Carib Scope

标签： Cuba

古巴

  • Damage reported in central Cuba due to heavy rains

    Damage reported in central Cuba due to heavy rains

    Central Cuba’s Villa Clara province is confronting severe flooding as torrential rainfall continues to batter the region, affecting over 200 residents across multiple municipalities. The town of Sitiecito has emerged as the epicenter of the crisis, with overflowing rivers and severed road connections isolating communities.

    Meteorological experts from the Provincial Meteorological Center attribute the extreme weather conditions to a storm system currently positioned over central Cuba. Specialist Amaury Machado confirmed the system’s persistence, indicating that heavy precipitation will likely continue throughout the day.

    Quantitative measurements reveal the severity of the downpour. By 8:00 a.m. local time, the Institute of Hydraulic Resources recorded staggering rainfall accumulations: 156 millimeters in Sitiecito, 91.8 millimeters at the Alacranes reservoir, and 54 millimeters at the Sagua la Grande weather station. These measurements confirm locally intense rainfall exceeding normal thresholds.

    Provincial leadership has activated emergency protocols in response to the escalating situation. Governor Milaxy Sanchez announced comprehensive protective measures for vulnerable families, private property, and state infrastructure. Civil Defense units and the Integrated Medical Emergency System have been placed on high alert, implementing response strategies developed since the region’s last major flooding event in 2017.

  • Colombia and Russia strengthen ties in Education

    Colombia and Russia strengthen ties in Education

    Colombia and Russia have formalized a comprehensive educational partnership through a newly signed memorandum that establishes extensive academic exchange programs between the two nations. The agreement enables Colombian students, academics, and professionals to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at Russian universities, with particular emphasis on strategic fields including artificial intelligence, agribusiness, advanced technologies, and applied sciences.

    As part of the enhanced cooperation, Russia has committed to increasing its scholarship allocation for Colombian candidates by confirming an additional 20 scholarships immediately. Both governments anticipate this number will grow progressively following the memorandum’s implementation. The partnership framework also facilitates the development of dual-degree programs, collaborative research initiatives, and mutual exchange of scientific materials and educational resources.

    The bilateral agreement further provides for the organization of joint academic conferences, seminars, and research projects designed to address global challenges. Colombian authorities emphasized that this collaboration will significantly strengthen the quality of higher education in Colombia while connecting the nation to cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements worldwide.

    In reciprocal arrangements, Colombia will facilitate access for Russian citizens to its higher education institutions and provide additional consideration points for Russian applicants seeking Colombia Scholarship opportunities. The alliance additionally promotes linguistic exchange through mutual support for Russian and Spanish language learning programs, creating enhanced opportunities for students and professionals from both countries.

  • Cuban Film Festival concludes with screenings of award-winning works

    Cuban Film Festival concludes with screenings of award-winning works

    The 46th Havana Film Festival culminated in a grand finale with special screenings of its most celebrated cinematic works across multiple venues. The festival’s closing events showcased an impressive array of international co-productions that had earned top honors in the prestigious Coral Awards competition.

    At the Charles Chaplin Cinema, audiences were treated to ‘A Poet,’ the festival’s most awarded feature film, followed by ‘The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’ (Chile-France collaboration), which claimed the Best First Feature category, and the Colombian-Honduran co-production ‘Eva,’ recognized for its outstanding Artistic Contribution.

    Simultaneously, Yara Cinema presented a diverse program including Cuba’s ‘Raptus’ (Animated Short/Medium-Length Film winner), Brazil’s ‘Sappho’ (Special Jury Prize recipient), and the Franco-Brazilian production ‘Heart of Darkness’ (Animated Feature Film Award winner).

    La Rampa cinema featured the multinational documentary ‘The Prince of Nanawa’ (Argentina-Paraguay-Colombia-Germany), honored with the Best Documentary Feature Coral Award. Additional venues including Acapulco, Infanta, and Glauber Rocha Foundation theaters screened notable works such as Cuba’s ‘Nora,’ France’s ‘Case 137,’ the transnational production ‘The Reborn’ (Argentina-Chile-Spain), and ‘Oca’ (Mexico-Argentina collaboration).

    The festival’s final day included special presentations at 23 y 12 cinema of the Cuban-Italian project ‘Baracoa’ (Sumate Award winner with Honorable Mention from Havana’s Agrarian University) and ‘Son of Tiger and Mule’ (Panama-Colombia), recipient of the Special Coral Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature. Multiple award-winning films including ‘Belen’ (Argentina), ‘Cuerpo Celeste’ (Chile-Italy), ‘Tierra enferma’ (Brazil), ‘El agente secreto’ (Brazil-France), and ‘Neurotica Anonima’ (Cuba) received encore presentations across Chaplin, Yara, and Acapulco theaters, bringing the cinematic celebration to a magnificent close.

