The only guerilla group of such significance which has not had a specific institution, of this type, will have the ideal headquarters: Santiago de Cuba’s City Hall, directly on centrally located Céspedes Park, from where Fidel announced the Rebel Army’s victory over the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, to Cubans and the world, January 1, 1959.

Maylín Santos Suárez, a sociocultural expert with a Masters in Museology and director of the institution, told Granma that the focus on the Rebel Army’s original front serves as a dignified tribute to all those who launched or joined Cuba’s definitive struggle in the mountains, under the undisputed leadership of the Comandante en Jefe.

“The museum,” she said, “will have 12 halls for permanent exhibitions and one for temporary displays, with those located on the first level chronologically covering the history, featuring the Granma expeditionaries’ preparations in Mexico, the crossing, the landing, Alegría de Pío , the first victorious battles in the Sierra, and the contribution of the underground in the cities.

“The seven rooms on the second level will be dedicated to the development and consolidation of the (revolutionary) process through the active participation of women and campesinos, in justice, education, health, religion, workshops, and armories, propaganda; and, of course, the transcendence of the Front in the victory and the subsequent integration of combatants into the work of the Revolution.”

Historical objects to be displayed range from weapons, uniforms, and other equipment of the guerrillas, to fighters’ personal items, belongings of women who joined the Marianas, original documents, and rare photographs, with the main events revisited via advanced technology.”Surely,” emphasized Santos Suárez, “We will be in the presence of a new type of museum, characterized by a balance between the traditional and new technology that such facilities use in the world today, with screens, models, and smart tables featuring sound, colors, and smells that give visitors the sensation of being in the Sierra Maestra’s natural environment.”Participating in the project are specialists from the design team at the City of Havana Historian’s Office, while under the direction of the Santiago de Cuba Curator’s Office (OCC), numerous forces led by the Restoration and Conservation of Monuments Enterprise are in charge of re-conditioning the property and its surroundings.Ramon Cobas Avivar, deputy director of the OCC, explained, “Until a few months ago, the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power occupied this building, which as opposed to what many may think, given its colonial appearance, it is a solid, reinforced concrete building, constructed in 1954, which we must adapt to its new function ».

According to plans, the building will not cease to serve other traditional purposes, with the mayor’s office remaining here, with its Flag Room to receive distinguished guests, the council hall for the awarding of honors, etc, and the formal City Hall where special events are held, while the building will always be the site of Santiago’s traditional flag-raising to welcome in the New Year.

Among the actions projected in other areas, Cobas Avivar referred to the disassembly, treatment, and remounting of the huge Spanish door, of precious wood and metalwork; installation of glass doors and shutters needed to maintain the centralized air conditioning system to be installed; and renovation of sanitary, water, and electrical systems.

Likewise, the decorative Creole tiles on the concrete roof will be restored; an ornamental lighting system installed; and everything repainted. To enhance its surroundings, similar treatment will be afforded the Cathedral, the Diego Velázquez home, the Casa Granda Hotel, the old San Carlos Club, and other buildings on the park.

Intense work is now focused on Cespedes Park and adjacent streets, which have been closed to vehicles, to become pedestrian walkways. On the square, paved areas and sidewalks are being repaired; electrical and telephone cables placed underground; trees replanted; and benches, planters, and lamp posts refurbished, to be ready for the city’s celebrated Caribbean Festival, coming soon.

“Since the launch of the proposal in 2015, I began to draw,” Pérez explained, “and I have not stopped enriching the approved design alongside several specialists here and from Havana, because on studying its location at the entrance of the Avenida de los Desfiles, I thought that the hotel should be like a flag that would welcome visitors to the Heroic City of all Cubans.

“In addition, it would have the equestrian sculpture of Major General Antonio Maceo Grajales in the Plaza de la Revolución that bears his name just 500 meters away; closer still a memorial dedicated to Mariana Grajales (in the design phase), and would be expeditiously connected via Patria Avenue with the Santa Ifigenia patrimonial cemetery, where Martí, Fidel, Céspedes and Mariana among other heroes lie.

“That was the motivation for the undulating or floating flag inspired by so many patriotic symbols, which is seen in the two residential towers of 15 and 17 levels, which simulate blue and white stripes, and over the base in red will bring to mind our national flag for whoever looks at them, as an allegory of our free Cuba.”

