Havana
Province, Cuba. - The “Feeling” movement had hardly
crossed the threshold of its founders’ homes, when one
of them, black and poor, dreamt of building a house for him
and his old mother. The dream became a song and that’s
where the tune “Cement, brick and sand” was born.
The author was Jose Antonio Mendez.
But that song is not the one that today identifies Cuban construction
workers. Another musician, also black and humble, called Harry
Lewis would be the one that hit the mark with the construction
worker’s theme.
Anyway, we would like to use both songs to honor those that
drenched in perspiration and smeared with dust, do their everyday
job.
December 5 is the Construction Worker’s Day, in homage
to Armando Mestre. He was a construction worker, black and
poor, who sought to erect the social building of a new homeland
with his sacrifice. Mestre was one of the 82 expeditionaries
of Granma Yacht. After the disaster of Alegria de Pio, he
was captured and murdered by Fulgencio Batista’s assassins.
Male and female construction workers of Havana Province received
last December 4 a decoration with the name of the unforgettable
combatant in tribute ceremonies and political and cultural
galas.
This territory reached this
date in a privileged position with regard to other provinces,
although it cannot be said that “everything is going
smoothly.”
Many works are paralyzed and several projects have been deferred,
because of lack of building materials, caused by US criminal
blockade against Cuba.
However, nothing can stop the work. An infant therapy ward
was inaugurated in Güines just a few days ago. That is
not the only social work delivered in this year. The comprehensive
program underway includes refurbishment of trade centers and
gastronomy units and capital repair of schools. Other investments
include painting and the renovation of condominiums.
For these and many other reasons, construction workers are
worthy of this tribute. They are convinced that the present
and future of the Homeland are also built with cement, bricks
and sand.
Translated by: Pedro
A. Fanego
( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )
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