Cuba names tourism minister to be first PM since 1976
Havana: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday named Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz as the country's first prime minister since 1976.
Marrero, 56, has been tourism minister for 16 years, presiding over a rise in visitors and a hotel construction boom that has made tourism one of the most important sectors of the Cuban economy.
Diaz-Canel cited Marrero's experience in negotiating with foreign investors as one of his prime qualifications, according to state media. Marrero's confirmation by the National Assembly was expected later Saturday.
The position of prime minister was held by Fidel Castro from 1959 to 1976, when a new constitution changed his title to president and eliminated the post of prime minister.
Castro and his brother Ra l held the presidential post along with Cuba's other highest positions, like Communist Party leader, until this year, when Ra l Castro stepped down as president and a new constitution divided the president's responsibilities between Castro's successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel, and the new post of prime minister.
The new constitution envisions the prime minister as responsible for the daily operations of government as head of the Council of Ministers.
The prime minister has a five-year term and is nominated by Diaz-Canel and approved by the National Assembly, which unanimously approves every proposal put before it, with one known exception in recent history.
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19-year-old girl in Belthangady who attempted suicide dies in Mangaluru hospital
Belthangady: A 19-year-old girl from Belalu village, who had attempted suicide at home by consuming poison, has reportedly died at a hospital in Mangaluru.
The deceased, Rama, was the daughter of Dinesh and Revathi Naik of Mayada Balemandikallu in Belalu village, Belthangady taluk, and a II PUC student at Vamapadavu College.
Rama’s attempt to commit suicide is being linked to personal matters, as she is known to have loved a youngster.
On the night of April 19, she reportedly consumed rat poison at her residence and was admitted to a hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. After 10 days of treatment, she died on April 30 after failing to respond to medical care.
A case has been registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station, and investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
