On January 1, Santiago de Cuba's tribute to Fidel in Santa Ifigenia Cemetery will be the highpoint of activities celebrating the triumph of the Revolution's 58th anniversary.
Lázaro Expósito Canto and Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, leaders of the Party and the government in the province, respectively, explained that planned is a tribute at the site where Fidel's ashes rest by the population, to whom he left an unprecedented legacy.
Set to take place at midnight December 31 is the traditional Flag Celebration, dedicated this year especially to the Comandante en jefe, at the site where he announced the defeat of the Batista dictatorship in 1959.
This gathering will serve as an opportunity to review the year's accomplishments, including economic progress and numerous efforts to beautify and better organize the city. Of particular importance is the work completed in the healthcare sector, with the installation of a modern cardiology unit at Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital; the remodeling of hundreds of neighborhood clinics; the acquisition of equipment for the toxicology center; and renovations at Conrado Benítez Oncology Hospital.
Likewise recalled by the authorities was the completion of 2,126 housing units; reconstruction of Enramadas Boulevard, the Gran Hotel and the Hotel Imperial (this facility closed for 20 years); and the repair, in just 20 days, of seven buildings in the city center, severely damaged by fire.
Successes were also registered in agriculture; at Guillermón Moncada port; and in food processing facilities producing bread, sweets, ice cream and cheese.
The population additionally made important contributions to recovery efforts in the neighboring province of Guantánamo, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Activities planned for the January 1 celebration include concerts by the Symphony Orchestra of Oriente, and Voces Unidas in Heredia Theater, as well as performances in all municipalities.
Given the province's notable accomplishments, Expósito Canto and Jhonson Urrutia conveyed their congratulations to the entire population, and expressed confidence that the people of Santiago will continue to defend Fidel's legacy, along with the Party and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.
