Machado Ventura, who is also the second secretary of Cuba's Communist Party, shared views with political leaders in Guantanamo about the improvement of the party's municipal structures.

These exchanges allow updating and informing the local party leaders and orient working efforts towards the goals drawn up by the National Conference of the Communist Party and to the implementation of the Economic and Social Guidelines adopted by the 6th Congress of the political organization, said Machado.

The Cuban First Vice-president toured places and facilities of social, economic and cultural interest, which have undergone an improvement process promoted since 2006 by the Party's social development program.

This process includes investment of indoor facilities and the outdoor area of the Mariana Grajales Revolution Square, which will be the main scenario for July 26 National Celebrations. Machado underscored the high quality of refurbishing works and suggested that the local facilities could host scientific and cultural events.

Speaking with the workers, Machado referred to the progressive increase experienced by the production of cocoa and coffee, two major economic sectors in Guatanamo. He also underlined the investment made in a pickles plant, and other actions aimed at boosting the economic development of the eastern province.

The Cuban First Vice-president was accompanied by Ramon Balaguer, member of the Communist Party's Secretariat, and by Luis Torres, first party secretary in the province.