By Alejandro García Gutiérrez (Student of Journalism)

Camagüey is one of the cities that best preserves the colonial heritage in the country; however, the attitude of many of its inhabitants dulls its beauty and urban environment.  Despite the hard work of the Office of the Historian of this city to maintain the aesthetics of several centuries ago, irresponsibility tarnishes the efforts and makes difficult the preservation works of the historic center.

Social indiscipline is so common that it no longer seem to amaze anyone.  It is common to see streets full of excrements, broken sidewalks, and graffiti on the walls, even modifications of the facades of some houses.

And, escapes the solution from the hands of the authorities?  Is it necessary to wait for a summons to correct a wrong action?

It is unforgivable that the work centers that are located within the area declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity, damage the facilities or simply deduct beauty to what should be an urban landscape.

When it comes to embellishing a city with as much history as Camagüey, you cannot look for the most affordable, but what most suits to its architectural style.  Would not colonial lamps give more elegance and aesthetics than those futuristic lamps that have flooded the city?  That is a question that, although it bothers me, I prefer not to answer.

It is everyone’s job to help the grandmother of five centuries continues well made up.  It should not be allowed the city walks into the future with a process that defies logic.

For this, it is necessary that the relevant authorities ask for support, advice from architects, designers or simply university students, also eager to contribute to Camagüey becoming more and more that city we live and, therefore, we are.

 Photo: Heriberto Valdivia Jiménez

Translated into English by José Carlos García Cruz