标签： Cuba

Cuba bid a heartfelt farewell to Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz in a solemn and moving ceremony held at the Colón Necropolis. The event, presided over by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, was marked by military honors and floral tributes from prominent leaders, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz. Cabrisas, a revered figure in Cuban politics, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to the nation and his pivotal role in shaping its economic and diplomatic strategies. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz delivered a poignant eulogy, highlighting Cabrisas’ lifelong commitment to the Revolution, his leadership in key government roles, and his profound impact on Cuba’s international relations. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, family members, and colleagues, who gathered to honor a man whose legacy of integrity, loyalty, and service will endure.

Cuba bid a solemn farewell to one of its most dedicated revolutionaries, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, in a state funeral held on Tuesday. The ceremony, marked by profound emotions and tributes, saw the attendance of Cuba’s highest leadership, including General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel. The event took place at the Council of Ministers’ headquarters, where a small urn containing Cabrisas’ ashes was placed, surrounded by white floral wreaths. The first wreath was dedicated by General Raúl Castro, who had previously extended his heartfelt condolences to the family. Other floral tributes were presented on behalf of President Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Communist Party of Cuba, the National Assembly of People’s Power, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Mincex). President Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Marrero Cruz expressed their sympathies to Cabrisas’ family, joined by other high-ranking officials, including Vice Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés Menéndez. Vice Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh, visibly moved, praised Cabrisas as a “great man, a great fighter, and a great revolutionary,” emphasizing his unwavering dedication to solving the nation’s challenges. The first guard of honor was formed by President Díaz-Canel, National Assembly President Esteban Lazo, Prime Minister Marrero Cruz, and Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Party. The funeral underscored Cabrisas’ significant contributions to Cuba’s revolutionary legacy and his enduring impact on the nation.

In preparation for the 58th anniversary of Che Guevara’s death, the Sculptural Complex in Santa Clara, dedicated to preserving the memory of the revolutionary icon and his fellow fighters, is undergoing extensive restoration. The project aims to safeguard this national monument, which has welcomed over 5.7 million visitors since its establishment. Reday Rene Armas, the Complex’s Director, revealed to Granma that the restoration focuses on several critical areas. These include repairing the two fountains at the plaza’s rear, enhancing lighting across the site and its surrounding avenues, and restoring the irrigation system that maintains the gardens. Additionally, the fuel systems for the eternal flames—one in the Memorial housing Che’s remains and the other in the Mausoleum of the Combatants of the Las Villas Front—are being upgraded. The museum, which showcases artifacts linked to Che and his Bolivian campaign, is also undergoing renovations. Further efforts involve addressing leaks, improving climate control, repairing water and sanitation networks, and conducting a technical evaluation of the towering statue of Che beside the plaza. The restoration is divided into three phases, with the first concluding on October 8, the anniversary of Che’s death. The second phase will end on November 26, marking the day Che assumed the presidency of Cuba’s National Bank, and the final phase on December 28, commemorating the Battle of Santa Clara. This project underscores the enduring significance of Che Guevara as a symbol of revolutionary ideals and the collective memory of Cuba.

This Monday marks a significant milestone as the Tania la Guerrillera Pedagogical School in Pinar del Río celebrates its 50th anniversary. The institution, inaugurated by Fidel Castro in 1975, has undergone extensive renovations to restore its former glory. The school, which has trained over 15,000 teachers, is set to reopen with a completely renovated image by September 1, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.

The school’s director, Jorge Alejandro González, expressed his pride in leading the institution where he was once a student. ‘Taking over the direction of this school is both an honor and a challenge,’ he said. González, who has been with the school since he was 15, emphasized the enduring values of academic rigor and the commitment to shaping future educators.

The school’s legacy extends beyond Pinar del Río, as it has played a crucial role in the educational revolution of the 1970s. Evelio Herrera Padrón, Provincial Director of Education, highlighted the institution’s contribution to the region’s stable educational outcomes. ‘Thousands of teachers have graduated from this school, and their impact is immeasurable,’ he noted.

Fidel Castro’s vision for the school was ambitious. During the inauguration, he emphasized the need for teachers capable of working in both urban and rural settings. ‘We aspire to a type of teacher who can teach not only in the city but also in the countryside,’ he said. This vision has been realized over the decades, with the school expanding its curriculum to include 15 specialties, ranging from early childhood education to secondary-level sciences and humanities.

The recent renovations were necessitated by the passage of time and the impact of hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian. The rehabilitation efforts have focused on restoring the school’s infrastructure, including student residences, sports fields, and specialized classrooms. ‘We have worked tirelessly to ensure the school is ready for the new academic year,’ González said.

As the school prepares to welcome 779 students, including 236 first-year students, it continues to uphold its mission of training dedicated educators. ‘I hope that our graduates remain in the sector, motivated and passionate about their profession,’ González added. The school’s 50th anniversary is a testament to its enduring commitment to education and its role in shaping the future of Pinar del Río.

In the first half of 2025, Cuba’s judicial system demonstrated its stringent approach to drug-related crimes, with 98% of individuals tried for such offenses being convicted. This high conviction rate underscores the country’s rigorous enforcement of laws against illicit substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids, which have become a growing concern in the capital. The Supreme People’s Court recently approved Ruling 476, which provides detailed guidelines for prosecuting cases involving these potent and harmful substances. The ruling emphasizes the need to consider the high toxicity, addiction potential, and health risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids when determining penalties. It also establishes specific criteria for classifying aggravated trafficking offenses, regardless of the quantity seized. Penalties for possession or trafficking of these substances range from one to 30 years of imprisonment, with life imprisonment and even the death penalty as possible outcomes. The ruling also highlights the importance of expert testimony from Criminalistics and Toxicology laboratories to assess the substance’s harmful effects and potential impact on public health. Additionally, the court noted that 84% of those convicted were sentenced to imprisonment, with 92% of those sentences being enforced. The low rate of release benefits for drug offenders reflects Cuba’s strict penal and penitentiary policies, aimed at safeguarding public health, social order, and national security.