An innovative Martí program focuses on the future of Cuba through conversations bridging Cuban and American business people as part of the next episode of Avanza Cuba (Cuba Forward), scheduled for December 14, 2011 from 11am to 12pm.The program, to be broadcast from Radio Martí’s Miami studios, will feature Cuban bloggers and entrepreneurs from within the island, in conversation with Cuban business owners in Union City, New Jersey, as well as other special guests and audience participation. The episode focuses on the nascent Cuban business community made up of "cuentapropistas", a uniquely Cuban term for entrepreneurs which roughly translates as "being-on-their-owns".
“We are providing a unique opportunity for Cubans interested in starting or operating small businesses to ask questions and share their experiences with practitioners in Miami, London and New Jersey,” said Carlos Garcia Pérez, Director of Radio and TV Martí. “The incremental relaxation of the market rules in Cuba invites a rich conversation about the current environment as well as the future of the Island.
Avanza Cuba premiered in September 2011, featuring prominent Cuban bloggers, professors, and students discussing new media and the role of technology in Cuba. The program incorporates all of the Martí’s radio, TV, and online streams and aims to create a dialogue and share information to help Cubans make educated decisions about the future of their country.
Avanza Cuba moves beyond politics to foster discussion of topics of interest to the audience, including creating opportunities to use social media and fostering Cuban entrepreneurship.
In response to the first Avanza Cuba program, notable Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez Tweeted: “A lot of people calling me from the provinces after today’s show. Incredible how many Cubans listen to the ‘forbidden radio.’”
During the broadcast, join the conversation by following @AvanzaCuba on Twitter, liking the “Avanza Cuba” page on Facebook, or emailing avanzacuba@gmail.com.
Visit www.martinoticias.com for more information on Avanza Cuba and other Radio and TV Martí programs.
(Leticia King/VOA)
