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The old villa and America

U.S. blockade hinders restoration of Hemingway home

HAVANA: : Restoration work has begun at the hilltop villa here where Ernest Hemingway hung his hat and hunting trophies for 21 years, from 1939 to 1960. The swashbuckling author wrote some of his best works at the house of San Francisco de Paula overlooking the capital, where he lived after leaving Key West.

But as repairs progress, U.S. conservationists say that the project lacks funding, and that materials they are eager to supply are banned under the 40-year-old U.S. embargo on travel and trade with Cuba.

What is more, they say the home might suffer irreparably if they are not allowed to play a larger role in the effort.

At work

A Cuban team launched emergency preservation efforts earlier this year, drying sodden walls and adjusting sagging ceiling beams. But it is a major job, and the resources are limited.

"The house is treasured by Cubans. They are not going to let this house sink into the ground and rot," said Jenny Phillips, co-founder of the Boston-based Hemingway Preservation Foundation, which was denied a U.S. licence last year to help fund restoration efforts. "But in a resource-deprived economy, the work may not be done at the highest standards," she warned. "That is why we feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to get on board."

A study

The Foundation sent a team of experts to Cuba last week to study the needed repairs that will be possible. They travelled under a special travel licence issued by the U.S. Treasury Department. It is unclear how when they finish their feasibility study later this year they will be able to put their findings to work.

The group will now reapply to the Treasury Department for a restoration licence in November, Mr. Phillips said, but it has no guarantee of receiving one. — Prensa Latina

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