• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 07 / 31 / 2011

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By. Raquel Maria Garcia Alvarez.10:53Havana, Jul 30 (Prensa Latina) Cuban legislators are being informed on Saturday about the work of the Ministry of Science and Environment prior to the seventh ordinary period of sessions of the seventh legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power (Cuba''s parliament).

The Assembly is scheduled to hold a plenary meeting as of August 1, and on July 28-29 the members of the 12 Permanent Committees held work sessions.

According to the agenda, today Cuban lawmakers will also discuss a report of the Agri-Food Committee, which met yesterday along with the committees for International Relations and Economic Affairs to assess several problems in the implementation of foreign-funded collaboration projects in fields related to food security.

In presenting a report of the three committees, Head of the Agri-Food Committee Leonardo Martinez cited some current deficiencies, including delays in mechanisms for revision, approval and permission granting leading to delays in the signing of terms of reference and hence in the start of projects.

He also referred to delays due to excess red tape in the inclusion of projects in the Economic Plan and the failing to approve the liquidity certificate, despite foreign currency being available in Cuban banks.

Problems might generate distrust in Cuba's capacity and seriousness to use funds and thus discourage donors from mobilizing available resources, said Martinez.

He affirmed that donations are not a solution to Cuban difficulties, as the country allocates substantial funds to food for the people; however, they represent a necessary complement because they constitute non-refundable foreign currency.

Vice President of the Council of Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas described the report as very critical, objective and in line with the current situation, which requires a comprehensive assessment.

He urged an increase in management capacity, vigor, discipline, and consciousness when it comes to work, and respect for the agreed period of implementation of projects, as they often take longer than required.