As the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) approaches, current national coordinator Gerardo Hernández Nordelo made an appeal on Tuesday to "revitalize" the organization. "We must show the Cuban people that the CDRs are a valuable organization, present in their neighborhoods," stated the former spy during the unveiling of the program for the upcoming celebration on September 28.
Hernández acknowledges the dwindling support for the CDRs across the island. In an effort to boost the organization's visibility, they plan to undertake "100 tasks to honor Fidel Castro's centenary," aligning with the commemorative campaign orchestrated by the regime to glorify the late dictator until August 13, 2026.
"We cannot accept that someone who calls themselves a follower of Fidel lives in a block without a CDR and allows it. No one who considers themselves a revolutionary can reside on a street where the CDR is inactive and not take responsibility to make it work," emphasized Hernández, who is also a member of the Council of State.
In his address, Gerardo urged the strengthening of the organization's grassroots structures, particularly in communities where the CDRs have lost their footing. "This is a call to reinforce our structure where there are challenges, in tribute to Fidel Castro's centenary," he reiterated.
Established on September 28, 1960, by Fidel Castro, the CDRs are one of the main mass organizations within the Cuban system, operating at the neighborhood level with the stated aim of "defending the revolution." However, in practice, they have historically functioned as a system of neighborhood surveillance, encouraging denunciation and social control.
For decades, the CDRs have spearheaded campaigns against those who display anti-government sentiments, earning significant opposition from a large segment of the population. Currently, they face noticeable structural decline and increasing public indifference.
The new initiative announced by Hernández seeks to reclaim influence within neighborhoods, amidst a backdrop of discredit, aging membership, and the political disengagement of the youth, all of which have diminished their impact.
Gerardo's challenge is to demonstrate the "utility" of the CDRs in a Cuba marked by economic crisis, public distrust, the suffering of repression among dissenters, and the discrediting of socialist institutions.
Understanding the Role and Challenges of the CDRs in Cuba
What are the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR)?
The CDRs are grassroots organizations in Cuba, founded by Fidel Castro in 1960, aimed at defending the revolution. They operate at the neighborhood level and have historically been involved in surveillance and social control.
Why is Gerardo Hernández calling for the revitalization of the CDRs?
Gerardo Hernández is calling for revitalization to increase the visibility and perceived utility of the CDRs, especially as support for them has waned. The initiative also aligns with a broader campaign to commemorate Fidel Castro's legacy.
What challenges do the CDRs currently face in Cuba?
The CDRs are confronting structural decline, public distrust, and a loss of influence due to the aging of their membership and the political disengagement of the younger generation.