This was the sentiment that moved heroic Santiago that July 31, 1953, when the dictatorship was obliged to concede the streets to the indignant people bearing the bodies of Frank País García and Raúl Pujol.

“Frank País was one of those men who asserts himself upon the first encounter; his appearance was more or less what is seen in current photos, but his eyes had extraordinary depth,” Che said, describing him, when still practically a boy, Frank became head of action and sabotage for the July 26th Movement. He organized the November 30 uprising in the city to support the Granma landing, and ensured the survival of the guerillas in the Sierra with supplies.

Such were his merits that the day he and Raúl Pujol were killed was chosen as the date to honor the more than 20,000 Cubans who gave their lives in the struggle to overthrow Batista.

“What barbarity! They cowardly hunted him down in the streets… they have no idea of the intelligence, the character, the integrity they have murdered,” said Fidel at the time.

Cuba would be nothing without its history, that is, the Revolution would be nothing without its dead. That is why July 30 exists. To commemorate those who made the present possible and commit ourselves to continuing their struggle.

As Fidel said, “We come to talk not of history in the past, but rather of the history that we are living, because the people of Cuba are alive and making this history.”

(Granma)

None of us who had the privilege of participating in the July 26 actions, under the command of Fidel, could have dreamed then of being alive today, in a free, independent and sovereign country, with a socialist Revolution in power and a united people, ready to defend the work undertaken, the fruit of the sacrifice and spilled blood of various generations of Cubans.

Thus Army General Raúl Castro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, began his central remarks to close the political-cultural act to mark the 65th anniversary of the Assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Garrions, held this morning in the heroic city of Santiago de Cuba.

We celebrate this 65th anniversary in Santiago de Cuba not only due to its history, but also in recognition of the work undertaken here to benefit the people, under the leadership of Lázaro Expósito Cantro, Party First Secretary in the Province, alongside Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, a vice president of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba and president of the government in the territory, Raúl noted.

In this regard, he mentioned the comprehensive efforts on various fronts of the economy, which have resulted in an increase in quality and affordable goods and services for the population.

The housing program is also advancing, with initiatives including the use of locally produced construction materials, while prioritized investments of national significance are advancing at a good pace, such as the Multi-Purpose Port Terminal and the San Luis Warehouse Complex.

Raúl reported that work is ongoing to increase exports of fruit, rum, lobster and agricultural produce, commercial activities are being reordered through local development projects that award greater autonomy to municipalities, making the best use of their own resources, which translates into greater contributions to the Budget and ensures the possibility of continuing to invest.

According to the Army General, the enthusiasm of Santiago residents is palpable, but there remains much to be done in the productive and services spheres to continue improving the quality of life of the people, with the aim of ensuring an increasingly beautiful, disciplines, clean and ordered city of Santiago, worthy of guarding the remains of our greatest children, among whom are the National Hero, the Father and Mother of the Homeland, and the Historic Leader of the Cuban Revolution.

He also recalled that the following months will see the commemoration of important events, such as the beginning of our independence struggles, and highlighted the recent approval by the National Assembly of the draft Constitution of the Republic, which will now be submitted to a broad popular consultation process, and the results of this democratic exercise will be submitted to the Cuban Parliament to be analyzed once again, in order to draft the final text that will be submitted to a referendum, through a direct and secret vote.

The Constitution, Raúl stressed, is the fundamental law on which the state is based, and thus is the most important legal and political document of any country, defining the foundations of the nation, the structure of its branches of power and their scope, as well as guaranteeing the rights and responsibilities of its citizens.

The current Constitution, he noted, approved in a different scenario to this, needs to be reformed with the aim of including the transformations that have been carried out through the implementation of the agreements of the Sixth and Seventh Party Congresses.

Thus, a transcendental democratic process will begin, the success of which will depend, in the first place, on the active and commitment participation of all Cubans, under the leadership of the Party and the UJC and mass organizations, in which each must be aware of the need and scope of the changes that we must introduce, to ensure the irreversibility of Cuban socialism and the Revolution.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAVINGS

Raúl noted that a tense situation continues with regard to the country’s external finances, as a consequence of reduced income from exports of sugar, and tourism, due to heavy rains and the tightening of the U.S. blockade, which has impacted trade and international financial transactions.

However, he noted that the Cuban economy has seen modest growth, which is encouraging, but stressed that exports must increase and all unnecessary costs must be eliminated.

