A week in Havana

Returning from a week in Havana, a trip full of emotions and activities, encounters and exchanges, all surrounded by the warmth of the Cuban people with whom we have worked with great vision for the future.

For the Latin American Council of Social Sciences in general, and for me in particular, it was an honor to have been called upon to close the official events of the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, a milestone for our continent and the world that began on January 1, 1959.

I won't list each and every activity, which began with the 100th meeting of the CLACSO Steering Committee, because I would risk providing an incomplete report. I would, however, like to highlight the well-deserved recognition of Isabel Allende Karam, a friend and mentor for many years, particularly for her leadership of ISRI, the Higher Institute of International Relations in Cuba. The prolonged standing ovation when I presented her with a plaque and a CLACSO diploma is the best expression of the affection and respect she has garnered not only in her country but throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

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The tribute to the great poet Roberto Fernández Retamar at Casa de las Américas was undoubtedly another powerful moment, in a hall –it is worth highlighting– with a large presence of young people from all over the continent, a salient characteristic of the Schools and meetings of Working Groups that took place in those days in the Cuban capital.

I would also like to highlight the honor bestowed upon me by opening the V Conference “The challenges of the social sciences in the Latin American and Caribbean context”, in none other than the imposing Aula Magna of the University of Havana.

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The occasion was also opportune to share events and exchanges with prominent figures of the Cuban Revolution, including Ricardo Alarcón, former President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, and two of the five Heroes who spent 16 years in American prisons: Gerardo Hernández, Vice-Rector of ISRI, and Ramón Labañino, author of the book "Man of Silence", whose presentation we participated in.

I also want to highlight the dialogue I had with Mariela Castro Espín, deputy in the National Assembly of People's Power and director of the National Center for Sexual Education of Cuba (CENESEX), a one-on-one on feminism, sexuality and other topics that will soon be available on CLACSO TV.

Our presence in Havana was marked by current events in the continent, particularly the massive mobilizations in Haiti and Chile, which prompted CLACSO to issue public statements of support for the struggle of the people and condemnation of the savage repression that, in the Chilean case, caused twenty deaths in addition to thousands of injuries and arrests.

Finally, I must emphasize the magnificent work of the CLACSO Centers in Cuba, in the organization and successful execution of the activities, with special mention to María Isabel Domínguez, representative of the Council in Cuba, the driving force behind the successful week we spent in Havana, from October 19 to 25, 2019.

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