From Cultura Granma, All Hands on Deck

The voices and hands of artists, intellectuals, and cultural workers in Granma are rising in unison these days to help and restore what was damaged, both in institutions and in the hearts of the people.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's passage through the eastern region, a single task defines their purpose: to bring order, companionship, joy, and reconstruction.

For this reason, members of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC), the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), other creators, and managers have been seen involved in this noble mission of recovery.

As a prime example, the Ismaelillo Choir, led by its teacher and singer-songwriter Ary Rodríguez, arrived this Thursday at Campus II of the University of Granma with donations for the people sheltering there.

This is a lesson for the children who are part of this vocal group, who are being educated in solidarity and good deeds.

Likewise, the Provincial Committee of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC) in Granma is carrying out recovery actions at its Social Club headquarters in Bayamo and Manzanillo, and at the Ventana de Luz Vázquez, all of which were affected by the hydrometeorological event.

Yamisleidis Reyes Beltrán, president of the organization in the province, stated on the social network Facebook that in these days, its members are contributing to and managing the collection of donations for the victims.

The actress and artistic director of the Guiñol Pequeño Príncipe also emphasized that UNEAC members in Granma are performing at evacuation centers, communities, and affected neighborhoods.

Reyes Beltrán added that numerous shows of solidarity and concern from the executives of UNEAC Provincial Committees across the country and from the National Presidency have been pouring in regarding the situation in the territory, demonstrating a profound unity.

Working for the recovery of Granma is a daily motivation for workers, artists, and intellectuals within the cultural system.

"All hands on deck" is the label accompanying every action from all sectors, and the Culture sector has also put it into practice.

Some are contributing through artistic brigades, others with a broom in hand, others with donations, but all are engaged in multiple actions that project the collective desire for a fully recovered province.