The suggestive design will be complemented by the beautiful view of the first rays of the sun on Gran Piedra hill, and its setting among the foothills of the distant Sierra Maestra, a natural delight that visitors will be able to enjoy from the bar/lookout and the terraces of the still nameless hotel. With such attributes, it could well be called Hotel Alborada (Daybreak).

MODERNITY AND EFFICIENCY

With a 5 Star Plus rating, the hotel will use advanced construction and technological systems, which will allow it to meet the standards required to transform the second most important city in Cuba into a specialized destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) tourism.

According to Pérez Acosta, the two aforementioned towers will offer 452 rooms, including two presidential suites on the upper level of both. Standing at 72 meters high, and 92 meters above sea level, the 17-floor tower will be the tallest building in the city.

The hotel will also have a convention center, dance hall, spacious lobby, five restaurants, snack bar, cafeteria, physiotherapeutic gym, swimming pools, and other standard elements of a luxurious facility. The hotel will occupy a plot of 7.28 hectares, previously shared by a tourism transportation base, an urban bus station, and a Cubiza office.

General designer, architect, and engineer César Garrido Rodríguez noted: “Across the world, the rating system of these works includes an exhaustive analysis of the whole process of conception, design, and construction, of the minimal use of natural materials, minimum environmental impact and, once in operation, the use of renewable energy sources.

“Consequently,” he added, “from the technological point of view, a metal structure will predominate due to its performance level, lightness and resistance in a region of high seismic hazard; while a highlight of the construction of the curtain wall façade is the use of special glass panels, that far from raising the apparent air temperature, prevent the penetration of harmful solar rays into the building.”

Pérez Acosta, demonstrating a sample of the panels to be used for the first time in Cuba, explained that they have several layers of glass, creating a thermal break that prevents heat transfer to the interior of the building, while also containing photovoltaic cells, which unlike traditional solar panels are transparent and of the desired tonality.

“The building has to be enclosed with glass,” he reiterated, “and if we do so with these panels, which are more economically feasible and provide clean electric power, even before the first guest arrives, we will be recording income, as preliminary estimates indicate that if also installed in corridors and on the roof, the overall electricity demand could be reduced by around 50%.”

Together with this, the wind speed at the top of the towers will be studied, to determine the possible generation of wind energy. Meanwhile, the abundant groundwater, revealed in studies of the plot, will be used as a water reserve for cleaning, the irrigation of green areas and other necessities other than human consumption.

The “green roof” design philosophy will also be applied, which could include the use of both natural and artificial materials to create green spaces on the roofs of the building, such as over the basement and maintenance corridors, to obtain an adequate energy balance in those areas exposed to the sun.

INEVITABLY INTELLIGENT

Conceived as a key piece of the city’s civic center, which also includes the Antonio Maceo Plaza de la Revolución and its stained glass protocol hall, the Heredia Convention Theater and the future Mariana Grajales Memorial, the first luxury hotel in Santiago de Cuba, with its modern convention center, will inevitably be an intelligent building.

“All the historic, cultural, and natural values of this city and the province,” Garrido Rodríguez argued, “which bring together events such as the Cuban-Spanish-American War, sites and expressions declared World Heritage by UNESCO, the Gran Piedra and Sierra Maestra, call for event tourism.

“In addition we have the main gateway to the Caribbean and a direct link to South America, hence we have designed a convention center with a capacity of between 780 and 1,500 people, through flexible, multifunctional rooms, including three halls of great importance, another of a smaller format, and an exclusive zone, for the development of high level events.

“The concept of flexibility means we can subdivide these into smaller spaces; the center is distinguished by the possibility of adapting to a theater format, classrooms, or imperial hall with a large square table and speakers placed around it, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual media and lighting.”

There will be a covered parking area under the convention center, offering direct access to its halls, both from the hotel itself and from the street, while it will meet the required evacuation standards in the event of disasters.

Garrido Rodríguez pointed out that the use of different technological systems responds to the intelligent hotel concept, whereby all processes are regulated and controlled, automated, and optimized, so that for the first time in the country, it will be possible to offer the highest quality comfort, service, and energy options, and an appropriate cost-benefit ratio.

