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, which had been in evident disrepair.
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 wear and tear of the amusement equipment.
With 42 years of experience as a driver at UEB Cubataxi, this man decided to seek a new job after retiring: “I felt I could still be useful and contribute something,” he remarked.
He remembered how, when passing frequently by the park near his home, he was troubled by the neglect it suffered. That’s why he inquired about available positions at the Communal Company and secured the job, convinced that he could make a difference.
"The first thing I did was clean the entire exterior, which was practically a micro-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 scheduled hours.
"The taxi driver" not only looks after the park, but also coordinates with the local kids: "I've asked the older ones to help me keep an eye on the place when I have to step out. That has worked well," he says as he adjusts his cap with the Cubataxi logo, a memento he proudly holds onto 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, neighbors, and the Communal Enterprise, it is possible to restore the park's former vitality: "I know it's not easy, but if we want it, we can do it," he affirmed.
For "the taxi driver," this effort represents a personal mission more than just a job: "I feel proud to be of service and to work in a space that is for children, for 'those who know how to love and are the hope of the world.'"
Additionally, he confessed 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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