None of the residents of the hamlet of Boca de Sama—a small coastal community located about 70 kilometers from the city of Holguin—have forgotten the tragic event that took place on the night of October 12th, 1971. Fifty-five years ago, terrorists from the anti-Cuban organization Alfa-66 stormed the area. Killing two Ministry of the Interior fighters and wounding four other people.
One of those who fell was 24-year-old Ramón Arturo Siam Portelles. Originally from the locality of Deleite in Banes. He lived in El Ramón de Antilla with his wife and their seven-month-old daughter, Yudirka Siam González. Over the years, she has consistently visited the site where her father died on this anniversary. Calling for an end to the blockade and state-sponsored terrorism against Cuba.
Siam González shares memories of her childhood. Recalling how she would ask about her father only to be met with her mother’s tears. In time, she learned what had happened, hearing further details from her teacher at school. She experienced a mixture of pain and pride—feelings that, at the age of 18, led her to don the olive-green uniform and serve in border defense.
Whenever Yudirka visits this beautiful seaside village—located very close to Guardalavaca Beach in the municipality of Banes. She tours the small museum that preserves the memory of this tragic event. As well as the monument against terrorism erected there.
Carlos Andrés Escalante Gómez—known to everyone as “The Chinese man”. He was the head of the Border Guard Post at the time and was shot eight times in the legs during the clash. He considers her his daughter, and the affection is mutual. They share their life experiences: missing her father during childhood, admiring him during adolescence, and emulating him in young adulthood.
Every year, the people of Holguin pay tribute to those who fell during the terrorist attack at Boca de Sama. Throughout history, Cuba has suffered more than 3,500 direct deaths resulting from acts of terrorism organized, financed, and carried out from the United States.
The suffering and losses incurred are incalculable, just as the determination to honor the fallen and never yield is infinite.
By: Milagros Puig Hernández
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