Cuba says farewell to Ricardo Cabrisas Ruíz

Photos via Estudios Revolución

By Alina Perera Robbio, translated from the Spanish

For Cuba, this Wednesday marked the transformation of one of its finest sons into poetry. Ricardo Cabrisas Ruíz, who dedicated himself to the Revolution until his final moments, departed from this world. The news spread across networks, sparking a torrent of emotions, memories, and farewells, intertwined with the symbolic downpour that concluded a somber day.

Across multiple digital platforms, a post by President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez announced the event shortly after the revolutionary figure had passed away: "Very sad news," the dignitary wrote, "for Cuba, with the passing of dear comrade Ricardo Cabrisas Ruíz, an exemplary individual who devoted his entire life to the Revolution. Our deepest condolences and a warm embrace go out to his family and friends during this challenging time."

Early this Wednesday, in the entrance hall of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, where the skilled fighter had entered many times, preparations were made to pay a well-deserved tribute. The ashes were placed in a small urn, and at the back of the hall, floral offerings made of white flowers were arranged. The first offering was dedicated by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, who had already sent heartfelt condolences to the family of comrade Ricardo Cabrisas.

The other offerings were dedicated by President Díaz-Canel; by Manuel Marrero Cruz, a member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba; by the Communist Party of Cuba; by the National Assembly of People's Power; by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces; and by the workers of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Mincex). Throughout the day of tribute, floral decorations continued to arrive, and among those present—whether parading, staying in the enclosure, or acting as a Guard of Honour—white flowers were visible, ready to be placed as a tribute.

At precisely nine o'clock in the morning, as final preparations were made for the tribute's commencement, President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez warmly embraced comrade Cabrisas' family. Manuel Marrero Cruz was there from the beginning, and gradually, cherished companions like Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the Revolution, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, appeared.

In front of the small urn, amidst the medals and floral tributes, began the procession of individuals who had worked with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz. It was a beautiful sight to see men and women from various professions and trades: leaders from different organizations with which the old fighter had connections passed by; as well as cleaning staff, cooks, Cubans who held in their hearts stories about the life of a kind man, also joined the parade.

Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh, when approached by reporters, expressed her emotions by stating that "Cabrisas was a remarkable man, a formidable fighter, a true revolutionary. A loyal individual, devoted to the Revolution." She emphasized that he was consistently "focused on problem-solving," always taking a practical approach, and described him as "very dynamic."

She expressed her emotions, visibly shaken: "I believe we must always remember him in this way, remembering his dedication, his efforts for Cuba and all its people, constantly seeking solutions to challenges, just as he did." Inés María will not forget—and she made it clear—that comrade Cabrisas consistently emphasized "working with priorities within priorities" and firmly believed that "there was always a solution to problems".

The deputy prime minister remembered that "even when unwell, he was fighting there until the very end. That is the example we all must follow. We are all here consistently working for the Revolution, as part of the people, and that is the legacy he leaves us, an example we will never forget."

Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, told reporters: "We are here today to honor someone who serves as a significant example for everyone involved in Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, as well as the economy at large and Cuba's international relations."

"Cabrisas was not only recognized for his expertise and mastery of various subjects, earning respect both in Cuba and internationally, but he also remained, until the very end, a model of dedication, commitment, and loyalty to Commander in Chief Fidel, Army General Raúl Castro, and the Revolution. He consistently shared his experience with us and imparted valuable lessons."

"I believe we have a significant commitment remaining with comrade Cabrisas. We must continue working, follow his example and ideals, and always defend his life's journey, achievements, and dedication to the Revolution."

This Wednesday, Sabina Clavel, the colleague responsible for cleaning the office where Ricardo Cabrisas worked, mentioned that he "was very helpful and affectionate. Every morning when he arrived, he greeted me with one or two kisses." She recalls that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued to greet with a double salute, fist bumps, or foot bumps. Each morning, upon entering, if Sabina was cleaning, Cabrisas would humbly announce, "I'm here...," to which she would reply, "Okay, I'll do what I can..." to ensure he had his space.

"He didn't regard himself as an authority figure; instead, he consistently offered affection and motivation to those who worked with him," recalled Sabina Clavel, who had been very close to Cabrisas over the past five years.

At a young age, Laura Soler Díaz, an official responsible for Foreign Trade and Investment and managing international economic relations with Europe, shared a remarkable story with journalists: "During my daily work, I met Deputy Prime Minister Cabrisas while attending to our key countries. It was truly an honor for me when he chose me to accompany him in his final negotiations with Cuba's creditor countries in the Paris Club."

"Following that, the work became extremely challenging. He consistently taught us the essence of discipline, sacrifice, and, most importantly, what it means to truly feel Cuba in our hearts. Cabrisas never ceased to focus on Cuba; he was daily concerned about the country's issues, such as provinces lacking bread or electricity, and these worries kept him awake at night. Essentially, his final days were a race against time, as he felt the need to accomplish much more. For a young person, all of this is truly admirable."

At noon on Wednesday, while President Díaz-Canel, Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People's Power, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, and Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, were performing Guardia de Honor, this journalist reflected on the account written by a friend and young translator during these sorrowful times. The translator had worked with Cabrisas since 2000, which allowed him to claim that Cabrisas was his "mentor and guide in almost everything, from vocabulary and economic and financial knowledge to matters of size and appearance."

The reporter currently penning these words, having witnessed an outpouring of emotions, admiration, and love for the late great Cuban, can vouch from brief encounters with comrade Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz for his kindness, elegance, impeccable speech, admirable habit of always greeting others, and the sincere, educational affection that only truly great individuals can bestow.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC