On Tuesday afternoon, those of us who went to the Plaza de la Revolución Calixto García Íñiguez, in the eastern province of Holguín, we witnessed an event that, although to Cubans it may seem common because of its solidarity nature, it is truly extraordinary, it is a true beacon.
Two working detachments, one of electricity workers and the other of builders, set out to the sister province of Guantánamo to contribute to its recovery after the passage of hurricane Oscar.
The Lidio Ramón Pérez contingent, made up of 75 linemen and logistical support staff of the Electricity Company of Holguín, is organized into five brigades with three service cars.
For its part the construction workers were off with three brigades of about 20 men apiece, belonging to seven construction companies from Holguin province.
The gentle breeze left by Oscar’s passing through our province brought with it an air of determination and camaraderie among the members of these brigades, whose main mission is to help those who suffered the strongest winds and floods caused by this weather even, then turned into a tropical storm, anyhow, it hit the easternmost municipalities of Guantanamo province.
Aware of their responsibility and of the bond that unites Cubans, these men and women did not hesitate to show their willingness to put their spirit of solidarity into practice and return light in the shortest possible time to the victims.
From Holguín to Guantánamo: a beacon of light
The incomparable voice of the Holguin-born singer-songwriter Nadiel Mejías vibrated in the hearts of all present, reminding us that the true strength of a people is measured not only by its capacity to face disasters, but also by its will to rise up together.
The faces of the brigade members show a mixture of emotion and solemnity. It is not the first time they have accomplished this type of mission. They know that the task is not easy. With them they brought not only tools and supplies, but also the hope of reconstruction and the message that the Guantanamo people are not alone.
As the sun descended in the sky, the top political and governmental authorities of the territory handed over the flags that hoist the dignity and decorum of these men, while embracing them and sharing words of encouragement with the brigade members.
The days to come will be a testimony of the deep humanistic sense that characterizes these people. With their vehicles loaded and their hearts full of hope, the brigadistas began their journey to the neighboring province.
The caravan of cars departed from the Plaza de la Revolución in Holguín towards the province of Guantánamo. Photo: Yudit Almeida Pérez
The caravan of cars, with the Plaza de la Revolución in the background, is a reminder of the challenge they will face in the fight for the recovery from the weather phenomenon. It is a mission that not only symbolizes material aid; it is a token of love and solidarity.
Every kilometer traveled from Holguin to Guantanamo will be one more step towards the restoration of lives and dreams. They are a beacon of light.
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