Melba Hernandez, Heroine of the Republic of Cuba and member of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) Central Commitee died in this capital yesterday evening.

According to Granma newspaper, Hernandez died at the age of 92, as a result of complications of diabetes mellitus, a disease she suffered for years. Born in the country's central region, Melba Hernandez participated actively in the struggle against the Fulgencio Batista tyranny, and was one of the first to join the movement led by the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

Hernandez was among the combatants of the attack on Moncada Barrack in Santiago de Cuba on July 26, 1953, and was a witness of torture and murder of her fellow prisoners.

After completing her sentence and the release from prison of the attackers, she collaborated in the organization and leadership of the 26 de Julio Revolutionary Movement, a force led by Fidel Castro that would lead the island to its real independence on January 1, 1959.

Since then, Hernandez played important responsibilities, among them, she was a founder of the PCC and a member of its Central Committee since its 3rd Congress, as well as legislator to the National Assembly from 1976 to 1986, and elected again since 1993.

For the Cuban people, Melba Hernandez is one of the most glorious and loved fighters of the revolutionary struggle, and an everlasting example of the Cuban woman.

Following her wishes, her body will be cremated and the ashes temporarily guarded at the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces until they were taken to the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, and placed along with the remains of her comrades who attacked the Moncada Barrack.