Clarita Burrowers. Photo: Alejandro Lóriga R/A
A year after Fidel's physical disappearance, the ariguanabenses remember his presence in different places of the Villa. On this occasion, I present an interview to Clara Elena Burrowes Luz Caballero, one of the workers of Las Yagrumas International Hotel.
When did you start working at Las Yagrumas International Hotel and what responsibility did you have there?
I started working at Las Yagrumas in 1989, I'm a founder of the hotel. Before that, I took a Training Course for Housekeeping at the Comodoro Hotel. The hotel has 120 rooms. The activity included room service plus the common areas of the facility with around 10 waitresses.
When did Fidel visit the hotel for the first time?
The first visit of the Commander was in the year 1992.
What was the reason for Fidel's visit?
One of the reasons was to know the operation of the hotel, since he had heard that Las Yagrumas was the flagship of the Cubanacán chain. At that time there were not so many hotel facilities, except in Varadero and in Havana.
What do you remember about Fidel's visit?
His visits were exciting moments. He wanted to ask about everything. I was also the Secretary of the Party and I had to answer many of your questions. He talked for a while with the manager and then, greeted the rest of the workers. He toured the entire hotel meticulously. Before his departure he signed on a sheet: "I can appreciate the quality of your work, congratulations." I also remember that when he left he told me: "Secretary, do not grow anymore, you look like a Palma Real". Those words will never be forgotten.
Tell me about the time of the photos.
I asked him if I could take some pictures with my two bosses, to which he asked: and who are your two bosses? You and Rogelio, I answered. To which he replied: Of course, today is the happiest day in Las Yagrumas. He hugged me and we took several pictures. I still keep the guayabera that I wore that day, and that the Commandant touched with his hands.
Was that the only time you physically saw the leader of the Revolution?
No, previously at the National School of Art Instructors in Ciudad Libertad. Then I saw him again at the Congress of the Federation of Cuban Women and at the Las Praderas Hotel. I remember that he was talking to Dr. Llerena and he said: How tall and slender is your housekeeper, she looks like a Palma Real. I went to him and told him: You told me the same thing some years ago at the Hotel Las Yagrumas. The Commander said: you are yagrumera, good, congratulations.
How do you keep these meetings with Commander Fidel?
Unforgettable. I had the opportunity that many would have wanted to have. That's why I feel lucky, Fidelista and communist.
