Cuba’s Communists Begin Economic Reform Debate

The reforms decided on by the PCC Congress will affect the futures of Cuban children. Photo: Caridad

HAVANA TIMES, April 16 — A four-day Congress of the Cuban Communist Party  (PCC) begins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Fourteen years after its last meeting, 1,000 representatives of the Party membership will vote on reforms to the nation’s economic system.

An extensive “guidelines” for reform was discussed at workplaces and communities around the country as a prelude to the Party gathering.

Some of the major topics are the expansion of the private sector within the country’s socialist economy, attempting to attract foreign investment and cutting back on entitlement programs.

To what extent the suggestions and proposals for altering the plan will be taken into accourt, in part already being implemented, is being closed followed around the country going into the sessions.

Likewise, the Party leadership will be elected for the coming period.  Fidel Castro, still on paper the First Secretary of the PCC, has said he will not seek reelection.