The month of January, 1958 was coming to an end and the spirit of José Antonio Echeverría together with his companions from the Revolutionary Directorate March 13th, sailed alongside the Scapada yacht that departed from Miami committed to the revolution and the people of Cuba.

No setback would be difficult for the young Faure Chomón, who was very clear that the expedition to Nuevitas would be a resounding victory in tribute to his fallen companions.

Weapons, men, and supplies were swept across the deck of the San Rafael boats and then that of the Yalovén from Nuevitas, which transferred the cargo that would support the struggle in Havana and the Escambray to the dock of the fishing village of Santa Rita.

That day…

In the small community of Nuevitas, the air became overflowing with feelings, courage and love for the country. Each step was strategically planned. Abel Cabalé would transport the weapons in his milk truck to Camagüey, with a false floor that slipped past the surveillance of the rural guard post that was in Altagracia; due to the high trust they had in him.

In Camagüey, everything was perfectly organized and with the cooperation of revolutionaries and members of the Directorate, the weapons arrived in Havana through the railway express. Meanwhile, the rest would be transported by a group under the command of Chomón himself through the central highway in a perfect plan.

Nothing could stop the advance of the final victory, from the redemptive battlefield to the Sierra Rebelde, the Cubans demonstrated their eternal determination to be free or martyrs.

A historic site to honor bravery

Among the places that treasure the country’s history outside the main municipality, is the site where on February 8th, 1958 the weapons landed to support the armed struggle, in the coastal municipality of Nuevitas.

This beautiful land bathed by the waters of the Nuevitas bay has received the attention and care of the Office of the Historian of Camagüey city, for 15 years.

Since 2007, a restoration project for the site where the “Yalovén” landed received from the Office a revitalization of the image that included a commemorative monument by the artist Roberto Estrada together with the ideas of the protagonists of the event. Simultaneously, actions were carried out to preserve the boat that is located in the municipal museum.

That year was the 50th anniversary of the Expedition to Nuevitas and what better way to remember the courage of those who risked their lives for the revolutionary cause than to dedicate a monument for posterity and place one of the boats that was the protagonist in a safe place.

It was an unforgettable moment on the inauguration day where all those who were still alive could enjoy the well-deserved tribute for their action that, although little known, it was a resounding success and made it possible to open the Escambray front.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García