Ventura Carballido receives the 65th Anniversary of the CDRs. Photo: Yenisel Elcea Olbine

CDR 65th Anniversary Workshop Held in Holguin

As an opportunity to delve deeper into the history and work of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs). A workshop was held to commemorate their 65th anniversary at the iconic La Periquera Provincial Museum, in the historic heart of Holguin.

The event, which featured Yailín Álvarez Velázquez, provincial coordinator of the CDRs. Served as a space for reflection, remembrance, and future projection.

The main event was a panel where long-serving members shared their experiences. The stories, told from the front lines of the neighborhood. Reaffirmed the fundamental role of this institution as a channel for the needs of the people and as a bulwark in the defense of the revolutionary work.

In this context, Ventura Carballido Pupo, head of the “The Memory That Saves” project, recalled the origins of the committees, created on September 28th, 1960, by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro. With the initial objective of confronting and identifying counterrevolutionary outbreaks.

Carballido Pupo highlighted the extraordinary evolution of the association. Which has been able to adapt to changing times and expand its scope of action far beyond its founding role.

The meeting served to list the activities currently carried out by the CDR members. Among them, street cleaning and beautification, recycling campaigns, the implementation of energy-saving mechanisms. Also voluntary nighttime surveillance patrols, blood donations, and the fight against drugs on the Cuban coast were highlighted.

Likewise, their social work in incorporating young people into study and employment, providing dedicated attention to vulnerable families and abandoned elderly people. Reinforcing the values ​​of solidarity and humanism, was emphasized.

In this celebratory setting, the provincial coordinator detailed the extensive program of activities that will take place in Holguin until September 28th to celebrate the anniversary.

Among the most significant initiatives, she highlighted the presentation of the Neighborhood Award, the awarding of the September 28th Flag, the Raw Material Festivals, and the community discussion forums “Contra las drogas se gana” (Win Against Drugs). A proposal that has garnered widespread popular acceptance for its preventive and awareness-raising approach.

The day was an opportunity to pay tribute to the founders of the first CDR body in the province. Individuals and institutions whose work has been indispensable to the CDR’s work were also recognized. With vital contributions to strengthening the work in the communities.

In an attempt to maintain its spirit of service and commitment to the people, concrete proposals were made to improve its work amid the current economic difficulties. An emphasis on supporting those most in need through creative ideas and more effectively engaging the new generations. Who are called to continue this work of unity and revolutionary defense.

Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez

Yenisel Elcea Olbine
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