• A man gestures as a makeshift boat is lowered from a roof where it was built.
    A man gestures as a makeshift boat is lowered from a roof where it was built.
  • People start their bid to a new life in the US. Some 31,000 Cubans were detained at sea by US ships that summer in the largest exodus since the 1980 Mariel boatlift, which brought 120,000 Cubans to Miami.
    People start their bid to a new life in the US. Some 31,000 Cubans were detained at sea by US ships that summer in the largest exodus since the 1980 Mariel boatlift, which brought 120,000 Cubans to Miami.
  • Cubans watch as a makeshift boat is carried to the sea.
    Cubans watch as a makeshift boat is carried to the sea.
  • Cuba lifted restrictions on rafters in 1994, opening the flood gates for anyone who wanted to leave the communist-led island.
    Cuba lifted restrictions on rafters in 1994, opening the flood gates for anyone who wanted to leave the communist-led island.
  • People launch a makeshift boat. These days Cubans making the trip make few political or media waves.
    People launch a makeshift boat. These days Cubans making the trip make few political or media waves.
  • Men take a smoke break while getting ready to load their raft on to a lorry.
    Men take a smoke break while getting ready to load their raft on to a lorry.
  • The 1994 crisis led to a major shift in US-Cuba policy and an accord under which Washington agreed to grant visas to 20,000 Cuban migrants a year.
    The 1994 crisis led to a major shift in US-Cuba policy and an accord under which Washington agreed to grant visas to 20,000 Cuban migrants a year.
  • People put the finishing touches to a makeshift boat.
    People put the finishing touches to a makeshift boat.
  • Rolando Pujol Rodriguez photographed the Cuban raft exodus in 1994.
    Rolando Pujol Rodriguez photographed the Cuban raft exodus in 1994.

The 1994 Cuban raft exodus


  • English
  • Arabic

Here’s a series of photos that Reuters photographer Rolando Pujol Rodriguez photographed during the Cuban raft exodus in 1994.

Cuba lifted restrictions on rafters in 1994, opening the flood gates for anyone who wanted to leave the communist-led island.

Some 31,000 Cubans were detained at sea by US ships that summer in the largest exodus since the 1980 Mariel boatlift, which brought 120,000 Cubans to Miami.

The 1994 crisis led to a major shift in US-Cuba policy and an accord under which Washington agreed to grant visas to 20,000 Cuban migrants a year.

Rafters have kept coming in smaller numbers, though these days they make few political or media waves.

* Reuters Wider Image series

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Fighter profiles

Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)

Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.

Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)

Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.

Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)

Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.

Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)

One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.

Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)

Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.

Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)

Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.

 

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Wednesday's results

Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroes Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Rep of Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia

The specs

Common to all models unless otherwise stated

Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi

0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)

Power: 276hp

Torque: 392Nm

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD

Price: TBC

LAST-16 FIXTURES

Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

 

 

 

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Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars

Match info

Uefa Champions League Group H

Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)

'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

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if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

Other key dates
  • Finals draw: December 2
  • Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
  • Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
  • Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020