The plot that the hotel will occupy is currently undergoing a dismantling and demolition process, the engineering and geological site investigations are in the final phase, and the improvements to be introduced in surrounding road, power, and sanitary networks, as well as the housing stock, are being studied.

Human capital will play a crucial role in meeting the planned objectives of this project. Hence, just as the tourism system is already working on the selection and training of personnel who will work in this modern facility, part of the multidisciplinary project group composed of 34 Emproy-15 specialists plans to exchange technical advice abroad.

(Granma)

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)

Díaz-Canel’s first stop – accompanied by members of the Central Committee Lázaro Expósito Canto and Beatriz ­Johnson Urrutia, Party first secretary in the province and president of the Provincial Assembly of People’s Power, respectively – was the new hotel under construction here.

Tourism Ministry authorities and the construction company Emprestur, explained that the facility, to be completed next July, is projected as a four-star hotel, with 74 rooms.

The group, joined by Culture Minister Abel Prieto toured a new movie theater and internet navigation wifi site; heard about renovation efforts in the town from local authorities; and enjoyed brief performances by the professional and children’s steel bands at their recently established headquarters on the town’s central boulevard. At each site, the President inquired about the quality of work done.

Under the noonday sun, crowds gathered on sidewalks to send greetings to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and express respect and affection for the new President. Upon his departure, Diaz-Canel stopped again at a park to talk with residents.

Later in the day, Díaz-Canel visited two soy oil processing facilities, inaugurated by Commandante en Jefe Fidel Castro, October 24, 2001, and now undergoing a 20 million pesos renovation, to increase capacity and improve quality.

To close the day, the President met with students at the University of Oriente and the provincial medical school, joined by Minister of Higher Education José Ramón Saborido Loidi. Some 20 students took the floor to share opinions on their academic programs, the university’s links with the population, and interaction with provincial authorities.

Díaz-Canel concluded noting, “This is a province of constant renewal. Here you always see new things, as Army General Raúl Castro saw. And what is most significant is the united participation of everyone in Santiago in these projects, of which you are so proud.”

(Granma)

This first visit by the country’s new President has a special connotation, since Santiago de Cuba, thanked by Fidel for all that its people have done for the Revolution, is the birthplace of heroes and martyrs, with a vast, rich history that continues to be written.

This is where we start, because as the poetry of Waldo Leyva says, displayed on a wall along the city’s Enramadas Boulevard, “If you discover a street where a hero has never walked… there is no Santiago.”

Minutes before the President arrived – accompanied by Lázaro Expósito Canto, first secretary of the Party in the province; and Beatriz Jonhson Urrutia, Council of State vice president and President of the Provincial Assembly of People’s Power, as well as other authorities – the middle school’s principal, Rosa Sánchez Braña, said she was proud to host the distinguished guest. She has led the school for eight years, and with the passion of a good teacher, explained that the Armando García has a student body of 361 seventh, eight, and ninth graders, and a staff of 53, of whom 41 are educators. Filling the stairwell that leads to the second floor of the school, decked out in Cuban flags, students greeted Díaz-Canel. They did so with expressions of gratitude to Fidel, verses from Martí, excerpts from the concept of Revolution bequeathed by the Comandante en Jefe to all Cubans, and with song.

The President began the exchange right away, at the foot of the stairs, asking questions about a wide range of issues: How are school days spent? Do you like to dance? How are career interest groups conducted? What time to you get up in the morning? What’s for lunch? What do you do before bed? When do you study and how? Do you take advantage of you courses’ software collections? What do you do for fun on weekends?

The questions put students on the spot, and as they shared their opinions, the President asked for more information: Do you like Santiago? Are your teachers good? What do you – and not like – about the school? Are there places in the community for recreation? What would you like to study in the future?

Díaz-Canel told the group, almost all of whom want to be doctors, that he would leave with the impression that they felt good, and pleased that “there are students like you, so decent, well prepared, and committed to the Revolution.”

“Surely there’s some little thing here that could be improved,” he insisted, as he concluded, before saying that commitment to the Greater Homeland begins where you live, that if the students love their neighborhood, with its tremendous history of struggle, then they love the Revolution.

