Ronald Suárez Rivas
Photo: Periódico Guerrillero.

PINAR DEL RÍO.— With the conviction that revolutionary vigilance and the fight against social indiscipline, illegality and crime continue to be key tasks, the people of Pinar del Rio celebrated the 54th anniversary of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs).

During the event, led by José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, he officially bestowed the title of National Vanguard on Pinar del Rio, in recognition of the work of the over 441,000 members of the organization, across 11 municipalities.

The Neighborhood Prize was also given to Mijaín López for his efforts, and the Defense of the Homeland and Neighborhood Unity medal together with the September 28 Distinction were awarded to a group of distinguished CDR members representing all those across the country.

Carlos Rafael Miranda, national coordinator of the CDRs, stated that 54 years after the creation of the organization, new generations of Cubans can not afford to ignore the intentions of Cuba’s enemy, which remain the same despite changes in tactics.

"The worms we are faced with today are not mortal like those of 1960. The methods are more sophisticated, such as the ZunZuneo program and other subversive projects, which equally aim at destroying the present and future of the Homeland".

He added that, given this situation, the CDRs must perfect their work in order to tackle current issues and continue to defend the Revolution and promote the unity of families, neighborhoods and communities.

Miranda also noted that efforts such as those for blood donations have been consolidated but that others need to be strengthened to ensure better results in the fight against diseases and economic losses.

CDR members from Santiago, Granma, Matanzas and Cienfuegos were congratulated for their outstanding work.