As Lester Guisán Valdés, General Coordinator of the airport, explained to Invasor, the paving works on the runway are essential to operate larger aircraft (more than 300 passengers) than those currently received by the facility. Above all, the Russian market is interested in using this type of aircraft.

The work shows a slight delay, but in the insurance check-up meeting for the high tourist season, chaired by the highest authorities of the province, it was agreed to work intensely for the remainder of the month and fulfill the commitments. In any case, what remains to be done will not prevent the arrival of airline planes that connect Cayo Coco with the capitals of the issuing countries.

Meanwhile, at the airport, essential actions have been continued to provide a better service, including improvements in air conditioning, the assembly of elevators, the remodeling of stores and money exchange, and the renovation of the VIP lounge. Likewise, there is greater fuel storage capacity and a roofed warehouse was ready for the protection of luggage and specialized equipment.

The airport facility will maintain epidemiological surveillance at the border, for which the staff continues to prepare. This training extends to the procedures required by the airlines, attention to passengers with disabilities and the control questions provided for in the in-depth check protocols.

Guisán Valdés specified that Jardines del Rey has the capacity to operate 50 flights per week. During the low season it continued to receive around twenty weekly arrivals from Canada and operated by Off We Go, Transat, Air Canada and Sunwing airlines.

For the coming high season, an increase in flights from Russia is expected, which had returned to Cuba earlier this month, operated by the Russian airline Nordwind Airlines.
Statements by the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos Granda, confirm the aspiration to close the year with 2.5 million tourists, but, even though from January to August 2022 there was growth in the arrival of visitors compared to the same stage in 2021, the goal seems difficult to meet.

However, according to the data handled in the Avilanian high season check, a high percentage of reservations has been achieved in the 25 accommodation facilities of the Jardines del Rey keys that will open their doors from November.

(With information from the Invasor Newspaper)

The 635-room resort, from the Indonesian-based Archipelago International tourist group, is the company’s first in the northern keys of Ciego de Ávila, and will be distinguished by a Nikkei cuisine space, which mixes Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

The winter stage will also include the reopening of the Colonial Cayo Coco hotel, after a complete restoration, renovation of its image and the design of attractive services.

Managed by the Cubanacán group and with a Four Star category, the hotel has 458 rooms in 23 modules and was the initiator of tourist operations in Jardines del Rey 29 years ago, an anniversary that will be celebrated on November 12.

The Colonial Cayo Coco is a distinctive hotel in the Avilanian tourist destination, since with colonial motifs in the unique architecture of its buildings, cobbled streets and small squares, which allow you to go back in time to a colonial-style past in Cuba.

Formed by the keys Coco, Guillermo, Paredón Grande and Antón Chico, the recreation center will offer tourists its excellent product of sun and beach and varied non-hotel offers linked to the natural environment of great biological diversity, suitable for hiking, nature tourism and nautical sports.

In Jardines del Rey there are currently 26 hotels, four and five star categories, located on the beachfront, with more than 10,000 rooms.

(With information from Prensa Latina)

The analysis of the temporary working group for the prevention and control of the new coronavirus, led by the President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and the Prime Minister, was essentially directed at the panorama that distinguishes the day-to-day life in these territories. Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz.

Special attention was offered during the exchange to the Cuban capital where, taking into account the behavior of the disease, in recent days it was decided to relax some of the restrictive measures that had been imposed during the month of September, which does not mean that this province you have advanced through the recovery phase.

With three open local broadcast events; 76 active spotlight controls; and an incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 15 days of 15.41 , a period in which 329 patients with the disease have been reported, Havana remains in a phase of limited autochthonous transmission and consequently the behavior has to be in the city.

In this context, the President of the Republic insisted on the clarity with which this matter should be treated so that there is no confusion. What has been done – he asserted – is “to lift the additional restrictions that we had placed on the regrowth conditions and that undoubtedly gave a result, for which the situation has begun to improve.”

Now it is up to us to apply the measures “with great rigor, because the problem is not only having surpassed the regrowth, but also that we have the capacity to avoid a new one” and act in a timely manner in each situation.

The practice has to continue to be – he stressed – working hard and paying close attention to ensuring that the measures are not broken, neither in the Health system, nor in the functioning of the institutions, nor in the work centers, nor in any setting .

The call for individual, family, collective, community and social responsibility has to be constant, because “by sharing responsibilities we can continue moving towards a more favorable situation in Havana,” he stressed.

Particularly on Ciego de Ávila , a province that, after a complicated situation in recent days, has begun to show a trend towards better control of the disease, during the exchange with its main authorities, the Head of State stressed the need not to trust, because in trust, we already know, there is danger.

In a day where that territory reported seven new positive cases; 202 Avilanians infected with the disease remained hospitalized; no death of any person was reported; and new focus controls were not opened in the province either, Díaz-Canel called for rigor in the implementation of the different actions, taking into account the learning acquired in this stage.

