Founder of the CTC Celebrates His 102nd Birthday

There are needed few words to make veneration arose when introducing ourselves to Andres Hechevarria (Andresito) from Santiago de Cuba, eastern province of Cuba, who on February 4 celebrates his 102 years old birthday that deserves a bow.

Since the 1930s, Andresito, with neither fear to persecution nor homing instinct from many people, he underwent his adventures when he became member of the Communist Party of Cuba and to the Bakers’ Union, where he was secretary of press and culture in Oriente (former name of the eastern province).

His energies to defend the rights of the workers, freedom and decorum multiplied with the direct contact with his friends and partners like Blas Roca, Lazaro Pena, Jesus Menendez, Juan Taquechel, Cecilio Sanchez, Juan Marinello and Paquito Rosales.

Unite, found, fight the outrages of the employers, challenge danger…those were his daily activities, even that of being member of the delegation from Santiago de Cuba, to the Constituent Congress  of the Cuban Workers Confederation on  January 28, 1939.

In his 102 years old, with his agitated course through life, Andresito looks strong in his walk, precise in his words, spirited and full of his faculties, although sometimes he does not “hear well”. He is admired not only for his lucidity, but also for the history of his life. He is proud of the long time he leaded the famed conga Los Hoyos, knowing he was loved by his family and for many others, who today raise their voices to wish him Happy Birthday!