Hurricane Oscar left deep scars of pain in San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, that will never completely fade. However, individuals like Geomanis Faure Ramírez – known as the workshop man – believe that a bit of care and solidarity can bring comfort to those affected.
For this reason, equipped with his tools, Geomanis has been traveling daily to this municipality for several days to repair, free of charge, the mattresses of those who lost their belongings after the hurricane.
According to the newspaper Venceremos, armed only with his tools—a heavy sewing machine, sacks of cotton, and everything needed to repair mattresses—this entrepreneur unexpectedly arrived in San Antonio del Sur, uninvited and without prior notice, driven solely by his deep desire to help.
"He showed up, and we immediately gave him the first mattress affected by the flooding in our area," recounts Giordani Ortega, a resident of San Antonio and a recipient of his assistance. "Not only did he make the repairs for free, but he also donated a mattress for my 96-year-old grandfather. Now we can sleep better."
"We have welcomed him here; we provided him with a comfortable space where he can work and people can bring him their mattresses. His presence has been like a divine gift, and for that reason, we have attended to him in every way possible. He can stay as long as he wishes; San Antonio is delighted with his presence, and he will never lack work. Additionally, we also offer him support," says Mailén Aguilar, a resident of this municipality.
For Faure, who works in Santa María in the city of Guantánamo, a mattress is a lifelong companion; it is a place for rest and relaxation after the stresses of work and household tasks.That is why he places such great importance on the work he does in San Antonio del Sur.It seems that there is no text provided for translation. Please share the text you'd like me to translate, and I'll be happy to assist!
"All of this is thanks to the collaboration of the drivers who come to this municipality and are aware of my initiative. The support from the families is vital; in fact, I have set up my provisional repair center from one of the houses near the Emilio Daudinot municipal museum, in the Reparto Cultura community of San Antonio del Sur," he stated.
He mentioned that the residents of the area are gradually coming by and are very grateful for the assistance being provided to them. "I have donated two mattresses for elderly individuals, vulnerable people who need special attention."
"I believe this is the moment for us to come together, and I have taken great pleasure in seeing how many people have come from various places to offer their support and work, repairing buildings, equipment, and removing mud, which is the most important thing. That's why I am here," he emphasized.
Faure noted that he is "the only mattress maker in Santa María," which is why he never lacks for work. However, despite having a busy schedule, he believes he should be in San Antonio del Sur because that is where "I am needed the most right now; this is my duty. For now, I travel every day because I have the option of being driven to and from home, but the day I have to stay, I will. This has become another home for me, another family that I will not forget," he concluded.
He is not the only entrepreneur who has chosen to support those affected in San Antonio del Sur. Brothers Víctor Manuel Hernández Escalona and Juan Antonio Bello Escalona have joined the noble mission of aiding in the recovery of this municipality in Guantánamo since October 22nd.
"We are from Camagüey, and we deliver mattresses and other items to homes in Las Tunas, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba... all the towns up to Baracoa. I have never had the chance to go to Maisí, but from Baracoa I continue to Imías, San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, Palma Soriano, Bayamo, and then back to Camagüey. I know all the provinces, municipalities, and places in the East, from the most remote to those along the main road," commented Hernández Escalona.
From Facebook, both are committed to promoting solidarity through the production of mattresses, aiming to support the most vulnerable. On the platform, they seek assistance in identifying those who are in greatest need of these products so that they can provide some of their donated pieces.
"We had never had the opportunity to make donations; I have helped people who haven’t had the means to purchase a mattress, and I trusted them without hesitation when they spoke to me. However, the situation in San Antonio del Sur moved me, and that’s why out of the 25 mattresses I ordered the first time I arrived in the town after the hurricane, we decided to leave 5 to donate," she noted.
"Upon returning, I told my brother we need to make 5 mattresses for each trip to San Antonio, and we set to work on the production," he noted.
According to Venceremos, to date they have delivered 12 mattresses, with more currently in production as donations for the residents of San Antonio del Sur.
"There are many affected individuals; in fact, from what I saw, it's everyone. I can't do it alone, but little by little, with each trip donating two, three, or five mattresses, we will take a step forward in helping those in need."
"I invite interested individuals to place orders or requests, or if you know someone in need of a mattress donation, please contact 51095045 or reach out to me on WhatsApp."
Filed under: