The YouTube channel "Vámonos con Juanka" recently featured an engaging interview with Juana, known as "the Jamaican," captivating Cuban social media audiences with her remarkable life story. Currently residing in a dilapidated Art Deco building in Centro Habana, a stark contrast to its former grandeur complete with a doorman, Juana's narrative offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
Juana's father, originally from Jamaica, arrived in Cuba for a visit. According to Juana, he got so caught up in dancing that he missed his ship's departure, leading him to settle on the island. He eventually married in Trinidad, and Juana was born in the former Las Villas region.
During her childhood, Juana attended school, though she did not pursue higher education. In the 1950s, she worked as a domestic employee, earning a salary that was entirely hers to spend. With her earnings, she amassed a collection of high heels, handbags, and jewelry. Juana was known for her elegance and love of fashion, but today, her retirement income doesn't allow for such luxuries.
"I was a maid, a domestic worker. I made between 40 and 45 pesos. I felt wealthy, like a millionaire. I owned 21 pairs of shoes, along with my handbags and a suitcase full of jewelry. I shopped on Muralla Street, in the Polish shops," she recounted.
The Emotional Toll of a Changing City
Juana chose to remain silent about Havana, her expression revealing the pain over the city's current state of disrepair. "There are places where, whenever I pass by, I don't know why, but tears start to flow. More so with each passing day," she remarked.
Her social life was vibrant, as she frequented all the renowned nightclubs in El Vedado and mingled with cultural icons such as singer Elena Burke. The YouTube video showcasing Juana's vibrant life as a proud, black Cuban woman has garnered over 87,000 interactions within just four days of its release.
Don't miss out on her story. Discover why Havana was once known as "The Jewel of Latin America."