Global General

Cuban industry minister dismissed for incompetence

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-21 09:32

HAVANA - Cuban leader Raul Castro dismissed Basic Industry Minister Yadira Garcia for incompetence, the official daily Granma reported on Monday.

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"The deficiencies were specially reflected in her weak control over the resources for the productive investment process and the basic industry," Granma said.

The decision made by Castro was "previously discussed in the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers," according to Granma.

Garcia, 54, a Politburo and Parliament member, assumed the post since 2004, when she replaced Marcos Portal accused of not having foreseen a severe energy crisis and of having committed "erratic decisions in the nickel industry."

The ministry is in charge of power generation, petroleum, nickel, rubber and production of medicines.

According to the official daily, Garcia will be replaced by Vice Minister Tomas Benitez until a new minister is named by the Council of State.

Castro has sacked several members of his cabinet this year, including the ministers of agriculture, light industry, transport, sugar and public health and aviation.