Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Dr. Sorelis Victores Castillo. Why did I sign? / Jeovany J. Vega

Dr. Sorelis Victores Castillo. Why did I sign? / Jeovany J. Vega
Jeovany J. Vega, Translator: Unstated

Six years ago, when Fidel spoke of increasing wages, we were all very
excited because after several years of scarcities and needs this would
help bolster our economy in the home. Substantial increases were
expected, according to job performance and level of expertise.

The long-awaited moment arrived and as dentists we saw an increase of
only 33 pesos (about $1.30 USD) in our monthly salaries. The corridors
were witnesses to the comments, to everyone's anger and disappointment.
My husband, Dr. Rodolfo Martinez Vigoa, and a colleague and friend, Dr.
Jeovany Jimenez Vega, had the idea of writing a letter explaining the
needs of workers in our industry, and comparing our wages to those of
other sectors such as Cuba's Security Services (SEPSA) for example. As a
result of my helping them to collect signatures, I was fired from the
position I had occupied for several years as Chief of Services for the
Dental Clinic of Artemis.

To me, it seemed only right to sign that letter, to express my way of
thinking, and so I rebelled and in this way came to know the gross and
dirty ways used by this government and its party to maintain its
"Revolution." A "Revolution" that preaches democracy, justice and
respect for human rights. A "Revolution" that preaches that everyone
pays according to their performance, according to their ability. A
"Revolution" that does not practice what it preaches.

As a result of all this, my husband and his friend were declared
ineligible to exercise their profession in late 2006. Would I sign this
letter again? Yes I would sign it 100 times and I would also sign the
letter from my husband and his friend in which they detailed every
problem and every concern. I would do it again.

We are not slaves!

20 June 2011

http://translatingcuba.com/?p=11203

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