No. 24
August 13, 2025
August 13, 1926
99th
Anniversary of the Birth of Fidel Castro
• Celebrate Fidel's Life by Standing with
the Cuban People
and Upholding
Their Right to Be
• Fidel's
Revolutionary Example Inspires Millions to Fight
for
Sovereignty
and Uphold Principle
• What Defends the Sovereignty of Cuba
August
13, 1926
99th Anniversary of the Birth of Fidel Castro
Celebrate Fidel's Life by Standing with the Cuban People and Upholding Their Right to Be
This August 13 marks the 99th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, legendary leader of the Cuban Revolution and Cuba's revolutionary nation-building project. Fidel's life epitomizes the striving of the Cuban people for justice and independence. His leadership in all facets of life -- the economy, education, sciences, culture, sport and international relations based on peace and friendship, to name just a few -- has left an indelible mark on modern Cuba. He laid the foundation for the flourishing of the Cuban people in their homeland and the important role Cuba plays in the world today, tenaciously defending its rights and sovereignty and that of the peoples worldwide as a matter of principle.
On this occasion, the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) sends warmest greetings to the Cuban people, their leadership and the Communist Party of Cuba. CPC(M-L) profoundly appreciates Fidel's contribution to opening the path to progress for humanity and standing with the peoples of the world in their striving for independence, peace and justice.
In
Cuba, this year's anniversary is being used to launch a year of
activities leading up to the centenary of Fidel's birth in 2026. On
July 5, this program of activities across Cuba, from August 13 to
December 4, 2026 was outlined at the 10th Plenary of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC). The program takes place
in the context of Cuba's aim to further strengthen the people's
mobilization in defence of Cuba's revolution, her independence and
sovereignty, and in opposition to the U.S. blockade.
The deputy head of the CPC's Ideological Department, Marydé Fernández López, explained at that meeting that the initiative seeks to "reflect the Cuban people's deep sense of gratitude toward someone who, with his revolutionary thinking and actions, instilled a way of doing things that today constitutes the theoretical and practical essence of the Revolution."
It will be a celebration of the people, said Fernández, who emphasized that the youth will take a leading role, and "with their action will aspire to become the generation of Fidel's centenary."
Alberto Alvariño Atiénzar, the Director of the Documentary Heritage Preservation Office of the Cuban Presidency, took part in the plenary, where he acknowledged the depth of the program and considered that the initiative constitutes a transcendent political movement for all Cubans.
Academic Elier Ramírez Cañedo, a member of the Central Committee of the CPC, pointed out that the celebration of Fidel Castro's centenary will not only be a matter of historical remembrance, but a driving force to transform reality and strengthen revolutionary work.
The program encourages each community, educational institution and workplace to commemorate the centenary of the historical leader in a living way, consistent with the revolutionary practice established by Fidel.
The Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC) has already set out such a program. On June 27, at the Fourth Plenary of UPEC's National Committee, a plan of activities for the coming year to mark Fidel's centenary was approved.
Prensa Latina reports that the plan contains more than 20 nationwide actions that bring out Fidel's strong links with Cuba's journalists. Among the initiatives is the creation of the Fidel Castro Chair of Communication, sponsored by the José Martí International Institute of Journalism and other national educational institutions. Also planned are the reissue of books by journalists, the presentation of audiovisuals and tours of historical sites, all revealing the mark left by Fidel on Cuba and the world. Other activities include exchanges with young journalists and journalism students, and discussions in military institutions on the imprint of the National Hero, José Martí, and Fidel on revolutionary Cuba.
At the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre in Havana, a program of activities is underway to commemorate Fidel's 99th anniversary that will lead into activities for his centenary. Six free summer workshops began on July 15, specializing in museum studies, chess, crafts, visual arts, photography, and sign language.