Raúl recalled that the greatest source of resources are savings, which more than a slogan must become a duty of all at all levels.

ADVANCING REGIONAL UNITY

Referring to the international context, the Army General recalled that at the beginning of this century, various progressive and leftist forces came to power in the region and promoted Latin American and Caribbean unity and integration.

Thus, he noted, the imperialist project of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) was defeated, and instead the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America (ALBA) created. In 15 years, 60 million people were lifted out of poverty and three million were taught to read and write, as illiteracy was eliminated in Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua. More than 20 thousand Latin American and Caribbean sectors also graduated from the Latin American School of Medicine, and 2,900,000 foreign patients saw their sight restored through Operation Miracle, as well as over a million Cubans.

Likewise, Raúl recalled the generous cooperation of Venezuela resulting in the Petrocaribe project, and emphasized the favorable conditions that emerged to create the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the UNASUR, which bring together countries with different politics, but with the same principle of unity within their diversity. He also pointed to the reactivation of MERCOSUR and the important actions of CARICOM.

He recalled that CELAC Heads of State and Government signed in Havana, 2014, the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, with the commitment to respect the right of each state to choose its own political system and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of any country.

Of course, he noted, this step was not to the liking of Washington, which has implemented the strategy of non-conventional warfare to hinder the advance of progressive governments of the region, and he highlighted the coups carried out in Honduras, Paraguay and Brazil.

Raúl also emphasized that the right has recovered power in some countries, some through fraudulent electoral processes, and others through manipulation. As was to be expected, they have not hesitated to roll-back the social policies that were of wide benefit to the population.

The U.S. government has declared the validity of the Monroe Doctrine, summarized as “America for the Americans” (read “the U.S.”), which means that the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are subject to intervention, he stressed.

He underlined that one of the aims is to reverse the advances in integration and the exercise of sovereignty over natural resources, to impose its own agenda through a neoliberal offensive, aimed at destroying a decade of development.

He also said that the U.S., with the complicity of some governments, has attempted to reinvigorate the OAS as part of its attack against Venezuela, and undermine regional unity.

The recently concluded São Paulo Forum in Havana was essential as part of the political coordination of leftist forces of the region. The final declaration of the event is a program for the struggle of leftist parties and social and popular movements.

The Army General expressed the Cuban people, Party and government’s solidarity with the peoples and revolutionary governments of Venezuela and Nicaragua, and reiterated the call for freedom for Lula da Silva in Brazil. He also congratulated the Mexican people and their newly elected President López Obrador.

CUBA WILL NEVER RENOUNCE HER PRINCIPLES

Diplomatic relations with the United States are officially maintained, with cooperation continuing on a limited number of areas and bilateral agreements.

Since the reestablishment of diplomat relations was announced, clear differences between the governments of the two nations on various issues have been voiced, however, Cuba reiterates the will to dialogue with respect and work toward improved relations on the basis of equality. Nonetheless, Cuba will never renounce the ideas it has defended for over a century.

In August 2017, he reiterated, under the pretext of alleged “sonic attacks” which are as of yet to be proven, diplomatic relations between Cuba and the U.S. became increasingly strained, as 17 Cuban officials were expelled from the U.S., and the latter’s diplomatic personnel in Havana was reduced to a minimum.

Likewise, the application and extraterritorial nature of the U.S. blockade has been tightened, in particular the persecution of international financial transactions.

The Army General recalled the infamous memorandum of 1960, in which a U.S. official noted that the majority of Cubans supported the revolutionary government and that “The only foreseeable means of alienating internal support is through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship (…) to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government.”

“I have never read anything more cynical than those words” Raúl stressed.

The public statements against Cuba, he said, are characterized by manipulation and millions are destined to revert the political order in our country. In June, a U.S. official said that the countries of America have to accept that Cuba is the mother of all evils in terms of weakening democracy and human rights on the continent, and this reminds us of the attitude of former President George W. Bush.

It is no coincidence, he said, that in the draft of our Constitution it is reaffirmed that the defense of our socialist homeland is the greatest honor and duty of Cubans.

Cubans, he stressed, are a peaceful and friendly people, we do not threaten anyone, and for us avoiding a war is tantamount to winning it.

