Cuba gets first prime minister in over 40 years

Cuba’s first prime minister in more than four decades -- long-serving tourism minister Manuel Marrero -- took office Saturday as the country resurrected a post last held by Fidel Castro. The appointment of Marrero, 56, as head of government is part of a process of decentralization and generational change from the revolutionary old guard that is aimed at extending and protecting Communist Party rule. Immediately after his presentation, Marrero received a handshake from former president Raul Castro, the leader of the Communist Party. Marrero has been serving as tourism minister from 2004. The position of prime minister was last held by Fidel Castro in 1976. But the post was abolished when Castro transitioned to the presidency, taking over from Osvaldo Dorticos after the country’s constitution was restructured.