At Internacional Cubana de Tabacos (ICT) S.A., where Cuban mini cigars are crafted, Maricela
stands out as one of the exceptional packaging operators. She has become a symbol of
excellence in this field, with her skill and dexterity in packaging the various presentations of
cigars earning her admiration. We interviewed her at her workstation, as she prefers not to
participate in recorded interviews, and she answered our questions without ever stopping her
work.
Maricela started working at ICT in 2003, responding to a recruitment drive for operators. She
was already familiar with the company’s operations and working conditions, and its proximity
to her home motivated her to take the step.
Now, with more than 20 years at ICT, she shares that she still enjoys her work, finds fulfilment
in it, and considers it one of the most important motivations in her life.
When asked about the records she’s set for the number of cigarillos packaged in a
day—records that amaze many—she humbly states that she doesn’t work to break records or
prove she’s better than others. Her main goal is to surpass the challenges she sets for herself.
Her records are for her personal satisfaction; she enjoys the challenge of achieving new
numbers.
Maricela reveals that her family has been her greatest source of support. Her mother and
daughters have accompanied her on this journey and take pride in her work. When she started
at ICT, her daughters were young, and today, one of them works in the same shift in the rolling
area, following in her mother’s footsteps.
When asked about the possibility of men taking on roles as manual packaging operators, she
confidently responds that it is possible to find men with the required skills for this job.
However, her experience over the years has shown her that women generally possess greater
dexterity for this activity.
Finally, she shares her optimistic view of the future for 100% natural, machine-made Cuban
mini cigars. For her, it is a very special type of cigar which, although crafted by machines,
carries the imprint of the people behind it—in this case, a woman.
