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Cuban First VP Describes CDR Congress as Memorable

CUBA, December 15, 2008. Cuban First Vice President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura described the 7th Congress of the Committees in Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) that concluded Sunday at the Convention Center in Havana as a memorable event that defines a new stage in their work.

The Cuban official recalled that 2008 has been a year full of challenges and difficulties for the Cuban people, including the devastation caused by three hurricanes over the last three months, which was aggravated by the US financial, trade and economic blockade of the nation, but he noted that the CDRs maintain vigor and strength and an enterprising spirit to carry out whatever initiative or task the Revolution asks of them.

Machado Ventura also recalled that two very important events are ahead: the ordinary period of sessions of the Cuban Parliament and the 50th anniversary of the Revolution.

What is called “revolutionary vigilance” was thoroughly revised during the debates. In a message sent from Raul Castro – who was in Venezuela for an official visit - and read at the beginning of the congress, the Cuban president said that this continues to be the main task of the committees.

Ideology was another topic of debate. Vice President Esteban Lazo recalled that there are many reasons to defend the revolution, but “we must know how to use them. Defending socialism can’t be something abstract; it’s an ideology sustained by actions.”

During the review of the work of the CDR, the campaign to collect raw materials for recycling drew lots of criticism. Many of the problems identified were related to organizational shortcomings such as delays in pick up that have thwarted the organizations plans to substitute some of the paper and cardboard imports with recycled materials. Another area that was criticized was the organizations neighborhood night watch program. Delegates also demanded greater recognition for volunteer blood donors and underlined the need to produce food in family gardens and empty plots.

The final declaration of the CDR Congress states a commitment to strengthen vigilance, obtain greater stability among community leaders and greater participation in community activities.

During the Congress, Juan Jose Railero Fonseca was reelected as the national CDR coordinator.

(Cubaminrex- ACN)