater and a night club –
anniversary, was a great real estate operation; the closed at present because of the COVID-19 pandemic -
largest and most profitable property selling operation are located.
conducted in Cuba in all times, chronicler Ciro Bianchi The second part includes a 29-floor tower. Twenty-
said. eight of these floors are used as three or four-room
When construction finished, on June 28, 1956, some apartments, including a room for service staff. On
rooms had already been sold for one million pesos and the 29th floor, there are seven pent-houses, which
about three million had been recovered for the selling complement the 373 apartments of the building.
of apartments. The tallest part hosts the La Torre restaurant, which
On October 1957, 16 months after the conclusion of the offers a renowned gastronomic and cocktail proposal,
building, all rooms for offices and stores had already in addition to a unique view of the city and its shoreline.
been sold, as well as all the apartments. The facility also includes a swimming pool, indoor parks
There were many voices against such a tall building. and gardens, as well as underground parking garages.
People said that its vibrations and oscillations could The Focsa building was conceived to house about five
be negative for human health and that its concrete thousand people, including dwellers and workers.
structure could make it anti-economic as of the 18th This building was Havana’s first exponent of a city within
floor; neither one nor the other, Bianchi affirms. Studies a city; an inhabited and self-sufficient island, equipped
prove that if winds of more than 240 km/h hit Focsa, its with all social services—a pioneer of its time. PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
8 WORLD
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
One Million More Hungry People in the World Everyday
By SilviaMARTÍNEZ 2020, a situation he described as critical,
because the zero-hunger goal for 2030 is
dramatically moving away, ever more.
ROME.- A new report issued by five United Current trends indicate that the UN
Nations organizations raised alarm over the Sustainable Development Goal will not
daily increase of over one million hungry be met by a margin of about 660 million
people in 2020. hungry people, over 30 million of them
In just 24 months, the number of men, because of COVID-19 lasting effects, the
women, children and elderly people report indicated.
suffering from chronic hunger went from Of the total of human beings in urgent
650 million to 811 million, not including need of food last year, more than half (418
an additional number of 135 million who million) were from Asia, over a third (282
also seriously suffered that scourge, which million) from Africa and about 60 million
represents another 396 million chronic and from Latin America and the Caribbean.
serious hungry people in a year. More than 2.3 billion people in the world –
Executive Director of the World Food Program equivalent to 30 percent of the population –
David Beasley disclosed these details at a did not have access to adequate food last year.
high-level political forum in which the report Meanwhile, malnutrition, in all its forms,
“State of Food Security and Nutrition in the showed no mercy with a record of over
World” was presented, which attributes this 149 million minors under the age of five
increase, to a large extent, to the repercussion with stunted growth; over 45 million
of the COVID-19 pandemic. with emaciation, and about 39 million
“One million people per day,” Beasley said, overweight.
while warning that “we are obviously going In addition, not less than 3 billion adults
PHOTO: UNICEF.
in the wrong direction.” and children were still unable to access
If we do not deal with these issues seriously, healthy diets, mostly because of the
nations will be disrupted and we will have excessive cost of food. bigger drama, slowly started to give signs to the future of our planet, was one of the
mass immigrations. He also urged to respond Paradoxically, thousands of millions of of increase and the idea of an “irreversible many opinions stated about the situation.
quickly and make the world understand that people suffer hunger in all its forms while the decrease.” Hope to foster actions, raise awareness and reach
those figures are a “call for alert.” world produces enough food for everyone. We have the expertise, the experience, we agreements are pinned on the UN summits on
The report estimates that about a tenth COVID-19 catapulted figures and turned need funds and political will to make sure Food Systems and Nutrition, in addition to the
of the world population was underfed in the situation of hunger in the world into a that we give priority to our children and 26th Conference on Climate Change.
CUBA-U.S.A
ECONOMY
CULTURE 9
HAVANA.- “Cuba Yes, Blockade No,” was the
unanimous call made by those at the white
house, who urged U.S. President Joseph
Biden to lift the unilateral blockade that has
been trying to asphyxiate the Cuban people
Bridges of Love New York Times published an open letter to
the president entitled Let Cuba Live, which
was signed by more than 400 personalities,
not only from the United States.
