Deficit lower than expected for 2010
Cuba: Deficit lower than expected for 2010APBy WILL WEISSERT
HAVANA – Cuba says its budget deficit came in far below forecasts in the first half of 2010, evidence that tax increases and deep spending cuts on food imports may be helping the communist government weather a severe economic crunch.
Cuba reported on Thursday a deficit of nearly $410 million for the six-month period, less than a quarter of the $1.7 billion that central planners originally predicted.
Lina Pedraza, minister of finances and prices, said Cuba generated a bit more than $21.2 billion. Over the same period, it spent $21.6 billion — creating the smaller-than-expected shortfall.
The figures were made public in the Communist-party newspaper Granma. They were approved by the nation's Economic Affairs Commission, a slate of lawmakers that huddled prior to a full session of parliament Sunday.
Cuba has slashed imports to deal with its economic problems, particularly in the areas of food and agriculture.
But Pedraza attributed the lower deficit to higher taxes and improved collection methods, as well as a new law that pushed back the retirement age from state jobs while upping the amount government employees contribute to, and receive from, state pension funds.
The government controls well over 90 percent of the economy and pays employees about $20 per month, but also provides free education through college and health care. Subsidies also are provided for housing, transportation and some food through monthly ration books.
The outlook remained unexpectedly rosy, according to Pedraza, despite a roughly $198 million deficit created by ordinary Cubans, who have fallen behind on payment plans to reimburse the state for refrigerators, air conditioning units and other appliances authorities have distributed in homes.
The government provided them as part of an effort to save energy and relieve strain on the island's creaking electric grid, but requires that Cubans pay back the costs of the appliances over time. But many consumers have been unable to keep up with their payments, pushing state budgets further into the red.
Sales also were weak for Cuba's world-famous cigars and the domestic consumption of industrial goods, beer and eggs.
President Raul Castro is expected to preside over a twice-annual parliament session. The 79-year-old often uses the session to announce new policies, and many are expecting him to make a speech since he did not do so at Monday's Revolution Day commemoration — the top event on Cuba's official calendar.
His brother Fidel, who turns 84 on Aug. 13, has made a spate of recent public appearances, but has refrained from talking about Cuban current events, and it was not clear if he would attend parliament.
The gray-bearded Fidel gave up Cuba's presidency, first temporarily, then permanently, after a health crisis in July 2006. He remains head of the island's Communist Party and is a parliament deputy, however, though he has not attended a session since December 2005.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100729/ap_on_bi_ge/cb_cuba_economy_1
Caen casi un 35% las ventas de alimentos de EE UU a Cuba
Caen casi un 35% las ventas de alimentos de EE UU a CubaJueves 29 de Julio de 2010 16:54 Agencias
Las ventas de alimentos y productos agrícolas de Estados Unidos a Cuba cayeron entre enero y mayo cerca de un 34,5% respecto del mismo periodo del año anterior, reportó EFE.
Así lo indica un informe elaborado por el Consejo Económico y Comercial Estados Unidos-Cuba, según el cual durante los cinco primeros meses del año Estados Unidos vendió alimentos y productos agrícolas al gobierno cubano por valor de 182,34 millones de dólares, frente a los 278,17 millones de dólares comercializados en esos mismos meses del año pasado.
Entre las principales razones de la caída de las exportaciones estadounidenses a Cuba la entidad responsable del informe, que tiene su sede en Nueva York, citó la falta de moneda extranjera. "Las decisiones comerciales y económicas del gobierno cubano (…) disminuyen su capacidad para obtener divisas", dijo Consejo.
Además, consideró que "la generosidad financiera de Venezuela y de China" disminuye "el interés de Cuba por adquirir productos de Estados Unidos, independientemente de su coste, calidad o condiciones de entrega".
"El renacimiento o continuación de las relaciones de importación con Brasil, Argentina, Vietnam, México, Canadá, Rusia, Irán y Francia, entre otros" también han sido, a juicio del Consejo, un factor que ha contribuido a la caída de las transacciones comerciales cubanas con Estados Unidos.
