Samuel Rodiles Planas, head of the Physical Planning Institute, began the session with a presentation on land use and urban zoning plans for the Mariel Special Development Zone and the city of Trinidad, which were approved by the Council of Ministers.

Regarding the first, he said that the plan is a short term one, projecting through 2033 and identifies potentialities of the region such as its proximity to the Cuban capital, the existence of an available water supply, the presence of port infrastructure, airport, and communications, as well as highway and railroad access.

The Plan divides the Special Zone into sectors, dedicated to industry and logistics; tourism; and livestock, forestry and agricultural development. In addition, it projects the creation of conditions in nearby settlements to receive the expanding workforce that is expected and the improvement of those existent.In terms of the General Urban Zoning Plan for the city of Trinidad, with the greatest potential for tourism within the province of Sancti Spíritus, Rodiles said that the design guarantees the orderly, planned development of the city from the functional, structural, and environmental point of view. It is a novel vision of Trinidad, seen in all its splendor from the sea, with new areas designated for future development, while protecting the historic central district, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, he said.Teresita Romero Rodríguez, president of the Sancti Spíritus Provincial Assembly of People’s Power, said she considered the plan a good one, with urban regulations that will allow for harmonious development. In addition, she said, the heritage value ​​of the city and its surroundings is preserved, adhering to established housing policy and measures that have been proposed as part of Tarea Vida, which guides adaptation to climate change. The plan was reconciled with the National Institute of Water Resources, given the municipality’s water supply issues.In this regard, Diaz-Canel said that the two plans should help to ensure that everything we do is coherent and better ordered development is achieved in these areas. Particularly Trinidad, he said, is a beautiful historic city, one of the first villas founded by the Spanish, with a great heritage and an active cultural and productive life.

FOREIGN TRADEAs part of the government’s regular review of the economic effects of irregularities in foreign trade operations, the Council of Ministers also addressed the situation in this arena, as of the end of 2018.Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz explained that actions have been taken to reduce the damage and strengthen monitoring and accounting mechanisms put in place by the Ministry, as the governing body in this activity.He detailed follow-up action taken in such cases – contract breaches and violations of quality parameters, for example.

He specified that, in cases which have been fully analyzed, measures were adopted and sanctions applied, given the economic impact on the country.Among the logistical problems that hinder the efficiency of export and import operations, he identified payments for overstays in ports. Despite a continuing downward trend with respect to 2017, an increase is evident in the case of containers from general cargo ships, as a result of problems in ports, the reception of goods, and storage capacity.

The Minister stated that it has been possible to analyze the detected situation and improve management. Progress has been noted in the investigation of such cases, to determine underlying causes and individuals responsible.In this regard, he assured that the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment will continue to coordinate work with the Attorney General of the Republic’s Office.President Díaz-Canel recalled that Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Party Central Committee, referred to the issue in 2017, stating that problems in foreign trade operations are extraordinary events, and merit close attention.Following this advice , Díaz-Canel emphasized, the governing authority of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment has been recovered. He acknowledged that, although a more coherent system of detection and enforcement has now been established, problems must be definitively resolved.He insisted that daily analysis of issues must be conducted, to ensure that problems do not accumulate, and a greater response capacity is developed.

DEVELOPMENTS IN TRANSPORTATION

Minister Malmierca also presented a comprehensive report on work in the areas of foreign investment, use of external credits, and exports by entities affiliated with the Ministry of Transportation, a priority sector for the development of the country’s infrastructure, which has a significant impact on the functioning of the rest of the economy.Malmierca explained that the evaluation of these issues is vital to identify positive experiences, review difficulties, vulnerabilities, and project superior results.He recalled that transportation is among the sectors prioritized in foreign investment policy, to promote port infrastructure; construction and repair of ships and shipyards; the manufacture and repair of components, spare parts, and accessories; as well as the management of railroad shops, among others.He stressed that need is more attention to current operations and the identification of new ones.

