| This year, Cuba ushered in the 54th year of the Revolution with celebrations held across the island in late December and early January. In Havana, a 21-gun salute was fired to mark the day when the Cuban revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro overthrew the regime of U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista, initiating the process of building socialism. On January 2, in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba a group of children and youth retraced the route known as the Caravan of Victory taken by Fidel Castro and the rebel army after the triumph of January 1, 1959. Many cultural and artistic activities were held nationwide to celebrate the occasion and the new year 2012. This occasion was also marked by political rallies in all the regions to take stock of the year's accomplishments in the context of the successful 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba held this past April 16-19. The Congress oversaw the adoption of an updated economic model and policies aimed at overcoming the country's difficulties and continuing its socialist path. The people's sights are set on what is to be achieved in the new year. The Cuban people and their leaders received many greetings from foreign governments, heads of state, friendship organizations, parties and personalities on the occasion, which highlighted the significance of the Revolution for all the peoples of the region and the oppressed peoples of the world. "Without the Cuban Revolution the processes for the union of Latin American peoples would probably not exist today," said President Daniel Ortega in a message on the anniversary. The statement from the Government of Venezuela said in part, "The triumphal entry of Fidel into Santiago de Cuba on January 1, 1959 sealed the beginning of the universal action that has made the Cuban people an example of dignity to the world, a source of inspiration for oppressed people and a inexhaustible source of unconditional international solidarity." National Assembly Sums Up 2011 and Looks Toward 2012 On December 23, the deputies of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power held the debates of the 8th Ordinary Session of the 7th Legislature, the highest organ of government in Cuba. On the agenda for the Cuban Parliament was the adoption of the country's Economic Plan and Budget for 2012. Legislators evaluated the ongoing implementation of the agreements of the Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, held last April, in order to strengthen the Revolution at this crucial moment in history, especially the general crisis of capitalism. To that end, prior to the 8th ordinary session, the 12 permanent commissions of the National Assembly of People's Power held their debates from December 20 to 21 to review the effectiveness of the new economic measures implemented last year, as well as other issues of importance to the nation. The two sessions of the permanent commissions and their approximately 400 legislators preceded reports from institutions on December 22 and 23. These included representatives of the People's Supreme Court and the Attorney General of the Republic of Cuba presenting the report on the results of the judicial system in 2011 and the projections for 2012. The National Sports, Physical Education and Recreation Institute, the permanent standing commissions of the Parliament of International Relations, as well as Industry and Construction also submitted their reports to the plenary. In his speech to close the 8th Ordinary Session, President Raúl Castro affirmed that, "We will not neglect unity among the majority of Cubans around the Party and the Revolution. This unity has allowed us to come this far and to continue moving forward in the construction of our socialism." President Castro summed up the reports on the state of Cuba's economic affairs, noting that the expected figure of a 3 per cent growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell short at 2.7 per cent mainly due to lack of execution of the investment plan and failure to meet some goals for agricultural and livestock production as well as some from the food and construction industries. He also noted that a gradual recovery of sugar production began in 2011; that the number of foreign visitors went beyond record figures; that the domestic monetary balance was maintained; and that the dynamics of the medium wage-productivity ratio was favourable. He explained that advances continued to be made in the reestablishment of the national economy's international credibility, by way of the strict fulfilment of the financial obligations resulting from the renegotiation of debts with the main creditors, a policy that will continue being strengthened in the future. The president pointed out that in 2012, the GDP should increase by 3.4 percent and that in spite of the fact that national production of food (including rice and beans) should increase and, consequently, imports will be reduced, the latter will amount to a little more than $1.7 billion due to price increases. He also informed that a 3.8 percent deficit of the GDP has been foreseen, but that free services for the population in health, education, culture and sports will be guaranteed by way of rationality, as well as those of social security and food subsidies, and help to individuals with insufficient solvency to purchase construction materials, among others. Directly related to the well-being of Cuba's economy, President Castro also spoke out strongly on the issue of corruption and the work to eliminate it, saying there is an "imperious need for all of us in leadership roles at different levels, from the grass roots to the highest positions in the country, to take a firm line in the face of indiscipline and lack of control in relation to receipts and payments, which constitute one of the principal causes and requisite conditions for crime. I am convinced that corruption is currently one of the principal enemies of the Revolution, far more damaging than the subversive and interventionist activities of the United States government and its allies within and outside of the country. "The Comptroller General of the Republic, the Attorney General and the specialized units of the Ministry of the Interior have instructions to combat this scourge with all the severity that our laws permit, as, in its moment, incipient drug trafficking was successfully confronted beginning in January of 2003. [...] "I believe this is an opportune moment to clarify that this is not yet another campaign, as has certainly been the case in the past when, with the passing of time, actions to reestablish order were discontinued and routine and superficiality once again took over, allowing those who were waiting for everything to settle down, and return to normal, to continue prospering at the expense of our people's heritage. "[...] we are determined to ensure that instructions set out by the government and agreements of the Party Congress are fulfilled. I will say the same in relation to those corrupt bureaucrats, with posts obtained through simulation and opportunism, who are utilizing the positions that they still occupy to accumulate fortunes, betting on the possible defeat of the Revolution." Regarding Cuba's migration policy, President Castro stated, "On August 1 in this Parliament, I publicly addressed the issue and stated that we were working toward implementing an updated migration policy and advancing in reformulating and drafting the regulations, in line with present and foreseeable future conditions. Today, I guarantee each and every one of the proposals