Algunos de esos países permiten al gobierno de Raúl Castro importar productos a través de modalidades diferentes al pago directo, como "a crédito o por trueque", mientras que, con otros, La Habana mantiene "intereses políticos" que favorecen el comercio, dijeron los responsables del informe.
Mencionaron, asimismo, las presiones de los funcionarios de la Isla para lograr que las empresas estadounidenses con relaciones comerciales con La Habana presionen más a Washington por un cambio de su política hacia Cuba.
Según los responsables del informe, el 27% de la comida y productos agrícolas que la estatal importadora cubana Alimport compró en el exterior durante 2008 procedió de Estados Unidos, mientras que un año antes era el 29%.
En 2008 el valor de las ventas de Estados Unidos a Cuba alcanzó su máximo en la última década, al aumentar en un sólo año un 62% y suponer 710,08 millones de dólares.
En cambio, al año siguiente ese valor descendió un 25,5%, a lo que se deberá sumar la reducción que previsiblemente se acumulará durante este ejercicio.
Guillermo Fariñas regresa a su casa
Guillermo Fariñas regresa a su casaJueves 29 de Julio de 2010 16:18 Agencias
El opositor Guillermo Fariñas recibió este jueves el alta hospitalaria, y regresa a su casa después de pasar más de cuatro meses ingresado debido a la huelga de hambre que realizó para pedir la excarcelación de los presos políticos enfermos.
"Los médicos me acaban de confirmar que hoy me dan el alta. Estoy contento", dijo Fariñas a la agencia ANSA.
El psicólogo y periodista independiente de 48 años dejó de forma provisional la huelga el pasado 8 de julio, tras las conversaciones entre la Iglesia Católica y las autoridades cubanas —con el "acompañamiento" de Madrid— que llevaron al régimen a comprometerse a excarcelar a 52 presos de conciencia en un plazo de cuatro meses.
Fariñas tendrá que utilizar una silla de ruedas debido a una polineuropatía, derivada de la desnutrición, que le impide caminar. Tiene además un coágulo en la yugular del que tardará años en recuperarse, le informaron los médicos
"Va a llevar un tiempo para que pueda volver a recuperar el ritmo, debemos ser pacientes porque no puedo hacer terapias debido al problema con el trombo", dijo en declaraciones citadas por Europa Press.
"Ha merecido la pena, pero todavía faltan muchos presos políticos por salir de la cárcel. Hasta ahora salieron 21", afirmó, según ANSA.
"Debido a mis limitaciones motoras, me dedicaré al periodismo desde mi casa", añadió.
El opositor comenzó su protesta el 24 de febrero, al día siguiente de la muerte del preso político Orlando Zapata tras una huelga de hambre de 86 días.
Fue ingresado el 11 de marzo en el Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro, de la ciudad de Santa Clara. Durante su internamiento recibió medicación y alimentación parenteral y estuvo varias veces en peligro de muerte.
Dispuesto a otra huelga
Pese a su delicado estado de salud, Fariñas dijo que está dispuesto a realizar otra huelga de hambre si la situación lo exige.
"Mi método de enfrentamiento al régimen no es la violencia, nunca ha sido protagonizar actos de violencia, es a través de la autoagresión con ayunos prolongados", dijo, reportó Europa Press.
"Mientras haya una acción de represión del régimen de Castro yo seguiré con mi protesta", sostuvo.
Advirtió que las excarcelaciones "son apenas el primer punto" de un "largo camino" hacia "la democracia" en la Isla. Todavía "no se han visto cambios reales" en la sociedad cubana y "mientras no se modifiquen las leyes es posible que haya otra Primavera Negra", indicó.
