In May, 2011, the Communist Party of Cuba enacted guidelines which will reform the economic model of the Island nation. These 313 guidelines will improve the economic competitiveness of Cuba, and maintain the Socialist nature of the Revolution.
The most exciting changes are in the areas of Agriculture, Small Business, and Private Property ownership. While there will be government oversight to prevent abuses and exploitation, entrepreneurship and pride of ownership will be beneficial to the people of Cuba.
Agriculture: There have been many acres of un-used farmland, and the new guidelines hope to address this problem. Tracts of un-used land will be made available to individuals and co-operatives, and loans will be made available for the purchase of equipment and other start-up costs. The aim of these agricultural guidelines are to reduce the amount of imported food products to Cuba, provide self-employment opportunities, and in some cases, provide export material that would benefit the general economy.
Small Business: Small businesses such as barber shops, coffee houses, diners, etc... are receiving permits and hiring employees. This may develop into a large part of the Cuban economy as tourism continues to grow. There will be thousands of self-employment/employment opportunities available as people from around the world discover Cuba as a travel destination.
On this same topic, restrictions and regulations on appliances have been eased. This reform is made possible due to improvements in Cuba's electric grid, and the continuing development of alternative energy. These changes were needed to ensure the best chance of success of the self-employed, and the needs of the continually growing tourism industry.
Private Property: With the changes in self-employment and agriculture, it was necessary to make some changes in property law. People will need a place to conduct business, there will be a need for vehicles for deliveries, and farmers will need to get produce to market. Also property owners, especially multi-family units, will invest in repairs and improvements on their property. This will save public funds and provide self-employment opportunities to those making the repairs.
While most of the guidelines were fully supported, two caused some concern, the elimination of some government jobs, and the phase out of the coupon book. The jobs being cut are those that are redundant or unproductive and therefore unsustainable. With transfers to other government positions, self-employment, and the increase in private sector jobs, the impact of the loss of these jobs will be minimal.
The phase out of the coupon book is perhaps the biggest concern for the average citizen. What many don't understand it that continued subsidies are not sustainable, in part because they are across the board. Many who don't need these subsidies are selling these goods on the black market, which is theft of public funds and creates an environment for other criminal activity.
Proper nutrition is important for the workforce, students, and the general health of the nation. Programs will be set up to provide for those who need assistance, and citizens will not be left "in the cold".
Healthcare and Education, two of Cuba's most successful endeavors, will not see substantial changes. They will still be provided by the national government, and any alterations will be re-directing focus and improving services.
The PCC and leadership of Cuba have adopted a pro-active and forward looking view in the implementation of this guideline package. Socialism is a dynamic science, and Cuba is enacting reforms which will carry the Revolution into future generations.
The most exciting changes are in the areas of Agriculture, Small Business, and Private Property ownership. While there will be government oversight to prevent abuses and exploitation, entrepreneurship and pride of ownership will be beneficial to the people of Cuba.
Agriculture: There have been many acres of un-used farmland, and the new guidelines hope to address this problem. Tracts of un-used land will be made available to individuals and co-operatives, and loans will be made available for the purchase of equipment and other start-up costs. The aim of these agricultural guidelines are to reduce the amount of imported food products to Cuba, provide self-employment opportunities, and in some cases, provide export material that would benefit the general economy.
Small Business: Small businesses such as barber shops, coffee houses, diners, etc... are receiving permits and hiring employees. This may develop into a large part of the Cuban economy as tourism continues to grow. There will be thousands of self-employment/employment opportunities available as people from around the world discover Cuba as a travel destination.
On this same topic, restrictions and regulations on appliances have been eased. This reform is made possible due to improvements in Cuba's electric grid, and the continuing development of alternative energy. These changes were needed to ensure the best chance of success of the self-employed, and the needs of the continually growing tourism industry.
Private Property: With the changes in self-employment and agriculture, it was necessary to make some changes in property law. People will need a place to conduct business, there will be a need for vehicles for deliveries, and farmers will need to get produce to market. Also property owners, especially multi-family units, will invest in repairs and improvements on their property. This will save public funds and provide self-employment opportunities to those making the repairs.
While most of the guidelines were fully supported, two caused some concern, the elimination of some government jobs, and the phase out of the coupon book. The jobs being cut are those that are redundant or unproductive and therefore unsustainable. With transfers to other government positions, self-employment, and the increase in private sector jobs, the impact of the loss of these jobs will be minimal.
The phase out of the coupon book is perhaps the biggest concern for the average citizen. What many don't understand it that continued subsidies are not sustainable, in part because they are across the board. Many who don't need these subsidies are selling these goods on the black market, which is theft of public funds and creates an environment for other criminal activity.
Proper nutrition is important for the workforce, students, and the general health of the nation. Programs will be set up to provide for those who need assistance, and citizens will not be left "in the cold".
Healthcare and Education, two of Cuba's most successful endeavors, will not see substantial changes. They will still be provided by the national government, and any alterations will be re-directing focus and improving services.
The PCC and leadership of Cuba have adopted a pro-active and forward looking view in the implementation of this guideline package. Socialism is a dynamic science, and Cuba is enacting reforms which will carry the Revolution into future generations.
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