CUBANEWS FROM RADIO HAVANA CUBA September 1, 1997 rhc@radiohc.org http://www.radiohc.org The following items are taken from RADIO HAVANA CUBA's International Shortwave Service in English for Monday, September 1, 1997. Today's stories: 1.- JAMAICA UPGRADES RELATIONS WITH CUBA TO EMBASSY LEVEL 2.- CUBAN PARLIAMENTARY PRESIDENT RICARDO ALARCON WILL TRAVEL TO CHILE FOR MEETING OF IBEROAMRICAN LAWMAKERS 3.- CUBAN SCHOOL CHILDREN HIT THE BOOKS AGAIN 4.- TEACHERS BACK TO WORK AFTER RELAXING VACATION 5.- CUBA WILL EXPORT SKIN OINTMENT MADE FROM LOBSTER SHELL 6.- "CUBA SINGS AT SEA" IS A BIG HIT IN FISHING TOWNS 7.- AND FROM THE SPORTS DESK... CUBA OFFERS ONE OF ITS BEST PERFORMANCES AT SICILY '97 JAMAICA UPGRADES RELATIONS WITH CUBA TO EMBASSY LEVEL Havana, September 1(RHC)-- The Jamaican government has upgraded its diplomatic relations with Cuba to embassy level. Detta Cheddar, Jamaica's General Consul in Havana, told reporters in the Cuban capital that this step "is a clear example of Jamaica's willingness to strengthen relations with Cuba." She added that the move will promote relations between the two Caribbean countries in areas such as health, education, sports and trade. The Jamaican initiative is one of the results of the recent visit to Cuba by President Percival Patterson. During his visit to Havana, the Jamaican president signed a number of agreements, including the exemption of travel visas for diplomatic and official personnel traveling between the two Caribbean islands. CUBAN PARLIAMENTARY PRESIDENT RICARDO ALARCON WILL TRAVEL TO CHILE FOR MEETING OF IBEROAMRICAN LAWMAKERS Havana, September 1(RHC)-- The President of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, Ricardo Alarcon, will participate next Thursday in a gathering of Iberoamerican legislative leaders in Chile. The meeting's objective is to discuss the modernization of legislative activity, its problems and possible future solutions. The presidents of the legislatures of 15 Latin American nations and Spain have confirmed their participation. Also taking part will be representatives from regional legislatures, including the Amazon and Andino Parliaments. CUBAN SCHOOL CHILDREN HIT THE BOOKS AGAIN Havana, September 1(RHC)-- Cuban children attended their first day of classes today, as the new school year opened across the island. A total of 12,500 schools and 46 universities welcomed the students -- a total of more than two million, 300,000 Cubans. To start the new school year, more than 1600 schools were renovated during July and August. Another 500 schools will soon be refurbished with the assistance of students, teachers and community volunteers. The Cuban government earmarked some six million dollars for repair work and other school equipment. In Cuba, all education -- through and including university studies -- is free. This year, more than 260,000 professors have the privilege of teaching Cuban students, from kindergarten to post-graduate education. Cuban universities also offer studies for foreign students, although economic difficulties have forced authorities to reduce the number of scholarships for Third World students. There are presently 3200 foreign students registered for the current school year -- 500 more than last year. TEACHERS BACK TO WORK AFTER RELAXING VACATION Havana, September 1(RHC)-- As part of an innovative program to encourage workers in the education sector, some 16,000 teachers and other employees in the field of education enjoyed their vacations in central Villa Clara Province. The vacationers were provided comfortable housing in special, refurbished centers. Teachers and educational workers also took advantage of excursions to Cuba's top vacation resort: beautiful Varadero Beach as well as trips to resorts along Villa Clara's coast line. Hikes were also organized to the mountain-top resort of Lake Hanabanilla, high in the Escambray Mountains, where vacationers camped along the Rio Negro River. According to an official from the Cuban Ministry of Education in Villa Clara, Miguel Gomez Bolano, more resources will go to satisfy the needs of educators this year. He pointed out, however, that the needs of teachers are far from being completely fulfilled. CUBA WILL EXPORT SKIN OINTMENT MADE FROM LOBSTER SHELL Havana, September 1(RHC)-- A Cuban-made, highly effective healing agent made from lobster shell will soon be exported to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. According to Doctor Ruth Daisy Henriques of the University of Havana, the