France, Feb 13 (PL) Cuban Leyanis Perez conquered today the women’s triple jump at the Lievin Grand Prix, valid for the World Athletics Gold Indoor circuit, with 14.62 meters, the best mark of the year.
Perez, bronze medalist at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, set the season’s record on her first attempt to relegate her compatriot, Liadagmis Povea (14.17), to second place.
Third place went to France’s Ilionis Guillaume with a personal best of 13.98 meters.
In another event, Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, Olympic runner-up in Paris 2024 and world indoor champion in Glasgow last year, triumphed in the women’s 800 meters with a time of 1:59.02 minutes, followed by South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodisa (1:59.88), and Great Britain’s Jemma Reekie (2:00.21).
On the other hand, the Italian Leonardo Fabbri won the men’s event with the best mark of the campaign, 21.95 meters, followed by his compatriot Zane Weir (21.72) and the Jamaican Rajindra Campbell (21.34).
Havana, February 13 (Radio Havana Cuba) — President Miguel Díaz-Canel recalled that Cuba has for years denounced the use of U.S. agencies to destabilize nations and overthrow governments.
Through his profile on the social network X, the Cuban leader pointed out that the Government of the United States and the sensationalist press are alarmed by the million-dollar projects of the Agency for International Development (USAID) for subversion and financing of so-called independent media and NGOs.
“It is very simple to follow the money trail and see who has become new millionaires,” he added.
According to Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, between 1998 and 1999, this organization spent more than six million dollars (USD) to carry out hundreds of illegal operations on the island, and between 2001 and 2006, it allocated 61 million USD for 142 projects and activities against the Cuban people.
This day, the Cuban foreign minister summarized that since 1990 this agency has allocated an average of between 20 and 50 million USD annually to subvert the constitutional order of this Caribbean nation with money from the American taxpayer, not counting the funds that are allocated covertly.
Cuba has repeatedly denounced the use of organizations presented as humanitarian or in defense of democracy – USAID among them – as facades to penetrate and undermine societies, in tune with the hegemonic interests of the United States.
The dishonest actions of such groups were made evident by recent revelations about USAID’s activities, which emerged in the context of President Donald Trump’s crusade to reduce or dismantle parts of the U.S. government.
According to analysts, the scandalous revelations of “USAID secrets” made by Trump, the technology magnate Elon Musk and others are intended to attack their Democratic rivals and promote US interests with less subtle and more crude methods, in accordance with the governing style and personality of the current president of that country. (Source: PL)
Cuba and France foster relations in the health field
Havana, Feb 13 (Radio Havana Cuba) Officials from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health met on Wednesday with representatives of the French embassy and the French Development Agency (FDA), with the goal of expanding collaboration in healthcare.
In this context, the parties discussed the development of a project aimed at strengthening the capacities of three Cuban health institutions.
French ambassador Laurent Burin des Roziers emphasized the role of Cuban medical professionals in this project, which is crucial for the collaboration between both countries.
Alexia Levesque, the regional head of the FDA, declared that Cuba is among the countries that this organization can support and strengthen through tangible projects that contribute to the ongoing work in the field of healthcare.
Levesque was also interested in the country’s relationship with neighboring nations in the field of health, particularly in the realm of nephrology.
The project encompasses the Abelardo Buch López Nephrology Institute – venue of the meeting -, the Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine, and the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology.
According to Yamilé García, the director of the Nephrology Institute, the collaborative effort has three aspects, depending on the specific fields involved.
In the case of Nephrology, there is evidence of a beneficial effect on the entire network of services in the country.
García argued that this has opened up the prospect of revitalizing the most advanced hemodialysis technology, which involves the use of artificial kidneys or dialysis machines to mimic the function of the kidneys in cases of acute kidney failure.
The European Union, the FDA, the French embassy, and the Cuban Ministry of Public Health are working together to support the development of three health institutions on the island through a project that includes investments in the treatment of certain diseases. (Source: ACN)
News agencies from Cuba and Malaysia sign cooperation agreement
Havana, Feb 13 (Radio Havana Cuba) The Malaysian National News Agency – Bernama – and the Cuban news agency Prensa Latina have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance media cooperation between the two countries.
The foreign ministers of Malaysia and Cuba, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, were present at the signing ceremony, along with other government representatives and diplomats.
The executive director of Bernama, Datin Paduka Nurul Afida Kamaludin, stated that the agreement is in line with the expanding bilateral relations between Malaysia and Cuba in several fields, including technology and economy.
