Although he is the only journalist in Las Tunas with that name, Jorge is always accompanied by his surnames -at least the first of them-, as simple as himself and so humble that, paradoxically, they magnify him, because Jorge Pérez Cruz is a giant, despite his small stature.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- A few days ago, he returned from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with the satisfaction of his duty accomplished and the joy of meeting his family, from whom he was separated for 21 months and six days. Well, a little more, because before getting home he had to serve a few days of quarantine, to avoid possible infections with the COVID-19.

“There, I experienced a very great responsibility, because sometimes you believe that you are not going to meet your objectives. In an exchange with Cuban collaborators, they felt honored because the press accompanied them in their work, full of solidarity and humanism. And I always told them that the honest ones weren't them, it was us, the journalists.

“Being able to be by their side, telling the story of what they do is a source of pride. One sometimes has the fear of not being able to reflect the effort they make in all its magnitude, especially in these times when the pandemic has put many demands on the table.”

Difficult times are experienced in the fulfillment of a mission in a foreign land, and Venezuela is no exception; because it is a country besieged by internal opposition and by the pressure imposed by the United States Government.

“The greatest risk is to travel that great nation. I have been to 17 states and traveling between them is a very big challenge to take on. But it is worth going to the most remote places and the border areas, where our countrymen are giving their best.

“It presupposes a lot of care and security measures, since anything can happen. But we took it on with courage.

”When you close your eyes, what memory is left of Venezuela?

“I have Venezuela in my heart; it is a nation full of very different nuances. There, the support of Cuba, its Government, and people is greatly appreciated, not only in health matters, but also on other key fronts for that country.”

Can we continue to count on Jorge Pérez?

“I left Las Tunas for a year and I thought I would go back sooner; however, the pandemic prevented it. There, I was the same as always. And here, I will continue playing softball, even though I am old, because it is a distraction and life. Besides, I already want to write.
“I know I deserve to rest and I will. But, the bug of the profession already bites me. Life is beating and I want to say it.”