four Latin American nations have already approved the pharmaceutical product for use. Experts say the new product is basically made out of chitin -- a natural substance found in lobster shells that acts as a skin-growing agent and improves damaged skin cells. Human testing reveals that chitin is highly effective in the treatment of chronic ulcers, burns and superficial wounds. With the use of this new product, hospitalization of patients can also be reduced in half. "CUBA SINGS AT SEA" IS A BIG HIT IN FISHING TOWNS Havana, September 1(RHC)-- After 18 years of performing in the countryside and mountains, a troupe of Cuban opera singers has taken their talent to sea. Since June 19th, members of the island's Pro-Arte Opera Company having been sailing around Cuba in a boat called "Orfeus" -- performing for fishermen and others in the fishing industry. Sopranos Venchy Siromajova and Odalis Fernandez, baritone Damaso Garcia, tenor Jesus Baquero and pianist Anton Fustier, spend their days sailing and their nights performing around the island. Workers in the fishing industry are thus able to enjoy the gift of the opera. The innovative tour, sponsored by the Ministries of Fishing and Culture, is called "Cuba Sings at Sea." So far, the opera company has performed in coastal areas near the Bay of Pigs and the Zapata Swamp. On the scheduled tour is Cienfuegos, Casilda, Buenas Esperanza, Guantanamo and Nuevitas. The opera performers told reporters that the trip has been unforgettable. They recalled one particular performance in the middle of the sea, surrounded by an audience aboard 20 small fishing boats. The open-air performance, under the starry Caribbean skies, was supported by a battery-powered, electric piano and two huge speakers, attached to the vessel's mast. The singers said they were moved when they learned that many of the fishermen had never before heard opera. AND FROM THE SPORTS DESK... CUBA OFFERS ONE OF ITS BEST PERFORMANCES AT SICILY '97 Havana, September 1(RHC)-- Cuban athletes have been the protagonists of one of the best performances ever at the World University Games -- finishing seventh in the general classification by countries. The Cuban delegation harvested a total of 23 medals: 7 Gold, 11 Silver and five Bronze (7-11- 5). The Sicily World University Games concluded Sunday, with the United States in first place -- 20-19-22. In second was the Ukraine with 17-6-4; Japan was third with 14-8-11. Russia, China and Italy preceded Cuba. Long-jumper Ivan Pedroso took the seventh Gold medal for the island. His 8.40-meter jump was good not only for the Gold but also placed him on the list of record winners for the games. Saturday was another fruitful day for the island. In women's javelin, the first two places went to Cuba. Isel Lopez's performance recalled that of another outstanding athlete -- Maria Caridad Colon -- who was the first Latin American woman ever to win an Olympic Gold during the 1980 Olympic Games. Now, Isel Lopez is the first Latin American woman to win at the World University Games. She sent the javelin up to 64.30 meters and was escorted by her team-mate Sonia Bisset, with 63.40 meters. In women's triple jump, Olga Lidia Cepero was only 11 centimeters behind first place, snatched by Ukrainian Olena Govorova with 14.23 meters. In men's swimming, Neiser Bent made the headlines again, this time with a Silver medal, for the second place behind local Emanuele Meresi in men's 200 meter back stroke. The Italian swimmer won the Bronze in Atlanta and is the current European champ. The last two Bronze medals for the island on Saturday went to the women's 400-meter race with Idalmis Bonne's 51.72 seconds and Jesus Aballi in men's platform was surpassed by two Chinese experts. The next edition of the World University Games will be held in 1999 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. [c] 1997. Radio Habana Cuba All rights reserved Articles cannot be reproduced, reprinted or published in any system without the consent of RHC. This prohibition includes the distribution of this material via Usenet News, "bulletin board" services, e-mail lists, print media, radio and television. For the complete RADIO HAVANA CUBA NEWSCAST and other features, please write for our daily broadcast schedule. We welcome your comments and suggestions. For further information, contact us at: Postal Address: Radio Havana Cuba P.O.Box 6240 Havana, Cuba Telephone: (53) (7) 791053 Fax: (53) (7) 795007 E-mail: rhc@radiohc.org WWW: http://www.radiohc.org