http://www.diariodecuba.net/cuba/81-cuba/2624-guillermo-farinas-regresa-a-su-casa.html
DETENIDO POR LA POLICÍA POLÍTICA ERNESTO RODRÍGUEZ LÓPEZ
DETENIDO POR LA POLICÍA POLÍTICA ERNESTO RODRÍGUEZ LÓPEZ29-07-2010.Lisbán Hernández SánchezPeriodista Independiente, Centro de Información Giraldilla
(www.miscelaneasdecuba.net).- El pasado día 15 de julio, fue detenido por la Policía Política el opositor pacífico, Ernesto Rodríguez López, en su vivienda, cita en calle Cisneros Betancourt, No. 1283, municipio Arroyo Naranjo.Ernesto Rodríguez López, fuente de esta información, aseguró que en horas de la mañana varios miembros de la Sección 21, del Departamento de Seguridad del Estado, DSE, se personaron en la vivienda de Rodríguez López, donde fue detenido por los oficiales Ignacio, Nandet y Juan Carlos, quienes lo condujeron para la 5ta estación de la Policía Nacional Revolucionaria, PNR, en el municipio Playa.
López fue sometido a varias horas de interrogatorio, en el cual fue amenazado de prisión si incurría nuevamente en manifestaciones. Ernesto se negó a recibir alimento, agua y atención médica por más de 12 horas. Pasadas las 8:00pm fue puesto en libertad y llevado ha su vivienda.
http://www.miscelaneasdecuba.net/web/article.asp?artID=29126
Hero’s welcome for Cuban dissident
Hero's welcome for Cuban dissidentNZX Company AnnouncementsLast updated 12:01 29/07/2010
A crippled Cuban dissident freed as part of an agreement between President Raul Castro and the Roman Catholic Church has flown to the United States, where he received a hero's welcome from Cuban exiles.
Ariel Sigler, released on June 12 after seven years in prison on the communist-ruled Caribbean island, was greeted by a crowd of supporters when he arrived on a charter flight from Havana at Miami's international airport. He will receive medical treatment in the United States.
The 48-year-old former physical education teacher and boxer, now emaciated and in a wheelchair, was the first prisoner freed following a May meeting between Castro and Cardinal Jaime Ortega, which led to an agreement on the release of 52 other prisoners.
On his arrival in Miami, supporters slipped boxing gloves stamped with the Cuban flag on his fists, which Sigler raised in the air, shouting "Down with communism."
"I'm going to keep on fighting against the Castro dictatorship … . The Castro brothers tried to beat me, but couldn't," he said, amid cheers from dozens of exile supporters who greeted him, waving Cuban flags.
Sigler and the other prisoners being released were among 75 dissidents arrested in a 2003 crackdown on government opponents. Cuban authorities describe them as US-backed mercenaries working to subvert socialist rule.
So far, 20 of the 52 have been released and gone to Spain. Sigler is the only one to go to the United States, where authorities gave him a humanitarian visa.
Before he flew out of Havana, Sigler told reporters it pained him to leave Cuba, but he hoped to return. "When you go from the country where you were born, really you feel a mix of happiness and pain."
"I leave a country in the hands of a dictatorship that for 50 years has oppressed and repressed the Cuban people," he said.
The dissidents being freed represent about a third of all Cuba's political prisoners. The United States and human rights groups have called for the release of all of those still in jail.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/world-news/3969800/Heros-welcome-for-Cuban-dissident
Tourism could take a hit in Cuba over stranded Canadian teen
Tourism could take a hit in Cuba over stranded Canadian teenPostmedia News July 28, 2010 Comments (6)
OTTAWA — The federal government has intervened in the case of a Canadian teen stuck in Cuba pending a traffic accident investigation, saying tourism may be at stake if the matter isn't resolved soon.
In a statement released Wednesday, Peter Kent, the minister of state for Foreign Affairs (Americas), said he spoke with Cuban officials in Ottawa a day earlier regarding Canadians who've been detained in Cuba, including the case of 19-year-old Cody LeCompte.
The teen from Simcoe, Ont., is facing three years in prison for a car accident in which he's presumed guilty until proven innocent.
He and his mother say they were broadsided by a dump truck at an intersection during their two-week vacation; he's been unable to leave the country since April.
"While aware that Cuban law allows for a period of lengthy investigation, Canadian officials expressed their concern that the investigation into this matter is taking so long," Kent said in a statement.
