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Afro-descendant population knows nothing about democracy, nor can it proudly preserve its memory. We are also the least digitally connected country in the Western hemisphere. According to the World Trade Organization, new technological opportunities (and in global, free trade) will drive a third industrial revolution. We are very aware of the great benefits these new technologies would bring the countries of the South; we are also watchful, because we know that the countries of the North are the principal owners and beneficiaries of the World Wide Web, as well as of the hardware, software and content industries—70% of which is English. The obligation that the current and future generations have is to empower themselves via new technologies in order to be able to discuss the past and face the future. E-democracy may be one of the best answers for improving politics and citizen participation in democratic communicative and decision processes. This would include using computers, the Internet and telecommunications. 72 Once new generations feel empowered by these new technologies, they will have to battle the digital or technological divide. The democratic divide can be bridged when the people have the means to communicate with their leaders, e.g., through email, municipal web pages, discussion forums and other ways. Yet, not knowing about these technologies, or in ignoring their responsibility to listen to the people, leaders pay no attention whatsoever to those they lead. The new technologies are leaving behind the concept of electoral promises. With democracy and good government, the constant interaction of citizens allows us to go much further. Thus, in Cuba we have realized that having a Joven Club (youth club) in each town, each with its own sala Nauta (computer room for web access) is no longer enough. Neither is having email or a web page. We must have access, the will to use it and, most importantly, know how to use it properly. * Panel: Culture and Diversity: Monopoly and Diversity.

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