Cuba and Malaysia commemorate this year the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
According to a Bernama report, the Memorandum of Understanding lays the groundwork for a seamless collaboration between the agency and Prensa Latina in various fields, including the sharing of news and content.
Both agencies will collaborate on sharing news, special shows and documentaries, while ensuring proper attribution to the sources, as any editing, translation, or adaptation will maintain the original intent and context.
The contract will be valid for two years and will automatically be renewed, unless one of the parties decides otherwise. Furthermore, regular meetings will be held to assess its performance and discuss potential enhancements. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Havana, Feb 12 (Prensa Latina) The director of the UNESCO Regional Office, Annet Lemaistre, acknowledged Cuba’s active participation in the conception of transformative educational systems, according to the sustainable development objectives of the United Nations.
In her speech at the 19th International Congress Pedagogy 2025 on Tuesday, Lemaistre highlighted the presence in Cuba of a network of schools associated with that UN organization, which is useful to other nations.
In that regard, she noted that Cuban pedagogues have extensive innovative educational experience and regularly use the sites recognized by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO).
She underlined the relevance of this Cuban practice to achieve the purposes established in the Fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the 2030 Agenda of the UN, and urged to continue to increase the number of educational institutions associated with the agency that she represents.
On the second day of the Congress, which is running until Thursday at Havana’s Convention Center, the expert noted that the event aims to create an adequate forum for educational systems to adapt to a changing world, where technology is at the service of education.
Along these lines, she also urged to introduce innovative mechanisms in the financing of education.
“We have called for a new social contract for education to re-imagine the future of investment and shape more peaceful, fair and sustainable societies,” she stated.
UNESCO says education in Cuba promotes peace and sustainable development
Havana, February 11 (Radio Havana Cuba) — The Deputy-Director General for Education at UNESCO, Stefanía Giannini, acknowledged the Cuban educational system’s contribution to peace and sustainable development, and expressed gratitude to the island for sharing its educational expertise.
In a video address released on Monday before the opening of the 19th International Pedagogy Congress 2025, the UNESCO representative emphasized the relevance of this event in developing educational strategies.
According to Giannini, UNESCO offers data and expertise that empowers nations to put the UN 2030 Agenda into action, focusing on educational, inclusive, and resilient systems that foster lasting peace.
On Monday, at the Havana Convention Center, Cuban Minister of Education Naima Trujillo emphasized the role this sector plays in fostering sustainable development, ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
Trujillo convened educators from 32 countries in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia, for a conference that will continue until Thursday, February 13th.
The conference aims to discuss the challenges and social issues that are becoming more prevalent in each nation, such as access to technological progress, knowledge, and innovation; the impact of technology on production processes; among others.
The minister called upon the participants to redouble their efforts and actions to maintain and enhance educational systems for the benefit of present and future generations.
In this regard, she emphasized the work and commitment of Cuban educators, endorsed in the domestic and international domains. In the case of the latter, individuals from 30 nations have achieved literacy through the «Yes, I can» teaching method.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel signs the book of condolences opened at the Namibian embassy in Havana on the occasion of the death of Sam Nujoma. Photo: Revolution Studios.
Havana, February 11 (Radio Havana Cuba) — The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the PCC and President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, signed this Tuesday the book of condolences opened at the Namibian embassy in Havana on the occasion of the death of the Founding Father of that African country, Sam Nujoma.
In his written message, Díaz-Canel recalled Nujoma’s leadership and his close friendship with Cuba, with the historical leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, and Army General Raúl Castro.
He stressed that this son of Africa led his people’s struggle for independence and against the apartheid regime, national television reported.
“We reiterate our deep regret for the death of one of Cuba’s best friends. We will always remember his displays of respect and affection towards our people,” wrote the Cuban president in a post on X.
The head of state went to the diplomatic headquarters accompanied by the president of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State, Esteban Lazo, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, along with other senior leaders of the Cuban Communist Party and Government.
Sam Nujoma was president of Namibia from 1990 to 2005, founder in 1960 of the South East Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) and of the national liberation movement that achieved independence from the racist South African regime in 1990.
On the occasion of his death at the age of 95, official mourning was declared in Cuba on February 10 and 11, and national mourning on the 12th of this month.
Cuban Embassy in Ethiopia honored late Namibian Sam Nujoma
Havana, Feb 11 (Radio Havana Cuba) Representatives of the Cuban Embassy in Ethiopia signed the book of condolences at the diplomatic headquarters of Namibia in memory of Sam Nujoma, the country’s founding father and first president, who died on Sunday at the age of 95.
