In mourning the culture and sports in the province of Pinar del Río for the death of Giraldo González and Jesús Benitez Rubio

August 29, 2021

With deep sorrow, the Radio Pinareña family learned of the death of the dean of broadcasting in Pinar del Río, the 2008 National Radio Award winner, Jesús Benítez Rubio.

He officially began working in the media in 1953, although two years earlier, in some radio stations, he was already working as a substitute Audio Operator, a title he obtained in 1955.

He worked at stations CMAB, CMAL and joined, in 1958, the payroll of CMAS Western Radio Network, where he showed an inclination for broadcasting and had his first ventures in the specialty.

By 1966 he began his career as a broadcaster and, later, managed to train as an actor and program director. In all cases his artistic evaluation and performance were outstanding. From 1969 until his retirement, Jesús Benítez Rubio honored Radio Guamá with his presence and work.

He received recognition as founder and worker of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television, and won awards at national and provincial broadcasting festivals.

He held, among others, the Raúl Gómez García, September 28th, and Félix Elmuza medals; the 20 years of revolutionary vigilance and laureate of the Culture Union badges. Additionally, he was awarded the condition of Artist of Merit of the ICRT, the Provincial Award for Violent Broadcasting by Casals, and the Pinareño Shield, the highest distinction granted by the government in the province.

Upon his death at the age of 84, National Radio Award winner Jesús Benítez Rubio was an honorary member of the Association of Educators of Cuba in Pinar del Río, of the National Broadcasters' Chair and its honorary president in the province.

The mark left by this member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba will remain forever in the history of broadcasting, and will serve as inspiration for present and future generations of radio professionals.

Similarly, the main authorities of Cuban sports mourned on this August 28th the death of Giraldo González, a glory of baseball, Jit reported.

"The news deeply affects #Baseball and #CubanSports in general: Giraldo González has passed away, whose stature grew with the modesty and simplicity that never abandoned him," wrote Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of Inder, on his Twitter account.

"Another blow from #COVID-19 within #InderCuba, which stands with the family and friends in their pain," he added.

"From the Cuban Olympic Committee we accompany in their feelings the family and friends of that great of baseball that was Giraldo González, whose death moves us this Saturday," tweeted Roberto León Richards, the head of that organization.

"It hurts to learn that we physically lost Giraldo González. His trajectory as an athlete and coach leaves an indelible mark, applauded by a people who always appreciated his modesty and dedication to the cause he defended," published the Inder profile on that social network.

González shone as a shortstop for the Pinar del Río and Cuba teams, standing out especially for his defensive abilities, which elevated him among the best exponents of that position.