On Thursday, the regime adhered to the longstanding tradition of presenting a basket to the family with the first natural birth that coincides with the founding date of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). This custom also honors the repressive forces of the nation, which celebrate 63 years since their establishment in Sancti Spíritus.
The state-run newspaper Escambray reported that the girl Káterin Pérez Escobar was the beneficiary on this occasion, having been born at two in the morning on June 6 at the Maternity Ward of the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial Hospital in Sancti Spíritus.
A group of fighters upheld the 30-year tradition of presenting a gift basket, "created with contributions from the fighters and civilian workers of the armed institution, to the young Queen María Escobar Quesada, the mother of the little one," the news portal reported.
According to Escambray, a handover ceremony took place that brought together several military personnel from the MININT, including a lieutenant colonel, as well as the hospital's top executives. The girl's father and her grandparents were also present.
The news website's report highlighted that a group of young officers wished happiness to the grateful parents of the girl, "who was born on the same day that the fighters and civilian workers of the Ministry of the Interior celebrate their 63rd anniversary serving the people, of which they are a part, and as loyal defenders of the Cuban Revolution."
Escambray shared several photos where the mentioned basket can be seen, among which several objects adorned with Minnie and Mickey Mouse are clearly identifiable, symbols of childhood culture in the United States.
In contrast to the MININT celebration in Sancti Spíritus, which fortuitously benefited a young woman, Cuban civil society frequently organizes collections, not just on dates marked by the official calendar, to alleviate the precarious situation faced by many families.
Recently, a group of Cuban activists launched a petition for help for children living in extreme poverty in villages of the Sierra Maestra and other remote areas of Santiago de Cuba province.
Yankiel Fernández, coordinator of the Humanitarian Project Breath of Life, issued a call on social media for anyone who can contribute donations for children and other residents in those communities who lack basic necessities such as food, clothing, and medicine.
"The images speak for themselves; I need the help of all of you," Fernández told his followers on Facebook. "My people, we continue to collect donations for the Sierra Maestra and four other remote towns in Santiago de Cuba."
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