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| Thursday, 1 January 2004 |
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January 1st - National Day of the Republic of Cuba : Memorable achievements of the Cuban Revolution Message from the Government of Cuba On the felicitous occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Cuban revolution, we sincerely extend our very best wishes to the people of The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for its happiness, prosperity and peaceful development and express our goodwill in maintaining and further strengthening the friendship and the fruitful cooperation existing between our two peoples and countries. January 1, 1959 was the day of the victory of the armed and political struggle that for three years the Cuban workers, students and intellectuals carried under the wise leadership of Fidel Castro against a repressive, bloody regime illegally installed in Cuba to serve the interests of foreign capitalism. For the first time in her history, the Cuban nation had authentic independence and the people could enjoy their true rights, free of any kind of discrimination, ignorance and utter poverty. In spite of 42 years of a harsh economic, financial and trade blockade imposed on Cuba that has made the country lose more than 121,000 millions dollars up to now, Cuba is today a model of sustainable development for third world countries, thanks to the combined courage, intelligence and hardwork of her people and government. At present, 85 percent of the population owns the house where they are living, Free of taxes. In the case of those who still pay a rent, this never exceeds 10% of their monthly salary. 95.5 percent of the population have access to electric power and 98 percent to drinking water. 99.1 percent persons receive medical attention from the family doctor and nurse in their own area of residence. There is a family doctor for every 100 metres in urban areas. There are more than 67,079 doctors and 81,459 nurses for a population slightly higher than 11,110,000 persons. There is 1 teacher for every 20 students in primary school and 1 teacher for 15 students in junior high school. 100 percent of the children graduate from 7th grade and 95.5 percent graduate from 9th grade. Children start studying computering since kindergarten. Education and health care are totally free for all citizens. In year 2003 Cuban economy grew 2.6 percent according to the world method of measuring the fluctuation of the GDP and 3.8 Percent according to the national method which includes the social indicators and services. The national budget for year 2004 allocates 59 percent of the total of the expenses to social services, equal to 37 percent of the GDP. This means that education, health, social security and social assistance, housing, culture, science and technology, sports and community services will receive more than 12,000 million of Cuban currency for its expenses. The income forecast for the next year is 19,512 millions Cuban currency, that means 13 percent more than this year, due to the increase in the activity and efficiency of enterprises and small internal trade. The balance between the income and the expenses shows a deficit of 3.5 percent of the GDP, which is considered a figure that can be handled by the Cuban economy. These are facts Cubans feel proud of because they are the fruits of their own efforts, obtained without giving up any part of their national independence and rights for self determination. Also, without neglecting their duty of solidarity with other developing countries, specially with the Latin American people. We are happy that we can share our best achievements in science and technology with other developing countries, in a true spirit of friendship, understanding and mutual support. |
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