We're delighted you've chosen to download this assignment podcast. I'm Linda

Presley and today we're going to transport you to Cuba but forget the rum, the

cigars and those over talked about classic American cars. What you're going to

hear today is perhaps one of the great untold stories of Cuba. It's biotechnology

industry and the development of world-class treatments for diseases like

cancer. Susanna Riosmore, a Cuban journalist, has been with me all the way on

this trip. So Susanna, I'm curious. From everything you've heard, what state

with you? Well, this really changed my mind about biotechnology in Cuba. In the

1990s, I was part of the group that resent a lot the fact that this industry

had so much privilege. While regular Cubans were having problems to fit their

kids and the main thought every day was what I'm going to cook for lunch or dinner.

They had these great buildings with cars to move around. They had food. They

never had a blackout and I really resent all that. But now after the program, I

realize that this industry had helped so many people and it's still helping so

many people not just in Cuba but all around the world. That is amazing. Cuba

is scientifically now a great country, a very important country, even in the United

States. So I think it paid.

This is assignment from Cuba. I'm Linda Pressley. Judy, I'm Linda from the BBC. You're looking

fantastic. Well, I'm real fortunate as a cancer patient I think. You know, I've

been a stage 4 lung cancer and my oncologist in the United States said I'm his best

patient, but I have this deadly disease. I just haven't had a lot of hope, you know,

and let's get down. I can't talk a bit more.

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