Young people have been key players in the tireless recovery efforts underway in Holguin province. Following Hurricane Melissa’s passage through this northeastern region. Nothing is impossible for those who have been ready to help wherever they are needed.
The University of Holguin (Uho) has been actively contributing to the recovery of Holguin province from all fronts. Despite the damage suffered by its campuses, walking through them today reveals the impact of the work of students and faculty in rebuilding.
“Being able to donate blood after the hurricane is, above all, an act of human solidarity. It’s a tangible way of saying ‘you are not alone’ and of strengthening, from my own small corner. The hope and recovery of our people,” said Camila Escobar Primo, a professor at the university.
Liban Espinosa, a journalist and reserve officer of the Young Communist League (UJC) in Holguin, has had little rest these past few days. From his work as a reporter to his role as a member of the UJC’s provincial committee. He has been immersed in various activities with the support of his colleagues.
“We have worked in various centers that have received donations and reached different municipalities such as Banes, Cacocum, Urbano Noris, and Cueto. Being able to interact with the residents has demonstrated the fraternal love that exists among Cubans. Regardless of the adversity of the situation.”
The people are the priority.
From the communities, the newcomers have also contributed their share to this task that belongs to everyone. The delegate of district four in the municipality of Holguin, Víctor Manuel Ayón Rodríguez, completed his recovery from an arbovirus at the command post.
“We were there checking on reported cases from the district. Including partial and total collapses, and other damage. With the support of social workers, we followed up with those receiving assistance and those who suffered material losses due to the flooding. We also reported downed power lines to the Electric Company and the need for street cleanup to the municipal services.”
Young Caridad Maure Yubet, an official with the Federation of Cuban Women in the Pedro Díaz Coello People’s Council of Holguin municipality, has also experienced very busy days. She has been very active since before the hurricane. Aware of her essential role as a woman in these times.
“After the hurricane passed through our Holguin territory, we quickly moved into the recovery pase. Where members of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) mobilized for cleaning and sanitation efforts in our communities. I never imagined what Melissa would mean for me as a young woman. It’s the first time I’ve faced such a situation.” “The general secretaries, from their local branches and delegations, have greatly collaborated in collecting donations for the victims at the evacuation centers at the José Martí Pre-University Vocational Institute (IPVCE). Where people from Limoncito and Yaguabo, belonging to the municipality of Cacocum, are staying.
We also helped at the nursing branch where evacuees from Urbano Noris were being housed. Likewise, we have collaborated in the cleaning and sanitation efforts at the Vladimir I. Lenin Provincial Hospital. In which several women have participated. The experience has been one of immense solidarity, leaving many traces of love.
As a young person, I can say that the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) works wholeheartedly to offer a sincere hug. A kind word, and a helping hand. To say ‘woman’ is to say ‘life.'”
A duty that knows no limits
Not only in the provincial capital has the youth demonstrated their worth. But also in the rest of the province, where they have played a leading role in all the necessary tasks. In Gibara, for example, the young journalist and delegate Lázaro Abel García Gómez has been on the front lines.
“Our contribution on behalf of the youth of Gibara has been essential during this recovery phase. For me, it was an unparalleled experience when, for the first time, I stepped forward to care for so many evacuees while Melissa swept through eastern Venezuela.
I could have stayed home with my family. However, as José Martí said, ‘A man’s duty lies where he is most useful.’ Today, with the worst over, the workload and responsibility are no less demanding. Some of which are assigned by the Defense Zone.
These include supporting the processing desk in the Gibara 2 district. Tallying the damage suffered by those affected by the storm. As well as other activities that involve compassion, love, and dedication.” “Now, as a community, we are organizing to deliver a donation of resources we have collected in solidarity to benefit those most affected by the weather event.”
These are today’s youth. Children of their time and their historical moment. With different ideas and visions. They maintain the essence of the most authentic aspects of Cuban identity and the teachings of the historical generation that paved the way for a Revolution that leaves no one behind in difficult times. We can always count on them.
By: Jorge Alejandro Fernández Pérez
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