On Friday, President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Defense Zone Council (DZC) in Punta Brava, located in the La Lisa district of Havana, where he highlighted the region's defense readiness despite ongoing issues with water supply, electrical outages, and underutilized agricultural land.
According to the Presidency's digital portal, Fidel Alemán Calderón, the head of the DZC in Punta Brava, reported that the area is home to approximately 16,000 residents spread across roughly 10 square kilometers.
During the visit, Alemán discussed responsibilities related to defense, civilian protection, and the formation of over 20 production and defense brigades, alongside the Territorial Troop Militias and other forces.
Everyday Struggles in Punta Brava
The discussions also brought to light everyday challenges. Alemán mentioned issues with water supply and electricity, as well as concerns about care for retirees, isolated seniors, pregnant women, mothers with three or more children, and vulnerable individuals.
Food production emerged as another significant concern. Punta Brava possesses slightly more than 400 hectares of agricultural land, yet only half is presently cultivated.
Calls for Greater Land Utilization
Díaz-Canel acknowledged the presence of "many vacant lands" and directed efforts to expedite the allocation of plots to those who apply for them.
As the head of the National Defense Council, he urged the full utilization of land for farming and livestock, recommended exploring buffalo breeding, and suggested utilizing the two hectares of water bodies in the area.
The leader framed these issues within the broader context of integrating defense structures with economic and social problem-solving efforts.
Military Focus Amidst External Threats
While addressing military preparedness, Díaz-Canel once again underscored the threat posed by external forces, stating that "amid ongoing imperial aggression," recent efforts have enhanced overall readiness.
He also praised the updated defense plans and the coordination among revolutionary forces at the local level.
Joining Díaz-Canel were Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly, Army Corps General and Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) Álvaro López Miera, and Division General Amado Ricardo Guerra, Secretary of the Council of Ministers.
Lazo reminded attendees that Punta Brava was a pioneering site for the Urban Agriculture Program initiated by then-FAR Minister Raúl Castro, who frequently visited to monitor its progress.
The visit coincided with the National Defense Day activities, dedicated to regional exercises and plans during the so-called Year of Defense Preparedness.
Addressing Agricultural and Economic Crises
In August, Díaz-Canel toured the Cubanacán DZC in Playa, urging the cultivation of all available land, while the local president reported power outages, water shortages, and waste accumulation.
In September, he reiterated this message at the Capdevila-Altahabana DZC in Boyeros, where half of the arable land remained unused.
During a June Extraordinary Plenary of the Communist Party's Central Committee, Díaz-Canel declared food production a "national security issue" and introduced a package of 176 economic and social reforms.
Previously, in a May meeting with foreign communists in Havana, he stated that Cuba should not rely on imports but rather focus on producing what it can domestically.
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe agricultural crisis, producing only 111,000 tons of rice annually against a demand of 600,000 tons. Additionally, the island imports between 70% and 80% of its food, costing nearly $2 billion annually.
The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts a 7.2% contraction in Cuba's GDP by 2026, the largest among 27 regional economies, with a cumulative decline of 23% since 2019.
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Agricultural Challenges
What are the main issues facing Punta Brava?
Punta Brava is dealing with problems related to water supply, power outages, and underutilized agricultural land. Additionally, there are concerns about the care of vulnerable groups such as retirees and pregnant women.
How is Cuba addressing its agricultural crisis?
Cuba is attempting to address its agricultural crisis by encouraging the full use of available land for farming, exploring alternative livestock options like buffalo, and implementing economic and social reforms to boost food production.
What is the significance of defense readiness in Cuba?
Defense readiness in Cuba is portrayed as crucial amid perceived external threats, with the government focusing on integrating defense strategies with the management of economic and social issues.