| Ciego de Avila.- Cuban First Vice President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura today highlighted the political unity existing in the Cuban people to preserve socialism and update its economic model, in the closing speech at the central act for the 58th anniversary of the Attack on Moncada Garrison, which was attended by Cuban President Raul Castro, and government and Communist Party leaders. In his speech, the vice president said that the current battle has a crucial front in the daily and constant battle against our own mistakes and deficiencies in order to achieve national economic growth. "We have the fundamental requirements for that, which are a people prepared for the task and the essential resources, amid material limitations and the adverse international situation," said Machado Ventura. The vice president acknowledged that it takes time to change people's way of thinking, which is the only way of changing their behaviour, in reference to the implementation of the guidelines of the economic policy of the State and the Revolution passed by the recent PCC Congress. The patriotism and political unity of the majority of Cubans for preserving socialism is essential, said the vice president. Machado Ventura stressed the progress in the delivery and putting into production of idle lands, although there are still deficiencies and delays, and emphasized the importance of exploiting agricultural production to the maximum due to the continuing US blockade on the Caribbean country. The vice president said that the National Conference of the Communist Party, to be held in six months, will discuss the changes in methods and styles of the its work in order to consolidate its vanguard role in the Revolution and as the driving force of the society and the State. Regarding the coming inauguration of Peru's president-elect Ollanta Humala, Machado Ventura said that Cuba wishes him success in the implementation of his nationalist program and for more equity in the distribution of wealth. The Revolution Steadily Implements the VI Party Congress Resolutions The First vice president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, Jose Ramon Machado Ventura highlighted the country's efforts in implementing the resolutions of the VI Communist Party Congress at the main celebration of July 26th in Ciego de Avila. He also conveyed a congratulations message from the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro to the people of Ciego de Avila, which attained major socioeconomic achievements in the past emulation period. Machado highlighted as well the positive results attained by the Villa Clara and Cienfuegos provinces in the social and economic spheres during the same period. He called on all state organizations to fully comply with Party resolutions, approved in last April Congress, so they don´t end up collecting dust in some desk drawer. "The leadership of the country continues to give priority to food production," said Machado Ventura, adding that beneficial results are already seen in this respect, although there are many reserves to be exploited. Machado Ventura said that in the coming days a Central Committee plenum will be held, with focus on economic issues and the preparations for the upcoming Communist Party Conference, which will address the changes to be undertaken within the Party in order to strengthen internal democracy. The changes will be implemented slowly but steadily, said Machado Ventura, adding that they´ll bring lasting solutions to old problems, always attentive to the people´s interests. Cuba's First VP Calls for Breaking Inertia in the Country In his speech Machado urged Cubans to break away from the mentality of inertia that permeates society in order to move forward in the construction of Socialism. He addressed several of the main reason that prevent the country from moving ahead with the economic transformations it is implementing, which include lack of initiative and throughout assessing of available resources. He went over the serious economic crisis worldwide that slows the country's development, but considered that through hard work Cuba can move forward if it uses rationally its resources. Ciego de Avila is an example of how to work to overcome the challenges, said Machado. Machado lashed the red-tape that still surfaces throughout the country, slowing down the much needed changes, especially in the economic sector. On that regard, he said it is imperative to delimit the functions of government, identify problems in each place, and act promptly to eliminate any hurdle that affects the smooth running of the economic plan. (PL/RHC/ACN) |