At the same time, systematic work is required in providing managers of established enterprises opportunities to continue their training, as well as that of negotiating teams, so that the process of preparing new investments is not delayed.Regarding the use of external credits, he commented that this modality is traditionally used in the sector and that currently important investments are being executed or negotiated in airport, maritime-port, and railway activities.

The Cuban President highlighted the importance of transportation, since it plays a role in practically all economic activities. He stated that foreign investment is needed to improve airports and railways, as well as maritime-port activity, specifically cargo shipment, with great potential given our status as an island.Addressing foreign investment and credit, he insisted on more agile management, to take better advantage of opportunities, closely linked to the preparation of negotiating teams.

He commented that the country has assumed a number of debts to fund transportation projects, with which an important impact can be achieved, for example, in the railroad system, for transportation of cargo and passengers.

INTERNAL ACCOUNTING The Comptroller General of the Republic, Gladys Bejerano Portela, presented a report on the evaluation indiscipline, illegalities, and cases of administrative corruption in 2018, in which she assured that there exists a greater perception of risks and more urgency felt to implement effective internal control systems, focused on better financial-administrative management.Despite progress and the positive examples that are evident in various organizations, she insisted that problems detected are not new, and it has not been possible to put a stop to indiscipline, illegalities, and acts of corruption.

As underlying causes, identified were vulnerabilities in accounting systems; lack of documentation and primary records; incorrect book keeping; absence of daily cross-checks; and the failure to issue receipts for deliveries or the return of products, with poor monitoring of bodies responsible for supervision.Internal accounting systems – she insisted – are not meant only to detect crime, but precisely to avoid it and support efficient management. “Where there is no effective accounting system, the results are ephemeral or do not exist.”The most serious problem – the Comptroller stated – is at the basic production unit and enterprise level.

Hence the importance of spending more time at the primary level and reordering our work to listen more to people. “We do not accomplish anything with people going to courses and acquiring theoretical knowledge, if they do not have management skills.”Commenting on the issue, the Minister of Domestic Commerce, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, acknowledged that the greatest incidence of such criminal acts is within the wholesale and retail sector, hence her ministry’s work has focused on prevention in these arenas.

She commented that book keeping is not being adequately reconciled at the primary level, where most illegalities are taking place, and that measures are being taken to improve accounting.The President emphasized that, as part of efforts to confront illegalities, the problem of fuel theft must be addressed, noting that several measures have been adopted.He mentioned the recent investigation conducted at several transportation bases by Provincial Administration Councils, in which it was confirmed that the most common deficiencies are those identified by the Comptroller General, in relation to other crimes, such as the lack of primary documents to justify levels of activity; a reduction in mileage rates; lack of control of magnetic cards; and poor use of GPS.In many cases, deficiencies occur in entities that do not have defined procedural and enforcement plans. There is no control and this is the responsibility of leaders, who must play a more active role to achieve more efficient use of fuel, he said.

THE ECONOMY’S PERFORMANCE

Minister of Economy and Planning Alejandro Gil Fernández presented a report on the performance of the national economy as of the end of February, a period during which continued growth in exports of tobacco, rum, and seafood was noted.

He explained that in the months of January and February, some 2,093 vehicles arrived in the country, which should have a positive impact on the economy and in meeting the population’s needs. This, he said, should put us in a better position than last year.

Referring to energy resources, he explained that fuel allocations have been cut by 180 tons to entities that have not taken necessary steps to stem theft, as part of the implementation of a Council of Ministers directive to reduce by 50% the amount of fuel assigned for administrative work in entities given poor evaluations.

He also noted that, in the month of February, there were no outages in electrical service due to a deficit in generation during peak demand hours.

Gil reported that delivery plans for rice and beans were surpassed, and that planting projections for various food crops and tobacco are on schedule, with

449,900 hectares planted, representing 100.5% of what was expected by this date.

In terms of the sugar harvest, he pointed out that sugar production is falling short of projections by 16%, primarily as a result of breakdowns at mills. Despite the tension, he said, the industry remains determined to meet its commitments this season.

