Cuba Has New Pivotal Minister

HAVANA TIMES, June 27 — Tomas Benitez Hernandez, 66, is Cuba’s new minister of Basic Industry (MINBAS), a key government post that includes the state controlled oil, gas and mining industries and the electric company.

The official, who had assumed the job on an interim basis nine months earlier, replaces Yadira Garcia, one of the highest ranking female cabinet members that had been appointed under former President Fidel Castro.

Garcia was removed by the Raul Castro administration last September due to “her deficiencies especially in poor control of resources destined for investment and the productive process.”

Benítez Hernández, has previously held several posts including at Cuba’s Electric Company (UNE),  oil company (CUPET) and was the first vice minister of the MINBAS which he now heads.