The Cubans are currently benefiting from a more flexible banking policy in the credit field, enough for a progressive amount of people to undertake plans of various kinds, such as the construction or repair of their homes.

Since the entry into force last December of a new banking regulation for the granting of loans, about 40 thousand citizens have received credit funding.

Among those authorized to request such solvencies include workers involved in various forms of non-state management including those who do so on their own, interested in promoting family support in 181 possible activities.

Local banks are also able to make loans to the Cubans who choose to repair their homes or build a new one.

The Cuban industry increased the production of building materials and even when their presence in the local traders are still below the backlog needs, an ever-growing number of people have begun to realize their dreams.

The truth is that half a year after the implementation of Decree Law 289 which intended, among other purposes, to ease credit policy, the amount of the grants exceeds 278 million pesos.

It is noteworthy that only about 3% of people applying for such expenditures were denied the granting of loans, although many of them applied for again after completing the necessary requirements.

It is true that procedures to finalize the credits are unusual, although not complex, because for the first time, Cubans can operate common accounts and issue payment instruments not previously used.

In addition, applicants must document a capacity payment to repay the loan and pay fixed interests, whose amount is minimal in the case of grants for personal projects directed to renew or build houses.

As 98% of the items approved for persons authorized are centralized in the acquisition of construction materials and labor payment, it can be said that Cuba is making progress towards reducing the housing deficit.

To help this effort, there are factors such as the government's decision to promote ways for families to build their own places and the leading role assumed by banks in the financial situation in Cuba.

Not by chance, more than a quarter of a million Cubans showed up at bank branches since the new credit regulations entered into force, seeking advice or applying for loans.

We should note that the new credit policy is part of the Cuban economic model update. The purpose of the adjustments is to achieve economic efficiency, cut wasteful spending and make rational use of human and material resources.

The current situation in Paraguay, the scene in recent weeks of a coup against the constitutional president Fernando Lugo, is reminiscent of the Paraguayan dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner.

The government of the coup leaders, headed by the rightist Federico Franco, who previously served as vice president, comes at a good pace following in the footsteps of the former dictator.

The repression against leftists and democracy advocates has just begun.  Hundreds of workers have been fired for being members of Guasú Front, for being progressive and supporters of President Lugo.

In the Itaipu hydroelectric plant alone, 300 workers were fired, a practice that brings to mind the repressive measures of the Stroessner dictatorship, in power in 1954 through a coup, supported by the United States.

These layoffs for political reasons are repeated in other ministries and government agencies, where former members accumulate the power of the Stroessner dictatorship, together with the Authentic Liberal Party leaders.

Many remember that while the Stroessner dictatorship tried in vain to portray an image of democracy to the world by holding “elections,” which was a farce, violent repression was developed.

He declared a state of permanent siege, which was only suspended a few days before the elections, tortures and massive police persecutions were multiplied and a spy network was organized, which watched and denounced any individual suspect of anti-government activities.

Economically, he never bothered to help the huge number of peasant families in poverty, and the equitable distribution of land was only a dream of many.  In Paraguay, 85% of arable land was owned by only 1,500 landowners.

No measures to promote industrial development in the country were carried out during the Stroessner dictatorship. The Paraguayan dictator passed a law establishing more privileged treatment to foreign capital.  U.S.companies were the main beneficiaries of the measure and, before long; they began to exert a strong influence on the policies of the dictatorship.

The undemocratic Franco government seems to be repeating history, as the negotiations being carried out by coup leaders with the Canadian firm Rio Tinto Alcan to exploit aluminum in the South American country.

The reality is that stealing from the people of Paraguay began with the delivery of national sovereignty to foreign interests, something that had ended with the arrival to the presidency of Fernando Lugo, who had been given the task of building a new Paraguay.