After a break that was too long for the liking of its inhabitants, the 30 de Diciembre motel recently reopened its doors in Jobabo, as part of the works carried out here in honor of the 72nd anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks.

Jobabo, Las Tunas.- It was a long-cherished dream of a population that considered the building one of its popular options for recreation and lodging, and now wonders: will the “30” definitely be among its future leisure choices?

Gilberto Vázquez Palmero, the administrator, assures us that yes, they will move forward with this facility, which is coming back to life after an outlay of public funds and local development, provided on credit for more than 21 million pesos. This initial effort allowed for the rescue of the restaurant and six rooms.

After the first few weeks of work, Vázquez Palmero admits that the influx of visitors has not been great. “It's little by little,” he explains. “We are working on the accommodation and food services. We are improving,” he insists. He also acknowledges that the 105,000 pesos earned at the end of the first month is not much. “But hey, we are working and the population is happy because this emblematic Jobabo facility has been restored,” he emphasizes.

For now, the “30” has resumed operations as a unit of the local Commerce and Gastronomy Company and depends on the fulfillment of contracts with Wholesale, Meat, and Dairy companies to stock its shelves. Its administrator points out that its prices are comparatively lower, which is an advantage. However, this aspect will also have to stand the test of time and define the real costs.

Perhaps, the most promising aspect of the property, Vázquez Palmero agrees, is its rooms, which are comfortably furnished and could be an option not to be overlooked in this area where such services are not abundant. The 16,000 pesos earned there are an encouraging sign, emphasizes the manager, who also comments that they intend to continue improving the conditions of these premises with the installation of air conditioning equipment.

There are many plans, says Noel Téllez Villa, acting director of the Trade and Gastronomy Company in Jobabo. “We have a lot to do. It is a collective that needs to be given more knowledge and helped with strategies,” he says. He illustrates this with the intention of linking the motel with local suppliers such as small and medium-sized private companies, as well as agricultural cooperatives and individual farmers in the area, so that the restaurant and accommodation can be assured of the supplies they need.

Both managers mentioned other plans, ambitious in reality, indicative of a legitimate aspiration for growth and prosperity. However, as they themselves clarified, these would not be achieved in giant leaps, but rather by building on what already exists and is possible.

For now, there is no doubt that the resurrection of the 30 de Diciembre motel is excellent news for the people of Jobabo, and one that everyone will want to continue to count on in the future.