Cuba to Expand Leases to Self-Employed

Havana, Dec 26. -From January 1, 2012, the Cuban government will extend lease options to self-employed workers, including those who work as carpenterss and photographer, according to resolutions published on Monday in the Official Gazette.The rules of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Labor and Finance and Prices also include the trades of upholsterer, locksmith, clockmaker, shoemaker, and repairers of jewelry, mattresses and electrical equipment, among other services.

According to the number 46 Official Gazette, the expansion will begin in the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Ciego de Avila and Las Tunas, and will gradually reach the rest of the country.

The buildings and means to be included in contracts will remain state properties, but the self-employed workers will be responsible for setting schedules and prices.

Currently, nearly 360,000 Cubans are self-employed. (Prensa Latina)