Tourist arrivals have increased, he said, as compared to the same period last year, and important markets like Canada and Russia have shown growth. On this point, Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz added that Santa María Cay and Jardines del Rey are consolidating their condition as the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Gil additionally reported on progress being made is the recovery and development of railroads, including the arrival of silo, flat bed, and tipper cars, which will allow for a significant increase in annual cargo capacity. Plus, a number of box cars and passenger cars are being repaired.

He addressed the situation that has led to a decrease in the production of eggs, mainly the result of shortfalls in the import of poultry feed, which is being stabilized. In February, a total of 133,700,000 eggs were produced, 97.8% of the monthly plan, providing the supply needed for allocated subsidized sales, but not enough to meet demand on the unregulated market. A greater quantity is projected for March, but not yet enough to meet demand.

Shortages of wheat flour have also occurred, due to mechanical and electrical problems in the milling industry. This situation continues to affect the unregulated sales of bread.In this regard, the Minister of Food Industry, Iris Quiñones Rojas, explained that production has stabilized, reaching 43,000 tons in March, a figure that remains below what was projected by some 4,000 tons.

Gil reported on several measures adopted by the government to deal with shortages of products of basic necessity in retail stores, and avoid hoarding. These involve imports for the months of April, May, June, and July of cooking oil, chicken, and MDM for the production of ground meat and cold cuts, although he insisted on the importance of exploiting all potential for agricultural production and advancing local development projects in the food industry.

Finally, the Minister referred to slow progress on housing plans. On this point, President Díaz-Canel directed that the greatest attention be paid to the construction program, noting that rigorous follow-up has not been maintained. If we begin to accumulate more delays and don’t get back on schedule immediately, goals will not be met, he stated.He noted, for example, “There are many housing units that were completed in 2018 but still haven’t been certified as habitable.”
This is bureaucracy, he said, and we are creating another problem for people, since they are living in the homeillegally. Likewise noted were delays in granting construction licenses to both individuals and state entities.

These issues, Díaz-Canel added, will be more rigorously reviewed during coming visits to the provinces by the Council of Ministers, and working meetings will be devoted to evaluating progress in meeting goals for housing construction. Plus, the national press will publish reports, every three months, from provinces and municipalities, on results in this important program.

(Source: Granma)

Analysis of projections for the economy over the rest of the year and directives to guide 2019 planning were addressed during the meeting, also attended by José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Party.

The fundamental role of Government Councils in perfecting Cuba’s state enterprise system was emphasized.

It was reported that measures for the last part of the year have been adopted to assure meeting the principal goals of the 2018 Plan, directed primarily toward imports and other hard currency expenditures.

2018 Plan projections for basic services to the population and key development projects will be met.

Díaz-Canel discussed the importance of cadres being sensitive to the population’s problems, never overlooking poor quality, and maintaining close ties with grassroots leaders.

(Granma)

Despite continuing economic challenges, he noted, we have been able to offer our people more and better activities, showing that much can be done with limited resources. He added that efforts must be redoubled to ensure a memorable end of summer, in the final days of August. He likewise called for careful evaluation of what was done to identify needed improvements and determine which activities can be maintained year-round, once the vacation period comes to an end.

Díaz-Canel went on to note, “Not everything has been positive,” citing the example of an inspection conducted of state facilities located in Havana’s eastern beach area, where violations of the law and food service regulations were detected, among other problems. He called for adequate supervision and law enforcement in such areas.

Central government authorities were also able to converse via video conference with provincial officials, who reported the population’s favorable response to summer programs, as indicated in surveys in 69 communities within 31 municipalities.

Dissatisfaction continues, however, with swimming pools in some provinces – affected by shortages of chlorine – as well as food services and the cleanliness of some beaches.

The work of special commissions established to organize summer recreational programs was recognized, as well as that of the ministries of Education and Culture; the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation; the Young Communists League; the Cuban Film Institute; and others.

Of special note were youth summer camps and visits to historic sites organized by the Young Communists League and the Martí Youth Movement; shows by popular artists in communities and more remote areas; concerts by international figures; special film series in movie theaters; festivals; and fairs.

