A radio station is like a clock, where each part completes the mechanism that, in the end, we all enjoy. If something goes wrong, it affects the rest of the mechanism, but if everything fits together precisely and smoothly, its daily rhythms are harmonious and, more than that, essential. This is the case with Radio Chaparra, which, from the heart of “Jesús Menéndez,” is part of the daily pulse of that municipality.

It has been 20 years since the beautiful hustle and bustle that characterizes the routines of a media outlet began to weave its story there. Since that first broadcast on April 24, 2006, "the Voice of the Community" —as its slogan states— has not ceased its work to bring vital information to its audience.

Yannier Leyva Valdemira, now a senior specialist in the Methodological Department of the Provincial Radio Directorate, knows this well. She was one of those who witnessed the radio station’s first steps, fueled by the collective effort of the entire team.

She, an agricultural engineer by profession, never thought she would lead the organization, but life had surprises in store for her. So, one fine day, the offer came, and with the determination to give her best, she bravely accepted it. “I always liked broadcasting and had high hopes, but I never thought about leading. That forced me to push myself—to learn about journalistic genres, payment resolutions, and other matters. It was a new kind of station, with different characteristics, which required research and finding new ways of doing things, committing to fresh, high-quality programming.”

Now, looking back, she is grateful for the advice from the Provincial Radio Directorate and its Methodological Department, and to “Carlos, who was the director of Radio Libertad and had a lot of experience.” She also mentions names that marked the founding period, including Silverio Medina, Edilberto Ramírez, Ana Lidis Rojas, Miguel Brito Fernández, Pedro Fajardo Reyes, Armando Batista Gallardo, and Sandra Rubio…

She also recalls how the institution was inaugurated on March 31, 2006, in the presence of political, government, and media officials, among whom were —as he notes— Carlos Rafael Diéguez, then vice president of the former Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT in Spanish), and Jorge Cuevas Ramos, who served as the Party Secretary in the province.

Little by little, the fledgling radio station made its way into the media and social fabric, winning awards such as the Premio del Barrio (Neighborhood Award), given to collectives, members of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), and families for outstanding work in their communities. And while it had to grow on the fly, the conviction to bring timely analysis and information to the people has always been the guiding principle of its work.

A LOOK AT THE PRESENT

Jorge Luis Tertuliano Crespo now leads the institution, fully aware of the responsibility that this task entails. He tells 26 that daily dedication and a stubborn refusal to ever be satisfied are two of the keys to best fulfilling its mission and earning the respect of the population.

“We broadcast six hours non-stop, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., expanding our reach, because we understand —above all— our social commitment. These are complex times, but while remaining proud of what we’ve achieved, we push ourselves to excel and strive to always uphold our slogan.

“We are committed to engaging communication that resonates with the times, and despite the challenges the country faces, we do not stop our work. Instead, we focus on constructive initiatives and training; we strengthen our programming, and, of course, we never lose sight of audience feedback and research when designing the schedule and in other endeavors. We maintain —for example— programs that have been with us since the station’s founding, such as “Ciento por ciento a tu gusto” (One hundred percent to your liking), which is among listeners’ favorites. We don’t stop,” Tertuliano asserts.

In general, from the northern municipality of “Jesús Menéndez,” Radio Chaparra stands as a sort of radio barometer of events in that region.

News, commentary, varied programs, and the support that sometimes makes all the difference for ordinary people define its operations. But despite this —and despite being a station that carries 20 years of growth and achievements on its shoulders— it does not rest on its laurels; it knows that many challenges remain to be met and, above all, that the duty to remain —in the face of any obstacle— the "Voice of the Community" persists.