Farewell to Cuban Journalist and Researcher Víctor Pérez-Galdós Ortiz

The Cuban journalist, screenwriter, and researcher Víctor Francisco Pérez-Galdós Ortiz passed away on Friday morning at the age of 81, as reported by several Cuban media outlets, including Radio Progreso and the Cuban News Agency. His death marks the loss of one of the most prolific figures in Cuban radio journalism and historical research in recent decades.

A Journey from Cienfuegos to Havana

Born in Cienfuegos in 1945, Pérez-Galdós Ortiz initially worked in Havana as an engine coil electrician. However, in 1968, he took a pivotal turn by enrolling in the School of Journalism at the University of Havana. This move also led to his collaboration with Radio Progreso, a relationship that, according to the station itself, lasted until his final days.

A Multi-faceted Career

His career spanned more than fifty years, encompassing various roles. He was a founding member and deputy director of what was then the National Information Agency—now the Cuban News Agency—from 1974 to 1987. He also served as the news director of Radio Progreso and was a scriptwriter, reporter, and producer of series and special programs for Radio Habana Cuba and Radio Taíno.

Focus on Historical Figures

His investigative work primarily centered on key historical figures such as José Martí and Ernesto "Che" Guevara. The Cuban Radio Portal credits him with authoring 15 books, including notable titles like "Un hombre que actúa como piensa" (1987), "Joseíto Fernández y su Guajira Guantanamera" (1999), and "Cien momentos en la vida de Camilo Cienfuegos" (1999), which earned him acclaim among readers and peers.

Acknowledged Contributions

His professional legacy was cemented by significant accolades such as the José Martí National Journalism Award—recognizing a lifetime of work by the Union of Cuban Journalists—and the 2023 Historical Journalism Award, celebrating over fifty years of storytelling through scripts, interviews, and reports. He also received the Juan Gualberto Gómez National Journalism Award (1998) and the National Radio Festival Award (1988).

Tributes and Reactions

The news of his passing evoked heartfelt responses from colleagues and acquaintances on social media. "I had the privilege of knowing him, a professional with enviable capacity, very dedicated," one user commented on Radio Progreso's Facebook post. Another, who worked with him at the former National Information Agency, recalled, "He taught me a lot at AIN, for which I am always grateful."

Impact Amidst Crisis

Pérez-Galdós Ortiz's loss comes at a time of severe crisis for Cuba, where economic deterioration and prolonged blackouts have also affected the media sector. This sector is already discredited among Cubans for prioritizing propaganda and official party messaging over genuine journalistic duties.

His passing joins other significant recent losses in the radio and journalism sectors, such as broadcaster Guillermo Rivero de la Rosa, National Radio Award winner René González Dussac, and journalist María Salomé Campanioni, recipient of the Cuban Radio Microphone Award.