Likewise, the message Let Cuba Live was
for more than 60 years. lit up in Union Square in New York, as a
An emblematic sit-in on July 25 at Lafayette By DeisyFRANCIS ship was arriving at the Mariel Port –some
Park in the U.S. capital brought to a successful 45 kilometers west of Havana- with the first
end the unprecedented 2,000-kilometer- batch of six million syringes for the COVID-19
long walk made by members of the Bridges vaccination program on the island, thus
of Love solidarity project. challenging the blockade regulations.
Its coordinator Carlos Lazo, a Cuban- In order to buy supplies, the Cuba friends
American professor, headed the group that raised some $500,000 nationwide.
went to Washington DC, taking them almost The ever increasing anti-blockade wave
one month to walk through the States of urges Biden to make the promised change
Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and in the U.S. policy towards Cuba, and annul
Virginia. the 243 coercive measures adopted by his
Along the pilgrimage, “we talked to many Republican predecessor Donald Trump.
people, to U.S. citizens with different ideological Since 1992, the majority of the international
beliefs and no one supports the blockade,” the community has supported Cuba’s fair battle
activist told The Havana Reporter. at the UN general Assembly for the end of
“We walked demanding that unlimited the economic, financial and commercial
remittances can be sent to our people, that Unprecedented 2,000-kilometer-long walk made by members of the Bridges of Love solidarity blockade.
the consular services reopen in Havana, that project. PHOTOS: Courtesy of Carlos Lazo. On June 23, 184 of the 192 UN member
flights are resumed to all Cuban provinces, countries voted in favor of lifting the
that the family reunification program is While in Washington DC, Lazo personally asked On July 20, six months after Biden occupied blockade. Brazil, Colombia and Ukraine
reestablished and that U.S. citizens can freely Republican Senator Ted Cruz, one of the anti- the White House, the Solidarity with Cuba abstained and, as usual, the United States
travel to Cuba,” he stressed. Cuba lobbyists, to end his hostile and aggressive Movement in the United States ratified its and its ally Israel were isolated by voting
The objective, he reiterated, is to have the U.S. policy against the Caribbean island. decision to intensify its actions against the against the Cuban resolution.
sanctions against the Cuban family lifted. “We want prosperity for the two countries, blockade. “If 184 countries support us and a few do not
“We do not respond to provocations, we’ll without intervention, without bombings,” In recent days, car and bicycle caravans were see us, what does that tell you? We are not
never act with violence; we build bridges of Lazo, who is also an Iraq war veteran, told the held in the cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles in the wrong,” a Cuban-American said when
love,” Lazo warned. legislator. and Seattle, among others. Meanwhile, The praising the Lafayette sit-in.
25 CUP,
For 4 News Headlines per day for just $25.00 CUP / month, Send an SMS with the letters PL to 8100
10 CUBA
ECONOMY
Solidarity with Cuba During Difficult Times
800,000 syringes and needles to help Cuba and will help with the food shortage caused
By The Havana Reporter fight the COVID-19 pandemic. by the blockade and the pandemic.
In the meantime, Bolivian President Luis
Arce voiced his government’s support for RAPID DISTRIBUTION OF DONATIONS
the island on social media and added that Local authorities organized a mechanism
his country has benefited from Cuban for the efficient distribution of those
solidarity, especially in education and international donations in order to
health. “Love is reciprocated by love,” he guarantee that the population receive
stressed. those products as soon as possible.
On the other hand, Nicaragua announced Involved in that endeavor are the Ministries
it would send food and medicine to help of Domestic Trade, Transport and Foreign
Cuba cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, a Trade and Investment (MINCEX), the
gesture that the Caribbean island thanked latter being in charge of supervising and
to the Sandinista government. facilitating international cooperation
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated actions and donations.