The centre's deputy director, Sissy Abay said that the program includes a number of activities especially designed for children and teenagers. For example, there will be several presentations by children's theatre groups from across the country and workshops by the acclaimed children's performing arts company, La Colmenita, where all interested children are welcome. La Colmenita has performed in Canada as well as in the U.S. in 2024. Performances in New York City, Washington, DC and Tampa included a piece called "Drinking the Honey of Solidarity," the folktale "La Cucarachita Martina" (Martina the Little Roach) and a piece dedicated to National Hero José Martí, whose presence in the city of Tampa was documented on many occasions. The program for Fidel will also include audiovisual screenings and international photography exhibitions.
Abay explained that the commemoration of the historic leader's 99th birthday is an extraordinary opportunity to generate a movement, especially among Cuba's youth, to delve deeper into Fidel's legacy, as well as to address the current situation facing Cuba due to the imposition of coercive measures by the United States.
Starting August 13, the institution will carry out activities that will continue until December 2026, "because we will be commemorating Fidel's centennial, the tenth anniversary of his physical departure, and the fifth anniversary of the centre; and all of these are reasons to explore his work," the centre's deputy director stressed.
The deputy director also announced that, as a new feature for the summer, the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre will hold virtual presentations in neighbourhoods undergoing transformation, hospitals, production centres, and penitentiaries, while also holding commemorative events on the 13th of each month.
CPC(M-L)
calls on everyone to use the occasion of Fidel's centenary in the
coming year to step up the work to stand with Cuba and oppose the
criminal U.S. blockade, which profoundly violates the human rights of
the Cuban people. Recent developments in Canada-U.S. relations and
around the world make clear that U.S. threats of annexation and outright
military aggression are common problems for the peoples of the world.
Strengthening the work to support Cuba, lift the blockade and broaden the
knowledge of Canadians and Quebeckers about Cuba, Fidel and what they
stand for, not only defends Cuba's right to be as a matter of principle,
but defends the sovereignty of all countries and serves the cause of
international peace and justice.
Fidel's Revolutionary Example Inspires Millions to Fight for Sovereignty and Uphold Principle
The
life and work of Fidel Castro lives on in the Cuban people. Under a new
generation of leadership, they continue to elaborate and implement the
human-centred outlook developed in Cuba under his leadership, which
mobilizes them to exercise control over their own affairs to meet the
conditions they face today and will face in the future.
In a tribute to Fidel at the time of his death, millions of Cubans signed the oath to the "Concept of Revolution" which Fidel declared on May 1, 2000. The oath concludes: "Revolution means unity; it is independence, it is fighting for our dreams of justice for Cuba and for the world, which is the foundation of our patriotism, our socialism and our internationalism."
This is what we see every day as the Cuban people unite to face the difficulties caused by the tightening genocidal U.S. blockade, and also the U.S.'s repeated inclusion of Cuba on its spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism. The people's unity and fidelity to the Cuban Revolution has been amply demonstrated in their repeated defeat of U.S. attempts to sow counterrevolution. From the early days of the Revolution to the recent attempts by the U.S. to create social unrest by using the problems caused by the blockade which prevent the stable delivery of electricity and food to the people, the Cuban government and people have defeated U.S. interference and isolated and blocked the counterrevolutionary elements operating in Florida and inside the country.
Fidel presents his "Concept of
Revolution" during 2000 May Day speech in Havana.
Facing the increasingly brutal economic and financial blockade of the U.S., Cubans are united in confronting all the difficulties and safeguarding the Revolution with practical measures to overcome the problems they face, basing themselves on the experience of Fidel and the Revolution and their own resourcefulness and creativity.
Fidel's revolutionary spirit and profound generosity lives on in the workers, youth and students, health professionals, intellectuals and teachers who have proven their revolutionary mettle as they raise the level of organization and social responsibility to overcome many difficulties to continue living a life of dignity and freedom. So too is Fidel's spirit seen in the historic stand of the Cuban Revolution to share weal and woe with oppressed peoples of the world, particularly seen today as Cuba continues to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and provides doctors worldwide. If not for the blockade, Cuba would be able to do even more in support of the peoples of the world.
Fidel's example and fidelity to principle continue to inspire the Cuban people on the path of independence, self-determination, human dignity and integrity.
