President Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

Another Victory Cuba has a new President

Another April 19, another victory
The fact that today Cuba has a new President is not only the result of an electoral process. This was a transition from one historical generation to another, which was as natural as it was transcendental

Author: Lissy Rodríguez Guerrero | informacion@granma.cu
Author: Yudy Castro Morales | internet@granma.cu
april 20, 2018 09:04:03

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Miguel Díaz Canel and Raúl Castro. Photo: Estudios Revolución Photo: Estudio Revolución
The fact that today Cuba has a new President is not only the result of an electoral process. There is a great deal of responsibility, and symbolism. in this transition from one historical generation to another which was not forged in the Sierra or on the plains in the hard-won victory, but one that has risen to the occasion to preserve the victory, without losing the way, to found, transform, triumph…

And there is also disinterest in this act of ceding, that does not imply quitting. There is much humility in those who leave to others the leadership of the great work of the Revolution to which they have given their all – to now accompany those bearing the responsibility, in Raúl’s case, as the highest authority in the political vanguard and from his seat as a deputy.

The events were as natural as they were transcendental.

On the first day of the Assembly’s constituent session, we saw Raúl take his seat in the first row, exercise his right to vote, ballot in hand, showing with his unassuming conduct that the time had arrived, the moment that always seemed so distant.

And when Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez was elected as President of Cuba, Raúl stepped up, without any unnecessary protocol or solemn posture, to receive him, embrace him, show his confidence in the man, the future.

Speaking of Díaz-Canel, Raúl emphasized that he is no rookie, noting his work as an engineer, an officer in the Revolutionary Armed Forces, a youth leader and later a professional Party cadre in Villa Clara and Holguín. He spoke of his performance as Minister of Higher Education, and for the last five years, as First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers.

The new President spoke of Raúl as a statesman, of his leadership in the development of national consensus on the updating process underway in the country, as well as his rich history as a participant in the Moncada assault, a Granma expeditionary, a guerilla, military commander, and political leader.

“I’m not here to promise anything,” Díaz-Canel said, “as the Revolution never did over all these years. I’m here to offer commitment,” to continue working and creating tirelessly, in step with the people.

In this endeavor, we are not alone, because “even our dead accompany us.”

It may not be easy to do all that needs to be done, but this April 19, there was no parting. The continuity has a face, faces.

President Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

Miguel Díaz-Canel: I assume this responsibility

Miguel Díaz-Canel: I assume this responsibility with the conviction that all we revolutionaries will be faithful to Fidel and Raúl
On the morning of April 19, a historic date on which not only is the first defeat of Yankee imperialism in the Americas commemorated, but Cuba also sees the inauguration of a new government that makes evident the continuity of the new generations with the legacy of the historic generation that founded the Cuban Revolution in the highest leadership positions of the country

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Author: Digital news staff | informacion@granma.cu
april 19, 2018 11:04:18
On the morning of April 19, a historic date on which not only is the first defeat of Yankee imperialism in the Americas commemorated, but Cuba also sees the inauguration of a new government that makes evident the continuity of the new generations with the legacy of the historic generation that founded the Cuban Revolution in the highest leadership positions of the country, compañero Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, offered his first speech as President of the Councils of State and of Ministers of Cuba.
He began by recognizing the leadership of Army General Raúl Castro, the candidate for deputy to have received the most votes in the recent general elections; as well as the Comandantes of the Revolution, “who on being in this room offer us the opportunity to embrace history,” he noted.
He also referred to the “dark attempts to destroy us” of those who have not been able to destroy “our faith.”
With the inauguration of this new legislature, he emphasized, the electoral process comes to its conclusion. The Cuban people, who have massively participated throughout, are conscious of its historic importance. They have elected their representatives based on their capacity to represent their localities, without media campaigns, corruption or demagoguery. Citizens have elected humble, hard-working people as their genuine representatives, who will participate in the approval and implementation of the country’s policies.

