Latin America: VIRGIN OF THE SUPERHIGHWAY

When the old Havana-Guanabacoa road was converted into a superhighway, a venerable travelers’ shrine known as the Virgin of the Road was destroyed. The Virgin’s friends and neighbors, fearful of Cuba’s frantic traffic, protested, and the government commissioned Sculptress Rita Longa (seated, right) to make a new Virgin. Still to be consecrated, the new Virgin has been a quick success. Even at night Cubans toss money in the pool, stuff currency in her hand. The money, collected regularly ($112.28 last week), is given to an orphanage.