Every morning at dawn, Rodobaldo Ramos Hernández begins his day in a small playground in the Abel Santamaría district of Isla de la Juventud, where three months ago he took on the task of keeping this space clean, organized, and functional, as it had been clearly neglected.
Isla Visión, on its Facebook profile, highlighted the story of Ramos, known as "the taxi driver," and his efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the park and repair some swings, despite the deterioration of the amusement equipment.
With 42 years of experience as a driver at UEB Cubataxi, this man decided to seek a new occupation after retiring: "I felt that I could still be useful and contribute something," he commented.
He recalled how, during his frequent passes by the park near his home, he was troubled by its neglected state. That’s why he looked into the available positions at the Municipal Company and secured a job, convinced that he could make a difference.
"The first thing I did was clean the entire exterior, which was practically a small dump, and then I focused on the interior," he said.
He noted that he also took measures to protect the space: he installed a lock on the entrance to prevent unauthorized individuals from causing damage to the equipment outside of the established hours.
"The taxi driver" not only watches over the park but also coordinates with the local children: "I asked the older ones to help me keep an eye on the place when I need to step out. That has worked well," he says as he adjusts his hat with the Cubataxi logo, a memento he proudly keeps from his past life.
Despite the limitations, he has big dreams for the park: “My greatest wish is to see it restored, with new equipment and filled with happy children playing,” he told Isla Visión.
He is aware of the economic difficulties, but he is convinced that with the support of UEB Talleres, local institutions, the neighbors, and the Communal Company, it is possible to restore the park's former vitality: “I know it’s not easy, but if there’s a will, there’s a way,” he stated.
For "the taxi driver," more than just a job, this effort represents a personal mission: "I feel proud to be helpful and to work in a space that is for children, for ‘those who know how to love and are the hope of the world.’"
Furthermore, he confided that his greatest satisfaction would be seeing the little ones running around and enjoying a revitalized park, while he can proudly say that he was part of the change.
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