ACTI Celebrates Its 31st Anniversary

“We would like to extend our congratulations to ACTI, which is not aging but growing in maturity. As the umbrella institution for this wonderful association, we are honored to welcome you here,” said Gustavo Machín Gómez, Director General of ESTI, during his opening remarks.

ACTI President Gretchen González Nieto also addressed the gathering, calling for unity in the face of the challenges of the digital age, where “Artificial Intelligence and new technologies are not just tools, but opportunities to enhance global communication, preserve cultural diversity, and accelerate human development.”

Acti President Gretchen González Nieto and Esti Director General Gustavo Machín Gómez, along with Cuban Sign Language interpreter Claudia Perryman Echevarría, winner of the LSC award in the 1st Young Translators Competition 2024. Photo: José Luis Alvarez Suárez

“On this path, ACTI reaffirms its commitment to excellence, ethics, and collaborative innovation—always in the service of a better, more connected, and more inclusive world,” she added.

Translators, terminologists, and interpreters learned firsthand about a milestone moment from the 2025 edition of the 33rd Havana International Book Fair.

During the international event, the Cuban Book Institute presented for the first time the Miradas a la Traducción award to five professionals in recognition of their outstanding work.

The honored translators were Ramona de los Ángeles Olivera Guerra, Gloria Emma Riva Morales, María Elena Silva Miranda, Ana Elena de Arazoza, and Virgilio López Lemus.

**Migdalia Fabré, member of ACTI’s executive board. Photo: José Luis Alvarez Suárez**

The honorees received warm congratulations from ACTI board member Migdalia Fabré, along with a round of applause from the audience.

Fabré also announced that the Cuban Book Institute will continue to grant the Miradas a la Traducción award annually at the book fair, recognizing three published translations from the previous year.

The celebration of May 14, 1994—the founding date of ACTI—also served to inspire the professional development of a new generation of translators, with the official launch of the second edition of the Young Translators Competition.

On ACTI’s 31st anniversary, heartfelt congratulations poured into Havana from members across the country, as well as from sister organizations and colleagues around the world.

The event featured musical performances of works by renowned Cuban composers Carlos Fariñas and Leo Brouwer, performed by Ernesto Quintanó Cruz, first guitarist and director of the Cuban Youth Guitar Orchestra.