Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel recently toured Caimanera, expressing admiration for what he deemed a significant government accomplishment that reflects "quality of life" in Guantánamo. "We can overcome this situation by working together, and we see that here. Look! A year ago, this didn't exist. At a time when we have the fewest resources, we created a maternal care room. A municipality like this has zero infant and maternal mortality. That is quality of life! These results are commendable," he stated.
He was referring to a small ward set up at the "Ramón López Peña" Polyclinic in Caimanera to assist pregnant women requiring daily medical supervision. The facility can accommodate only six women, prioritizing those with low weight, anemia, and other health issues. The maternal care room was inaugurated on January 6. The health system had to prioritize this investment as previously, expectant mothers had to be admitted to the main municipality, but there was no transportation to take them far from their families.
The central and eastern regions of Cuba are heavily impacted by daily power outages, with electricity cuts lasting over 20 hours. Guantánamo is among the least developed provinces in the country, yet Díaz-Canel believes that notable progress has been made and quality of life has improved.
During his visit, the leader also toured other municipalities in Guantánamo such as San Antonio del Sur and Imías. There, he expressed pride in additional "revolutionary achievements," like the creation of a wooden housing community for those displaced by Hurricane Oscar. The developing settlement, called "El Aeropuerto," is designed to house 922 families. From October 2024, when the hurricane struck, until March 2025, only 18 families have been relocated to the area. Another 40 houses are under construction, but there is no further mention of the remaining homes in official reports.
In San Antonio del Sur, Díaz-Canel also visited the Los Ciguatos photovoltaic solar park, operating since 2019. It contributes 4 megawatts daily to the National Electric System, which is likely another impressive government achievement in Díaz-Canel's view.
Key Insights into Díaz-Canel's Visit to Guantánamo
What new facility was inaugurated in Caimanera?
A new maternal care room was inaugurated at the "Ramón López Peña" Polyclinic in Caimanera to assist pregnant women in need of daily medical attention.
What challenges does Guantánamo face?
Guantánamo faces significant challenges, including prolonged daily power outages lasting over 20 hours and being one of the least developed provinces in Cuba.
What was the purpose of Díaz-Canel's visit to San Antonio del Sur?
Díaz-Canel visited San Antonio del Sur to observe and praise the creation of a wooden housing community for hurricane victims and to visit the Los Ciguatos photovoltaic solar park.