  • EU-CELAC Summit, an oasis in the desert, says experts in Spain

    EU-CELAC Summit, an oasis in the desert, says experts in Spain

    At a recent policy seminar, former European Parliament member Ramón Jauregui delivered a candid assessment of the evolving international geopolitical landscape, emphasizing Latin America and the Caribbean’s critical role. His address centered on the pressing necessity for the European Union to finalize the long-pending Cooperation Agreement with Mercosur, the South American trade bloc.

    Jauregui provided a critical examination of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruptive foreign policy maneuvers, which included attempts to alter established international norms. These controversial actions ranged from proposals to rename the Gulf of Mexico to implementing aggressive tariff policies against trading partners.

    The discussion further addressed how such protectionist strategies could potentially destabilize European interests and create pressure on China through extraterritorial policies. Against this complex backdrop, Jauregui identified the recent EU-CELAC Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, as providing a cautiously optimistic outlook for international cooperation, despite existing challenges.

    The seminar, titled ‘After the IV CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta: Results Achieved and Objectives to Fulfill,’ featured multiple experts who unanimously stressed the critical importance of developing new multilateral collaboration frameworks. Participants explored potential investment initiatives and analyzed the prospects for a comprehensive EU-Mercosur agreement, drawing comparisons to the EU’s existing successful partnerships with Chile and Mexico.

    Experts concluded that strengthening the EU-Mercosur partnership would serve as a robust response to evolving global trade mechanisms and reinforce international cooperation frameworks during a period of significant geopolitical transformation.

  • Colombian movie A Poet with 2 Coral Awards at Havana Film Festival

    Colombian movie A Poet with 2 Coral Awards at Havana Film Festival

    The Colombian cinematic production ‘A Poet’ has achieved remarkable international recognition, securing multiple prestigious awards at global film festivals. Directed by Simon Mesa, this dramatic feature earned both the Coral Award for Best Feature Film and the Coral Award for Best Actor for Ubeimar Rios’ compelling performance.

    The film’s acclaim extended beyond these honors to include the Don Quixote Award, presented by the International Federation of Film Societies, and the Signis Award from the World Catholic Association for Communication. This multi-national co-production between Colombia, Germany, and Sweden has demonstrated exceptional staying power in Colombian theaters, maintaining a three-month theatrical run—the longest of any Colombian film.

    At a press conference held at Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Professor Ubeimar Rios, who portrays the central character Oscar Restrepo, reflected on the film’s universal themes. He noted that while the narrative explores specific family dynamics in particular locations, the story resonates internationally as similar situations occur in numerous other communities worldwide.

    Rios revealed his personal connection to the role, explaining that much like his character, he shares a passion for poetry, works as a professor, and has experienced similar literary frustrations—a parallel he acknowledged with humorous self-awareness.

    The film’s narrative centers on Oscar Restrepo, whose obsessive pursuit of poetic glory has yielded little success or recognition. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Yurlady, a talented teenager from humble circumstances. While guiding her artistic development brings newfound purpose to his existence, the film thoughtfully examines whether introducing her to the demanding world of poetry represents the most appropriate mentorship approach.

    ‘A Poet’ stands as a significant achievement in international cinema, blending authentic local storytelling with themes that transcend cultural boundaries, earning both critical acclaim and audience appreciation across multiple continents.

  • Argentine ballet star to perform In Cuba

    Argentine ballet star to perform In Cuba

    In a landmark cultural exchange, principal dancer Marianela Nunez of London’s Royal Ballet will perform alongside Cuban-Australian star Patricio Reve at Havana’s Teatro Nacional de Cuba on December 28 and 30. The performances form part of the Cuban National Ballet’s special production of Don Quixote honoring legendary Cuban prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso on what would have been her 105th birthday.

    Nunez, celebrated by critics for her extraordinary technical mastery and captivating stage presence that has enthralled audiences at the world’s most prestigious venues, will share the stage with Reve—a product of Cuba’s National Ballet School who has risen to international prominence through his refined artistry and impeccable technique. Reve currently serves as guest artist with The Royal Ballet while maintaining his principal position with Queensland Ballet in Australia.

    The commemorative season will feature nine performances total, with the National Ballet Company (declared a National Cultural Heritage institution) showcasing both established stars and emerging talent. Company members Anette Delgado, Dani Hernandez, Yanquiel Vazquez, Anyelo Montero, Gabriela Druyet, Nadila Estrada, Laura Kamila, and Alejandro Alderete will make their debuts in leading roles during the production.

    This collaboration represents a significant moment of artistic diplomacy, bringing together Cuban-trained talent with international ballet stars in a celebration of Cuba’s rich ballet heritage and its global influence.

  • Panama establishes foreign trade facilitation plan

    Panama establishes foreign trade facilitation plan

    In a strategic move to enhance Panama’s role in global commerce, Commerce and Industry Minister Julio Molto has announced the formation of a National Committee dedicated to overseeing the country’s international trade integration program. This newly established body will serve as a central coordinating mechanism, bringing together all relevant governmental entities and fostering collaboration with private sector stakeholders.