(Granma)

- During his stop at La Demajagua National Park, where Cuba’s independence struggle was launched, he observed a moment of silence, and speaking with staff emphasized the importance of caring for the historic site.
- The President applauded the environmental and scientific efforts being made at the crocodile breeding station in Manzanillo.
- Next on the morning agenda were two plants in Manzanillo devoted to forging spare parts for the sugar industry.
- The people of Granma came out onto the streets wherever the President stopped to enthusiastically greet him, express affection, and reiterate their commitment to the continuity of the Revolution.
- At the “Eighth Congress” agricultural cooperative, the President confirmed progress made in the cultivation of grains, which has contributed to reducing imports.
- In the provincial capital of Bayamo, Díaz-Canel visited an ice cream and cheese plant, and toured the site where a 5,000 cubic meter water tank was recently constructed to improve service in the city’s northern neighborhoods.

(Granma)

According to a report presented by Margarita González Fernández, minister of Labor and Social Security, currently gainfully employed in Cuba are 4,474,800 persons. Of these, a bit more than three million work in the state sector, while some 1.3 million are active in the non-state sector (self-employed, cooperative members, etc.)

She explained that as a result of the rationalizing process underway since 2009, inflated workplace rosters have been reduced, within both budgeted entities and state enterprises, while employment in the private sector has increased.
In terms of priorities in access to jobs, she noted recent graduates from universities, technical-professional high schools, trade schools, and active military service programs, as well as individuals on prison work-release, the disabled, and unemployed.

The minister also discussed instability in the workforce in certain areas, above all in the medical, educational, technical, and economic fields. Among factors causing workers to leave these positions, she identified low salaries and long distances to workplaces, as well as personal interests.

First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa addressed the level of underemployment persisting in the country, and commented that many people are conducting economic activities without authorization, and therefore not paying taxes.
He argued for efforts to make employment opportunities more attractive, especially as part of municipal development programs, citing the example of mechanization in agriculture that has humanized work in the fields.

President Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of implementing Guideline 143, approved at the Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, to promote the incorporation into the workforce of everyone able to do so, especially youth, so they can contribute to society and satisfy their needs in a meaningful way.

He insisted that central state administration bodies must ensure that their subordinated entities are paying attention to recent graduates, so that after completing their year of social service, these young workers remain in the position. If we want them to stay, he said, they must feel part of things, their opinions must be heeded, and they must be involved in decision-making.

He noted that entities must do a better job of managing human resources, not simply relying on customary assignments of graduates, but rather make an effort to attract personnel. Alternatives must be found and strategies designed to find the specialists and workers needed, he said.

Díaz-Canel also highlighted the importance of defending the Labor Code, the legal framework approved in June of 2014, which is on occasion violated in the private sector, where vacations are denied, and specific physical features required for employment in certain positions. This must be detected and stopped, he said, adding that this is not why we made the Revolution.

The President’s working meeting also included a review of several investment projects underway in the country, which will have a significant impact on the economy.

On this occasion, those making accountability reports included the steelworks Antillana de Acero in Havana and Acinox in Las Tunas; the Sosa chlorine plant in Sagua la Grande; as well as the fuel storage capacity-building program.

The director of Antillana de Acero, Miguel Ángel Solarana Reyes, indicated that the investment project at the steelworks is conceived in two phases, the first of which involves recuperating a capacity of 250,000 tons of molten steel a year. The second stage should make possible stable production of 420,000 tons of molten steel annually and 350,000 tons of plates.
Solarana referred to the need to stabilize the workforce to maintain current production levels and those projected for the future, specifically young university graduates.

The report on investments at the steelworks was well-received, and Comptroller General Gladys Berejano noted that the state company’s bookkeeping was evaluated as satisfactory during a recent audit.

It was reported that Acinox in Las Tunas is working on an investment project to replace outdated technology on the 200 T rolling mill, with the goal of expanding annual capacity to 150,000 tons of corrugated rods and 20,000 of steel wire.
The company’s director, Eraldo González Ávila, stated that despite delays in assuring financing, the process is going well, and the Comptroller General’s audit found everything in acceptable order. At this time, work is underway to repair bays where the new rolling mill and wire area will be installed.

Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of this project to the broad construction effort underway in Cuba, and to expanding exports.

The investment process at the Sosa chlorine plant in Sagua la Grande was described as one that has not had positive results. The lack of financing; delays in the delivery of domestically produced and imported materials; logistical shortcomings; and a shortage of qualified workers have kept the project from advancing on schedule.

Also analyzed during the meeting were investments being made to expand storage capacity for fuel, including construction of new tanks, maintenance of existing ones, and the recuperation of those that are out of service. The President described this effort as strategic to the development and sovereignty of the country.

(Granma)

He explained that the process was preceded by the holding of assemblies in all grassroots union sections, followed by municipal conferences (there remain 18 to be held), until reaching the provincial conferences, with the participation of hundreds of thousands of workers, as part of the schedule of activities in the lead up to the 21st CTC Congress, the final sessions of which are scheduled for January 2019.

Guilarte de Nacimiento described the assemblies as strategic, as they offer a space for workers to present their views, concerns, and concrete proposals directed not only toward the internal functioning of their workplaces and union sections, but also how the union can mobilize and play a more effective role in the updating of the Cuban economic model, through sustained efficiency.

“Nobody like the workers,” he emphasized, can identify the reserves that persist in the areas of planning, the organization of work and wages, consumption rates, savings in energy carriers and other expenses, to ensure continued advances.

The CTC Secretary General noted that the Congress next January will see debates on the economy, as a strategic and central focus; the multiple ways in which foreign investment is developed; and forms of non-state management and the way in which the union deals with new types of workers.

(Granma)

Acceptable economic performance is estimated for the first half of the year, despite the tensions that characterize the Cuban economy, informed Alejandro Gil Fernández, deputy minister of Economy and Planning, presenting the report on expected performance for the period to the Council of Ministers.

Highlighted among the aspects that have most impacted the country’s economic performance were the insufficient availability of resources; the effects of weather events on harvests; shortcomings in export earnings; and the impact of heavy rains, in addition to the tightening of the U.S. blockade and its extraterritorial effects.

However, moderate growth is expected in the construction sector and trade, while favorable results in meeting the main agricultural produce plans have been reported, and activity levels in the food industry are mostly in line with what was planned. In tourism, having surpassed the figure of two million visitors was considered positive, possible thanks to the swift recovery from the damages caused by Hurricane Irma.

The importance of continuing the joint work among all agencies in order to meet plans was noted. There are still potentialities in the economy that permit continued advances, for which efforts must be focused to achieve greater activity and efficiency.

The report sparked a wide-ranging debate among those participating in the meeting, who addressed issues such as the importance of identifying existing reserves in each organization; achieving better supervision of the disaggregation of the Plan; and prioritizing those investments that can contribute most to the country’s development.

The President of the Councils of State and Ministers stressed the need to prioritize investments with a productive impact. He offered the example of water diversion projects, investments that ensure water for both the population and agriculture, with more irrigation resulting in more food; as well as investments in tourism, which provide income immediately; and in the food industry, which substitute imports and also result in more products for the domestic market.

Minister of Finance and Prices, Lina Pedraza Rodríguez, presented the report on the 2017 State Budget settlement, which specified that the budget implementation recorded a fiscal deficit inferior to that approved by the National Assembly of People’s Power, resulting from the combined effect of higher income than planned, and the non-execution of some expenses.

Among other data of interest, it was reported that tax and non-tax revenue from the state sector represented approximately 86% of all income, which confirms that state enterprises continue to be the main economic contributors. Meanwhile, non-state forms of management represent 11%.

Regarding territorial contributions to local development, it was explained that 525 million pesos were approved by administration councils for the repair and maintenance of state facilities, to respond to the proposals of constituents, and to solve problems in infrastructure of collective use.

The expenditure structure of budgeted activity was detailed, reflecting the socialist character of Cuban public spending. For example, it was noted that 29% of the budget is allocated for public health and social welfare, 22% for education and 16% for social security.

