Notes on the socialist mayorship of José Ruiz in Yaguajay

Abstract

The neocolonial period in Cuba was characterized by widespread corruption, fraud, the dominance of economic and political elites, as well as repression and popular resistance. In this context, leftist parties and organizations emerged to fight against imperialism and promote the worker-peasant alliance. The Popular Socialist Party (PSP) was one of the most prominent, adopting a Marxist approach, supporting the struggle for social rights, and proposing the nationalization of key sectors of the economy, which contributed to its rise. The municipal mayorship led by José Ruiz in Yaguajay between 1946 and 1952 gained notable significance. His administration was marked by the implementation of policies focused on cleaning up government accounts and eliminating administrative deficiencies. His measures successfully organized tax collection, fought corruption, ensured salary payments, improved healthcare and education, and carried out public works. Despite the limitations imposed in the 1950s, José Ruiz’s strong determination and character, combined with his relentless fight against corruption and well-executed social policies, enabled the municipality to achieve socio-economic development in a few years that surpassed that of the previous four decades. Many of the projects carried out during his administration influenced the development of the present-day Yaguajay region and constitute a lasting positive legacy of that timeer.