Structural changes
Cuban Radar Read Spanish Version
Structural changes
A Service by the Radio Progreso Alternativa Havana Bureau
Changes in government agencies mean more than fusion of some ministries, but rather "changing the way in which ministries operate," said Omar Everleny Pérez in "Puntos de Vista," the program transmitted by Miami’s Radio Progreso Alternativa.
Everleny Pérez, an economist and deputy director of the University of Havana’s Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy (CEEC), added that "we could reorganize the whole state, but if it has the same authority than that of the previous one, that would not be a structural change."
In his opinion, President Raúl Castro’s thinking is focused on streamlining central structures and strengthening productive bases.
"We are at a good moment for thinking that all structural changes are going to bring benefits."
New stores for farmers
Reliable sources confirm that specialized stores for farmers will open shortly in several provinces of the country.
Sales of the products will be in convertible pesos, since there are farmers that receive partial payments in that currency, such as is the case with cattle growers that get a few cents in convertible peso as part of the payment for milk.
Tobacco growers also receive substantial payments in convertible pesos, according to product quality.
Public transportation improving
With approximately 400 new buses, Havana’s Metrobus Enterprise has made significant improvements in public urban transportation.
Until recently a rider might stand for hours at a bus stop. Presently the waiting has been reduced substantially and when there are delays they are due to other factors.
In a program of the National Radio Newscast aired Monday, March 24, a journalist reported on the opinion of the public regarding the frequency of several Metrobus routes.
Most said that buses came practically one after another, with the subsequent delay at the beginning of the route. The reporter quizzed Metrobus officials who confirmed the delays.
The explanation was that many drivers are new to the Chinese made Yutong buses. Also cited was the fact that many drivers are from other provinces and do not know the routes very well. They added that the lack of inspectors along the way has also played a role.
Inspectors time buses along the route checking for delays or for those who travel to hurriedly.
The fact is that causes for complaints are different now, for there are more modern and comfortable buses running and transportation has improved.
Security and defense
The Cuban Center for Studies of Defense Information (CEID) has called for the First International Conference on Security and Defense, to be held from April 21 to 23, 2008.
Up to the moment 80 academics from 10 countries have submitted their applications.
According to Granma daily in its March 25 edition, the issues to be discussed "will be in relation to security and defense in the Americas, the existing challenges and threats; construction of a new, reliable system in the continent; human and cooperative security; civilian-military relations and the role of the armed forces in society; U.S. influence in the hemisphere’s system; and possibilities of integration in the matter."
Assistance for victims guaranteed
Baracoa, the easternmost city in the country, was severely damaged by strong sea penetration last weekend.
One-hundred sixty-eight (168) dwellings and numerous social institutions were partially or totally destroyed, a fact verified by Vice President Carlos Lage in his visit to the city.
During his visit, Lage assured the press that the country has the necessary resources in order that those affected can recover from the damage.
According to Granma daily in its March 25 edition, "Lage conveyed to the population the assurance that their housing problems will be solved as soon as possible," as indicated by President Raúl Castro himself.
