Matanzas: A Week of Challenges and Determination

The spirit of teamwork was evident across Matanzas this past week, as the province tackled significant challenges — from repairing and reconnecting the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant to the national grid, to hosting a provincial gathering of social workers aimed at improving performance in vulnerable communities.

A meeting held Wednesday highlighted the essential role of social workers in strengthening social prevention and addressing vulnerabilities. The event served as a platform to exchange experiences and reinforce collective commitment.

“We must always strive to do better in our work with neighborhoods, families, and vulnerable individuals. We need to confront problems directly and find practical solutions,” emphasized Mario Sabines Lorenzo, First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) in Matanzas.

On August 1, the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant — Cuba’s largest and most efficient single-unit facility — was successfully reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) at 7:50 p.m. The plant had gone offline the previous Tuesday due to a boiler malfunction that required more than 72 hours of corrective work.

During the shutdown, crucial repairs were carried out, including the replacement of two damaged tubes in the reheater and high-temperature superheater, refractory upgrades in the lower boiler area, maintenance on discharge check valves of the feedwater pumps, valve replacements, and electrical and automation system adjustments.

Also on August 1, crews from multiple agencies began cleanup operations in Cárdenas following the collapse of the upper façade of a building located on Princesa Street, between Céspedes and Ayllón avenues. The damaged structure is adjacent to the nationally recognized La Dominica Hotel, a designated National Monument.

According to journalist Alexei McIntosh, who was present at the site, local residents reported that three individuals had been inside the building at the time. Two managed to exit safely, while one suffered an ankle injury and was treated at a nearby hospital.

In a Facebook post, McIntosh noted that the upper façade gave way due to the loss of structural integrity, a consequence of ongoing theft of wooden beams, windows, ironwork, and other architectural elements.

Matanzas also commemorated the Day of the Martyrs of the Homeland with a special exhibit honoring Félix Rivero Vasallo, one of the young revolutionaries who took part in the 1953 assault on the Moncada Barracks. The display opened at the Junco Palace Provincial Museum in tribute to Rivero Vasallo, a native of Bolondrón.

Rivero Vasallo fought under Abel Santamaría during the takeover of the Saturnino Lora Hospital and was captured and executed at the age of 25. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and sacrifice in defense of the nation and the collective memory of the Cuban people.