The Cuban deputies discussed on July 29 crucial issues such as the results on the transformations in public health, electricity power from renewable sources of energy, quality in education, collaboration projects with outside funds, the situation of foreign investment in Cuba and access to Internet.

The second and final work of the standing commissions of Cuba’s National Assembly (Parliament) of People's Power, previous to the ongoing ordinary session was aimed at keeping on checking the development and possible deficiencies of the issues aforementioned among others, in the light of the Guidelines for the Economic and Social Policy which were passed at the Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba on April 16th.

Some parliament members were in favor of comprehensiveness, sustainability, rapid implementation and systematic monitoring of collaboration projects with foreign assistance, which were approved in the branches related to food security, and must be included in the economic plans in order to ensure all the necessary support.

Discussions took place at the Conventions Center of Havana starting from a document presented by agro-alimentary   committees of Economic Affairs and International Relationships, which critically assessed and in depth the carrying out of that task.

Although the funds Cuba receives are not the total solution of its economic problems, since the State allocates significant resources to people’s food, they are a very necessary complement, as non-refundable convertible sources, -in most cases- which are shortfall in the country.

Regarding to foreign investment, Minister of Foreign Trade Rodrigo Malmierca, told the press, after a meeting with parliament members that Cuba is checking the contributions of associations with foreign capital, as well as regulations and procedures for its constitution in order to correct mistakes, and that those companies which Cuba has signed different contracts with, provide the "know how” and play the role our economy needs. 

Results on the changes in the Cuban health system, related to the quality, efficiency and rationality, were also assessed by Health and Sports Commission.

Roberto Morales, Minister of Public Health, explained that the current context in Cuba and the increase of collaboration with brother countries, has forced the country to reorganize services, with considerable reduction in the costs and better use of resources.

By evaluating job projections for the next semester, members of the Commission on Education, Culture, Science and Technology discussed on the quality of Cuban educational sector, and defended to focus on the work carrying out the pre-universities based in Havana  as ell as the entrance admission for the University.

Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Minister of Higher Education, called the members Commission to focus their discussions on the need to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

On the other hand, it was announced that the power generation from renewable energy sources (RES) should increase this year in Cuba, with the starting of Gibara 2 Wind Park located in the eastern province of Holguin, 772 miles Havana.

A study presented by the commission on Energy and Environment of the Cuban Parliament, released that the increase should occur with the start of the operation of the equipment installed in Holguin, where the first wind park has been working over three years.

During a meeting with a group of parliament members, Boris Moreno Cordoves, vice minister of Information and Communications in Cuba (MIC) referred to access of Cuba to Internet and important contents and tools of the network of networks.

Boris Moreno affirmed that the access difficulties are part of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by U.S. government in Cuba over five decades.

“There are websites that promote touristic visits to Cuba or Cuban products, but they are blocked, aside from other tools we are not allowed to access, “Moreno said.

On July 6 and 7, the deputies of the 12 standing commissions of the Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power will meet with some ministers and they will  know the final decision by some of those work permanent groups.

A translation by: Silke Paez Carr

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