At the headquarters of the Council of Ministers, where Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz dedicated much of his life to Cuba and its Revolution, a posthumous tribute was held this Wednesday for someone who will forever be a symbol of ethics and loyalty.
A floral wreath from the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz—who sent his deepest condolences to his family—was placed next to the urn that holds the ashes of a great Cuban who, as his closest collaborators and colleagues expressed, has always carried his homeland in his heart.
Other offerings, also with white flowers, attended the ceremony on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Communist Party of Cuba, the National Assembly of People's Power, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the workers of his beloved Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, among other floral arrangements as an expression of tribute and respect for his memory.
Alongside Cabrisas's image were the decorations he received during his fruitful career as a government leader, politician, and combatant, including the Honorary Title of "Hero of Labor." Also present was the Lone Star Flag, which he defended so often on national and international stages
With the grief of the passing of a much-loved and admired colleague, Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman brings us closer to his example of ethics, austerity, loyalty, and love for Cuba. In this regard, she recalled that "until the very last moment, even though he was ill, he was fighting, and that is the example we should all follow."
Along with his family, a large group of colleagues from different institutions and sectors paid tribute to Ricardo Cabrisas throughout Wednesday morning, until just before noon. Among them was Élida Valle Fernández, who has worked at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers for more than forty years. From her close proximity to his workplace, she assures us that "Cabrisas was very disciplined, hardworking, tireless, a good friend and advisor, a man loyal to Fidel, Raúl, and President Díaz-Canel." Emotionally, she recalls that "he fought until the last moment of his life, because two weeks ago he was working in his office; that's Cabrisas; that's the legacy he leaves us."
"More than a boss, a friend leaves behind," says Sabina Clavel, who works in his office cleaning.
And from the field of foreign trade and investment, where the countless battles led by Cabrisas will forever remain, young people reaffirm the importance of continuing his legacy.
The First Deputy Minister of MINCEX, Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, highlighted his teachings to all managers and workers in the sector, because "Cabrisas not only distinguished himself for his knowledge and mastery of the issues, and for being a highly respected person in Cuba and abroad; he was also a permanent example of dedication and commitment.
For her part, Laura Soler Díaz, in charge of International Economic Relations with Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, asserts that "Cabrisas always taught us what discipline, sacrifice, and, fundamentally, what it means to feel in our hearts what Cuba stands for."
The young 30-year-old official, a graduate of International Relations, affirmed that "Cabrisas never stopped thinking about Cuba; he was concerned day after day about everything that was happening in the country, and that was his constant pursuit, a race against time, because he needed to do much more."
She emphasized that "this is worthy of admiration" and "he taught us the culture of detail, being meticulous with the responsibilities we have and to whom we owe ourselves."
Members of the Political Bureau, as well as leaders of the Party, the State, and the Government, paid tribute to Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz. Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the country also attended the tribute to a man whose loyalty, knowledge, and ability earned him the respect and trust to be entrusted with high responsibilities, such as representing Cuba in the international arena and in debates on foreign policy and trade. The final Honor Guard was led by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Republic, who had attended the start of the tribute earlier in the morning. The president was accompanied in the Honor Guard by members of the Political Bureau, Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State; Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister; and Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee. In the final minutes of the ceremony, after each participant laid a flower, the beautiful family that Ricardo Cabrisas founded and built showed their utmost respect and love for their husband, father, and grandfather, the upright Cuban who always carried Cuba in his heart.
