Cuban President meets with solidarity groups in Pinar del Río

Images via Estudios Revolución

By Ronald Suárez Rivas, translated from the Spanish

Pinar del Río: Defending Cuba means standing up for the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as for sovereignty and independence.

The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, stated this on Saturday (July 25) during the traditional gathering with solidarity groups visiting the country to mark National Rebellion Day.

On the eve of the main events marking the 73rd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks, foreign visitors arrived in Pinar del Río despite heavy pressure from the White House. The Cuban president stated that today, standing with Cuba means opposing hegemonism and supremacy, as well as resisting the ambitions of a power seeking to impose its will on the entire world.

Aligning oneself with the Homeland of Martí and Fidel is not merely an act of solidarity; it is a strategic imperative for creating a better world, because "tomorrow it can happen to any other nation, if we continue to allow it," he said.

Speaking informally, as if chatting with friends, Díaz-Canel said that today’s Cuba is a different place due to the suffocating policy imposed by the U.S. government.

In this context, he mentioned the energy blockade, which has allowed only one ship with fuel to reach the island in over six months, along with its impact on all aspects of life.

In the health sector, for example, he pointed out that the infant mortality rate—one of the most closely monitored indicators—has doubled. He emphasized that behind these numbers are real children who didn’t survive because of the blockade’s impact.

That fact alone shows that the policy supported by Washington for decades, and intensified exponentially in recent years, has a genocidal character.

He praised the dedication of health workers who, despite facing extremely harsh conditions, early mornings without rest due to blackouts, and often lacking transportation, still give their all every day to save lives.

Despite the ongoing siege, he stated that those against the Revolution have failed to break the spirit of the people, and that even in such challenging times, Cubans are taking action and have no intention of surrendering.

At the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Party Organization Secretary Roberto Morales Ojeda, and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla—all members of the Political Bureau—along with Pinar del Río’s top political and government leaders, there was no shortage of encouragement or gratitude for the people of the island, praising their courage and inspiring example.

Speaking for Pastors for Peace, an organization with a long tradition of supporting our country, Executive Director Claudia de la Cruz affirmed that Cuba is not alone and never will be.

We’re here because we believe the call to defend life means standing side by side with those who are oppressed. It’s our responsibility to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the Cuban people, she said.

Meanwhile, Rosemarie Mealy, also from the United States and one of the visitors who spoke at the meeting, remarked that the blockade enforced by her country's government is illegal and, as such, is opposed by every person with a sense of justice anywhere in the world.

She also mentioned that recently there has been growing pressure on solidarity organizations and movements. This is part of a campaign they conduct globally.

However, she made it clear that now is not the time to retreat or step aside. "We are not going to be silent, nor will we stop fighting," she said.

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