The welcome concluded with Sánchez granting the President honorary recognition in the name of the province’s educational system and a bouquet of flowers. Díaz-Canel then toured the facilities and held a meeting with the school’s leadership and other teachers.

Toward the end of the visit, the President approached the school yard where several students were playing basketball. After joining the game for a few minutes, he made a basket, drawing laughter and applause from those present.

Grateful for the encounter, Díaz-Canel departed for another location in the heroic city, but not before stopping to greet and chat with residents of the Chicharrones neighborhood, who gathered outside the school as they heard the President was there.

At the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Children’s Hospital of the South there are two departments of special sensitivity: those of pediatric oncology and hematology. The Cuban President arrived and inquired if services in all medical specialties were available and how many patient-beds the hospital had.

The staff members who welcomed him explained that the hospital has a total of 1,178 workers, and of these 198 are doctors.

Díaz-Canel asked about an issue of interest to all: How much is hereditary, and how much is environmental, in causing diseases that concern scientists?

And then: How are working conditions in the hospital, especially for doctors? What do you believe is lacking here?

The President of Santiago’s Provincial Assembly of People’s Power Beatriz Jonhson Urrutia responded, mentioning an important goal: making investments to create more comfortable spaces where children and their mothers can stay together, during treatment here.

Díaz-Canel continued his tour, and as the group walked, he asked about how young patients can keep up with their school work during recovery. Before departing, he congratulated the staff, wishing them success, and encouraging them to continue their good work in the beautiful battle for life.

Wherever there are many intelligent people, you can be sure things will turn out well, Díaz-Canel said as he toured the Oriente Pharmaceutical Laboratory Enterprise, devoted to producing and distributing medications, natural products, nutritional supplements, and medical equipment.

Sandra Echevarría Lafargue, adjunct director of the state company, updated the President on the performance of the five production lines here, all with an important impact on the population’s quality of life, including tablets; parenteral solutions in large volume plastic bags; concentrated dialysis solutions; medical equipment; and powders such as oral rehydration salts.

Lafargue explained that the laboratory is undertaking new efforts, including the introduction of Moringa tablets; reformulating alprazolam and aspirin; developing a new packaging material to extend the shelf life of parenteral solutions; and advancing specialties like multi-electrolyte solutions. Work is also being done, she said, on acquiring technology for high blood pressure medications and other products like 500mg Dipirona tablets.

Díaz-Canel expressed special interest in the company’s natural products, a line that has distinguished the Laboratory, noting the importance of continuing to develop specialists in this arena.

“I see that you have been able to get around obstacles,” the President commented to workers, noting the company’s innovative accomplishments in the 2017 Science and Technique Forum, where the company’s staff presented 352 works addressing specific issues and offering solutions. The proposals led to the resolution of dozens of problems identified within the facility, and won them recognition on a municipal level.

Upon departing, the President greeted and talked with residents of the “30 de Noviembre” community who were waiting outside to welcome him.

Another site visited by Díaz-Canel, along with Lázaro Expósito, Beatriz Jonhson, Minister of Construction René Mesa Villafaña, and other provincial authorities, was the residential settlement of El Carmen, being constructed 18 kilometers from the center of the provincial capital. To be inaugurated here shortly are 73 houses for families who lost their homes during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and others facing precarious housing situations.

The President was updated on details of the project, such as the types of dwellings being built: 60 of “Type 4” design using wood and masonry; and 13 of the “Sandino” masonry design. The Santiago municipal Construction Maintenance Enterprise, the Guamá Agro-forestry Enterprise, and the Gran Piedra Baconao Agro-forestry Enterprise, have carried out the project to provide homes for those who lost practically everything or who are living in very difficult conditions.

Describing the lumber used to erect houses, the director of Gran Piedra explained to the press that the wood has special resistance and strength.

How are future residents feeling? Do they have access to water and other services? The President took an interest in such issues during a meeting with a group of people from Santiago working at the settlement, who will become owners, although they don’t yet know which house will be theirs.

The President’s afternoon agenda included a stop at the Marcel Bravo factory that produces 55 gallon metal barrels, in the province’s industrial zone. Every step of the process captured his attention, and he talked with both management personnel and workers. The plant supplies barrels to several eastern provinces from Guantánamo to Sancti Spíritus, where they are used to store foodstuffs, lubricants, fuel, and paint.

Located not far from the bay where tanks are manufactured, is another unit where metal parts are forged. Díaz-Canel walked over to observe the process of fabricating iron culverts and talk with workers involved in the task.

Next, the President took the Mar Verde Highway around Santiago to visit one of the province’s five refrigerated fish processing centers, where food for five eastern provinces is stored. Here he heard reports detailing the facility’s operations.

Another stop in the area was the Santiago fibrocement plant, and specifically the Petrocasas-Caribe facility, undergoing a significant investment process. Among other questions, Díaz-Canel asked about the technology that will be used, as well as the benefits projected for the population.

The visit to sites of economic interest ended in the afternoon with a tour of retail stores under construction on the provincial capital’s Central Highway, which will be opening soon. As for the facilities, something can already be said: They will be beautiful and represent another task completed in efforts to improve the wellbeing of those who have nurtured the Revolution since the beginning: the people of Santiago.

(Granma)

Accompanied by Lázaro Expósito Canto, president of the Provincial Defense Council, Raúl arrived in the neighborhood of Abel Santamaría, where the Photovoltaic Park Solar Energy Research Center is located, a facility which features a little over 10,000 solar panels, almost 9,000 of which were disassembled, while steps have been taken to ensure that those remaining are protected from strong winds.

In this regard, Raúl noted that much can be learned from every phenomenon, as each one is different.

Next, the Army General moved on to Santiago de Cuba’s military regional command, where he spoke with brigades composed of forestry experts.
There, command chief Colonel Ricardo Riger Tejeda, explained that brigades were created in every province after Hurricane Sandy hit the region. These units work to support prevention efforts and once the weather event is over, help with sanitation and recuperation around the city, he noted, also highlighting that brigades have the necessary equipment to carry out their tasks with speed and efficiency.

Later, the President of the Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers visited a facility belonging to the Ministry of the Interior where he talked with members of the Search and Rescue Detail and Fire Brigade, which have been reinforced by other MININT personnel.

While speaking to staff, Raúl recalled the participation of said groups during Hurricane Sandy and highlighted the importance of their work in these types of emergency situations.

Shortly afterward, the President of the National Defense Council made his way to the Mariana Grajales Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital where he was warmly received by the population and Health sector directors; who updated the Cuban President on the work of staff at the facility, the state of equipment, as well as steps taken to continue providing the institution’s complete range of services and save lives, since initial actions were announced ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

The Cuban President highlighted the work of the Provincial Defense Council, led by compañero Lázaro Expósito Canto and the support offered by deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Army Corps General, Ramón Espinosa Martín.

After the hurricane has passed we will immediately begin work to recover from the damage Matthew may cause, stated Raúl.

(Granma)

In the presence of Lázaro Expósito Canto, first Party Secretary in the province, and Reinaldo García Zapata, president of the Provincial Assembly, members of the José Martí Honor Guard placed the wreath which was unveiled by two veterans of the Revolution.

Members of the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, families of martyrs, and representatives from mass organizations attended the tribute, which also honored other heroic Cuban women, including María Cabrales, Antonio Maceo’s widow; Doña Rosario, mother of the País García brothers; and Dominga Moncada, mother of Guillermón Moncada; as well as all mothers whose sons and daughters have given their lives in internationalist missions.

(From de Sierra Maestra digital)

The Pontiff is currently making his way to the United States, on the second part of his tour, where he will be received by President Barack Obama. There he will speak at a joint session of the U.S. Congress and before the UN General Assembly in New York.
On September 26, he will officiate a mass in Philadelphia and participate in the World Meeting of Families. Before leaving the island, he thanked the Cuban people for their hospitality and warm welcome.

On his last day in Cuba, the Bishop of Rome completed a busy schedule of activities which began with a mass in the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. Later he held a meeting with Cuban families in the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba and blessed the entire city from the church’s vestibule.

During his sermon the highlighted the role of the family, calling for every family to be a welcoming space of giving and peace…”the family is a school which teaches humanity…To leave a world full of families if the best legacy. Perfect families do not exist; which is why we must cherish our family, true spaces of freedom, true centers of humanity.” To end, as is his custom, he asked that: You pray for me.