Cuba's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, recently toured the Agroindustrial Polytechnic Institute Manifiesto de Montecristi in the Jobabo municipality of Las Tunas. This visit was part of his journey to "verify" local development initiatives. Taking place on April 25, it came on the heels of record-breaking power outages across the nation, highlighting the necessity of boosting public morale through the achievements of this polytechnic institution.
The Cuban president commended the school for its management, which integrates agricultural production, technical education, and self-financing through local initiatives and international cooperation. The institute prides itself on having "all lines of agricultural products." Its key achievements include tobacco seed production, grains, brick manufacturing, milk production, and veterinary services for the community, alongside self-sufficiency in root vegetables and greens.
Moreover, the school boasts four teachers currently pursuing doctorates in Science. Díaz-Canel praised the efforts of the faculty and students who have successfully acquired irrigation systems, protective gear, and agricultural machinery using the institute’s self-generated income. He urged other polytechnics across the country to emulate this model and highlighted the export of products like okra, eggplant, and red-skinned sweet potatoes.
Despite the optimistic figures and success stories presented in Jobabo, the everyday reality for most Cubans starkly contrasts with the showcases that Díaz-Canel visits. While success stories were shared, the rest of Cuba continues to grapple with ongoing power outages, shortages of essential foods, and widespread low productivity.
The structural deficiencies continue to affect the families of the very workers and students in Jobabo who, after applauding the official discourse, return to homes without electricity, empty refrigerators, and no real prospects for improvement. Although the Jobabo IPA's experience may be a commendable exception within the national landscape, its isolated impact does not offset the severe economic, food, and energy crises that the island faces.
Exploring the Impact of Díaz-Canel's Visit
What was the purpose of Díaz-Canel's visit to the Las Tunas Polytechnic School?
Díaz-Canel visited the Las Tunas Polytechnic School to assess local development projects, aiming to boost public morale amid national challenges like power outages.
What achievements were highlighted at the Agroindustrial Polytechnic Institute?
The institute was recognized for its tobacco seed production, grain cultivation, brick manufacturing, and community veterinary services, along with its self-sufficiency in vegetables and greens.
How does the reality of most Cubans contrast with the success stories shared by Díaz-Canel?
While success stories were highlighted, the majority of Cubans face ongoing power outages, food shortages, and low productivity, which starkly contrasts with the positive narrative presented.