In the words of Raúl, once again, an adverse scenario has been established, but it is not the first, nor will it be the last time that the Revolution faces challenges and threats. We have taken risks and we have resisted undefeated over 60 years. For us, like Venezuela and Nicaragua, it is clear that we have to be prepared to face the attacks with unwavering faith in victory.

Since July 26, 1953, we revolutionaries have continued to overcome setbacks. Fidel, with the Moncada Assault, taught us to turn the setbacks into victories, and that nothing could contain the advance of our people. He demonstrated the strength of ideas and left us the permanent lesson of perseverance in just aims.

Back then Fidel said: Our heroic dead did not fall in vain, they accompanied us in prisons, and they fought together with us in the war and we see them reborn in the new generations.

After the triumph of 1959, the Army General noted, Cubans faced armed gangs, sabotage, plans of attacks, especially against Fidel, the blockade, media campaigns, the invasion of Playa Girón, the October Crisis, the introduction of pests and diseases, terrorist acts.

And in the 1990s, he continued, we faced the demise of the Soviet Union and the socialist camp, and the onslaught of imperialism. Cubans, in the midst of enormous scarcities, put our unwavering capacity for resistance and the will to defend sovereignty and socialism to the test, and that was possible thanks to the unity forged by Fidel.

Today, Raúl stressed, 65 years after the Moncada Assault, with our independence already conquered and the permanent presence of Fidel among us, we can affirm that no matter how great the challenges, our people will defend their socialist Revolution. History has shown that we could, we can, and we will always be able to.

To commemorate the triumph of the Revolution, January 1, 2019, he promised, we will meet again in Santiago.

(Granma)

SANTIAGO DE CUBA-MOMENTOS ANTES DEL INICIO DEL ACTO CENTRAL

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6:38 a.m. The central act to mark July 26 concludes in Santiago de Cuba

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5:46 a.m. Army General Raúl Castro offers the central remarks

As I noted last December, today I will offer the central remarks of this act, the Army General began.

None of those who had the privilege of participating in these actions under the command of Fidel, could imagine that we would still be here today, in a free country. We celebrate this 65th anniversary in Santiago de Cuba not only due to its history, but also in recognition of the work undertaken here to benefit the people, under the leadership of Lázaro Expósito Cantro, Party First Secretary in the Province, alongside Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, a vice president of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba and president of the government in the territory.

Likewise, work is ongoing to meet the demands of the population, making the most of our own resources, which further contributes to the budget. The enthusiasm of the people of Santiago is palpable. However, much remains to be done to ensure that Santiago de Cuba is more beautiful, clean, and disciplined every day, worthy of guarding the remains of the National Hero, the Father and the Mother of the Homeland, and the historic leader of the Revolution.

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC

Some days ago, the National Assembly approved the draft Constitution of the Republic, which will now see a mass popular consultation process, before returning to the Cuban Parliament to approve the final document that will be put to a national referendum, Raúl explained.

The Army General stressed the importance of the updating of the country’s Constitution.

THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

As a consequence of first the devastating drought, then Hurricane Irma, heavy rains and Tropical Storm Alberto, as well as the tightening of the U.S. blockade, the Cuban economy continues to suffer various problems, although it has seen modest growth, Raúl highlighted.

This situation means that exports must be strengthened.

Raúl recalled that the greatest source of resources are savings, which more than a slogan must become a duty.

LATIN AMERICAN INTEGRATION

Another of the issues addressed by the Army General were the positive results of regional integration. He likewise denounced the imperialist strategy to destroy organizations such as CELAC and UNASUR, founded on the basis of unity amidst diversity.

The success of CARICOM, and the participation of all members of CELAC, as well as those of ALBA, have contributed to the advance of regional integration.

In 2014, the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as Zone of Peace was signed by CELAC heads of state and government. The document reiterates the permanent commitment to the peaceful solution of disputes, to ensure an end to the threat and use of force in our region.

The U.S. government has declared the validity of the Monroe Doctrine, summarized as “America for the Americans” (read “the U.S.”), which means that the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are subject to intervention.

The United States government is implementing a racist, xenophobic agenda, and with the complicity of certain governments, has attempted to revive the fledging OAS.

The recently concluded São Paulo Forum in Havana was essential as part of the political coordination of leftist forces of the region. The final declaration of the event is a program for the struggle of leftist parties and social and popular movements.

SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELA AND NICARAGUA

The Army General expressed the Cuban people, Party and government’s solidarity with the peoples and revolutionary governments of Venezuela and Nicaragua.

