Third Plenum of the National Committee of the Cuban Union of Young Communists held

Images via the PCC

By Wennys Díaz Ballaga, translated from the Spanish

The discussion during the plenary session of the Third Plenum of the National Committee of the Union of Young Communists (UJC) on December 10, centered on the role Cuban youth should assume in the current situation the country is facing and the contributions they can offer to implement the Government Program.

During the meeting, Dr. Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party of Cuba's (PCC) Central Committee, emphasized the trust the Party place in youth. He reaffirmed that it is primarily young people who should contribute to solidifying this national project, which is continually being advanced with the participation of all Cubans.

He stated that the primary missions include the economic battle, unity, and the fight for peace. He warned that peace is particularly under threat in the region, especially towards Venezuela, a nation we must support unconditionally. He recalled Fidel Castro's words: "For Venezuela, we will have to give everything."

He stressed the importance of prioritizing all activities that generate foreign exchange income in a "war economy" to address urgent issues, like the current challenges of the National Electric System and the fuel shortages.

He acknowledged the serious problems with regards national food production of essentials such as rice, beans and sugar, and advocated revitalizing the sugarcane sector. He called for boosting national production to replace imports and guarantee the basic basket.

Meyvis Estévez Echevarría, the first secretary of the National Committee of the UJC, stated that the plenary session truly served as a platform for contributing to the consolidation of the country's project. Commemorating Human Rights Day, she reaffirmed the organization's stance in support of just causes worldwide and condemned the human rights violations perpetrated by imperialism.

During the exchange, Hugo Fuentes, the secretary general of the UJC Base Committee at the Ministry of Justice, cautioned against ideological diversion campaigns that, both globally and in Cuba, aim to undermine the accomplishments of the Revolution, particularly targeting the youth.

He wondered why, if the Constitution acknowledges the UJC as the leader and representative of Cuban youth, all young people, whether they are militants or not, aren't mobilized to challenge that narrative in public and digital spaces.

He emphasized that there are skilled young individuals and communication methods that have not been fully utilized for this struggle.

Lisvany Martín Hernández, the general secretary of the UJC Base Committee at Marta Abreu de Las Villas Central University, urged the acknowledgment of the contributions made by young individuals serving the nation in various capacities.

She emphasized the unity of the young scientists, the compassion of the medical students, the dedication of those involved in post-hurricane recovery, and the patriotism of those who undertake special, often unrecognized, missions.

She also stated that unity is the key principle to show, on the centenary of the Commander in Chief's birth, that today's youth will be successful and progress is achievable.

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