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)

The most important element of the Obama administration’s new package is the authorization of credit to Cuba by U.S. banks, based both within and outside of the country, as well as other countries’ banks operating in the United States, for the purchase of approved exports or re-exports, with the exception of agricultural sales, which by law require payment in cash, in advance.

Measures previously approved, in January and September of 2015, opened the door, ever so slightly, for the export of U.S. products to Cuba, specifically construction materials, as well as equipment and tools for private businesses and non-state agricultural producers. Additionally approved was the re-export from third countries of U.S. made items used in activities of a scientific, archaeological, cultural, ecological, educational, athletic, research, historical preservation, or professional nature.

On this most recent occasion, in terms of exports, the measures imply a new general policy of licensing for some agricultural products, such as insecticides, and herbicides, as well as equipment necessary to the security of civil aviation and the operation of commercial international flights, including those on aircrafts rented to state-owned companies. This last item is important to the implementation of a preliminary agreement reached in December of last year, to establish commercial flights between the two countries.

Likewise included in this new licensing policy are exports and re-exports of U.S. made goods and software for non-governmental human rights organizations promoting independent activity in Cuba, as well as telecommunications equipment and devices.

One aspect of the latest measures is the decision to award licenses on a case by case basis, for exports and re-exports of products which meet the needs of the Cuban people, including purchases made for this purpose by state-owned enterprises, agencies and organizations. Cited as examples of license eligible products are those related to disaster preparedness; education; agricultural production; artistic endeavors; food processing; public transportation; public heath; home construction and repair; and construction of infrastructure which would directly benefit the Cuban people (such as water treatment and supply systems, for example.)

It is noteworthy that this is the first time the participation of Cuba’s government in these types of relations has been authorized – albeit in a limited, conditioned, case by case manner – an issue repeatedly raised by Cuban negotiating teams in talks between the two countries.

Nevertheless, it is important to point out that prohibitions remain in effect on the export of U.S. made products to state enterprises, agencies, or other institutions affiliated with the Cuban government which might generate income for the state, as is the case for the mining industry and tourism, as well as the armed forces, police, intelligence and security services.

CHANGES IN TRAVEL POLICY

As for travel to Cuba, also included in the announced changes were some modifications, such as the authorization of visits related to approved exports and re-exports, including trips made to conduct market studies, promotion, or contract negotiations, and to provide accompanied deliveries, installation, or services.

Additionally now permitted are temporary stays by personnel operating or providing services to ships and aircrafts transporting passengers between the two countries, meant to complement the abovementioned agreement on commercial flights between Cuba and the United States.

Also authorized in the new regulations were travel and other transactions linked to professional media or artistic production – including the filming or production of media reports, films, and television programs; musical recordings; and the creation of artworks. The changes also allow for the employment of Cubans and the transmission of royalties or other payments.

General licensing for participation in events organized in Cuba was broadened to now include professional meetings and conferences, in addition to travel and transactions related to the organization of international professional and amateur sporting events; public performances; clinics; workshops; other types of non-athletic competitions; and expositions. Likewise eliminated were requirements that earnings from such events be donated to specific organizations, and that activities be directed, at least partially, by U.S. citizens.

ON THE RIGHT PATH…

The new changes announced by the Obama administration represent another step forward in relations between the two countries, and confirm the fact that much can be done to dismantle the blockade by eliminating restrictions which are not codified in law and require Congressional action.

This authorization of credit to Cuba for purchases in the U.S. appeared to be a distant possibility when the process of reestablishing relations began, just a year ago.

Yet, there is still a long way to go. A glaring omission in this most recent package of modifications is authorization for Cuba’s use of the dollar in international financial transactions, which remains prohibited and undoubtedly makes the country’s commercial relations more expensive and difficult around the world.

Likewise, exports to Cuban state enterprises remain limited to specific areas, and require case by case evaluation and licensing. Nor are policies approved for the telecommunications industry – including investment and sales of basic equipment, software and devises – applicable to other sectors.

Other elements of the blockade which have yet to be addressed include those related to Cuban exports to the United States, and the authorization of individual travel to Cuba in the category of people-to-people exchanges.

Nonetheless, if anything is made clear by this new initiative, it is that the opportunity exists to continue moving forward on this path, and gut the regulations which sustain the blockade. Perhaps this is the most expeditious route to promoting debate within the U.S. Congress, so that this body finally makes the decision demanded by 191 countries in the United Nations General Assembly, and advocated by President Obama himself, to definitively end the blockade.

Thomas Donohue, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, noted that the Council will work to ensure that both countries benefit from trade, investment and economic cooperation.

For his part, Orlando Hernández Guillén, President of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, who led the island’s delegation to the Council’s inauguration, described the investment and business opportunities that will open up to U.S. businesses once the blockade is eliminated; the principal obstacle to the development of relations of this kind.

”Who knows what the future holds, the U.S.-Cuba Business Council has a great task ahead of it: to work toward normalizing bilateral trade relations,” highlighted Hernández Guillén.

He noted that Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce regards the Business Council not as a mechanism limited to facilitating U.S. exports or businesses in Cuba but “We are approaching it with a central objective: to work toward the total, swift and unconditional lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against the island.”

”This would be the only context in which our entities will be able to develop their full potential,” added the Cuban official.
The President of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce also noted the active role played by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and especially it’s President Thomas Donohue, in the new scenario of bilateral relations between the two nations.

(Granma)