Havana, December 3 (RHC)-- The President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, said Monday that the National Association of the Blind (ANCI) keeps alive the legacy of the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, and all his efforts and dedication in caring for people with visual impairment.

At the opening of the VIII Congress of the ANCI, held Monday in Havana, the Cuban president highlighted the Revolution’s firm commitment of incorporating people with disabilities in all tasks, and he assured that it will continue working for a future without barriers.

Speaking at the event, ANCI president Jorge Luis Cala paid tribute to Fidel, whom he described as a real architect and promoter", who dedicated a lot of time and contributed to the development of the Association.

Cala referred to the effects of the economic, commercial and financial blockade that the successive U.S. governments have maintained against Cuba for almost 60 years; the interference and the hostile policy of imperialism, "which influences and makes our battle even more difficult."

On Monday, the some 200 delegates to the Congress issued a Declaration denouncing the harassment of progressive governments in Latin America, rejecting the US blockade of Cuba and the blatant interference of US imperialism in Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Nicaragua. 

The congress of the National Association of the Blind is concluding this Tuesday, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.