made on that occasion, while reaffirming our unchanged will to gradually introduce the changes required in relation to this complex issue, while continuing to comprehensively assess the positive and negative effects of each step we take." In the sphere of foreign affairs, President Castro noted that "2011 has been a year of upheaval for the world, constantly more dangerous and reactionary tendencies are currently revealing themselves, on a par with increasing expressions of resistance and popular protest against neoliberal capitalism. The United Nations mechanisms, created to preserve peace and security, have been manipulated in order to impose on the planet the dictatorship of the United States and NATO, which are assuming 'regime change' as a model, violating principles of international law, and using financial-media emporiums to stir up hatred and violence." He noted the widespread protests against social inequality in the developed countries and called on the governments of those countries to listen to the peoples' demands. He also addressed the founding of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on December 2, highlighting that Cuba received the honour of being unanimously elected to preside over CELAC in 2013 and host its third summit at the end of that year. Concluding his speech, the president informed that "in a humanitarian and sovereign gesture, the Council of State has agreed to pardon more than 2,900 prisoners." "These include women, sick individuals, those over 60 years of age and also young people who have raised their educational levels and possibilities of social reintegration." He noted that those convicted of crimes of espionage, terrorism, murder, homicide, drug trafficking, pederasty with violence, rape and corruption of minors and robbery with violence were not included amongst those to be released. "The pardon will become effective in the next few days, as another demonstration of the generosity and strength of the Revolution," he added. "At the same time, we have stated our willingness to grant the early release of 86 foreign citizens from 25 countries, including 13 women convicted in the courts for crimes committed in Cuba, on the prior condition that the governments of their countries of origin accept their repatriation." Reports on the State of Cuba's Economy and Justice System The draft 2012 Budget Law was presented to the deputies for their consideration by Lina Pedraza, Minister of Finance and Prices. She reported that the budget deficit for 2011 is expected to amount to 3.8 per cent of the GDP, close to the figure projected for 2012. According to Pedraza, the draft budget reflects the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines approved by the 6th Party Congress, especially those related to macroeconomic factors, and that greater coherence between the annual economic plan's objectives and the budget has been achieved at all levels, as called for in the guidelines. She reported as well that the tax system is advancing gradually toward becoming a re-distributor of wealth and that work will continue to develop broad consciousness about taxes and the population's responsibility to contribute, while the strengthening of accounting mechanisms is projected, to assure the fulfilment of tax obligations. The National Assembly approved the Economic Plan and the Budget Law for 2012, which plans GDP growth of 3.4 percent. More than half of the budgeted expenditures are for education, health, culture and sport, in line with the priority given by the Cuban government in the social sphere. More than 800 million pesos are allocated for subsides to low-income people as part of the 2012 Budget Law. Minister Pedraza emphasized that these measures will ensure the well-being of individual Cubans and the country as a whole. The example was given that these funds will make it possible to offer construction materials at subsidized prices as a way to contribute to the recovery and increase the country's housing funds. Marino Murillo, member of the Party's Political Bureau and Vice President of the Council of Ministers reported on the progress made in implementing the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution passed at the 6th Congress. He emphasized the priority of developing new forms of non-state management given the importance these are gaining in the country's economy. As for changes in the macroeconomic sphere, he emphasized measures approved to address as quickly as possible the settling of accounts payable and receivable in the country. Discussing developments within different sectors of the economy, the Vice President summarized efforts underway in agriculture and livestock, given this sector's importance within the national economy. Another important aspect of renewing the Revolution are Cuba's efforts "to confront corruption and social indiscipline," Granma International writes. This work has been undertaken by judicial bodies in the country since 2007. Reports on this work by the People's Supreme Court and the Attorney General of the Republic's Office were presented to deputies during a plenary session by Rubén Remigio Ferro, President of the People's Supreme Court, and Darío Delgado Cura, Attorney General of the Republic. Ferro emphasized the progress made in fundamental indices reflecting the quality of work done within the judicial system, such as prompt processing, respect for the rights of individuals, adoption of correct decisions and effective enforcement of sanctions. In this context, he reported that 87 per cent of the cases brought before the courts were resolved and 91 per cent of the sentences served. The President of the Supreme Court focused on the effective implementation of penal policy established by law and the country's leadership. In this light, he explained, the courts have acted with the necessary severity and rigor in dealing with those responsible for acts harmful to national security or economic, political and social stability, as well as the tranquility of the country. A differentiated approach is taken in cases of a less serious nature. Darío Delgado concurred and described the more severe sanctions requested by prosecutors for those convicted of corruption, fraud, drugs, procurement, illegal slaughter or sale of livestock, theft of equipment for state programs in the energy, telecommunications and railroad sectors, as well as aggravated burglary. At the same time, sentences which do not involve imprisonment, fines and administrative sanctions are reserved for those who committed minor offenses, he added. "This procedure clearly favours the reintegration of citizens into society," Ferro stated, and has positively impacted work undertaken by the Attorney General's Office implementing policies designed for young offenders, especially policies promoting academic instruction and technical training. Given the social repercussions of family legal issues, Delgado emphasized the work of state attorneys' offices dealing with such cases, which focuses on the protection of minors who have behaviour problems or are involved in criminal activity. The Assembly's declaration approving the reports from the two institutions was read by José Luis Toledo Santander, President of the Constitutional and Judicial Affairs Commission, who recommended that the People's Supreme Court and the Attorney General develop a comprehensive analysis of the penal system, looking to incorporate strategies to confront crime concentrating the full force of the state on the most serious crimes, while at the same time, creating more expeditious and less expensive ways of dealing with minor offenses. |