It has been shown in deeds that the life and work of Fidel Castro also live on in the hearts and minds of millions of people throughout the world who are fighting for peace, justice, dignity and freedom. Worldwide opposition to the illegal U.S. economic and financial blockade of Cuba once again confirms that the world stands with Cuba and it is the U.S. which stands isolated, not Cuba.
"Fidel's permanent teaching is that it can be done, that man is capable of overcoming the harshest conditions if his will to win does not falter, he makes a correct assessment of each situation and does not renounce his just and noble principles," Raúl Castro pointed out. It is this revolutionary spirit that continues to guide the Cuban people on the road to guaranteeing their sovereignty and independence.
¡Hasta
la Victoria Siempre, Comandante!
¡Venceremos!
Fidel Castro and the victorious
rebel forces are welcomed in Havana, January 8, 1959.
Fidel Castro, while leading the
Cuban people to defeat the U.S. attempted invasion at Playa
Girón, makes the historic declaration establishing the
socialist character of the Cuban Revolution, April 16, 1961.
What Defends the Sovereignty of Cuba
Mass rally in Havana against the
U.S. blockade and for Cuba's right to be, December 20, 2024.
[...] We must say how we see things. It is perhaps the principle of sovereignty, is it perhaps the law, that has protected and continues to protect our country in the face of Yankee invasion? No one believes this. If it were the law, if it were the principle of sovereignty that was protecting our country, it is certain that this revolution would have disappeared from the face of the earth.
What
has protected this revolution, what made it possible, was the blood of
the sons of this country, the bloody fighting against the bailiffs and
against the armies of Batista, the bloody fighting against the
mercenaries, the willingness here to fight to the last man in defence
of the revolution -- as shown in the October crisis -- and the
conviction of the imperialists that here they will never be able to
execute a manoeuvre or military parade. What defends this revolution is
not a simple abstract legal principle that is recognized
internationally.
What defends this revolution is the unity of our people, their revolutionary consciousness, their combative spirit, and their decision to die to the last man in defence of the revolution and the country. I do not believe that even our enemies have any doubts about the mettle and the spirit of this people. What defends the sovereignty of a country or a just cause is a people who are capable of feeling this cause as its own, capable of having a profound conviction about the justice of this cause, and the decision to defend it at any price. This is precisely what protects our revolution and what protects the sovereignty of our country in the face of the imperialist threat that has always existed here.
(Comments on Czechoslovakia, August 24, 1968)
Fidel Is Fidel
Excerpt of the speech delivered by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, at that time First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, at the Posthumous Tribute to the Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, in the Plaza Mayor General Antonio Maceo Grajales, Santiago de Cuba, December 3, 2016.
[...]
With good reason, dear friend Bouteflika, President of Algeria, said that Fidel had the extraordinary ability to travel to the future, come back and explain it. On July 26, 1989, in the city of Camagüey, the Commander in Chief predicted, two-and-a-half years in advance, the disappearance of the Soviet Union and the socialist camp, and assured the world that if these circumstances occurred, Cuba would continue defending the banners of socialism.
Fidel's authority and his intimate relationship with the people were decisive for the heroic resistance of the country in the dramatic years of the Special Period (during the 1990s) when the Gross Domestic Product fell by 34.8 per cent and the diet of Cubans significantly deteriorated, we suffered blackouts from 16 to 20 hours a day and a large part of the industry and public transport were paralyzed. Despite this, it was possible to preserve public health and education for our entire population.
The meetings of the Party in the territories come to mind: eastern, in the city of Holguín; central, in the city of Santa Clara, and western, in the capital of the republic, Havana, held in July 1994 to analyze how to face with greater efficiency and cohesion the challenges of the Special Period, the growing imperialist blockade and the media campaigns aimed at sowing discouragement among citizens. From those meetings, including the one in the west, which Fidel chaired, we all emerged convinced that with the strength and intelligence of the cohesive masses under the leadership of the Party, the Special Period could and would be turned into a new victorious battle in the history of the homeland.
