Journalist Alfredo Carralero Hernández, who headed the Cuban News Agency bureau in Holguin until his retirement, passed away this Wednesday in Havana. He had been receiving medical care at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital for a liver condition.
“El Carra”—as family and friends affectionately called him—received the CNA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. The most prestigious honor the agency bestows to recognize the work of its professionals.
Born in Antillita, a rural neighborhood in the Holguin municipality of Antilla. He discovered his calling at the age of 12 or 13 while watching his father attentively read newspapers and magazines.
Although he graduated with a qualification in electricity from the Holguin Technological Institute. He never pursued that field; in 1969, after completing a course in Havana, he began his career as a correspondent for the newspaper *Juventud Rebelde* in the former Banes-Antilla region.
Remaining true to his childhood aspirations, he garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. These included the “Provincial Vanguard” distinction in 1994 and 1996. And the “National Vanguard” status in 1998—honors awarded to workers within the Culture Union.
He also held various other distinctions, including the Holguin Shield, granted by the provincial government at the recommendation of the Union of Journalists of Cuba.
As director of the newspaper *¡Ahora!*, he created the magazines *Ámbito*—dedicated to cultural events—and *Serranía*. Which reflected life in the mountains; he also spearheaded the informational programs *Agente PNR* and *Ante el tribunal*. He worked at the Cuban News Agency (CNA) and led its bureaus in Sancti Spiritus. Which he founded as well as in Ciego de Avila and Holguin; he headed the latter from 2002 until his retirement.
After completing a press mission in Venezuela, the National Information Agency (now CNA) named him its most well-rounded reporter. During that period, he published 70 reports on the nation’s healthcare workers.
A mentor to several generations, he emphasized the need to cultivate creativity, break the mold, and humanize news content. Always with the reader’s interests in mind.
He championed teamwork and the sharing of knowledge among colleagues. Also he found that new information and communication platforms served as tools to energize and enrich his work.
Colleagues and friends affectionately and admiringly called him teacher, mentor, and boss.
With information from the Cuban News Agency
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