The ‘Looking to the Sea’ Detachments have completed 55 years of work in the vigilance and protection of the Cuban coasts, a vital function for national security and social wellbeing. In Ciego de Ávila, their ranks, distinguished by a majority female presence, patrol the coasts of the northern Avilanian shoreline.

José Miguel Pérez Cabrera, head of the ‘Looking to the Sea’ Detachment Commander Manuel Fajardo, in the community of La Loma, in the municipality of Morón, details that this detachment is composed of 24 members, of which 15 are women, and its main objective is to prevent the landing of marijuana or other intoxicating substances on the coasts of the Turiguanó Popular Council.

«We are a detachment that is ageing, but we are renewing ourselves with young people who come from secondary school, and we transmit to them our main objective, which is that no drugs which could harm the population wash ashore,» states Pérez Cabrera. His words highlight the profoundly negative repercussion that the consumption of these substances has on families and the entire community.

Caridad Vilches Mora, also a member of this detachment and responsible for the interest circle linked to students of the Gonzalo Marín basic secondary school, comments that the young people are motivated and learn through practices that simulate the detection of illegal departures and the finding of packages on the beach.

«We explain to them about the impacts of drug consumption, and they already have a good command after receiving multiple talks and watching documentaries; even personnel from the border guard troops participate in this preventive training,» she adds.

In the ‘Looking to the Sea’ Detachment of Manatí, with 12 members where 7 are women, the work carries the same commitment. Its head notes that the women step forward at any sign of illegal departure, patrolling the coasts without any fear.

«Cuban women confront problems with an extra dose of daring,» he assures, also highlighting that, on top of their primary function, they occasionally act as a Rapid Response Detachment to support any need of the country or of the CDRs.

Founded 55 years ago, the ‘Looking to the Sea’ Detachments are a strategic piece in Cuba’s border defence, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior and the Revolutionary Armed Forces and in collaboration with the community.

Their work transcends vigilance: they educate the young, preserve social health, and contribute to national security against a problem that could severely affect an island nation whose integrity depends on the effective control of its coasts.

In a country surrounded by sea, the work of these detachments is more than necessary; it is indispensable to prevent drug trafficking and illicit substances from reaching the beaches and coastal communities. If this function is not fulfilled, the social, economic, and family consequences could be devastating, affecting citizen security and the stability of Cuba.

Thus, the ‘Looking to the Sea’ Detachments stand as guardians of the coastline and fundamental pillars of the integral defence of our nation, with a distinguished female effort that strengthens this noble and crucial mission every day.