In a televised address during the National Defense Council meeting, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez highlighted Cuba’s triumph in protecting its eastern provinces from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. He emphasized the nation’s unity and resilience in the face of adversity, calling it a defense of life against a ‘deceitful and cynical empire.’ The President acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by the hurricane’s aftermath, including strong winds, heavy rains, and potential health risks, urging continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to restore essential services and infrastructure. He praised the efforts of the Cuban people and the Party, stating, ‘Today we are all Fidel and Raúl. Today we are all the Party of unity defending life.’ Meanwhile, Cuba received overwhelming international support at the United Nations, with 165 countries voting to end the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade. Despite aggressive diplomatic maneuvers by the U.S. to sway votes, the resolution passed with a significant majority, marking a symbolic victory for Cuba and a blow to imperialist policies. The vote underscored global solidarity with Cuba and exposed the futility of the U.S. blockade, which has been widely condemned as a form of economic warfare.