The Triumph of the Revolution in the Year of Fidel's Centenary

As the drums beat for the arrival of 2026, Cubans are preparing to intensify the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the Revolution's triumph on New Year's Day, and the ongoing activities commemorating the centennial of Fidel Castro, leader of the last liberation struggle and the process that marked a turning point in Cuban history.

These two endeavors coincide with the ongoing efforts to restore the national power grid, ensure the supply of drinking water, maintain food production, address rising prices for these and other essential goods, combat unsanitary conditions in urban areas, and fight against dengue and chikungunya, whose outbreaks appear to be subsiding after a period of intense activity.

The greatest merit of the Cuban people's efforts to move forward and celebrate lies in the fact that they are doing so in defiance of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government since 1962, with measures tightened during the two terms of President Donald Trump.

The recovery from the extensive damage inflicted on the five eastern provinces by Hurricane Melissa is also proceeding at full speed. Despite being a Category 3 storm, no Cuban deaths were caused, thanks to the actions deployed by Civil Defense and the support of family and friends.

The leader of the people and the victorious Rebel Army himself, since January 1, 1959, announced in Santiago de Cuba that this would indeed be the true Revolution for which the founding fathers and present-day patriots had died, and that honor would be paid to the memory of José Martí.

The formative years of the Agrarian Reform, the Literacy Campaign, the confrontation with sabotage and aggression, and the use of the most savage terrorism against Cubans were lived through, but hearts and intellects were broadened with the Victory of Bay of Pigs, and the practice of internationalism, as well as cooperation in multiple areas.
All the children of this land received, above all, the moral rewards of justice, dignity, and an unprecedented human development.

Barracks were transformed into schools, new educational institutions sprang up across Cuba, healthcare services expanded to provide universal access to education, sports, and culture, all of which became free and accessible.

Scientific endeavors were strengthened in diverse fields, and today Cuban researchers have made numerous contributions to the country and the world in the production of advanced medications for diabetic foot ulcers, vaccines against COVID-19 and lung and cervical cancer, among others.

Sectors such as women, farmers, workers, and students, along with youth under the leadership of Fidel and their own leaders, demonstrated the mobilizing potential of the Revolution through organizations like the FMC, the CDR, the CTC, and the ANAP.

Returning to the present, it is hoped that the activities planned for the Centennial of the architect of the Revolution will further strengthen the commitment of each individual to their responsibilities.

Fidel Castro and José Martí are considered the two greatest moral compasses of this country, a nation of illustrious and genuine heroes.

They were not only masters of battle strategies or brave and fearless combatants. Today, Cubans are called upon not to rest on their laurels in the coming year, working diligently and also honoring Fidel Castro, as we commemorate the tenth anniversary of his passing, which occurred on November 25, 2016.

And all of this will be done because, along with remembering him, we need to move forward, and that can only be achieved by correcting mistakes and reducing shortcomings often caused by human negligence.

It will be an intense, difficult and tough year, like almost every year since January 1st, but there will also be new rewards, with our guard up and vigilant, ready for defense, as always.