The Government of Spain donated equipment to the Ministry of Justice of Cuba aimed at modernizing and accelerating processes in the civil registries of the island.
The donation had been announced since February 2024, when it was learned that Spain would extend the new Grandchildren's Law until the end of 2025.
The authorities of both countries insist that the donation of these equipment is part of a joint effort between the Ministry of Justice of Cuba and the College of Administrative Managers of Spain.
The equipment included scanners, computers, and electricity generators, which will be used to digitize and protect the information contained in the physical records of citizens.
In the Civil Registry of Old Havana, the usefulness of these devices was verified. In less than six months, they have digitized over 3 million pages thanks to the new scanners, adding to the 15 million pages that had been digitized manually since 2008.
This technological modernization will allow information to be available digitally for all registrars in the country, improving service to the population, which currently faces long lines, delays in procedures due to power outages, and in some registries, handwritten documents are provided due to not having computers.
In addition to the 20 scanners already delivered, another 22 are expected to arrive in the coming days. Additionally, the donation includes 344 computers, 110 peripherals, and electricity generators that will allow work to continue, even amid the electricity generation crisis that Cuba is facing.
The Minister of Justice of Cuba, Oscar Silvera Martínez, thanked the College of Administrative Managers of Spain not only for the donated equipment but also for the training and support they have provided in the digital transformation process of the sector.
He pointed out that the goal is to complete the digitization of all civil registries in the country by the year 2025. This progress will contribute to the protection of the historical memory contained in the registration books and will allow for more efficient and accessible management for the citizens.
Furthermore, digitalization will prevent the wear and tear of civil registry documents due to handling.
The Spanish Consulate in Havana has increased the reception of visa applications and citizenship processes.
The extension of the new Grandchildren's Law until the end of 2025 has been one of the aspects that has accelerated digital transformation in this sector. There are many applications in process. Cubans are trying to obtain their Spanish citizenship to emigrate through legal channels and leave the island.
In March, the government of Spain announced that it would increase the number of nationality appointments under Law 36 and Law 20 at its Consulate in Havana. However, the population of the island continues to voice complaints because the service does not match the pace that many people desire.
The cooperation between both nations in this type of project demonstrates the importance of the bilateral relationship, which not only encompasses economic and diplomatic aspects but also the modernization of public services in Cuba, aimed at improving the lives of Cuban citizens and the efficiency of state institutions.
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