In 2017, more than 21,000 people throughout the country benefited from subsidies to undertake construction works on their homes. It was noted that provincial and municipal administration councils need to streamline the allocation of these funds.

At this point on the agenda, representatives of the ministries of Food Industry and Agriculture reported on the analyses and measures adopted in those enterprises making the greatest contributions, surpassing planned taxes on earnings, and those that closed the year with unplanned losses.

At the end of the debate, Council of Ministers members approved to submit the State Budget settlement report to the National Assembly of People’s Power, for consideration, analysis and approval in its next session.

Meanwhile, Comptroller General of the Republic, Gladys Bejerano Portela, announced the results of audits carried out on the 2017 Budget settlement process, in which discreet advances could be seen. Among the main deficiencies, she pointed to untapped potential in income planning, and in the control of budget implementation regarding expenditure destination and use.

In particular, analyzed were several cases of excessive payments for constructive work in different state institutions, which are under investigation by the Ministry of the Interior and the Attorney General’s Office.

First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Salvador Valdés Mesa, called for better and much more effective planning, especially in the case of the State Budget. The earnings above plans outlined in the report presented are a demonstration of the reserves that continue to exist in terms of planning, which result in financial resources that the country needs, he stressed.

Meanwhile, compañero Díaz-Canel noted that there must be increased control over the State Budget; systematic analysis of these cases in Council of Ministers meetings; strict tax discipline ensured; and suitable contractual relationships between the state sector and self-employed workers.

The Cuban President stressed that the population must be fully aware of what the country invests in education, health, and social welfare, to appreciate the impact that the implementation of the Budget has on their daily lives.

Likewise, he agreed with the First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers on referring to the promotion of a wide-ranging debate of these issues in the next session of the National Assembly.

The second point on the agenda was to examine the main issues that would allow for swifter progress in exports, the use of loans, and foreign investment.

Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, assured that: “Reaching economic growth levels that lead to development implies raising accumulation rates.” To do so, it is essential to increase export income and foreign investment, as well as access to external resources through medium and long-term loans.

As a result of the approval in 2014 of the Foreign Investment Policy and its new regulatory framework, there has been an increase in foreign capital investment, but this still remains very low in relation to total investment in the country, he said.

The Minister explained that, in addition to objective issues such as the economic blockade and the dual currency system, factors of a subjective and organizational nature limit both exports and the use of loans and attraction of foreign investment, closely related issues that must be comprehensively addressed.

The advances achieved in these three areas will be decisive to the economic performance of the country, he emphasized.

In this regard, the Council of Ministers approved a set of decisions, among them conducting monthly meetings with the heads of central state administration agencies to review exports and foreign investment businesses case by case, as well as the management and execution of external loans. Likewise, to increase supervision of enterprises that carry out foreign trade operations.

Finally, the President of the Councils of State and Ministers insisted on the need to further boost foreign investment, given what it represents for the country’s development. We have to be creative and take risks, without affecting our sovereignty, he stressed.

(Granma)

Over the course of almost three hours, Raúl shared ideas on the tense international situation, marked by conflicts in different parts of the world and non-conventional wars being waged against progressive governments; as well as historical events that impacted Cuba, including the collapse of the Socialist camp in the 1990s.
He emphasized that the Revolution’s principal weapon has always been unity and that in the face of any adverse international conjuncture Cuba will continue its struggle and defend its principles.

Recalling the hard times of the special period that led to some discouragement, Raúl stressed, “We must die fighting, struggle with our heads always held high, because this has been our principal conviction.”
He reiterated that the economic issue is at the top of the Party’s work agenda, since everything else depends on it. He insisted on confronting problems openly and acting with optimism in all circumstances. He cited as an example the development of tourism that began years ago, during a difficult time.

Among other issues, the First Secretary referred to the cadre policy and the importance of continuing to promote women, Black, and mixed race leaders to decision-making positions.

He remarked that meeting with cadres leading the Party at the provincial and municipal level was a privilege, since they represent a great deal for the country, adding that this type of meeting will be held annually.

