International Officer
Ógra Shinn Féin
Thousands of Cubans and tourists assembled yesterday to commemorate those who lost their lives during the assault on the Moncada Barracks. This unsuccessful attack eventually led to the fall of the United States’ supported dictator Fulgenico Batista and the creation of the Cuban Revolution which 55 years later is still going strong.
It was only fitting that Cuba’s second largest city, Santiago de Cuba, home of the Moncada Barracks was chosen for this anniversary. Every year a different city houses the National Festival Day. The most prosperous province from the previous year is the chosen venue, an incentive for development and progression for all local Governments.
In the last year Santiago de Cuba has seen the creation of a new community of 100 houses as part of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas. The second largest airport, Antonio Maceo International Airport has extended the terminal and is now able to accommodate approximately 300 people per hour. As part of ‘Operation Libertadores’ the water supply in city has been greatly improved to meet the demand from the people as well as medical and social centres.
In the field of health care there have been major improvements to cancer services after the installation of modern equipment. Many local health clinics have been renovated and now cater services which were only available in hospitals. There is a new ophthalmological center, the intensive care unit is in the process of being expanded and the Children’s Onco-Hematology ward and a burns unit is being renovated. There are now 6000 doctors and 1000 dentists in Santiago de Cuba.
Nationally, Cuba has seen the retirement of Fidel Castro after 49 years as President and Commander-in-Chief, his younger brother Raúl succeeding following an election by the National Assembly on February 24th. Since last year the number of tourists to Cuba has increased by 14.8%, with 1.3 million visiting the country. The Cuban Army has upgraded their armament and equipment and training is ongoing. Trade relations with Russia have entered a new stage and in total the Cuban economy grew by 7.5% in the year 2007. In light of rising food prices more effort has been made to reduce imports therefore producing more internally. Pensions have been increased and the transport system has seen the arrival of more buses.
In the main speech of the day delivered by Cuba’s President Raúl Castro, he reminded the word that the Cuban Revolution is the Socialist Revolution of the poor, by the poor and for the poor.
Hasta la Victoria Siempre!
