A congress to change Cuba
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Big step forward [By Jiao Haiyang/China.org.cn] |
The 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, that convened on April 16 at the Havana Conventions Center was of extraordinary significance in Cuban history. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro's proclamation of the socialist nature of the Cuban Revolution that set the scene for the Bay of Pigs invasion. It also marked a crucial turning point in policy when the Cuban leadership looked to the future with reforms designed to take the Revolution forward. .
The Congress was called at this time not because of the international situation but chiefly to deal with domestic issues. Specifically, with the serious difficulties facing the Cuban economy after decades of blockade by the United States.
The Congress was notable for its pragmatic and realistic approach to solving domestic issues and difficulties. The Draft Guidelines for the Economic and Social Policy published by the Party last year was the key item on the agenda. The guideline set out a development plan based on updating Cuba's economic and social model to secure improvements in living standards while remaining committed to the continuity and irreversibility of socialism.
In one of the most radical moves the Congress decided to abolish the ration books adopted 50 years ago that have ever since been the major way for Cuban citizens to obtain daily necessities – at the cost of cripplingly expensive government subsidies. Another important theme was to encourage the growth of the private sector as an active force helping to build Cuban socialism.
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