Photo taken from periodicovictoria.cu

By Roberto Morejón 

Among their notable contributions to Cuban society, the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) stand out in the midst of the pandemic for their informative work and support for vaccination with domestic antigens, which underscores their service on the 61st anniversary of their founding.

Created at the initiative of historic leader Fidel Castro to strengthen vigilance against subversion, the CDRs, as Cubans know them, are today associated with the advancement of immunization with Abdala and Soberana.

Leaders of the community warn the people summoned to be inoculated with the saving immunogen and, in turn, provide valuable data for the family doctors to carry out part of their decisive work.

But the Defense Committees are also involved today in a work of great magnitude, collaborating in efforts to improve the situation in vulnerable neighborhoods and communities.

Although the material resources of the State are insufficient because of the U.S. blockade and the impact of COVID-19 on the public treasury, the neighborhood organization supports the coordination of work to mitigate the constraints that affect daily life.

In this way, they help to survey in settlements where there are neglected problems, listen to opinions and criticisms and support the country's actions to achieve a more inclusive society.

They also promote the recognition of outstanding citizens, such as the young participants in the fight against Covid-19 or the scientists and technicians, protagonists in the development of three vaccines and two candidates for vaccines.

Under the guidance of their charismatic coordinator, the Hero of the Republic Gerardo Hernandez, the CDRs are trying to link themselves a little more to the titanic efforts of the country, such as that of reducing the onerous food imports.

If in many districts they work in idle yards and plots, sometimes covered with waste, at least aromatic plants, condiments and vegetables would be delivered to popular consumption.

There is no doubt that in addition to surveillance, health and activism, the Defense Committees are very convenient in supporting the educational system, the recovery of raw materials and savings.

And it cannot be forgotten that they could also be an adequate channel towards the promotion of a better citizen coexistence in the neighborhoods, where everyone's right to tranquility is respected.