During the three day meeting, first secretaries of municipal and provincial committees discussed, among other issues, the Party’s functioning; the role of members; fulfillment of agreements reached at the 6th and 7th Congresses; and attention to prioritized work in education, science, sports, transportation, industry, and construction.

Those attending also heard an update from the National Assembly commission charged with writing the first draft of a proposed new Constitution, which will subsequently be discussed in neighborhood meetings across the country, a process in which the Party will play an important role.

Also attending were Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and Party Second Secretary José Ramón Machado Ventura.

(Granma)

The first point on the agenda was the evaluation of policies implemented since that time, previously analyzed on two other occasions by the Political Bureau.

Introducing the issue, Marino Murillo Jorge, head of the Implementation and Development Standing Committee, explained that taken into consideration for this analysis were those policies with legal norms established, which had been in place for a enough time to evaluate their impact.

This study was initiated on the request of the Army General Raúl Castro, given the need to review all policies, to be fully informed of what has worked, what needs to be rectified, and what questions created obstacles to the implementation of measures.

The first three years were characterized by the rapid pace of implementation of policies, which later slowed given the complexity of measures under consideration, and because of errors in the planning of processes and their control.

Also having an effect were economic and financial limitations that prevented adequate support for a series of measures that required investments.

During 2016 and 2017, efforts were primarily directed toward perfecting what had already been implemented.

Identified among the general conditions and causes of poor results, was the fact that the Implementation Standing Committee was not always able to involve bodies, agencies, organizations, and entities, so they could direct, train, support, control, and be held accountable for changes at the grassroots level.

Likewise, the lack of a comprehensive approach has been observed, a limited vision of the level of risks involved, and an incomplete appreciation of costs and benefits.

In some cases, deficiencies have been noted in follow-up and supervision of policies implemented, several of which deviated from their original objectives, and were not corrected in a timely fashion.

The Plenum recognized that the updating of the economic and social model has proven to be an issue of great complexity. Added to this is the strong commitment to never leaving any Cuban unprotected, which has had an effect on the pace of change.

Currently being reviewed are all processes underway, and among priorities are the monetary issue, in particular studies on unification of the dual currency and different exchange rates; the National Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030; as well as the comprehensive examination and perfecting of required measures, with relevant proposals.

Photo: Estudio Revolución
Cited as an example of this last priority was the self-employment policy, for which legal norms of a broad scope have been approved and should be rolled out following a training process that will include some 580,000 self-employed workers and more than 30,000 public officials.

Central Committee members also referred to the limited culture of paying taxes existent in the country; the still deficient use of accounting as a fundamental tool in any economic analysis; and difficulties in explaining policies, which has on occasion led to misunderstandings within the population, with regard to these complicated issues, generating misinterpretations because of a lack of information.

Finally, the 5th Central Committee Plenum approved the evaluation report and future actions to ensure progress in the updating of the economic and social model, via greater participation and responsibility on the part of Central State Administration Agencies, national entities, and other bodies.

The Party Central Committee’s First Secretary, Raúl Castro, commented that hard work had been done on the guidelines approved by the 6th and 7th Congresses, saying that despite the errors and shortcomings recognized, the situation is more favorable than it was several years ago.

He defined, as the fundamental task of all Communists, confronting problems without hesitation, right away; planning more carefully to direct resources to where they are truly needed; and not waiting for solutions from above, but rather contributing creative, rational ideas.

He reiterated the importance of the most minimal savings, adjusting ourselves to the reality in which we live. We must move forward on the problems, struggle resolutely and intelligently, maintaining the nation’s unity, he said.

In this sense, he recalled the difficult moments of the Special Period in the 1990s, when the country faced an extreme situation. Since then, he commented, the panorama has changed, but we must recognize that we have much to do in terms of planning our economy, since wasteful attitudes still exist, when the line to follow is one of conservation and efficiency.

