标签： Cuba

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.

Naima Trujillo Barreto, Cuba’s Minister of Education, has announced that the 2025-2026 academic year will mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s educational reform efforts. Speaking at a press conference, she revealed that over 1.53 million students across various levels of general education will commence the new school year on September 1st. This year is particularly significant as it introduces a comprehensive curricular transformation for the final grades of the III Perfectioning of the Education System.

As the centennial of Fidel Castro’s birth approaches on August 13, 2026, it is imperative to reflect on his profound impact on Cuba and the world. Castro, a towering figure in revolutionary history, reshaped the destiny of a small island nation just 90 miles from the United States, defying the stigmas often associated with Third World countries. His life, work, and humanist thought form an inexhaustible reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, offering lessons that transcend time and geography.

The Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) marked its 65th anniversary with a prestigious awards ceremony, presided over by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The event celebrated the remarkable contributions of Cuban women to the nation’s values and principles. Among the honorees, Mayda Benigna Álvarez Suárez was awarded the title of Heroine of Labor of the Republic for her distinguished career in labor, politics, and social activism. Additionally, the Mariana Grajales and Ana Betancourt Orders were bestowed upon five and 19 women, respectively, by President Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, and FMC Secretary General Teresa Amarelle Boué. The ceremony also recognized 300 women with the 23rd of August Distinction, awarded the 65th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp, and honored 101 cadres for their long-standing service to the FMC. Reflecting on the pivotal role of women in Cuba’s history, the late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz emphasized the necessity of the FMC to advocate for women’s interests and enhance their participation in all spheres of life. The event underscored the enduring legacy of the FMC and its commitment to fostering a just and equitable society.