”This was my neighborhood 25 years ago. Being here today is returning to my origins, erasing my time outside of the homeland, and fulfilling one of the most important duties of a Cuban,” said Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez, decorated Hero of the Republic, who cast his vote at polling station no.2 in the Havana municipality of Arroyo Naranjo’s constituency no.60.
Early Sunday morning, Tony was at the polling station along with his mother, Mirta, as he said, “Like every revolutionary, casting his vote, getting back into life and the homeland’s tasks, after so many years.”
“This is one of the most beautiful and important activities we have engaged in, since it’s about demonstrating love for the Revolution, demonstrating the unity of our people, and support for our democratic electoral system – much more democratic than what others call true democracy,” he said.
Tony commented on his experiences with elections in the United States and how he was able to observe their characteristics first hand, saying, “Our electoral system has one big difference, based on the very candidates, the manner in which they are elected, and what they represent. What is truly important is that the neighbors we elect today, in this mid-term election, represent the people and are being called upon to defend the people, and analyze and seek solutions to their communities’ problems.”
He noted to reporters that the candidates in his constituency were three young people, which he considered worthy of recognition, adding, “Like you, they are part of what the homeland needs. They passed the test of the Special Period (were born at that time) and have now reached another particularly important period. Now, you don’t have the needs of that time, but you are about to face a historic moment with different characteristics.”
Times have evolved, he said, but younger generations must recover positive values, adding, “They have the responsibility to understand the process and move it forward, in every one of their areas of operation.”
“…The real heroes of the Revolution are those who get up every day and fulfill their duty, despite the difficulties, they never lose the essence.”
“We need to preserve this spirit in our country.The worse that can happen to the Revolution is an indulgent people, who think only of themselves and not of the environment which surrounds them. From each of our positions we must have an impact, always trying to ensure that the right thing is done, guaranteeing the fulfillment of duty. In the same way that my brothers in struggle and I had an impact in prison - giving classes or through painting - youth, the delegates, society in general in every arena, must today set an example.”