He remembered that the Revolution, which he described as our most beautiful work, has been obliged to face and overcome all kinds of obstacles, since its very beginnings, emphasizing that, given new challenges, the spirit of determination and combativity that has characterized our people must prevail, without a trace of pessimism, and full confidence in the future.

HOUSING POLICY

Those attending the Plenum analyzed in detail the country’s housing policy program, on which work has been underway for some time, on the basis of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution.

Minister of Construction René Mesa Villafaña insisted on the importance of addressing the issue of housing in a different way, using all resources available in the country, in an orderly fashion.

The program was developed taking into consideration the current condition of the country’s housing stock, and the implementation of a strategy to halt deterioration, and then advance in repairs and resolving the problem.

In Cuba, a little more than 3,824,000 dwellings exist in the country, according to the last Population and Housing Census conducted in 2012, and other evaluations completed through June of 2017. Of this total, 39% are in average or poor technical condition.

Projections for the recovery of the country’s housing stock indicate that an effort of at least 10 years is required, with priority given to the most seriously deteriorated homes during the first five years.

To undertake the task, significant investment will be made in the cement industry, with the remodeling of the Siguaney plant, in Sancti Spíritus, as well as the modernization of the ceramics factory in Holguín, which will substantially increase the volume of tiles and bathroom fixtures produced.

Along with these investments, projected is the development of local construction materials production, which in the last five years has grown annually between eight and 11 percent. At the close of 2016, a total of 57 product lines were being manufactured in 168 municipalities, using raw and recycled materials available locally.

This year, to be installed are 423 mini-industries in municipalities and People’s Councils, which will join those already operational in provinces.

Participants in the Plenum underscored the importance of local production of materials, as the housing policy’s fundamental support, since they provide solutions close at hand, allow for collective participation, and strengthen the role of municipalities in the solution of housing problems.

All actors possible will participate in the intense construction movement which the country will undertake, including families, state construction organizations, cooperatives, as well as construction companies affiliated with Provincial Administration Councils and the country’s state enterprise system.

Army General Raúl Castro Ruz reiterated that the housing policy must include and promote respect for urban and land use regulations, demanding compliance from state institutions first, and then the population. It is not about prohibiting construction in any given place, he insisted, but rather doing so in an orderly manner, where elementary conditions exist to do so.

He called on members of the Central Committee to analyze the report presented more carefully and discuss it with other colleagues and specialists in their respective areas, with the purpose of going deeper and contributing new considerations before it is approved for implementation by the government.

STUDIES ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM

At another point during the meeting, Council of State Secretary Homero Acosta Álvarez presented a report to Central Committee members, approved by the Political Bureau, on studies underway concerning a future reform of the Constitution, which must reflect the principal economic, social, and political changes made in accordance with agreements reached at the Party’s 6th and 7th Congresses, and the objectives of the First National Conference – and at the same time reaffirm the irrevocable nature of our socialism and the leading role of the Party in Cuba society.

The reform will reflect experience gained by the Revolution over the years, particularly in the organization and functioning of People’s Power bodies and the exercise of fundamental rights by citizens. It will have as references our constitutional history, as well as similar processes in other countries.

(Granma)

He said that the leadership body’s commissions had analyzed questions related to the implementation of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution, as well as the central economic and social issues facing the country

Later Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, minister of Economy and Planning presented a report on the economy’s performance in 2017, as well as the proposed Economic Plan and State Budget for next year.

Likewise, Marino Murillo Jorge, head of the Permanent Policy Implementation and Development Commission informed the Central Committee of progress being made on approved Guidelines.

These final points discussed by the body will be presented today to deputies in the National Assembly of People’s Power, meeting in the 10th Period of Ordinary Sessions of the current legislature.

Before the gathering concluded, Raúl indicated that, next March, another plenum of the Central Committee will be held to further analyze progress in the implementation of Guidelines, and consider strategic projections for the coming years.

He insisted on the need to give more attention to addressing the housing situation in the country, noting that a broader program to do so is being developed. To be included are the use of a variety of construction technologies and strengthening of local production of materials, along with those produced nationally, in a effort to develop more comprehensive and timely solutions to this problem.