Hurricane Oscar left deep traces of pain in San Antonio del Sur, Guantanamo, that will never completely fade. However, people like Geomanis Faure Ramírez—known as the workshop man—believe that a bit of love and solidarity can bring comfort to those affected.
That’s why, armed with his tools, Geomanis has been traveling daily to this municipality for days to repair, free of charge, the mattresses of those who lost their belongings after the hurricane passed through.
According to the newspaper Venceremos, armed only with his tools—a heavy sewing machine, bags 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 right away we handed him the first mattress affected by the floods in our area," recounts Giordani Ortega, a resident of San Antonio and a beneficiary 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 a comfortable space where he can work and people can bring him their mattresses. His presence has felt like a divine gift, and for that reason, we have taken care of him in every way we can. He can stay for as long as he wishes; San Antonio is delighted with his presence, and he will never lack for work. Moreover, we also offer him support," affirms 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 the place of rest and relaxation after the stresses of work and household tasks. That is why he places such importance on the work he does in San Antonio del Sur.
"Everything is thanks to the collaboration of the drivers who come to this municipality and are aware of my initiative. The support from families is vital; in fact, I have set up my temporary repair center in one of the homes 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 to seek assistance and are very grateful for the help they are receiving. “I have given some of them a donation of two mattresses for elderly individuals, vulnerable people who require special attention.”
"I believe this is the moment for us to come together, and I have been pleased to see how many people have come from various places to offer their support and work, repairing buildings, equipment, and removing mud, which is what matters most. That's why I am here," he emphasized.
Faure noted that he is "the only mattress maker in Santa María," which is why he always has work. However, despite having a busy schedule, he believes he must be in San Antonio del Sur because that is where "I am needed the most right now; it is my duty. For now, I travel every day because the drivers bring me to and from home, but the day I have to stay, I will. This has become another home for me, another family I will never forget," he concluded.
He is not the only entrepreneur who has decided to support the victims in San Antonio del Sur. Brothers Víctor Manuel Hernández Escalona and Juan Antonio Bello Escalona have joined the noble mission of assisting in the recovery of this municipality in Guantánamo since October 22.
"We are from Camagüey and offer home delivery of mattresses and other items in Las Tunas, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba... all the towns up to Baracoa. I've never had the opportunity to go to Maisí, but from Baracoa, I continue on to Imías, San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, Palma Soriano, Bayamo, and then back to Camagüey. I know all the provinces, municipalities, and locations in the East, from the most remote to those along the main road," commented Hernández Escalona.
From Facebook, both are dedicated to promoting solidarity through the production of mattresses, aiming to support those in need. On the platform, they seek assistance in identifying individuals who require these products the most, so they can donate some of their items to them.
"We had never had the opportunity to make donations; I have helped people who couldn't afford a mattress and spoke with me, and I trusted them without hesitation. 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 set aside 5 to donate," he noted.
“Upon returning, I told my brother we need to make five mattresses for each trip to San Antonio, and we got to work on production,” he stated.
According to Venceremos, they have delivered 12 mattresses so far, with more currently in production as donations for the residents of San Antonio del Sur.
"There are many people affected; in fact, from what I've seen, 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 they know someone in need of a mattress donation, to get in touch at 51095045 or contact me on WhatsApp.
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