Frei Betto, who was invited to the 20th International Book Fair Cuba 2011, will participate in the second stage of this event, form February 23 to 27, around western and central Cuban provinces, from Pinar del Rio to Sancti Spiritus.

Betto praised the 20th Book Fair for constituting a step forward in the integration process of the member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance of the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA).

 
He pointed out that America is the only continent with progressive governments and the people vote for politicians who defend their interests and not those of the oligarchies.

 
As to the present global situation, Betto noted that big capitalist powers are trying to re-colonize the world, which should be avoided by giving priority to community and individual diversity and respect.

 
The Brazilian theologian mentioned that rescuing the historical and cultural memory of the peoples is essential, taking into account the new information technologies that faithfully record oral traditions, which is key for the identity of any human group.

 
Speaking of Latin America and the Caribbean, he recalled that this process dates back millennia and there are records of their cultural legacy in caves and other places.

 
Betto affirmed that something similar occurs with native cultures and other groups like Afro-descendants in Brazil, which come from rebel slaves, most of them illiterate.

 
Frei Betto was born in Belo Horizonte. He is the author of 51 books published in Brazil and other countries. He studied journalism, anthropology, philosophy, and theology.

In 1982, he won the highest literary award in his nation, el Jabuti, presented by the Brazilian Book Chamber, for the memoir book Bautismo de Sangre (Blood Baptism). He has also received many other national and international awards.