At the break of dawn each day, Rodobaldo Ramos Hernández begins his work at a small children's park in the Abel Santamaría area of Isla de la Juventud. For the past three months, he has taken on the responsibility of keeping this once-neglected space clean, organized, and functional. Highlighted on Isla Visión's Facebook profile, Ramos, affectionately known as "the taxi driver," has been diligently maintaining the park's hygiene and repairing swings despite the wear and tear of the playground equipment.
Transition to a New Role
With 42 years of experience driving for UEB Cubataxi, Ramos sought a new purpose after retirement. "I felt I could still be useful and contribute something," he remarked. He recalled how the park's state of neglect, visible from frequent drives past it near his home, spurred him to action. Determined to make a difference, he inquired about job openings at the Empresa de Comunales and secured a position there.
Revitalizing the Playground
"The first thing I did was clean the entire exterior, which had become practically a micro-dump," Ramos explained. He then focused on tidying up the interior. To protect the area, he installed a lock on the entrance gate, ensuring that only authorized visitors could access the playground and preventing damage to the equipment.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
Apart from maintaining the park, "the taxi driver" actively engages with local children. "I asked the older kids to help keep an eye on the place when I have to leave. That’s worked well," he stated while adjusting his Cubataxi cap, a cherished memento from his former career. Despite limited resources, Ramos dreams big for the playground: "My greatest wish is to see it restored, with new equipment and filled with children playing happily," he told Isla Visión.
A Personal Mission
Ramos is well aware of the economic challenges, yet he remains optimistic. He believes that with support from UEB Talleres, local institutions, neighbors, and Empresa de Comunales, the park can be revitalized: "I know it's not easy, but if there's a will, there's a way," he asserted.
For "the taxi driver," this endeavor is more than a job; it's a personal mission. "I am proud to be of service and work in a space meant for children, for those who 'know how to love and are the world's hope,'" he declared. His ultimate satisfaction would be witnessing the children running and playing in a refreshed park, knowing he played a part in that transformation.