Havana, Cuba.- The scientific development of Cuba and the strengthening of popular power in the base were among the issues addressed in the continuing consultation on the draft new Constitution, a process which is now in its ninth day.

At the Institute of Fundamental Research in Tropical Agriculture (Inifat), researchers and technicians from the entity located in the capital emphasized the importance of the total renovation of the Constitution effective since 1976 and made proposals that, in their opinion, would enrich the text subject to discussion until November 15.

Both the PhD in Science Noel Arozarena and the biologist Alberto Tarraza stated the need to strengthen, from the Constitution, the boost to a sector which shows achievements recognized worldwide, despite the impact on it of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island for almost six decades.

Article 95(f) establishes: Scientific and technical research is stimulated with a development and innovation approach (….)’, but it must be more concrete, said Tarraza, while his colleague defended the availability of greater resources for scientific work.

Arozarena also proposed the document approved on July 22 in the National Assembly to strengthen popular power from the bottom up, through the professionalization of the delegates who are in direct contact with the people in the 168 municipalities of the country.

I think the delegate needs more time for his work in the community, he said.

The PhD in Science’s proposal found support in Jose Fresneda, who agreed on the importance of making the work of popular power in the base more effective.

In another intervention during the Inifat consultation, Arozarena proposed that the position of governor, a figure which would be created with the new constitution, be by popular election and not by appointment.

Meetings in workplaces and neighborhoods have continued throughout the country on Tuesday, in a process which will lead to the return of the project to the National Assembly, the entity which will draft the Constitution with the contribution of the citizens and will hold an approval referendum.

The consultation will be held at universities and other educational institutions in September, the month in which the participation of Cubans living abroad is also scheduled to begin, who in an unprecedented process will have the opportunity to express their opinions and contribute to the construction of the new Constitution.