For this reason, its emphasis on continuing to investigate carefully to detect any suspect in a timely manner. Now, he considered, they are going to work in a less complex scenario, but the rigor and efficiency have to be greater, so as not to regress in the situation that they have already been overcoming.

From Mayabeque, where in the last 15 days 11 people have been diagnosed with the disease, two of them reported this Saturday, Governor Tamara Valido Benítez assured that strict control measures are maintained in the province, which include isolation and the quarantine of various areas to cut any chain of infections.

Regarding the two new patients reported, she explained that both were in isolation and correspond to an open focus since last September 26. In her area of ​​residence, she asserted, the corresponding prevention and restriction measures are applied, especially in the building and the block that are particularly associated with this outbreak.

While Havana and Ciego de Ávila show a gradual behavior towards the reduction of infections, it is in the province of Sancti Spiritus where a more complex epidemiological situation is evident today. The increase in confirmed cases in recent days – this Saturday was 37 – and their dispersion throughout various parts of the territory, mainly in the main municipality and Trinidad, show the importance of maintaining strict monitoring and study of the entire associated population to the spotlight controls.

When updating about the behavior of the three local transmission events that remain active in the province of Sancti Espiritus, Governor Teresita Romero Rodríguez explained that it is the institutional event linked to the municipal Health Department, where cases continue to be reported at this time.

Meanwhile, the Bernal community, in the municipality of Jatibonico, has not reported cases for 12 days and only two of the 12 who have been diagnosed there remain hospitalized. Similar behavior, ”she said,“ has the event active in the Trinidad hotel “Costa Sur”, where no patients are confirmed in the last four days and 17 of those infected had already received medical discharge.

Taking into account the results of the last days in that territory, in dialogue with its main authorities, President Díaz-Canel recognized that this is the most complicated place in the country in terms of the epidemic. Consequently, he stressed that differentiated analyzes must be carried out there, based on their current epidemiological situation, which will allow the timely adoption of the necessary measures to reduce infections.

Almost seven months of pitched battle against COVID-19 have given us many lessons, including those of anticipating and working rigorously in all scenarios. Taking advantage of them now is also a guarantee for success in the midst of a panorama where Cuba adjusts its steps on the path of the new normal.

(By: Yaima Puig Meneses)

This truth was reflected in his continuous exchanges with workers in different sectors and the population, during his visits to the Jardines del Rey resort area, the Ceballos Agro-industrial Enterprise, and the La Cuba food processing company; in debates on the proposed new Constitution he attended; and during his tour of the capital’s downtown boulevard and the Hotel Rueda, while participating in its official opening with Minister of Tourism Manuel Marrero Cruz.

On the last day of his government visit, Díaz-Canel interacted with students and professors at the Raúl Corrales Fornos Pedagogical School, one of two such institutions in the province, with a student body of 522 young people being prepared to teach in early childhood, primary, and secondary education.

Here he held an animated conversation with several students, who shared their personal experiences with the President, including one whose parents resisted her decision to become a teacher, and who now works at the Raúl Corrales School; and a young teacher who said she was ready to leave the school, but after having direct contact with students, came to love the profession.

A mobile Youth Club computer lab made stops in 19 rural communities over the summer. Photo: Estudios Revolución
“This is evidence that shatters the view of those who think that youth are not interested in the teaching profession. We have seen here, through your stories, a palpable example of the social impact these educational centers have today,” Díaz-Canel stated.

Minutes later, he would tweet: “I was deeply moved sharing with professors and students at the #CiegoDeÁvila Pedagogical School. Beautiful life stories that expressed passion for #Cuba and commitment to the #RevoluciónCubana. #SomosCuba #SomosContinuidad.”

Next he moved to the city’s park, where a Wi-Fi internet connection is available, and parked was a van serving as a mobile Youth Club computer lab, which this summer made stops in 19 rural communities in all of the province’s municipalities – resources that contribute to the computerization of Cuban society.

He also visited a “recycled” playground, where the equipment was constructed using discarded materials including metal and non-metal parts, wooden elements, and old tires, showing just how much can be done when untapped potential like this is taken advantage of, he noted.

Near this area, the President dialogued with sugar industry workers, discussing the next harvest and the construction of a bioelectric generating plant at the Ciro Redondo Sugar Mill.

Later, he presided a final meeting devoted to evaluating progress being made in the implementation of development programs in Ciego de Ávila, along with First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa; Roberto Morales Ojeda, a vice president of the Councils of State and Minister; Félix Duarte Ortega, Central Committee member and Party secretary in the province; and Raúl Pérez Carmenate, president of the provincial government, who reported on social and economic statistics related to progress in the province.

The first person to take the floor, following the report, was Minister of Economy and Planning Alejandro Gil Fernández, who focused on an issue that some may have considered insignificant: the surpassing of projected goals for earnings.

