Scarves and furrows, for a better Cuba

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel embarked on a significant tour across the municipalities of Ciego de Ávila and Sancti Spíritus on October 8, 2025, engaging in both educational and agricultural activities. The day began with a heartfelt ceremony at the Antonio Maceo primary school in Chambas, where Díaz-Canel participated in the traditional placement of blue scarves on first graders, symbolizing their entry into the Moncadista Pioneers. The school, boasting 100% teacher coverage and strong academic results, exemplifies Cuba’s commitment to education despite economic challenges. The President emphasized the importance of nurturing young minds as the foundation of the nation’s future. Following the school visit, Díaz-Canel inspected the Nguyen Van Troi Sand Production Plant, where he discussed the production of materials essential for infrastructure projects, including photovoltaic parks and housing. He highlighted the need for innovation and workforce stability amid the country’s energy crisis. The tour continued to the El Tesoro farm, a major rice producer, where Díaz-Canel underscored the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice to reduce imports and bolster the agricultural sector. He also visited the La Candelaria farm, which produces preserves and biofertilizers, and the Pina collection center, a key player in hydrocarbon extraction. In Sancti Spíritus, the President visited La Belkys Farm, focusing on crop diversification and food security. The day concluded with a visit to a sugarcane field and a machinery workshop, where Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of agricultural machinery in supporting Cuba’s sugar industry. Throughout the tour, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to education, innovation, and agricultural self-sufficiency, drawing parallels to the legacy of Che Guevara in fostering a stronger and more humane Cuba.