The defense of the country, food production, the stability of the electrical power system, and the quality of services to the population stand as the main priorities of the political and governmental leadership in Las Tunas for the year 2026.

This was confirmed by Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC in Spanish) in the territory, and Yelenys Tornet Menéndez, governor, during the first broadcast of their special televised program for the year. Both leaders also addressed issues of high public interest, such as community hygiene, water supply, and the problems of social discipline observed in daily life. When detailing the priorities,

Lorenzo Rodríguez placed the defense of the Revolution first. “Defense is a priority that this year, as everyone has noticed, we have been working to ensure it is at the top of the list,” he stated. He explained that Cuba is subjected to “two types of warfare”: ideological warfare—based on attacks in digital networks and media—and economic warfare, “fundamentally the economic blockade, which many people think we don't have, but it does.”

“The U.S. economic blockade exists, and it hits hard,” the leader stated, recalling a statement by President Donald Trump about “devastating” the island. “It must be interpreted, and that is why it is so important that defense is a top priority,” he insisted.

ENERGY, FOOD, AND IMPORT SUBSTITUTION

Along with defense, Lorenzo Rodríguez listed the National Electrical System (SEN in Spanish) as a key pillar, emphasizing line maintenance, the development of photovoltaic parks, and the province's own wind farm project, as well as food production, linked to the recovery of the sugar industry.

“Las Tunas needs a sugar harvest,” he stated categorically when analyzing the situation at the Antonio Guiteras sugar mill, the only industry in the province. which will produce sugar here in the next harvest.

Although he acknowledged delays due to problems with oxygen and the availability of parts, he assured that they are working “hard” to begin milling between February 4 and 7, with a plan for 38,000 tons of sugar. “Last year was a terrible harvest, the worst in history. “We are looking at how the 2026 plan, despite the limitations, can be improved,” he said.

Regarding agriculture, he highlighted the goal of strengthening the 14 production hubs established in all municipalities, with at least 200 hectares of compact crops. Another key objective is rice production, which must increase from the 3,500 hectares planned this year to six in the medium term. “If we were to produce enough rice for the basic food basket in this territory, we would have about two months' worth,” he acknowledged, underscoring the deficit. Beans, rustic crops, pork, milk, and small livestock farming are also among the “top priorities.” Lorenzo Rodríguez was emphatic about how these programs should be monitored: “It can’t be done through meetings.”

“Difficulties with milk payments persist. “There are some cases that border on callousness, people selling milk, as they say, on the black market, and then there are children waiting for their glass of milk,” she denounced, advocating for direct control at the grassroots level.

COMMUNITY SERVICES, HEALTH, SOCIAL DISCIPLINE, AND CONFRONTING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

For her part, Governor Yelenys Tornet Menéndez addressed the severe crisis in solid waste collection and acknowledged the deterioration of the infrastructure and the lack of cart drivers and mechanized equipment. “We are looking for alternatives,” she stated, mentioning the possible incorporation of non-state economic actors into this activity.

She warned about the danger of uncontrolled burning of garbage in populated areas. “We have to think about what else we can do,” she expressed. Regarding the supply of drinking water, especially the strain in the provincial capital, she assured that investments continue, prioritizing the completion of the El Rincón water treatment plant.

“It is what will also allow us to reach the population with greater stability,” although she did not specify a completion date due to limitations with fuel and materials.

In the health sector, she outlined the efforts to recover the deteriorated ambulance fleet. “Some days, we work with only two ambulances in the province, sometimes with three,” he admitted, detailing that they are seeking solutions with state and non-state workshops for their repair.

She also reported that the construction of the Social Care Center for people with wandering behavior is more than 80 percent complete, intending to finish it in the first half of the year.

At the close of the meeting, the First Secretary of the Party made a strong appeal to combat social indiscipline. “Nothing justifies what is happening to us,” he stated, referring to damage to boulevards, illegal motorcycle races, and uncivil behavior. “Why does someone have to ride a bicycle here (on the boulevard)? That shows a lack of civic pride,” he added.

Lorenzo Rodríguez assured that, respecting due process, the results of the corruption cases that have come to light will be made public. “Public tranquility is one of the most precious achievements of the Revolution, and we work tirelessly to ensure it remains so,” he emphasized.

He concluded by stressing that the best tribute in the centennial year of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro is consistent work. “The top priority today is to defend the Revolution in every sense. Defending the Revolution means recovering, taking action, and bringing everyone together,” he declared.