In their messages, they emphasized the strong bond of friendship between Nujoma and Cuba, which was forged in the shared fight against colonialism and apartheid.
They also underlined his pivotal role in the collaboration between Cuba and Namibia, which was boosted by the Caribbean island’s backing for the African nation’s independence and the education of young Namibians in Cuban universities.
In 1960, Sam Nujoma became one of the founders of the South African People’s Organization and the national liberation movement that brought about Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990.
He served as president from 1990 to 2005.
His role in strengthening Namibian sovereignty and fostering cooperation between African nations continues to serve as a model for the continent and the global community. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Cuba and Vietnam assess collaboration in the publishing sector
Hanoi, Feb 11 (Radio Havana Cuba) The Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Rogelio Polanco, met at the Cuban embassy in Hanoi with Nguyen Nguyen, the head of the Publications, Printing, and Distribution Department of Vietnam, with whom he discussed the opportunities for enhancing bilateral collaboration in the publishing sector.
Nguyen was accompanied by a Vietnamese delegation that will participate in the upcoming 33th edition of the Havana International Book Fair, to be held from February 13 to 23.
Polanco stressed that 2025 marks the Year of Vietnam-Cuba Friendship, commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In this context, he emphasized the need for both nations to have editorial projects that celebrate the anniversary.
With regard to the Book Fair, he pointed out that it is a significant cultural event in Cuba, due to the massive domestic and international participation.
The Cuban diplomat commended the editorial capabilities of Vietnam and expressed optimism about the Vietnamese delegation’s participation in the fair, which will further strengthen ties in this field.
Nguyen, for his part, reflected on his experience at the 29th edition 2020, which was dedicated to Vietnam. He was not only amazed by the scale of the event, but also by the deep affection the Cuban people have for the Vietnamese.
He concurred with Polanco that the arrival of a delegation from his nation this year would be a favorable occasion to foster collaboration, not only with the Cuban Book Institute but also with various publishing houses.
Furthermore, he expressed his willingness to work with the Cuban side to promote copyright.
He also proposed that, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a small exhibition of books showcasing the evolution of these ties be held at the Cuban state mission’s headquarters. (Source: Prensa Latina)
Washington, Feb 9 (Prensa Latina) Countless Cuban families will be affected by the suspension of remittances to Cuba as a result of the U.S. government’s change of course in its irrational hardline policy toward the island.
A Western Union statement, cited in digital media, emphasized that “due to a change in U.S. sanctions regulations,” the financial services company is forced to indefinitely suspend its money transfer service to Cuba, “with immediate effect.”
The decision is not surprising, it was coming, because Orbit SA, in charge of processing remittances, was included in Cuba’s List of Restricted Entities with the return of Republican Donald Trump to the White House.
On January 20, when he took office, Trump overturned the last-minute measures of his predecessor Joe Biden, and reinstated, among others, that list.
This was followed by statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who on January 31 announced that in addition to reinstating the entities that were “on the list until the last week of the previous administration, we are adding Orbit, S.A.,” which, according to him, “acts for or on behalf of the Cuban military forces.”
On Wednesday, the State Department published the update to the list and, in effect, Orbit SA was added to the existing ones, according to the text that can be read on the Federal Register page.
The warning is that direct financial transactions in general are prohibited for the entities included in accordance with the Regulations for the Control of Cuban Assets.
Rubio -who during his time as a senator was one of the main architects of the policy against Cuba in the United States Congress- recalled that on his first day, Trump returned Cuba to the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism and reactivated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, also known as the Liberty Act.
Western Union resumed its money transfer service to Cuba in May of last year after stopping it in 2020, during Trump’s first administration (2017-2021).
At that time, the Fincimex Cuban financial institution was sanctioned as part of the arbitrary measures that, as now, intensify the blockade, thus making it impossible for residents on this side of the strait to financially help their relatives on the island.
Two years later, in 2022, the service was restored with limitations and was again cut off due to technical problems. Cuba’s Restricted Entities List was rescinded on January 16, following the issuance of National Security Memorandum 29 (NSM-29) on the 14th of the same month. On the 20th, Trump issued an Executive Order that invalidated NSM-29.
In his first administration, Trump imposed at least 243 restrictive measures that reinforced the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on the Cuban people more than six decades ago.
The Republican is returning to his steps of maximum pressure. Four years ago, eight days after leaving the executive mansion, Trump included Cuba in the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which it had not been part of since 2015, a position that Biden maintained until the very end of his term.
