Ebel Echemendía Ortiz was the second-to-last delegate to express his opinion during the closing sessions of the 22nd Congress of the Workers’ Central Union of Cuba (CTC). The only delegate from Sancti Spíritus who, from his own homeland, spoke at the great gathering of Cuban workers, conveyed the sentiments of the rice workers of La Sierpe.
From the very first session he requested the floor, and nearly lost hope until he was finally given the chance to speak as representative of the Union of Agricultural, Forestry, and Tobacco Workers. In his wise, rural way, he made it clear that the rice workers of Sur del Jíbaro do not know surrender.
He described in detail how, in a context of scarce resources, rice is planted, harvested, and dried. “This last process is no longer carried out in the dryers of that production hub. After those industries were paralyzed due to lack of electricity, the grain is dried in the sun on the asphalt of the airstrips located in the area,” he explained.
But the essence of his intervention was a demand raised in the previous congress as well. Repeated, yes — and fair, too. “We advocate for the return of the well-known Villa Arrocera located at La Boca beach, a favorite spot for the people of Sancti Spíritus during the summer season.
“We are entitled to this right because the facility was built with the effort and dedication of all the workers of the Sur del Jíbaro Agroindustrial Grain Company. In addition to participating in the construction, it was financed through the donation of salary incentives, known at the time as bonuses, from each worker.
“Since the decision was made to transfer the administration of the property to another company, the demands of the people of La Sierpe have not ceased. We will always keep the name Villa of the rice workers’ family and the hope of recovering it,” he emphasized.