Continue reading Miguel Díaz-Canel: I assume this responsibility →

The Socialist Nature of the Revolution

Days of combat

GRANMA
OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE COMMUNIST
PARTY OF CUBA CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Days of combat
The invader had not been able to establish the beach head needed to justify an OAS intervention. United in resistance, the people displayed the strength that would allow them to confront other battles. The spirit of a nation re-conquered had taken shape in Girón

Author: Graziella Pogolotti | internet@granma.cu
april 16, 2018 10:04:2

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Fidel proclaimed the socialist nature of the Revolution on the Havana street corner of 23rd and 12th, during the burial of those killed in the airport bombings of April 15, 1961, the prelude to the Bay of Pigs invasion at Girón. Photo: Raúl Corrales

Rumors of the fighting were heard during the dawn hours. It was at a distance. I went out on the balcony. From the heights of Vedado, militia men ran down the hill as they finished buttoning their uniform shirts. Right away, the news began to spread. They had bombed the Ciudad Libertad airport. We were in the prelude to an imminent invasion, expected since the United States had broken diplomatic relations. We were on the eve of Playa Girón. (on the Bay of Pigs)

Moved by an impulse from the depths of my conscience, I decided to end the convalescence that followed a series of operations. I joined the work. My individual reaction was the same as that of the vast majority of the people who were not on the front lines. On the rearguard, it was our responsibility to assure the normal functioning of the country. And so it was.

Continue reading Days of combat →

Cuba Vietnam Friendship

Ten landmarks in Cuba-Vietnam relations

Ten landmarks in Cuba-Vietnam relations
On the occasion of a visit to our country by Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary general of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Granma offers a summary of events shared by the sister nations
Author: National news staff | informacion@granma.cu
march 28, 2018 08:03:40

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Photo: Jorge Oller
1- THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATONS:
During the commemoration of the landing of the yacht Granma and the creation of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, December 2, 1960, Fidel announced the decision to establish formal diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
2- ACADEMIC EXCHANGE:
In the 1960s, the first group of Vietnamese students arrived in Cuba. Since 1961, more than 3,000 have studied different fields here. Cuba offers scholarships every year to youth to pursue degrees here.
3- SOLIDARITY:
September 25, 1963, the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam was founded, headed by Moncada heroine Melba Hernández and supported by mass organizations across the island. Public events and symposiums were organized to denounce the horrors of napalm. Today the organization is known as the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association.
4-NATIONAL BALLET OF CUBA VISITS VIETNAM:
In 1964, members of the BNC, led by Alicia Alonso, visited Hanoi – the first cultural company to travel to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – and was received by Ho Chi Minh. Years later, in 1978, the BNC danced before 17,000 spectators and the delegation was awarded the country’s Friendship Medal.

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El Ballet Nacional de Cuba en Vietnam. Encuentro con Ho Chi Minh, a la entrada en el Palacio en Hanoi. Photo: Osvaldo Salas

5-CUBA WILLING TO SHED ITS BLOOD FOR VIETNAM:
During a solidarity with South Vietnam event, June 3, 1969, Fidel stated “…when we say that we are willing to shed our blood, we are not saying anything extraordinary, because the people of Vietnam have not offered to shed their blood for us or other peoples, but rather have shed blood for us and other peoples!”
6-FIDEL’S FIRST VISIT TO VIETNAM:
The Comandante en Jefe became the first head of state to visit liberated areas in South Vietnam, crossing the 17th parallel, with the war still underway. (The moment is pictured above)
7- CONSTRUCTION BRIGADES:
After his visit to Vietnam, Fidel directed the creation of the Ho Chi Minh Contingent, including more than 1,000 men. Outstanding among their efforts was the Victoria Hotel, today a symbol of the deep ties of friendship and cooperation shared by the two peoples.
8- VIETNAMESE RICE:
Rice is an essential component of the Cuban diet, and is one of the principal products imported from Vietnam.
9-A DEEP FRIENDSHIP:
In 2005, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of South Vietnam’s liberation and the country’s unification, Army General Raúl Castro, then second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and a vice president of the Councils of State and Minister, again travels to Vietnam.
10-SUPPORT IN HARD TIMES:
After the death of Cuba’s Comandante en Jefe in November of 2016, a high level delegation led by Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee and president of the National Assembly, attended
the funeral events in Cuba. Many other authorities sent their condolences.