"Canadians have long appreciated Cuba as a tourist destination. The delay faced by Canadians awaiting resolution of such cases could affect fellow Canadians' choice of Cuba as a tourist destination in the future."
Canada is Cuba's largest source of tourists, with 818,000 Canadians visiting in 2008 — nearly 35 per cent of all visitors to Cuba.
Kent said Canadian consular officials have been in regular contact with the LeCompte's family and Cuban officials in Havana in an effort to expedite the case.
He and parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhrai also discussed LeCompte's situation with Cuban officials at the African Union Summit last week in Uganda, he said.
"The Government of Canada will continue to offer full consular assistance to Mr. LeCompte and his family until this matter is resolved," he said.
Ontario teen’s Cuban ordeal to end
Ontario teen's Cuban ordeal to endBy CHRIS DOUCETTE, QMI Agency
CAMAGUEY, Cuba – Cody LeCompte's tropical island nightmare has finally come to an end.
The Simcoe, Ont., teen, his mom Danette, and his uncle, Gary Parmenter, attended a dramatic meeting at a police station here Wednesday where they learned the wheels have been set in motion for Cody's release, QMI Agency has learned.
"We don't want to keep you here any longer," Cuban officials told the LeCompte family through their lawyer.
After being trapped in the communist country for three months, the emphatic words were music to Cody's long-suffering ears.
The 19-year-old's life has been in limbo since since April when he was involved in a nasty crash while driving a rental car, an accident he maintains was not his fault.
Cody has never been charged with anything, yet he has lived in fear during his detention in Cuba because he was told he faces up to three-years in prison.
After months of facing stonewalling Cuban and Canadian officials, LeCompte and his family, were stunned when authorities told them he should soon be permitted to leave the country.
"I saw a real smile on his face for the first time in a long while," the teen's mother said.
"This is the first day in three months that I've been able to breathe," added Danette, who cried upon hearing the news. "We're almost to the finish line."
That could come as early as next week.
"We are cautiously optimistic we will be able to repatriate Cody on Tuesday," said his uncle, Gary Parmenter.
In an exclusive interview with QMI Agency moments after a tentative deal was worked out with Cuban authorities, Cody was also emotional as he thought about the prospect of finally going home.
"I am very surprised," he said. "I wasn't expecting this."
The relieved teen thanked the Canadian government for getting involved in the case.
And Cody also expressed his gratitude to the thousands of Canadians across the country who have been "so supportive."
"It's nice to know that people care," he said.
After 13-weeks of being trapped at a Cuban resort as police investigated a car crash, the teen's family posted $2,000 bail Wednesday that should allow him leave.
"In exchange for promising to appear at a future trial date, if need be, they agreed release Cody," Parmenter, said.
Parmenter said after weeks of nothing happening, things suddenly started to move Wednesday on the heels of the Canadian government issuing a news release indicating holding Cody any longer could affect tourism.
The deal to pay the bail was worked out in the town of Minas, about 30 minutes from the Gran Club resort in Santa Lucia, where Cody has been stranded.
"It's a win-win for both governments." said Parmenter "They both get to save face."
The meeting came after comments made in Ottawa by Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), who hinted holding a Canadian for this long could have repercussions on Canadians deciding on Cuba as a vacation destination.
Parmenter said Cuban officials have indicated they will now work with the family to get Cody on the plane Tuesday.
There is, however, one more hurdle to clear – the cost of repairing the damage to the truck that allegedly broadsided the Hyundai Accent Cody was driving.
Cuban officials want to check with the driver to see if he expects the family to cover the estimated $500 in repairs.
No problem, says the family: "It would cost us a lot more than that to keep Cody here so I don't foresee it as an issue," said Parmenter.
Danette said although she wishes the federal government had stepped in sooner, she's happy they finally "came through."
She's not ready just yet to think about the possibility of Cody having to return to the Communist country for a potential trial or about the $30,000 of debt she's accumulated during this ordeal.
"I'm just focused on getting my son back on Canadian soil," she said. "Nothing else matters right now."
