In Matanzas there are numerous parks dedicated to personalities from our history, where monuments are erected to their memory, and several that pay tribute to doctors.
One of the most relevant figures in Matanzas history was Pedro Estanislao Betancourt Dávalos (1858-1933). His birth occurred in Finca La Palma, Sabanilla del Encomendador, today Juan Gualberto Gómez.
He began his medical studies in Havana and graduated in Madrid in 1881. This same year he began to practice in the city of Matanzas. He later completed his training in Paris.
However, Pedro Betancourt is best known in our history for his performance in the War of ’95. He became head of the Liberation Army in Matanzas and ended the war with the rank of Major General.
In Matanzas there are two parks dedicated to his figure. One in the main town of the municipality that bears his name. The other in the provincial capital, located on the Calzada de la Playa, which was previously near the old boardwalk.
Another doctor from Matanzas who stood out in the struggles for Cuban independence was Eusebio Hernández Pérez (1853-1934). Born in Colón, he reached the rank of Brigadier General in the War of ’95.
It was in Spain where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine in 1887. He then studied in France and Germany between 1888 and 1892. He is considered one of the great figures of obstetrics and gynecology in Cuba.
In Colón there is a monument to his figure in the town’s central park. In addition, the Medical Sciences Branch in his hometown is named after him.
Another doctor who is honored in Matanzas is Armando Carnot Veulens (1884-1926). He graduated as a doctor of dental surgery in 1905 and as a doctor of medicine and surgery in 1907. He worked at the Calixto García Hospital and the Matanzas Civil Hospital.
He was known as the “doctor of the poor” for his commitment and dedication. He became mayor of Matanzas between 1916 and 1921. After his premature death, a bust of him was erected in the children’s park located at the entrance to the Versalles neighborhood.
Finally, we must refer to the Eleuterio Paz Gómez Park, located in Jagüey Grande. It is a unique case among all those mentioned, since in that place tribute is paid to him for his healthcare work as a doctor.
Eleuterio Paz Gómez (1854-1918), was born in Castillo de Bayuela, Toledo, Spain. He arrived in Cuba in 1875, after graduating. In 1896 he settled in Jagüey Grande.
He maintained an outstanding attitude in caring for the wounded and sick during the War of ’95, especially during the reconcentration. He was the first local health chief in Jagüey Grande. He was known as “the cloth of tears of the poor” and that “he had made his profession a priesthood.” (ALH)
Post Views: eleven