Cuba will always have his country’s support, The gradual and free distribution of food
and demanded that the criminal measures and other products for the population
imposed by the Yankee empire against the began on July 30. Transportation, storage
sister nation are lifted immediately. and distribution expenses will be covered
Bolivia, Mexico and Nicaragua were among the first Latin America countries sending donations. Referring to the current situation on the by the State budget.
PHOTO: Prensa Latina. island, he stressed that the Cuban people The aid sent by different countries and
have been subjected to an incomparable institutions will be provided until December
HAVANA.- Various countries around the world Mexican President Andrés Manuel López experiment of social, collective and 31 and benefit both the 3.8 million families
have expressed their solidarity with Cuba Obrador said: “Instead of a block, we should economic torture. “Imperialism will never listed by the Consumer Registry Offices and
by sending aid through donations of food, all support,” now that the health situation colonize Cuba nor Venezuela, because they those recently recorded on the island with
medicine and supplies to fight COVID-19 and in Cuba has worsened. At the same time, he will never give in nor be brought to their an exceptional and temporary character,
the accompanying economic crisis it’s created. authorized two Navy ships to travel to the knees,” Maduro stated. official sources announced.
Bolivia, Mexico and Nicaragua were among the island with food, medicine and oxygen, a On the other side of the world, Russia sent The distribution of donations in Cuba
first Latin America countries to do so, sending donation that arrived in Cuba already. two planes to Cuba with 88 tons of food and take place amid the escalation of the
donations as the country faces a complex Moreover, as pro tempore president of safety equipment, including one million face U.S. economic, commercial and financial
epidemiological situation and campaign of the Community of Latin American and masks. Meanwhile, Vietnam donated 12,000 blockade against the country and the world
hatred, stimulated by the United States. Caribbean States (CELAC), Mexico donated tons of rice that are expected to arrive soon crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A History Marked by Migration Washington agreed to grant at least 20,000 visas per year,
about 80,000 were not granted in recent years.
Soberón also denounced that irregular flows through third
countries take place with the participation of traffickers
By ClaudiaGONZÁLEZ Although the alleged privileges the Cubans receive have dedicated to this business. For that reason, going from Guyana,
reduced in recent years, these have created the prevailing Panama or Colombia to the U.S. territory usually implies
perception that if someone gets to the United States, s/he becoming a victim of those criminal gangs, the official stressed.
HAVANA.- The memory of a five-year-old boy alone in the has the right to stay there, Soberón added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior announced the return
ocean, tied to a tire, burnt by the sun and barely conscious, In addition to campaigns dramatized by the media to to Cuba of 574 illegal immigrants found at the sea – over
revives old ghosts in the topic of migration between Cuba discredit the island, the context is now more complex due 400 of them from the United States.
and the United States. to the closure of consular services in Havana – a politically- The U.S. administration is the main responsible entity for
The story of young Elián González, a native of the western motivated measure – and travel restrictions, he commented. the illegal movement of people from Cuba, because of the
province of Matanzas, is perhaps the most familiar among The obligation of traveling to third countries to apply for application of its migratory policy, a political decision that
the consequences of the 90 miles that separates two nations. a visa – which means more expenses for Cubans and no costs human lives, Soberón highlighted.
Last March, at about three nautical miles from Cay Sal, the guarantee of approval – and the non-fulfillment of migratory In light of this scenario, the diplomat urged Washington to
Bahamas, 12 out of 24 people traveling on a boat – including agreements, make this panorama even more outlandish. meet its commitments and guarantee an ordered, regular
two children – died in an attempt to turn to the Cuban In this sense, the diplomat mentioned that even though and safe flow of people between both nations.
Adjustment Act, which since 1966 encourages Cubans to
risk their lives in order to get to the United States.
More recently, in May, two Cuban immigrants died and
10 went missing south of Florida, in pursuit of permanent
residence in the U.S. territory.
Washington uses this migratory policy as a tool of hostility
towards Cuba with the intention of destabilizing the
country, discrediting the government and stealing its
technical and professional resources, the Cuban Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) has indicated.
The White House cuts off the regular flow of people and develops
a fierce media campaign against the island, sources said.