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/07/28/14859496.html?cid=rssnews
Sherritt 2nd quarter: Stagnating nickel production, higher earnings
Sherritt 2nd quarter: Stagnating nickel production, higher earnings
Toronto-based Sherritt International said in its second-quarter report that, although nickel production stagnated and sale volume was down from the second quarter last year, nickel revenues rose thanks to higher prices.
Sherritt produced 3,740 tons of nickel, down from to 4,261 tons in the second quarter last year; the company sold 8.27 million pounds of nickel during the quarter, down from 9.582 million pounds last year. However, revenues from nickel sales were $88.2 million, up from $65.7 million last year. The average realized price rose from $6.86 per pound last year to $10.65 this year.
The company said in its outlook for the remainder of the year that it expects construction of a 2,000 ton-per-day sulphuric acid plant at its Moa nickel production facility to be delayed, "subject to securing adequate financing."
Oil and gas production rose slightly from 20,200 barrels to 21,300 barrels.
Electricity production at the company's combined-cycle gas power plants was 513 gigawatt-hours, down from 515 gw/h. The company said that gas shortages continued to affect its power plants, but that CubaPetróleo was working to optimize existing gas production. The Cuban state company last year took over a near-shore oil and gas field partly operated by Sherritt.
The company said it decided to accelerate the $247 million expansion of its Boca de Jaruco combined-cycle power plant, with completion set for early 2014.
Overall, the energy and mining concern posted net earnings of $15.7 million for the second quarter, down from $24.4 million last year. This quarter's results were dragged down by a $15.3 million provision after "taking a more conservative view" on Cuban income taxes on oil and power operations, and a drop of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, which increased the cost of U.S. dollar-denominated loans Sherritt took to establish nickel operations in Madagascar.
With major nickel mining operations, on-shore oil and gas production, and gas power plants, Sherritt is the largest private foreign investor in Cuba.
Cuba weighs expanding small private businesses
Cuba weighs expanding small private businessesPublished on Thursday, July 29, 2010
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) — Cuba's lawmakers on Wednesday mulled legalizing more small private businesses, perhaps expanding a limited program to include farm and food industries in the economically struggling communist nation, state media said.
Committees in the National Assembly were reviewing potential measures ahead of a keenly awaited address on Sunday by President Raul Castro.
The Cuban president, 79, is expected to outline social and economic policies, possibly including some significant changes.
In a country in which 95 percent of the economy is state-run, inefficiency is rampant and wages are woefully low, Cubans' hopes are running high that some change is coming to allow some economic opening in the Americas' only one-party communist regime.
Castro three months ago gave a green light for a test-run privatization of barber and beauty shops.
Under the limited program, the state rents now out shops to workers who used to live mainly on tips and work at home on off hours. Now stylists are able to set their own prices, and are working at improving service. Stylists pay for a license, their rent, social security plus electric and water bills.
Now, committees are looking at whether privatization can be expanded in food businesses, long plagued by insufficient supply, high prices, and major problems in the distribution chain from rampant theft to spoilage.
Castro took the reins from his ailing brother Fidel Castro four years ago, saying he wanted to boost production. But the Cuban government has not made bold policy shifts able to achieve the gains it wants.
So far the government has handed fallow land to Cubans willing to farm it; and has ended the equal scale for salaries for all workers across industries.
But workers still make an average of around 20 dollars a month.
And the government has left Cubans aghast at their potential fates, making it known that it may dismiss one million workers — 20 percent of the work force. The economy does not currently have the ability to absorb such vast numbers of jobless.
Teen Held In Cuba Following April Car Crash Could Be Home Soon
Teen Held In Cuba Following April Car Crash Could Be Home Soon
A Canadian teenager held in Cuba following a car crash three months ago could be home soon.
Cody LeCompte, 19, has been in custody since April 29. The Simcoe teen was driving a rental car that was hit by a dump truck. LeCompte was told he could not leave Cuba until a court decided whether he'd be charged.
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Peter Kent met with a high-level Cuban official on Wednesday and discussed the plight of many Canadians held in Cuba, including LeCompte.
