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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. |
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President Obama, his latent example and inspiration for Cuba
By Rolando H. Castañeda y Lorenzo Cañizares
One hundred days into his administration, President Barack H. Obama shows the world a series of examples and challenges that are also particularly applicable to Cuba. He proposes to confront -- simultaneously and with determination -- several fundamental problems that affect U.S. society, and he wishes to establish good relations and détente with the rest of the world, especially with his closest neighbors.
By Virtin
On Sunday, death came to our dear poet, writer and comrade Mario Benedetti in Uruguay, his native country.
He taught us that our dead ask us to sing.
An example they’d like to impose on Cuba
By Germán Piniella
An article signed by Rolando H. Castañeda and Lorenzo Cañizares, published in this issue of Progreso Weekly (see “President Obama, His Latent Example and Inspiration for Cuba”) seems to pose an alternate position in regards to the relations of the island’s émigré.
It is convenient to remember similar perspectives in another moment in Cuban history. Halfway through the 19th century, when the country’s national conscience began to emerge, a roadway for the independence struggle was paved in the thoughts of the educator Felix Varela and the incendiary lyrics of Jose Maria Heredia. There were sectors of the bourgeoisie who feared that the “black danger” of the Haitian revolution would overpower Cuba, or that the “Jacobin” chaos would take the country towards the path of ruin. For these and other reasons two solutions arose: the autonomy linked to Spain and annexation to the United States.
Cuba and Obama's contradictions
By Salim Lamrani
On April 13, 2009, on the eve of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad & Tobago, Barack Obama alleviated the economic sanctions against Cuba by lifting the restrictions that affected Cubans living in the United States. Now, they can travel to their land of birth whenever they wish (an activity previously limited to a 14-day stay every three years) and send unlimited remittances to their relatives (previously limited to US$100 per month.)
The summit -- in which Havana did not participate because it was expelled from the Organization of American States in 1962 -- was dominated by the topic of Cuba. In her inaugural speech, 
Argentine President Cristina Kirchner exhorted Washington to eliminate the state of siege it has imposed on the people of Cuba since August 1960. The other 32 Latin American and Caribbean leaders also called on the White House to end an anachronistic and cruel situation that affects all sectors of the population.
By Bill Press
It's been 81 years since legendary coach Knute Rockne urged his players to "win one for the Gipper." But no Notre Dame football team ever faced a tougher challenge than President Obama does.
Since he was invited by university president Father John Jenkins to give this year's commencement address, Obama has faced a growing wave of protest. Judging from the howls of some critics, you'd think the devil himself was presiding over this year's graduation.
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