The passion of a dock worker.

Port workers remain essential for the loading and unloading of goods. The Port Maritime Transport Business Group (Gemar), located in Old Havana, is a group capable of carrying out coordination and control plans for various products, whether in bulk or in containers, and for cruise ships arriving in national waters.

The story of Ana Margarita Martínez Zequeira, a port maritime specialist in the Operations Department at Gemar, is a clear example of what comes from loving what you do. She often says she was born with a book under her arm. Although the years have turned her hair white, as you question her, you discover from her answers that she still has much to offer.

“I always wanted my profession to be linked to the sea,” she says. At 65 years of age, and with more than four decades of uninterrupted work, she is convinced that her work management is not enough, which is why she returns, even though she is retired, to continue working.

“My grandfather Julio and my uncle Julián saw the port as their second home,” she tells us. Perhaps that was the impetus that led her to study Maritime Transport Operations Engineering at what is now the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana (Cujae).

She still jokingly recalls the first time she boarded a ship, as a recent graduate, wearing heeled loafers, and the ship's captain told her: “Engineer, the only thing I ask is that the heel be lower and, of course, bring overalls because they're necessary.”

She's come a long way! From maritime port activity, she has gone through various stages, leading important positions such as Head of Work and Wage Organization (OTS) at the Aracelio Iglesias Port Terminal; commercial activity, as well as management of Servicom (Combined Logistics and Distribution Services), where she accumulated knowledge.

She argues that evolution is the way forward and therefore it is necessary to increase self-training through opportunities for professional growth.

"It is important," she emphasized, "to train workers. We cannot rely on learning on the fly; it is not an option. The proper training of those responsible for directing each of the processes is fundamental to the country's needs. All opinions must be considered to make this maritime adventure a success."

Without dwelling on her goals, she moves forward happily, and although dreams remain to be fulfilled, such as earning her PhD in Technological Sciences, she does not think she failed in her mission. There is no doubt that her legacy is an example for those like her as passionate about life at sea.

Today, names like Ana Margarita dedicate their days with great devotion to maritime life. We are not only referring to each of the ship's crew members, but also to those on land—operators, salespeople, engineers, and technicians—who contribute their efforts to the well-being of the people.

June 14th is a day of celebration for the entire sector, as Maritime Port Workers' Day is celebrated. New challenges, goals, and projects underscore the work carried out by port leader Aracelio Iglesias, who maintains the commitment and vitality of operations, convinced of the importance of their work and its necessary contribution to the country's economy.