MINREX General Director for Consular Affairs and
Attention to Cubans Residing Abroad, Ernesto Soberón,
has stated that, in addition to breaching its commitments
on the topic, the United States has also approved all-time Ministry of Interior announced the return to Cuba of 574 illegal immigrants found at the sea – over 400 of them from the United States.
regulations to encourage illegal migration from Cuba. PHOTO: Cubadebate.PHOTO FEATURE 11
The One-Hundred-Door Home
By MayraPARDILLO the family, who never touched its keys, even
though it took enslaved Africans’ blood, sweat
and tears to carry it on shoulder from the port
SANCTI SPÍRITUS.- Popularly known as the of Casilda, in Trinidad.
One-Hundred-Door Home, the former Valle- Not even the bedrooms escape exquisite
Iznaga family Palace is a majestic building detail, in line with the people who rested there.
located in this central Cuban city, today the The splendid house also has a big dining room
Colonial Art Museum. that treasures fine china, biscuit jars, tea and
Some people say that it actually has over coffee sets and a beautiful dinner service.
one hundred openings – 110 to be precise – The building is a mixture of architectural
including porticos, windows and doors. features from the XVIII and XIX centuries,
This architectural jewel, considered the first experts say.
two-floor building in the village of Sancti The mansion was turned into the Colonial Art
Spíritus, was erected in the city’s central area Museum on October 10, 1967.
a few steps from the Major Parish Church, the
emblematic bridge over the Yayabo River and
the Main Theater.
This palace preserves valuable decorative arts
collections from different places, in addition
to pieces of furniture made of precious wood,
marble sculptures, screens, half-point, stained
glass windows, thick beam ceilings, artistic
gates, and a delicate fountain in the center of
the patio.
The palace’s oldest piece of furniture has four
drawers with silver handles, including a fifth,
secret drawer hidden in the frame.
According to reports, the piano placed in the
PHOTOS: Raúl García
music room was bought for the young lady of12 LATIN AMERICA
Bolsonaro: Trapped Between COVID-19 and Corruption
The motto “the president is worse than the virus” was present in the major demonstrations held under the cry of Fora Bolsonaro. PHOTOS: Internet.
By OsvaldoCARDOSA Brazil as rachadinha; that is, when legislators appropriate first time, most of the Brazilian people (54 percent) call
part of their employees’ salaries. for opening an exoneration process for the former federal
In addition, the president is also undergoing an parliamentarian.
BRASILIA.- Calls for the removal of Jair Bolsonaro, a investigation to determine whether he committed the For the Workers Party, the initiatives filed at the Deputy
president that faces two crises in Brazil: the health crisis crime of malfeasance, after MP Luis Miranda denounced Chamber summarize the atmosphere present in the
caused by COVID-19 and the political crisis, with new him about an alleged case of corruption in the negotiations society and the dissatisfaction seen on the streets under
dimensions since the spread of the pandemic. to buy Covaxin, the Indian vaccine against COVID-19. the motto “the president is worse than the virus” in the
The South American nation is the second country in the A survey of the Datafolha Institute, spread by the Folha three major demonstrations held under the cry of Fora
world – after the United States – in which more deaths de Sao Paulo journal on July 10, indicated that for the Bolsonaro (Bolsonaro Out).
have occurred (about 550,000), and is listed third in
relation to the number of infections (over 19 million), after
the United States and India.
COVID-19 has found the Brazilian population in a situation
of abject vulnerability, with high unemployment rates and
huge reductions in social policy.
The country also faces unfortunate living conditions
because of the current degree of inequality seen in the high
population density that characterizes poor neighborhoods
and outskirts.
On top of that, Bolsonaro despises this disease, which
he has repeatedly described as a cold or minor flu and
disregards isolation and the use of masks, in addition to
challenging necessary health measures such as avoiding
crowds.
The former military man has been strongly criticized for
his stance. At the beginning of May, the British scientific
journal, The Lancet – one of the most renowned in the
world – described him as “the biggest threat to Brazil’s
relief from COVID-19.”
