IX Congress of the Cuban National Association of the Blind wraps up in Havana

On Thursday morning, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the President of the Republic, presided over the final day of the IX Congress and the National General Assembly of the National Association of the Blind (ANCI), held at the Convention Center since October 7.

Photos via Estudios Revolución

By Yaima Puig Meneses, translated from the Spanish

Amidst the current complex situation, this Assembly represents hope and the future, stated Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, during his speech at the closing session of the IX Congress and the National General Assembly of the National Association of the Blind (ANCI), held this Thursday at the Convention Center in Havana.

Today is a day filled with emotions and reflections on our beliefs and dedication to the Homeland and the just causes we support, the Head of State told his listeners. He explained that shortly before, he had been at the Anti-imperialist Tribune to join the Cuban people in condemning the genocide occurring in Palestine, a disgraceful event that "we cannot accept or observe passively."

To Fidel, he paid a special tribute, as he was not only the global leader who most ardently supported the Palestinian cause, but also the one who specifically encouraged the establishment of organizations like the ANCI in Cuba. These organizations aim to address the needs of their members, who, in turn, contributed to the building of the Revolution.

The Head of State emphasized that the discussions held in this assembly must reach every province, municipality, community, and neighborhood. This ensures that the efforts of these days are not limited to those present and that we can continue to assert with conviction that inclusion is a fundamental principle of the Cuban Revolution.

He urged them to actively participate in various areas of society and sectors, particularly in the near future, in two upcoming popular consultation processes: the review of the Government Program aimed at correcting distortions and revitalizing the economy, and the draft documents to be discussed at the IX Party Congress.

The president emphasized that, alongside you, we will persist in upholding our principles, striving for effective societal inclusion, dismantling barriers, and ensuring your unlimited participation in our society.

Recognizing that their organization, along with numerous other entities and institutions in the country, strives to build a future of dignity for everyone, over 200 delegates at the IX Congress selected the members of the new National Council and the Secretariat for the upcoming five years.

During this process, Jorge Luis Cala Ledesma was confirmed as the President of the ANCI. He stated that he takes on this significant responsibility on behalf of the over 30,000 members, and he will continue to work ethically and revolutionary commitment.

After expressing gratitude for the continuous support the country has provided to the visually impaired, Cala Ledesma affirmed that both his and the organization's commitment will consistently align with the Revolution. This dedication was reaffirmed by all its members in the event's Final Declaration, showing their readiness to actively participate in all the nation's struggles.

A particularly significant moment was when President Díaz-Canel received the "Crystal Cane," the highest honor given by the ANCI to individuals and members who have significantly contributed through their work, example, and achievements to the meaningful social inclusion of people with visual disabilities.

The president expressed gratitude for the decoration bestowed upon him, viewing it as an acknowledgment of the Revolution's continuity.

The Head of State was also requested to present an acknowledgment to the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz. This recognition was for his role in continuing the work of the Commander in Chief and for his extensive political, military, humanist, and revolutionary career dedicated to the complete well-being of all Cuban citizens, especially those with disabilities. Additionally, his ongoing efforts to promote social policies for this group were emphasized, particularly his unwavering support for the ANCI.

In the concluding statements of the meeting, Jesús Otamendiz Campos, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, reaffirmed the commitment of the Cuban State and Government to continue in efforts towards the inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

Representatives from the Party, the State, the Government, social and mass organizations, along with organizations and institutions associated with the organization's work in the country, were also in attendance on the closing day.

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