Along with the impact of the new coronavirus, another footprint, much greater, is notable among the Las Tunas population: solidarity.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Precisely, these actions characterize the members of the National Union of Agricultural, Forestry, and Tobacco Workers of this eastern territory, who in recent days arrived at the Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Hospital with a donation to help fight the pandemic.

It was not necessary much call. It was only enough to announce the initiative and, as a locomotive of altruism without brakes, these unionists filled packages with resources that are appreciated. Numerous toiletries, hygiene, sanitary clothing, honey, medicines, napkins, office and medical supplies, sheets, towels, food, and others will reach almost 300 COVID-19 positive patients and the health personnel who assist them.

Roy Luis Molina Campo, deputy director of the Poultry Company, said that “Fraternal dedication constitutes a motivation for each of our workers. In our units the desire to help and collaborate with what we produce is perceived; and that is why we are here today, with 200 chickens, an equal figure of floor blankets, 400 brooms, 30 liquid soap bottles, 400 liters of chlorinated detergent, and 100 of bleach. This contribution will not be the only one, we will continue to give heart to this task in facing the COVID-19.”

This criterion was joined by Carlos Betancourt Almaguer, director-general of the Tobacco Collection, Benefit and Twisting Company, who ratified that “in the face of these difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic, and the resurgence of the economic blockade against our country, solidarity is imperative.

“The social response has made the difference in how we face this crisis, and our workers altruistically have decided to share what they have with those who need it most in the health centers. The donation contains a high utility value, there are sheets, towels, and many other things that show the personal sacrifice and selflessness of the tobacco growers,” the director stressed.

Carlos Antonio Cruz Pagán, secretary-general of this Union in Las Tunas, expressed the motivation given the proximity of the Day of the Agricultural Worker. “The complete willingness to collaborate that we find in all our entities is not a reason for surprise. This is a sector that has known how to respond to the Revolution and will continue to do so.”

"Regarding the supply to isolation centers and other health institutions during these hard months, it has materialized through the contribution of various agricultural lines through state marketing and individual donations," Cruz Pagán emphasized.

In thanking this gesture, the specialist in Internal Medicine, Marianela Zapata Romero, acting director of the "Guevara", highlighted the value of each of the donated items, due to the tense economic situation that the country is experiencing because of the blockade, which goes so far as to obstruct access to medical supplies at a time as critical as the pandemic.

“These resources are vital, since many of those had almost zero coverage in our warehouse, and will undoubtedly contribute to improving patients’ care. We are very grateful for this donation, which will be directed to the red zone of the hospital. We extend our recognition to each one of the workers who are part of the companies that you are representing here, the doctor said.

Once again, the trade unionists go to the places where the virus is faced; and without seeking recognition, they show how much can be done, despite limitations and shortcomings, if the heart is put into it.