Photo: Alejandro Lóriga R/A
Workshops for cell phones, sweetshops, restaurants and hairdressers are some of the common establishments in all the municipalities of Cuba. They improve the living conditions of the inhabitants, generate employment and significantly influence the development of the nation's economy.
Self-employment arises after the approval of Resolution No. 32 of October 7, 2010 of the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers of Cuba (repealed and enforced in Resolution 33 of 2011). From that moment on, this modality received a strong impulse and reappears as a form not subordinated to the administration of a labor entity.
The growth of self-employment is remarkable. Every year more citizens are incorporated, in spite of pending issues, for example dissatisfaction about the amount of taxes to be paid, the lack of inputs, the high prices of the products; in short, a long list that shows how much remains to analyze and find solutions.
In spite of the circumstances, many advances can be observed in important areas for the community such as transport and gastronomy; the latter with a high percentage of economic actors and their contribution to territorial budgets.
However, it has become necessary to reorganize this sector and design new measures aimed at general improvement. This does not mean that self-employment will disappear on the island. According to Marta Elena Feitódo Cabrera, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security, "the most recent evaluation of this sector allowed to verify the illicit use of raw materials, equipment and materials, the non-fulfillment of obligations tax, inaccuracies and insufficient control, among other elements. -Is the improvement effective? - Of course, these results show it, more if it is a considerable group of citizens with possibilities, but also with obligations and duties.
Demanding compliance with the law, fighting impunity and not allowing tax evasion will also be essential. The State trusts non-state workers, who support public expenditures and benefit sectors such as health, education, culture, sports and social assistance with their contribution.