Cargando...Dockworkers remain essential to the loading and unloading of goods. Located in Old Havana, the Maritime Port Transport Business Group (Gemar, in Spanish) is capable of coordinating and controlling various products in bulk, containers, and cruise ships arriving in national waters.
Ana Margarita Martínez Zequeira, a Gemar Operations Management specialist in maritime port activity, is a clear example of what a love for one’s work can bring. She often says that she was born with a book under her arm. Although her hair has turned white with age, when you ask her questions, you realize that she still has a lot to offer.
«I’ve always wanted my profession to be linked to the sea,» she says. Now, at 65 years of age and with more than four decades of uninterrupted work under her belt, she believes that her work management skills are insufficient, so she returns to work despite being retired.
«My grandfather, Julio, and my uncle, Julián, saw the port as their second home,» she tells us. Perhaps that was the impetus that led her to study maritime transport exploitation engineering at the José Antonio Echeverría Technology University of Havana (CUJAE).
She still jokingly recalls that, as a recent graduate, the first time she boarded a ship, she was wearing loafers with heels. The chief of the ship told her, «Engineer, the only thing I ask is that you wear lower heels and, of course, bring your overalls because they are necessary.»
She has come a long way. Starting from the maritime port, she has gone through various stages and led important tasks. For example, she was the head of the Work and Wages Organization (OTS) at the Aracelio Iglesias port terminal. She also worked in commercial activities and managed Servicom (Combined Logistics and Distribution Services), where she gained knowledge.
She advocates that evolution is the path to follow and therefore it is necessary to increase self-preparation through spaces for professional growth.
«It is important to train workers,» she stressed. «We cannot rely on learning as we go along; it is not an option. Properly preparing those in charge of directing each process is fundamental in view of the country’s needs. All opinions must be valuable to ensure the success of this maritime venture.»
She doesn’t hold back on her goals. She walks happily, and although she still has dreams to fulfill, such as earning her Doctor of Technological Sciences degree, she doesn’t think she failed in her mission. Her footprint is undoubtedly an example for others who are passionate about life at sea.
Today, people like Ana Margarita dedicate their lives with great devotion to maritime life. This refers not only to each crew member on a ship, but also to those on land who contribute to the welfare of the people, including operators, salesmen, engineers, and technicians.
June 14 is a day of celebration for the entire sector as the Maritime Port Workers’ Day is observed. New challenges, goals and projects endorse the work of Aracelio Iglesias, port leader, to maintain the commitment and vitality of the operations, convinced of the importance of their work and their necessary contribution to the country’s economy.
