The Cuban people have a dignity that is non-negotiable: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

On Saturday, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, acknowledged the monumental integrity of the Cuban people during his closing speech at the 10th Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the party organization.

Photos via Revolution Studios

By Yaima Puig Meneses, translated from the Spanish

"The Cuban people, steadfast and without boasting about their acts of heroism, are enduring extremely challenging times with a dignity that is non-negotiable," stated Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary and President of the Republic, during the conclusion of the 10th Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.

He mentioned that Cuba utilizes all of its knowledge, allowing its imagination to freely explore the complex, worldly journey that demands creativity and adaptability. This journey is well-known to Cubans as the path of intelligent resistance, which involves not only enduring with determination but also discovering methods to overcome challenges, advance, and ultimately succeed, despite all odds.

The Cuban President also emphasized the importance of progressing, innovating, and uniting, as there are numerous challenges before us. He stated that "the significant mission facing all Cuban revolutionaries and patriots is now clearly evident in all its magnitude and beauty: to preserve the Homeland, the Revolution, and Socialism. In this effort—and we have long understood this—every contribution, every positive idea, is crucial, valuable, and sacred within the collective strength we refer to as resistance."

The Cuban president also spoke about the increasingly complicated and daunting situation the world is facing, marked by numerous crises, with a humanitarian crisis being the most prominent. He highlighted that "despite the global chaos, being scorned and penalized by the most formidable adversary in history, and confronted with various internal issues, we benefit from six decades of experience in searching for, and ultimately discovering, viable solutions in exceptional circumstances and extreme contexts."

Inherently bold and quick to act, as children of a Revolution that has protected knowledge, we Cubans will always find various opportunities, even in crises that might signal the impossible for others, the president observed.

He explained that this is why we're here, stating, "Successive crises have consistently propelled us to new accomplishments; we thrive on surpassing our own limits; we detest losing and never consider giving up; and the fighting spirit is embedded in our identity, much like an unchangeable part of our genetic makeup."

The dignitary also mentioned in his speech how much the people expect from "us, their principal representatives and public servants: concrete and immediate actions that will help overcome the profound economic crisis that is doing so much damage to the spiritual fabric of our nation."

He stated that now, more than ever, it is confirmed that these solutions rely entirely on us, within a highly challenging and threatening environment.

“We are a country at war. Cuba has lived and resisted under war conditions for more than 60 years. Every day, the bombs of economic warfare fall around us, blocking, hindering, halting, or slowing down all efforts, as do the bombs of disinformation, distortion, and hatred that encircle them,” he reflected.

Amidst this extremely challenging situation, where the "Machiavellian strategy seeks not only to deplete the limited resources of a small nation," but also has the sinister goal of "dividing the nation and making the victim blame themselves rather than the oppressor," our Party must focus on reinforcing unity, enhancing political-ideological efforts, and securing the Government Program politically to address distortions and revive the economy, while also tackling the negative trends within society.

The President also mentioned the present intricate international situation, calling it "particularly dangerous" due to ongoing events, where the complicit involvement of major transnational communications and information corporations is highlighted.

Confronted with these realities, he stressed, we have a duty to inform, educate, and guide the public in a persuasive, fair, and innovative way. "It is time to strengthen the consciousness, culture, and anti-imperialist spirit that is at the heart of our struggle and the defense of national sovereignty and socialism."

President Díaz-Canel emphasized the need to raise awareness about the Government Program's content and highlighted the importance of prioritizing control measures, boosting food production, and tackling crime and illegal activities, along with other critical issues essential for the nation's progress.

In his key speech, the president praised the importance of the 10th Plenary Session of the Central Committee approving the call for the 9th Party Congress and the general ideas for its implementation.

This Congress marks a five-year period characterized by progress through resistance, struggle, and the construction of socialism. It has faced the disgraceful and genocidal policies of the empire with unparalleled heroism and dignity, all while steadfastly adhering to the plan that has never been abandoned to eliminate us.

The IX Congress must propose a strategy to enhance the Party's work in both ideological and socioeconomic areas, illuminating and refining what we have, while addressing existing issues.

It will constitute a congress of continuity of the Revolution in the midst of an adverse global and national situation," he reflected.

Throughout his speech, he frequently invoked the thoughts and legacy of Martí, Fidel, and Raúl, whose ideas are becoming ever more crucial in the face of an extremely difficult and challenging situation.

The president emphasized that we are a people skilled in fighting due to the legacy of our maroons and mambises, who were both bold and intelligent. We inherit the spirit of women and men who defied logic and achieved victory. We are the offspring of a Revolution founded on intelligence and bravery.

With intelligence and bravery, we will move forward, as the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party stated at the conclusion of his speech. In Cuba, "millions of us can unite our intelligence; we can also embody that torrent of feelings -- as Haydée Santamaría eloquently described the Revolution -- we can uphold the level of human dignity we all achieved through the Revolution's efforts and love, from which nothing and no one will bring us down."

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