We reiterate the call for freedom for Lula da Silva in Brazil. There is no doubt that if elections were to be held tomorrow, Lula would win the Brazilian presidency in the first round.

RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES

Relations with the United States are maintained through official channels, with collaboration continuing on a limited number of areas.

Since the reestablishment of diplomat relations was announced, clear differences on various issues have been voiced, however, Cuba reiterates the will to work toward improved relations on the basis of equality.

In August 2017, under the pretext of alleged “sonic attacks” which are as of yet to be proven, diplomatic relations between Cuba and the U.S. have been increasingly strained, Raúl noted.

Likewise, the application and extraterritorial nature of the U.S. blockade has been tightened, in particular the persecution of international financial transactions.

The Army General recalled the infamous memorandum of 1960, in which a U.S. official noted that the majority of Cubans supported the revolutionary government and that “The only foreseeable means of alienating internal support is through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship (…) to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government.”

“I have never read anything more cynical than those words” Raúl stressed.

The First Secretary of the Party in Santiago de Cuba recalls the events of July 26, 1953, and the heroes of that feat. He calls that the homeland was born in Santiago de Cuba, which is why its residents honor this date with all kinds of tributes and celebrations.

At the same time, important investments are being made. Food production is advancing, while work continues to improve the population’s health.

He stressed that despite Yankee imperialism, hurricanes, blockades, and anything else thrown at the Cuban people, they will never surrender their Revolution, and will remain loyal to Fidel’s ideas.

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5:30 a.m. On the 65th anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes garrisons, a date that marks the historic continuity of the revolutionary feat that commenced on October 10, 1868, and which consolidated Fidel Castro as the unquestionable leader of the Cuban Revolution, Santiago-based members of the Union of Cuban Journalists, Education sector leaders, and members of Youth Computer Clubs, organized the “En Cuba siempre es 26” (It’s always the 26th in Cuba) twitter campaign, on July 24, higlighting the following ten reasons why Santiago de Cuba is today hosting the National Act to mark the date, and emphasizing the committment to support and defend the continuity of the Revoltuion:

- Santiago de Cuba has the honor of hosting the remains of the historic leader of the Revolution, and the intellectual author of the Moncada assault.

- Fidel Castro is the architect of the July 26 Movement, founded on the Martiana, anti-imperialist and democratic idelogcy that mobilizes the Cuban youth today.

- Because Santiago de Cuba is the crib of the Revolution and many historic leaders, and the eternal resting place of the founders of the Cuban revolutionary process.

- In Santiago de Cuba, the social project that Cubans defend continues, with popular leadership and mobilization.

- In Santiago de Cuba, work is ongoing to ensure a beautiful, clean, ordered and disciplined city for all.

- For the socioeconomic transformations contained with the Santiago Arde project.

- Due to its efficiency in prioritized sectors.

- Because in Santiago de Cuba nothing is impossible with the efforts of all.

- Because Santiago de Cuba, the Herioc City of the Republic of Cuba, rebellious yesterday, is today welcoming and heroic always.

- Because Santiago de Cuba will always await victory.

Today, Cuba is joined in its tributes by its friends both within and beyond the island, social movements, intellectuals, students, youth, professionals, and anyone passionate about the rescueing of national memory, the divulging of the achievvments of the Cuban Revolution, the validity of Fidel’s thought, and unity as an essential factor for the continuity of the Cuban social project.

Hashtags being used to follow the events are: #Cuba #SantiagodeCuba #SantiagoEn26.

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5:27 a.m. Follow our coverage here and on Facebook @GranmaEnglish

A pioneer and young girl speak, recalling the events of the Moncada assault, and calling for eternal glory for the July 26 heroes and matrys.

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5:12 a.m. The act to commemorate Cuba’s National Rebellion Day begins in Santiago de Cuba

The activities begin with the National Athem of Cuba and recorded words of Fidel regarding the herioc events recalled today, July 26.

Presiding the tributes are: Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba; Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, member of the Party Central Committee and President of the Councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba; José Ramón Machado Ventura, Second Secretary of the Party Central Committee; as well as members of the Party Political Bureau, Secretariat and Councils of State and Ministers.

They are accompanied by the people of Santiago, the Party first secretary in the province, Lázaro Expósito Canto, and Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, a vice president of the Council of State.

(Granma)