All these elements support an increase in the number
of requests calling for an opening of a dismissal process
against Bolsonaro, who is also facing the involvement of
members of his government in alleged irregularities in the
purchase of vaccines against COVID-19 – members, under
investigation by a Senate Commission (CPI).
According to the Public Agency, 1,556 people and over 550
organizations have signed a petition to remove the former
Army captain.
Until the present, 126 lawsuits have been filed at the
Deputy Chamber: 73 original requests, 7 additions and
46 duplicate requests. Only six were filed or rejected. The
other 119 are pending analysis.
On June 30, political parties, MPs, social movements and
entities of the civil society filed a so-called impeachment
super-request against Bolsonaro.
The document, signed by 45 persons, puts forward the
arguments presented in other 123 requests filed at the
lower Chamber. The text holds the president responsible
for 23 crimes.
The name of Bolsonaro is also involved in suspicions of
public resources embezzlement through what is known inECONOMY 13
Autonomy in Entrepreneurial System point of view and to make it move on in
parallel to the privately-run sector.
The objective is to contribute to increase
efficiency and labor productivity upon the basis
By CiraRODRÍGUEZ of a more efficient administration of human
resources in the entrepreneurial system.
HAVANA.- Cuba took another step toward A NEW ACTOR: MIPYMES
the reorganization of the national economy In relation to micro, small and medium-
after endorsing the gradual elimination of the size companies (MIPYMES) – whose legal
salary scale in state-run companies, which will foundations are currently being designed
improve the pay system. and drafted – this are defined as entities
Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of adapted to the characteristics of the Cuban
Economics and Planning Alejandro Gil stressed economy, under the state and privately-run
the importance of favoring actions that attain format, with the same management model
maximum efficiency in state-run companies although with tax and legal differences.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economics and Planning Alejandro Gil. PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
through a higher administrative autonomy. As for implementation in the state sector, one
Since the approval of the improvement process of the alternatives proposed is that higher
for state and privately-run economic actors, on One of those actions is related to the recently it according to the different positions, jobs, entrepreneurial management organizations,
May 26, measures adopted to make progress announced gradual elimination in a group of activities and professions performed by the companies, scientific centers and universities
in Cuba’s most important economic and social entities of the requirement to use the salary company’s staff,” he added. act as owners or partners of the budgeted
process – monetary ordering – have been viewed scale in the state-run companies, as part of This measure would be possible in units, under the concept of division of duties
favorably. enhancing the pay system per work done. entities with good account, organization, between property and management.
As part of the updating of the Cuban socialist Limits on the amount of money to be paid as development of human resources According to specialists, this will allow those
model, important steps have been taken to salary were previously removed and distribution management and adequate internal control, structures to foster innovation and have a
release productive forces, remove obstacles, of profits was relaxed in order to foster a closer based on the principle that the more wealth higher capacity of adaptation and flexibility
encourage social and economic responsibility, relation between the fruits of work, the wealth is created, the more efficient a person is and when including the results of scientific research.
and make a use of national potential. produced and the salary earned. the more a person contributes to the State, “Our conception of the micro, small and
The report of the 8th Congress of the Cuban Gil affirmed that this“is an essential measure, which the more money will earned. medium-size company is not about survival
Communist Party stated the need of shaking gives state-run companies greater autonomy in The minister highlighted that this is bold but about a company with a really high
the socialist state-run company off its lethargy their administration, and higher responsibility.” transformation aimed at paying attention added value and professional potential. We
so that this is felt in the economy as what it is: “It is not the same to pay a salary according to the socialist, state-run company, to put conceive the state-run sector under those
the key actor. to a scale than having a fund to distribute it in better conditions from the economic premises,” Gil concluded.14 ECONOMY
Biopesticides: Effective Way to Increase
Food Production
By RobertoSALOMÓN They include the Centers for the
Reproduction of Enthomophagus and
Entomopathogenics (CREE), where solid
HAVANA.- Increasing food production is a productions and beneficial arthropods
Cuban priority in agriculture today, where are obtained, as well as various industrial
phytosanitary measures for the protection plants for liquid productions and pilot
of crops play a major role. facilities intended to increase those results.