At that time, few in the world bet on our ability to resist and win in the face of adversity and the reinforced enemy siege. However, our people under the leadership of Fidel gave an unforgettable lesson in firmness and loyalty to the principles of the Revolution.
When recalling those difficult moments, I believe it is fair and pertinent to return to what I said about Fidel on July 26, 1994 -- one of the most difficult years -- on the Isle of Youth, more than 22 years ago, I quote: "the most enlightened son of Cuba in this century, the one who showed us that it was possible to attempt the conquest of the Moncada Garrison; that yes, that setback could be turned into a victory," which we achieved five years, five months and five days later, that glorious January 1, 1959, the latter added to the exact words I said on that occasion (Applause).
He showed us "that it was possible to reach the coasts of Cuba on the Granma yacht; that it was possible to resist the enemy, hunger, rain and cold, and organize a revolutionary army in the Sierra Maestra after the debacle of Alegría de Pío; that it was possible to open new guerrilla fronts in the province of Oriente, with Almeida's columns and ours; that the great offensive of more than 10,000 soldiers could be defeated with 300 rifles," after which Che wrote in his Campaign Diary that with that victory the backbone of the army of tyranny had been broken: "That the epic of Maceo and Gómez could be repeated, extending the fight from the east to the west of the island with the columns of Che and Camilo; that the tyranny of Batista, backed by U.S. imperialism could be overthrown, with the support of all the people."
He was the "one who taught us that it could be defeated in 72 hours" and even less, "the mercenary invasion of Playa Girón and at the same time continue the campaign to eradicate illiteracy in one year," as was achieved in 1961.
That it was possible to proclaim the socialist character of the Revolution 90 miles from the empire, and when its warships were advancing towards Cuba, behind the troops of the mercenary brigade; that it was possible to firmly maintain the inalienable principles of our sovereignty without fearing the nuclear blackmail of the United States in the days of the Missile Crisis in October 1962.
"That yes, solidarity aid could be sent to other brother nations in the fight against colonial oppression, external aggression and racism.
"That the South African racists could be defeated, saving the territorial integrity of Angola, forcing the independence of Namibia and dealing a heavy blow to the apartheid regime.
"That Cuba could
be turned into a medical power, reduce infant mortality to the lowest
rate in the Third World, first, and in the other rich world later;
because at least on this continent we have a lower infant
mortality rate of children under one year of age than in Canada and the
United States itself (Applause),
and, in turn, considerably increase the life expectancy of our
population.
"That Cuba could be transformed into a great scientific centre, advance in the modern and decisive fields of genetic engineering and biotechnology; insert ourselves into the closed preserve of the international pharmaceutical trade; develop tourism, despite the U.S. blockade; build causeways in the sea to make Cuba an increasingly attractive archipelago, obtaining a growing income of foreign currency from our natural beauty.
"That it is possible to resist, survive and develop without renouncing the principles or the conquests of socialism in the unipolar and omnipotent world of the transnationals that emerged after the collapse of the socialist camp in Europe and the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
"Fidel's permanent teaching is that it can be done, that man is capable of overcoming the harshest conditions if his will to win does not falter, he makes a correct assessment of each situation and does not renounce his just and noble principles."
Those words I expressed more than two decades ago about a man who, after the disaster of the first fight in Alegría de Pío, of which the day after tomorrow will be the 60th anniversary, never lost faith in victory, and 13 days later, already in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra, on December 18 of the aforementioned year, upon gathering seven rifles and a handful of combatants, he exclaimed: "Now we have won the war!"
That is the undefeated Fidel who summons us with his example and with the demonstration that Yes, it was possible, and yes, it can and will be possible! (Applause and exclamations of: "Yes, we can!) In other words, I repeat that it demonstrated that yes, it was possible, and yes, it can and will be possible to overcome any obstacle, threat or turbulence in our firm commitment to build socialism in Cuba, which is the same as saying that it will guarantee the independence and sovereignty of the homeland!
[...]
(Razones de Cuba, November, 25, 2019. Translated from the original Spanish by TML.)
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Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca