Gerardo Hernández Nordelo: “Defending the Revolution Remains the Main Mission of the CDRs”

By Yilena Héctor Rodríguez on September 28, 2025 from Havana

It was Sixty-five years ago, that the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) were founded in a Cuba that was just embarking on the most radical transformation in its history.

Faced with constant aggression from the United States, then-Prime Minister Fidel Castro believed that the defense of the Revolution should come from the masses. The people had to organize themselves to face the myriad of provocations.

Since September 28, 1960, there has been a committee on every block, and for more than six decades the organization has contributed to the development of multiple responsibilites. CDR guards, blood donations, and the collection of raw materials have been among the most recognized tasks.

Although the country has changed, and with it its structures and institutions, the main mission of the CDR continues to be the defense of the Revolution from every neighborhood. This is the view of Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the organization and Hero of the Republic.

“If that mission were to change one day, we would have to change even our name and we would end up disappearing,” he says, as he reviews the oldest and most recent history from the organization’s national headquarters.

“I remember when women stood guard from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. and men from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. That is no longer realistic. Business security cameras and other mechanisms have brought about change. But in recent years, we have seen that if we let our guard down, sabotage and aggression return, which reaffirms that our original purpose is more relevant than ever.”

He also refers to the importance of the organization in confronting the most common criminal acts: “When a warehouse is robbed, the first ones affected are the neighbors. They are the ones who must establish the revolutionary guard in whatever way they see fit. We cannot issue a national resolution that says how to protect each block; that is up to the community.”

Gerardo does not shy away from criticism, and he is aware that there are CDRs that do not function and others that work poorly, but he believes that these shortcomings do not invalidate the usefulness of the organization.

Nevertheless, the passage of time raises basic questions: How is the Revolution defended today from a neighborhood point of view? How is the contribution of the CDRs determined in a context that has necessarily changed?

Continuous evolution

An example of the activities that have changed over the years is the collection of raw materials. Since the emergence of the Recovery Business Group, the links between this entity and the CDRs have led to residents being paid for the raw materials they deliver.

“As long as there are families who benefit from this effort, it does not lose its essence. The important thing is that it is recycled and contributes to the economy,” says the national coordinator.

Something similar is happening with projects such as Cultiva tu Pedacito. “In many cases, as part of the initiative, common areas between buildings that were garbage dumps were cleaned up, fenced in, and planted. This exercise strengthens solidarity among neighbors and provides food. There are very useful examples of the program, which has spread throughout the country,” he says.

The biggest challenge, he admits, is getting young people involved. “Our organization is very proud of the work of older people who have been contributing for years, but it is also aware of the need to bring new generations into social work, because there are many with a vocation for leadership and fresh ideas that are needed in these times. Fortunately, there are already young coordinators and activists throughout the country.”

In this vein, he asserts that social changes have opened doors to initiatives that were unthinkable in 1960. “Today, a CDR president may not know how to use WhatsApp, but a young person from the neighborhood can create a group to coordinate activities and address concerns. That combination is key.”

The organization, he says, is not limited to its traditional tasks either: “Any issue that affects the community involves us.”

Actions such as ensuring animal welfare or caring for the environment must also be part of our activities. We do not close the door to new missions.“

The daily work also includes addressing concerns and conflicts. ”We receive letters from prisoners’ families, complaints about water or leaks, housing conflicts. We don’t always have the solution at hand, but we do have a duty to channel the problems. No one who comes to a CDR should leave without being heard.”

The 65th anniversary

September has been a month of celebration from the very first day, when the aim was to involve every family and organization in the development of a broad mass movement in the neighborhoods.

There have been meetings with historical leaders, members of the CDR youth detachments, and producers from the Cultiva tu pedacito (Cultivate Your Little Piece) movement.

In addition, there have been clean-up, beautification, and popular decoration days; volunteer work; evening gatherings; tributes; exhibitions; and the presentation of the Barrio Award.

Gerardo insists that the CDRs continue to be the organization of the Cuban family and must take on important roles such as caring for people in vulnerable situations.

“When COVID-19 arrived, it was the CDR members who knew how many elderly people lived alone and who needed medicine or food. We are also decisive in every electoral process. There is no area of the neighborhood where we should not be involved,” he says.

His final reflection is both self-critical and committed: “We are not where we would like to be, but we are working tirelessly to get there. Defending the Revolution continues to mean working for the peace and tranquility of our people.”

Source: Cubadebate, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English