Champion of solidarity

All those who visit Bogotá’s central Plaza Bolívar in Colombia, on a Sunday afternoon, will come across Orlando Jaramillo Hernández, tireless fighter in support of the Cuban Revolution and for the release of the Cuban Five imprisoned in the United States. “For many years I have been taking my bike, leaving my house in the neighborhood of Funza, cycling some two hours to arrive at the famous National Park, put up my signs and banners on one of the leafy trees, and then continue along Seventh Street to Plaza Bolívar, where I stay for more than one hour, explaining to those interested all about Cuba and its heroes,” stated Jaramillo to Granma International. “My interest in the Cuban Revolution began when I tuned in to Radio Habana Cuba. I heard news that was different from that published in the Colombian press, which continually harasses the government of Fidel Castro. I also saw photos in the magazine Bohemia and learned about the support of the humble classes to the process being born on the Caribbean island, that’s why I approached people able to explain the situation to me, I was only able to finish second grade.” Jaramillo doesn’t like to admit that he is carrying out a solidarity effort because “the Cuban people practice solidarity everyday,” referring to education offered to Colombian students by Cuban universities and the work of professionals in more than 100 countries. “I propose that one day a year be designated Solidarity Day, that way Cuba will have to be discussed first. “I load my bike with all the tools I need to make banners, hang signs, display posters and distribute leaflets talking about solidarity with the three Cubans still imprisoned in the United States,” said Jaramillo referring to Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino and Antonio Guerrero who, together with Fernando González and René González (who have already completed their full sentences) were imprisoned for disrupting terrorist plans by armed anti-Cuban groups. “My objective is to call attention to and make visible in the Colombian capital, the issue of the Cuban Revolution, so that it’s right to independence is recognized, and the genocidal U.S. blockade ended. In the months of July and August, I brought material calling for an end to the brutal bombing of the Gaza Strip by Israel. Every time I go out on my bike, people ask me questions, take photos of me, and are interested to know more. They ask for my contact details. I have even appeared in the news on some media outlet or other.” He ended the conversation with a message for the world, “I would like these actions to be copied by people in different places around the world.”