Photo: Estudios Revolución

By: Angélica Paredes López

Artemisa, October 24 (RHC)-- Important economic and social objectives of the province of Artemisa were visited this Thursday by the President of the National Defense Council, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

At around 8 o'clock in the morning, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic arrived at the municipality of Candelaria.

In the vicinity of the municipal capital is the area where a photovoltaic solar park is being built that will contribute 21.8 MW to the national electric energy system. The president learned that, at this time, the work is 34 percent complete.  According to specialists, it is expected that the start-up will occur in March of next year.

During the tour, where he was accompanied by the member of the Political Bureau Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee, the Cuban president stressed that "this is the fastest and most efficient alternative to change the country's energy matrix."  "Working on this now is a priority," said the Head of State.

The government and specialists in the subject have explained that, as part of this strategy, the use of photovoltaic solar energy has been promoted in Cuba, for which since the beginning of 2024 a broad investment process has been carried out consisting of two projects, the first of which will allow the installation of a thousand megawatts, in a period of two years. The second project, of the same amount of generation, should be ready in 2031.

Next, the Cuban president, together with the highest authorities of the Party and the Government in the Artemisa territory, moved to the municipality of San Antonio de los Baños.

The Cuban president visited the Substrate Plant of the Tobacco Collection and Processing Company (ABT) "Lázaro Peña", belonging to the Tabacuba business group.  In the dialogue with managers and workers, they explained that production, which began in early 2024, is 1,500 tons in one year.

The substrate is a mixture of substances that provides nutrients for the development of plants.  In the case of tobacco cultivation, it is widely used in the production of seedlings.

And closely linked to this sector is the Seed Pelletizing Center of the Tobacco Research Institute.  This center was also visited by the Cuban President.

The technology that exists there is sufficient to pelletize all the tobacco seed used in the country and also extend to various crops.

At the end of the tour, Díaz-Canel exchanged views with the inhabitants of Finca Pratt, a community where 650 people live and where the most visible transformations are of a social nature.  More than 90 residents disconnected from study and work already have jobs, while educational and cultural promotion is being promoted in children and young people.

The Cuban president spoke with a representation of the residents of this settlement. He urged them to continue building new projects with harmony and solidarity for the good of the community.

At the end of the day, Díaz-Canel led the usual meeting with the authorities of the Party and the Government of the province and municipality he visits, a work meeting that seals each tour he makes throughout the national territory.