Humbling Experience in Santiago

In the realm of sports, travel is a constant companion. As the press officer for Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team, I have had the privilege of journeying to many places. However, few destinations left as profound an impression on me as our four-day stay in Santiago, Cuba. It wasn’t just the football, nor was it the routine of managing media responsibilities that made the experience so humbling. It was the people, the culture, the resilience, and the contrast between expectations and reality.

A Step Back in Time: Santiago’s Culture and Atmosphere

This was my third visit to Cuba, but first to Santiago, which in particular felt like stepping into a time capsule. The architecture, a blend of Spanish colonial and revolutionary-era structures, told stories of a nation proud of its heritage but bound by decades of economic struggles. As we drove through the city, which has a population of 500,000, past its antique buildings and rusting yet lovingly maintained classic cars, the vibrancy of the culture shone through.

Despite the visible hardships, the mood of the people was strikingly upbeat. There was a sense of pride, warmth, and unity that was palpable in every interaction. At training, there were kids looking at our players, some from small wooden houses that had two levels overlooking the stadium fence. Internet and WiFi are a luxury. At the Mehia Santiago hotel dipped and cut totally every two minutes, and myself and team doctor Akash Dhanai ventured to one of the local mobile outlets in the heart of the city with our Cuban liaison in hope of securing SIMs. None were available, but we got top-up cards that had to be recharged every hour and were only accessible in certain zones in the city.

The humble accommodations and struggle with food

Our hotel was far from the luxurious accommodations one might expect when travelling with a national football team. The rooms were basic, with ageing amenities that reflected the economic constraints of the country. Yet, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and a level of service that at times went beyond their means. There was a genuine willingness to help, despite the limitations they faced. It was a reminder that hospitality isn’t about luxury but about heart.

The food, however, was a different story. While we were well aware of Cuba’s struggles with food supplies, the reality hit hard during our stay. Meals were simple, often repetitive, and lacked the variety we were accustomed to back home or when travelling to other parts of Concacaf.

There were moments when items were scarce, and we found ourselves appreciating every meal, no matter how bland or repetitive it might have seemed. We could not find a Coca-Cola or Pepsi, and the air conditioning functioned at less than half capacity for the majority of the day at the hotel. It was a humbling reminder of how easy it is to take everyday comforts for granted. Despite this, there was no resentment or frustration among the Cuban staff or the people we met. They had mastered the art of making do, turning scarcity into resilience and gratitude.

The Unbreakable Spirit of the Cuban People

One of the most striking aspects of our visit was the indomitable spirit of the Cuban people. In every corner of Santiago, from the hotel staff to the locals we met at the stadium, there was an unmistakable sense of pride in their identity. This was especially evident when conversations turned to football. Despite the economic challenges and the limited resources available to their teams, the Cubans we encountered were fiercely passionate about the sport.

They cheered with the same fervour as any nation, unbowed by the hardships surrounding them. When they scored the two goals, the stadium erupted with a roar that echoed through Santiago, their voices chanting ‘Cuba’ with the fervour of revolutionaries hailing Castro—passionate, unified, and unstoppable.

This spirit extended beyond the football field. Walking through the streets of Santiago, I was struck by the creative ways people navigated their daily lives. Street vendors sold homemade goods and authentic Cuban cigars, musicians filled one of the hotel restaurants with traditional Cuban rhythms, and artists displayed their work with a defiant sense of pride. The night following the match, I had to trot to the Las Americas hotel 5 minutes away to access wifi to upload and distribute digital media content. Strangely, that hotel had the best working wifi around.

The previous night, the hotel receptionist was extremely cooperative. Friday night, though the hotel was without electricity since 11 a.m. The mood of the Cuban people in the hotel lobby was one of calm resilience. As they sat in the dimly lit space, talking and drinking without a flicker of frustration, it was as if the absence of light was merely an afterthought. Their conversations flowed smoothly, laughter punctuating the air, completely unbothered by the power outage. It was a testament to their accustomed endurance, a quiet acceptance of life’s challenges that had long become part of their daily rhythm, handled with grace and unwavering composure.

Lessons in Humility and Gratitude

For me, this trip to Santiago was an education in humility. As a press officer, my job often involves projecting a sense of professionalism and control in every situation. But in Cuba, I learnt that sometimes things won’t go according to plan, and that’s okay. The Cuban people taught me that grace in the face of adversity is more important than perfection. Their unshakeable positivity in the face of challenges was inspiring.

I returned home with a renewed sense of gratitude. While we in Trinidad often take things like food variety, comfortable hotels, and modern conveniences for granted, the people of Santiago showed me that true wealth lies in community, culture, and an unbreakable spirit. Of course we always want to maintain and improve standards and quality levels. Cuba reminded me that even in scarcity there is beauty, and in struggle there is strength.

This was more than just a professional experience—it was a personal awakening. I was humbled by the resilience of the Cuban people, their pride in their culture, and their ability to find joy in the simplest of things. The experience reinforced the idea that while resources may be limited, the human spirit knows no bounds. Santiago’s people, their culture, and their unwavering mood left a lasting mark, reminding me of the values of gratitude and humility.

Tomorrow though, the battle returns to the field, and we as a nation will go for nothing less than three points with no hard feelings felt.

Editor’s Note

Shaun Fuentes is the head of TTFA Media. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He has traveled to 88 countries during his journey in sport. The views expressed are solely his and not a representation of any organisation. shaunfuentes@yahoo.com

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