The biological control of plagues that Cuba has facilities with capacity to obtain
attack crops is essential to ensuring plant more than 2,000 tons of fungus and
health, Yordano Alambares, an expert of entomopathogenic bacteria, which are
the Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Health part of the strategies to guarantee plant
Department, told The Havana Reporter. health.
The use of biopesticides and other Cuba is building another two biopesticide
biological control agents play a key role in plants that belong to Labiofam
properly dealing with plagues by allowing a (Pharmaceutical Labs) Business Group, and
favorable equilibrium in agro-ecosystems, are expected to be operating by 2022.
he stated. Those plants are located in the provinces
Among those agents he mentioned of Havana and Villa Clara (some 450
entomopathogenic and antagonistic kilometers east the capital), with the
fungi, entomopathogenic bacteria, capacity to ferment up to six million liters
viruses, enthomopathogenic nematodes, that are enough to treat about four million
parasitoids and predators, which are hectares of crops.
natural elements in the environment. One of the advantages of producing and
In this regard, Alambares highlighted that using biological control agents is that they
one of the Cuban Revolution’s achievements are natural organisms that do not harm the
in agriculture is the National Biological environment, offer food sovereignty and
Control Program, which is led by the Plant safety and are produced in the country,
Health Department and involves 208 centers which allows the replacement of imports,
The use of biopesticides play a key role in dealing with plagues. PHOTO: Prensa Latina.
that produce biological control agents. the expert noted.
Sugarcane Diversification production of byproducts (biostimulants, biofertilizers and
bioherbicides.)
The Business Manager of the Cuban Institute of Sugarcane
By SamuelROBERTS Byproducts (ICIDCA), Bárbara Rodríguez, mentioned Lebame
bioproduct among their newest achievements.
Microorganisms are the active component of that product,
HAVANA.- Cuba’s top priority for the sugarcane sector is main goal not only to produce more sugarcane but which contribute to crop growth, quality and productivity,
the production of byproducts, convinced that by making increase the variety of byproducts as well. she told The Havana Reporter.
the best use of those byproducts the economic potential The entity has traditionally produced energy, animal Moreover, they benefit photosynthetic capacity by
will be much stronger. food, different kinds of alcohol and rum, fructose, increasing plant foliage, while enhancing flowering,
Experts agree that there is no other crop in the world with so many glucose, sorbitol, bagasse boards and wax, among other fruiting and ripening processes thanks to its hormonal
advantages as sugarcane, from which, according to estimates, products. effects in meristematic tissues.
more than a hundred different products can be obtained. However, given the pressing need for the country to develop The institution, which belongs to Azcuba, has also developed
Commenting about prospects of this agroindustry in sectors that help increase agricultural production nationwide, two new biofertilizers using bacteria, which are expected to
Cuba, the Azcuba Sugarcane Business Group considers its the institution has intensified its research work for the be produced this year.
Among ICIDCA’s achievements for agricultural use, Rodríguez
praised the development and production of Phytomas-EC,
a concentrated biostimulant that is beneficial for different
crops including sugarcane, bean, corn, tomato and others.
She also mentioned Nitrofix, a nitrogen-fixing biofertilizer
that stimulates plant growth and has proven to benefit
sugarcane and other crops.
In addition, the manager referred to Bioenraíz stimulant, a
product that contains indoleacetic acid and others with a
positive action on root formation and germination.
It is used in reproduction nurseries as phytohormone for
rooting processes.
According to the experts, because the 2020/21 harvest
noticeably failed to accomplish its sugarcane production
goals –due to a harvest with the lowest results in the past
ten years- Azcuba is faced with the challenge of restoring
the current state of the agroindustry and its administration
with sights set on producing more sucrose and boosting
Azcuba considers its main goal not only to produce more sugarcane but increase the variety of byproducts as well. PHOTO: Prensa Latina. diversification.You can also read
