On Sunday, the University of Guantánamo announced the passing of M. Sc. Vladimir Naranjo Gómez, a respected jurist, academic, and public servant whose contributions significantly influenced the university community. "With profound sorrow and a shared sense of loss, the University of Guantánamo community comes together to mourn the passing" of the esteemed professor, stated the institution on its official Facebook page.
The university emphasized that Naranjo was not merely an official within its organizational framework but a cornerstone in the education of numerous professionals and in strengthening the academic project of Guantánamo. Throughout his career, he held key positions such as head of department, dean of the Faculties of Social and Humanistic Sciences and Engineering and Technical Sciences, and lastly served as the Vice-Rector of Training, a role he fulfilled until his untimely death.
Besides his institutional duties, he was celebrated for his intellectual prowess, passion for teaching, and his close, humane relationships with students and colleagues. His legacy, the university noted, "endures within the UG and, most importantly, in the lives of those he inspired." "Rest in peace, Vladimir Naranjo. Your impact on the University of Guantánamo is indelible," concluded the heartfelt farewell message.
Recent Losses in Cuban Science and Culture
In recent days, Cuba has mourned the loss of several prominent figures in science and culture, whose deaths have left a significant void in the nation.
Manuel García Caluff, an esteemed researcher, botanist, and artist, passed away in Santiago de Cuba at the age of 79. He leaves behind an invaluable legacy to Cuban science as the creator of the Jardín de los Helechos, a green sanctuary he directed for four decades in El Caney, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the study of national flora.
Moreover, the renowned oral poet Juana Tomasa Quiala Rojas, hailed by many as the "Queen of Repentismo in Cuba," died at 63 following health complications related to a heart condition. In April, the artist—blind since birth—was hospitalized at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana, where she underwent heart surgery. Weeks earlier, she had been in the Intensive Care Unit at the Leopoldito Martínez Hospital in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, due to a serious condition.
FAQs on Recent Losses in Cuba
Who was Vladimir Naranjo Gómez?
Vladimir Naranjo Gómez was a respected jurist, academic, and public servant at the University of Guantánamo, known for his impactful contributions to the institution and his dedication to education.
What is the Jardín de los Helechos?
The Jardín de los Helechos is a botanical garden in El Caney, Cuba, created by Manuel García Caluff, serving as a significant center for the study of national flora.
Why is Juana Tomasa Quiala Rojas significant?
Juana Tomasa Quiala Rojas was a celebrated oral poet, known as the "Queen of Repentismo in Cuba," admired for her unique contribution to Cuban culture.