Keko, pictured below, was my guide on my first trip to Cuba about 9 or so years ago. He was also my guide on my recent trip back to Cuba in May. I was part of the second group he had guided this May after 14 plus months of zero work due to Covid.
To say life for him and his colleagues during Covid was a challenge is an understatement. With essentially no income he shot birds using small allotments of time he was allowed outside of the house. Family and neighbors shared and pooled what little they had to eat…
“Things have been very very difficult,” Keko told me one night on my trip. He wasn’t asking for sympathy. I had asked what it was like going jobless for over a year. He was guarded and I knew that. Too much disclosure can lead to jail time.
I hope that guiding for him offers some relief both financially and psychologically. Unfortunately, Cuba is still on a tight lockdown and he’s undoubtedly not able to guide much until Cuba gets vaccines. The Cuban people want them and need them but are not yet readily available.
Keko
Keko’s Hand