Kent says the official was told that delays in the case could influence Canadians considering Cuba as a tourist destination.
LeCompte may have been released already. Reports say he was required to make a bail payment of 2000 Cuban pesos, or about $80, and return to address the accident in court if required.
Clearly, there was nothing new to say
Posted on Thursday, 07.29.10CUBAClearly, there was nothing new to sayBY MARIFELI PEREZ-STABLEMarifeliPerez-Stable.com
It was a memorable July 26 after all. For the first time ever, neither Fidel nor Raúl Castro addressed the nation. The nondescript José Ramón Machado Ventura — Raúl's second in command — delivered the main speech, reminding Cubans that the “economic battle'' is the “principal task.''
Machado echoed Raúl's words in April and also his call to proceed cautiously, step by step, without rush.
So went the 57th anniversary of the Moncada Barracks assault that marked Fidel Castro's debut into national politics. On July 26, 2007, Raúl had raised expectations by calling for structural changes. Three years later, Cubans are still waiting.
What's unforgettable is the leadership's blind spot on the economy. Fidel never had anything but disdain for markets and the right of ordinary Cubans to make a living. On economic matters, Raúl has always been more pragmatic but shunned confronting his brother when push came to shove.
Prior to July 26, Havana had been awash in rumors that a big announcement would be made.
Raúl, alas, acted like a politician by letting Machado deliver the bad news. All the same, speculation continues that the president will make a major speech before the end of the year on the economy.
Fidel is back
On July 7, the Comandante made his first public appearance in four years. More followed. Whether or not he's in charge, he's back.
While his columns reminded Cubans that he is still alive, it's doubtful these were read by many outside the political elite. Seeing him in the flesh is another matter altogether.
Even if he hasn't railed against markets, Castro is sending a clear message about his legacy. Be wary of the United States even when it puts on a pleasant face. The Obama administration and Israel are planning a nuclear strike against Iran anytime now. If it hasn't happened, it's because the BP disaster turned Washington's attention elsewhere. Even under Obama the United States is humanity's greatest enemy.
At the same time, Fidel is focusing on the armed struggle against Batista in the late 1950s. On July 27, he wrote a column on “the strategic victory,'' that is, the Rebel Army's defeat of Batista's army. His book bearing the same title will appear in August and a sequel titled The Final Counteroffensive Strategy soon thereafter.
Castro has a military understanding of politics. Consequently, Havana is always ready to face down an invasion but needs ever more time to enact the economic reforms that would allow ordinary Cubans to improve their lives. Cubans are “masses,'' not citizens, and have historic destinies defined for them. Citizens have inalienable rights to be exercised here and now as each sees fit under the rule of law.
Youth speak out
As official Cuba wades through in slow motion, Cuba's youth is on the move. More than 70 percent of today's population was either a child in 1959 or born after the revolution.
In The Grandchildren of the Cuban Revolution, a documentary directed by Carlos Montaner and produced by George Plinio Montalván, we meet a group of young women and men, some of them well known like the blogger Yoani Sánchez and the Catholic intellectual Dagoberto Valdés.
What's striking are the underlying themes expressed in different ways by all interviewees: the need for change even if most don't hold out hope that it will come any time soon; their wish to travel abroad; their longing for freedom; and, especially, their yearning to be able to plan their lives to find personal and professional fulfillment.
I was particularly impressed by lawyer Laritza Diversent, whose blog (http://jurisconsultocuba.wordpress.com/) comments on Cuban laws. In a recent posting, Diversent calls on the government to recognize the Cuban Juridical Association (AJC) as a registered association, which it has not. The AJC has sued the justice minister.
Whether rappers, punk rockers, lawyers, bloggers or students, the Cubans in this documentary are lost to official Cuba.
The longer the leadership delays meaningful economic reforms, the more young Cubans it loses. The male seniors who are in charge are running out of time, though rushing is a no-no.
In the meantime, Cubans under 35 can't dream as young people everywhere do or dream only of leaving.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/29/1751284/clearly-there-was-nothing-new.html
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