Cuba Strengthens Social Policies Despite U.S. Blockade

The Cuban government remains committed to strengthening social policies amid the complex economic situation caused by the intensification of the U.S. blockade, said Minister of Labor and Social Security Martha Feitó.

Speaking before the Permanent Commissions of the National Assembly of People's Power (Parliament), the minister emphasized that despite the challenging scenario, the Caribbean nation continues to advance its social initiatives.

Regarding the social transformation of communities, Feitó stated that such efforts must be supported by financial and economic backing, infrastructure improvements, and especially, “a spiritual transformation, as Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says, based on the reinforcement of values.”

She also stressed the need to establish mechanisms to eliminate informal employment and engage the more than 250,000 individuals who are currently not active in the labor force.

The minister noted that protocols are being updated to better assist unhoused individuals, a process being led at the municipal level with the involvement of multiple institutions.

Feitó highlighted the importance of public awareness and participation, stating that people in every territory must know who to contact when witnessing these situations, respond immediately, and take part in the established mechanisms of community oversight.

In Havana, a specific procedure has been implemented that includes creating a case file and individual profile for each person, along with recommendations for reintegrating them into functional life.

She underscored the essential role of social workers in this process, saying, “You are the ones who are most present in the neighborhoods, and nothing can be accomplished there without you.”

The minister also called for local strategies to identify and recruit individuals capable of filling vacancies in the social work sector.

The Permanent Commissions of Parliament are currently reviewing nearly 80 key issues for the country’s economic and social development in preparation for the fifth regular session of the National Assembly, scheduled to begin Wednesday at the Havana Convention Palace.