Ye have reproduced here oxtracts from.an article appearing in Cuban 1791 Newsletter - this being a tulletin published Canadians living in Cubas
").eeh new political party is now being formed in Cuba in order to give direction to the political life of the country —- a party based on Marxist-Leninist philosophy. It will encompass workers ani farmers, profe— ssionals and intellectuals... A mas meeting of the employees of the Cuban Institute of Mineral Resources was held... There was a binding provision that made compulsory 90% attendance for the meeting to take place. For 2 days running approximately 300 people spoke, discussed and argued over the nominees who were to be their political representatives for the United. Some 13 or 14 will comprise the party nucleus in this Institute.
The regulations imposed for a person to qualify for membership are designed so that the best workers are selected: participation in voluntary work; enrollment in the militia; exemplary work record; participation in orgenisational activities; otc. Ang association with the Batista tyranny are grounds for disqualification. A minimum of 80% of the employees in their favour is necessary for nomination.
Hore is how the meeting went, in accounting-machine operator was nominated. Primarily through his efforts, working 12 to 16 hours a day, the previous year's accounting had been comploted-thereby eliminating a backlog of 6 months' work, In addition, he had stood guard twice ea weck, 4 hours at a time, and had gone cane—cutting on weekends, Despite criticisn of his hot temper “usually justified" , he received a unanimous vote as an exemplary worker and was nominated to the "nucleus."
Ons of the janitors was nominated. He did his wrk well, belonged to the militia, and did voluntary work. Probably most important of all was that he was respected and liked by his fellow workers.
Women had their share of nominations, ifforts in raising funds, clothing and equipment for a school adopted by the Institute won an attrac— tive brunette, a typist, her approval by the workers,
The head of the union in the Inatitute was turned down because of criticisms that he wasn't doing his work well, and because of his abrupt manner with members of the union. He was voted down about 90 to 10,
The head of the nucleus of the Revolutionary Organisation (0.R.I.) was turned down for neglecting his work in the Institute, for taking privilages that his position offered, and for his habit of making types of promises which were not fulfilled. He was discussed for 3 hours and while he was sharply attacked for these weaknesses, his abilities were discussed and praised as well, However,the majority said, "No."
4 second meeting is scheduled for elections to give the workers time to think over their choices, This process is taking place all over the country. In Guba the people choose their political representatives and the Cuban people are not afraid to express what they think, or to criticise..."