It is a difficult task for anyone who has known him to write a message of condolences and farewell. And it is that the word that perhaps could best define you would be “friend” … an endearing and loyal one, certainly irreplaceable.

Moments and situations that characterized our bonds come to mind. Your presence in the streets and neighborhoods with the Artistic Brigade “Our hope”, after the passage of Hurricane Ike through the lands of Agramonte, your mark on the conception and materialization of the Waterpot Festival; your unequaled support to musicians and artists of the territory. Impossible to forget the special affection that you professed to the Arlequín Artistic Group and how you enjoyed watching them dance your anthological song “Y qué tú quieres que te den”; So much so, that you did not hesitate to take them to the Karl Marx theater during the gala to celebrate the 35th anniversary of your artistic career and bet on his talent to interpret, together with the National Folkloric and your orchestra, the song that gave the Caballero so much fame.

But there is no doubt that the most significant part of your bond with this city turned out to be that special, inexhaustible and unconditional affection for its streets, its most humble neighborhoods, its simplest people. Your confessed and evident love for Camagüey is no secret to anyone, that pride that your words summed up when referring to your native land. Your actions always supported your sayings, and what you did was much more than what you could ever say. Love is the best word to summarize your bond with Camagüey.

Then these letters are difficult to write, scarce perhaps to synthesize the pain of your departure and pay a simple tribute to your figure, just a few hours after your physical departure. Sincerely, Caballero, this text is humble for so much regret and gratitude.

Thanks Caballero! We will certainly miss you a lot, forgetting you will never be possible. We are going to pray, the same as for each of our loved ones: everlasting light. Rest in peace or better yet, rest among the most exalted musicians and the most lilting of sones.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García