SANTA CLARA, Cuba, Oct 8 (PL).—Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdés affirmed here today that Cuba is at a point of combat in which the example of the guerrilla Ernesto Che Guevara should endure.

“We are at a point of combat, which therefore has to be the hour of Che,” stated Valdés in an event marking the 40th anniversary of the death of the guerrilla fighter, headed by Cuban First Vice President Raúl Castro.

Valdés noted that the reflections of Fidel Castro and Raúl’s 26th of July speech are key to what should be done in the country “in order to ensure the way forward for the Revolution.”

He noted that the nation is alive with ideas, born of the invitation given to people in every workplace and educational institute to put forward criticisms or commentaries on the principal problems affecting them.

The president’s analyses and Raúl Castro’s words in Camagüey have prompted a wide debate in the heart of the Party, work collectives and political, mass, youth and student organizations, he confirmed.

Valdés affirmed that those discussions could contribute to a fuller understanding of the problems and a widespread search for solutions that “can never be magic ones and have to be based on work.”

He suggested that the country’s capacity to generate resources should be borne in mind during the meetings, as well as the U.S. blockade, which has provoked losses amounting to more than $89 billion over the 48 years that it has been in effect.

“What we hope from this debate,” Valdés emphasized, “is that it will help us to break away from inertia, dogmatism and a bureaucratic mentality, as well as developing a creative and liberating focus where productive forces have become bogged down.”

He was also optimistic that the process will help promote a habit of critically reviewing and updating formulas applied to the economy and different spheres of life so that they are in line with the country’s changing realities.

He noted that problems are solved with ideas, imagination and awareness, but also with resources, “thus, not everything can be done at once, nor can there be an immediate response to all the needs expressed.”

“Our agenda is to do everything that is sensible and possible, to eliminate absurdities, work on achievements and constantly ensure the country’s full sovereignty,” the leader stressed.

In another part of his speech, Valdés recalled that when the remains of Che and his comrades in struggle reached the mausoleum – the venue of today’s anniversary event – in 1997, Fidel described them then as a reinforcement detachment.

He explained that Fidel had referred to them in that way because Cuba was going through a difficult period, and also because the world was likewise living through complex times, a scenario that has worsened 10 years later.

The likewise minister of informatics and communications upbraided U.S. President George W. Bush for his bellicose policies and for the prices of oil, foodstuffs and merchandise of all types, which are squeezing the poor countries.

Given that panorama, he urged the new generations of Cubans to continue learning from the life of the legendary guerrilla fighter and to imitate his example and determination to defend the socialist process which, for Che can never be renounced.

“Che’s legacy is not a page of history that we should recall but a living example that we must have present every day,” affirmed Valdés to those attending the event.

Translated by Granma International

Granma 08-10-2007