January 2009 - Recovering from the Hurricaines
Cuba is slowly recovering after the destruction caused by the hurricanes, Gustaf and Ike. Ciro, a farmer in the town of Baracoa, explains that he lost everything during the hurricanes, “Everything was flooded and I lost my harvest.” This year seems promising for Ciro, however, as he patiently and diligently works his farmland. He smiles as he tells me that the only thing you can’t get back is your life once you lose it.
The hurricanes brought about a produce shortage throughout the island. Times were difficult and often unbearable. At the school cafeteria we were fortunate to have beans for a short period of time after the hurricanes. It got to the point, however, when we only had rice and fish offered at the cafeteria. All produce markets throughout Havana closed. Mother Nature was responsible for the scarce produce. It was indeed an experience that I will never forget. Despite all the obstacles we always had food on our table. Perhaps it was not the most appetizing food but we had something to eat. For that I am thankful to God. These experiences are indeed part of my training as a physician and will allow me to better prepare for life.
Ciro is doing very well thus far as he provides produce to the town’s people and students from the Latin American School of Medicine. He is a happy, healthy and humble human being who enjoys every minute of his life. He works diligently to live a meaningful life as he serves his fellow countrymen. Retirement is obviously not in his plans despite the fact that his body looks tired. He will continue to ride his old and rusty bicycle to work as long as the sun rises every morning. It’s through the hard and diligent work of people like Ciro that Cuba is recovering from the destruction caused by the hurricanes.
Contact information:
Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina
Carretera Panamericana Km 3 ˝
Santa Fé, Playa
Ciudad Habana, Cuba
C.P. 19108
Email: Ramon Alejandro Bernal alex238209@yahoo.com
Joanna Mae Souers jsouers@gmail.com