“It’s not a bad thing that you have earnings, especially if they are the result of an increase in productivity, but it’s good to make careful estimates and include this potential in the economic plan, to the benefit of the country and the enterprise itself.”

He likewise emphasized the necessity of increasing export lines, noting that the potential exists to do so, mentioning the Ceballos, Cubasoy, and La Cuba food processing companies, and the Turiguanó cattle breeder, all agriculture enterprises with excellent scientific and productive capacities.

Upon hearing the concerns of managers and workers from the Ceballos enterprise that they only receive 17 cents for every dollar in exports they produce – an obstacle to development and increased investment at the plant – Gil Fernández stated that this situation will be submitted to a thorough review.

Regarding outstanding accounts payable and receivable, an ongoing problem in the province, the conclusion was drawn that all of the causes are subjective, and that their resolution depends on managers and the steps they take to confront this predicament. The President insisted, “Money that belongs to others must be paid immediately:”

During another moment, Inés María Chapman, a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, referred to the work of the province’s Physical Planning Department, directing staff to adopt measures to speed up processing times, since 222 cases are currently overdue, also noting problems in the training of personnel and “very poor working conditions,” especially at the municipal level, she said.

Other sensitive issues did not escape attention during the discussion, including delays in investment projects at the Ciro Redondo Sugar Mill’s bioelectric plant, the East-Central Water Diversion Canal, and in the production of construction materials; the repair of water pipelines and sewer systems; and the poor condition of elevators in the city’s 12-story apartment building.

(Granma)

In Cayo Coco, he received a detailed explanation from Sergio Ramón Ricaño Pérez, government representative in charge of the development program focused on the barrier islands north of Villa Clara, Ciego de Ávila, and Camagüey, where according to plans, 69,926 hotel rooms for international tourists will eventually be available.

Ricaño reported that in the case of Cayo Santa María, north of Villa Clara, the construction program “is reaching its conclusion.” With 13,084 rooms planned here, 10,572 are already in use.

Díaz-Canel asked Iyolexis Correa Lorenzo, representative for the Ministry of Tourism in Ciego de Ávila, about preparations for the coming high season, set to begin November 15. She explained that work is underway to ready 900 rooms; to review plans with suppliers; train workers with a view toward raising the quality of service; and consolidate management of investment projects to ensure that works are finished on time.

After the introduction, Díaz-Canel and his delegation which included Félix Duarte Ortega, Central Committee member and Party secretary in the province, several ministers, and vice presidents, proceeded to Cayo Guillermo to visit the hotel Pilar I (a five star-plus facility with 245 rooms) which is in the final stage of construction, set to conclude next month.

The group’s itinerary included the Turiguanó Genetic Enterprise, with the country’s largest herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle – the second largest in Latin America – which suffered major damage during Hurricane Irma last year, when the eye of the storm passed over the area and devastating winds hit facilities. The staff has been immersed in an extensive recovery plan to continue their work to genetically improve this cattle breed, raise purebred bulls, and produce meat, to be sold primarily to the country’s tourist resorts to reduce imports.

The visit continued to inspect fruit processing lines at the Ceballos Agro-industrial Enterprise, praised by Díaz-Canel in the month of May, when he noted the company’s efforts to create a closed production cycle, from fields to the processing plant.

Plant manager Rodolfo Morales Pérez reported that an investment project was begun in 2000, initially directed toward increasing reception capacity, juice and puree production, evaporation capacity, aseptic handling, and packaging for natural juices and tropical fruit purees.

In addition to these improvements, lines devoted to preparing canned tomato paste and fruit purees were expanded, allowing for increased efficiency since higher volumes of fruit can be handled in less time – a much needed step given the growth of agricultural production in the area.

Described by specialists as one of the best organized investment projects in the province’s agricultural sector, the company’s plans include the acquisition of clean technology to achieve more rational and efficient use of energy.

The President’s delegation also visited the Cubasoy Agro-industrial Enterprise, one of the largest in the country with more than 15,000 hectares under cultivation – principally corn, beans, and soy, a reality that has implied the need diversify production.

He spoke with leaders at La Cuba production site, calling on them to prepare a market study as soon as possible, to expand exports, as established in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment’s agreement 352/2017, saying, “This is the image of development we want in agriculture,” visibly pleased by the efforts of workers and management at this productive emporium.

The President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Minister returned to Ciego de Ávila just two months after a working visit to review progress being made in the Turquino-Bamburanao rural development plan, and the municipality of Florencia, where he evaluated damage caused by subtropical storm Alberto.

(Granma)

The tour began at the port terminal, of central importance to the economy, which is in need of investment to improve its operations and efficiency.

Also participating were First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa, several ministers and deputy ministers, as well as Yanina de la Nuez Aclich, who reported that 113 persons were evacuated in the province, and that thus far three homes have been identified as totally destroyed.

The President insisted on the urgency of addressing drainage problems in the municipality, saying, “We must put ourselves in the place of residents and confront the problem with sensitivity.”

(Granma)