    Minister Molto emphasized that this coordinated approach will enable Panama’s Executive branch to function as a unified team, significantly strengthening the nation’s position within international trade networks. The initiative represents a key component of Panama’s broader economic strategy, which aims to establish the country as both a reliable and efficient hub for regional and global commerce.

    The comprehensive program is designed to generate substantial opportunities for Panamanian businesses while simultaneously providing a significant boost to the national economy. By streamlining coordination between public and private sectors, Panama seeks to optimize its logistical advantages and geographic positioning to maximize trade benefits and economic growth.

  • Trump’s threats on Venezuela, a repeated stance

    Trump’s threats on Venezuela, a repeated stance

    The United States has significantly intensified its strategic posture toward Venezuela through a series of coordinated military and policy actions. Recent weeks have witnessed a bolstering of U.S. military assets in the Caribbean Sea, positioning them in close proximity to the South American nation’s coastline. In a notable interview with Politico, former President Donald Trump explicitly declined to dismiss the potential deployment of Pentagon forces into Venezuela, signaling a hardened approach. He further escalated rhetoric by ominously declaring that the days of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro are ‘numbered,’ a statement perceived as a direct threat to the incumbent government. Complementing this verbal posture, the U.S. administration announced a comprehensive closure of airspace over and adjacent to Venezuela, characterizing it as part of an intensified ‘maximum pressure’ campaign aimed at Caracas. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has publicly condemned these actions as acts of intimidation, specifically citing the unauthorized incursion of U.S. F-18 fighter jets into the airspace over the Gulf of Venezuela. In a parallel development, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminated the Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for nationals from seven countries—Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras—along with their immediate relatives. This policy shift, justified by citing systemic abuses of the protections, mandates that affected immigrants must depart U.S. territory by mid-January unless they can secure an alternative legal status to remain.

  • LADC bids farewell to 2025 with a grand show

    LADC bids farewell to 2025 with a grand show

    Havana’s cultural scene is set to dazzle as the Teatro Nacional de Cuba prepares for a spectacular ballet presentation this December. The prestigious Avellaneda Hall will serve as the stage for an extraordinary display of artistic excellence on December 13th at 7:00 PM and December 14th at 5:00 PM local time.

    This significant cultural event will feature the distinguished professional company alongside members of the Vocational Workshops and the Children’s and Youth Ballet. Audiences will witness the remarkable artistic progression of students as they demonstrate their technical mastery and perform alongside established professionals.

    The program will include revivals from the renowned repertoire of Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, the acclaimed company established in 1991. Founder Lizt Alfonso, recognized as a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador for her cultural contributions, has built an institution that represents the pinnacle of Cuban dance education and performance.

    This year-end presentation offers a unique opportunity to observe the seamless transition of dancers from training to professional performance, highlighting Cuba’s enduring commitment to artistic education and cultural preservation. The event stands as a testament to the country’s vibrant dance tradition and its successful mentorship model.

  • Fidel Castro, focus of a conference on Cuban history

    Fidel Castro, focus of a conference on Cuban history

    Camagüey, the historic birthplace of the Cuban Constitution, recently hosted a significant academic symposium titled “Fidel Castro: A Life Dedicated to Humanity.” The event convened scholars and prominent public figures who conducted a multidimensional examination of the Commander-in-Chief’s legacy, expanding the discourse beyond national boundaries to encompass universal relevance.

    Maricela Valido, President of the José Martí Cultural Society, articulated the inseparable intellectual connection between Martí’s philosophical framework and Fidel’s revolutionary ideology. “Martí instructs us through historical triumphs to address contemporary challenges—a fundamental principle that Fidel embodied,” Valido asserted, characterizing Castro as a transformative “social educator” whose historical perspective formed the foundation for comprehensive societal development.

    The symposium featured personal reflections from MSc. Marcial Mendoza, who presented an intimate portrait of Castro as “an individual of exceptional human sensitivity.” Mendoza prompted attendees to contemplate how a leader bearing immense governmental responsibilities maintained profound connections with family, children, and comrades throughout his political career.

    Noel Manzanares contributed historical-political analysis, tracing Fidel’s strategic relationship with Camagüey dating to 1953 and examining his early conceptualization of socialist principles. Manzanares highlighted Castro’s January 4, 1959 declaration—”Homeland represents where no citizen suffers exploitation”—as a foundational philosophical statement, emphasizing how his Martí-inspired socialist vision remained resolute following the collapse of European socialist governments.

    Concluding the event, Fernando Manso, President of Cuba’s Union of Historians in Camagüey, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining scholarly forums for examining the Commander-in-Chief’s ideological legacy. Manso asserted that Fidel’s enduring relevance stems from his unique synthesis of globally-oriented strategic thinking, unshakeable political determination, and profound human empathy—qualities that established his leadership both within Cuba and internationally.