During his stay in Santiago de Cuba, MSc. Dieter Roefs, Belgian leader of the Technological Infrastructure for Computerization and Communications project, part of the VLIR-IUC programme, held a work exchange with Dr. Diana Sedal Yanes, Rector of the Universidad de Oriente, where he exposed key aspects of TP1 after 5 years of work.
Eloy Oliveros, Director of Computerization at the UO, stressed that, thanks to the efforts of Dieter and his colleagues in Belgium, the Universidad de Oriente has received a significant number of donations, which allowed the computerization of university processes. In addition, a large part of the network staff that currently works at the UO has been trained.
On the Cuban side, MSc José Orlando Cuza Freire, Roefs’ counterpart from the beginning of the project, points out that: "In these years of the project, we have managed around 360,000 euros, of which Dieter has managed more than 750,000 in equipment for the UO. Donations include computers, printers, UPS, Switch and many other add-ons. In addition, the Joven Club of Santiago de Cuba has been supported with the donation of 120 machines installed in the Amusement Park and other public spaces. Another important number of computers has also been managed with P2 for installation in hospitals such as the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinico Quirurgico in our city”. Cuza explains that TP2 has also contributed to equip two laboratories, one at the University of Moa and the other at the University of Guantánamo. "
Dieter Roefs is a simple professional, with more than ten years of work in Cuba and who deeply loves this "beautiful island". "What we are doing now is trying to strengthen a HPC (High Performance Computing) for the training of doctors. The installation is very good thanks to the work of the Cubans. This is the tool of the future for science and I am very happy to have been able to introduce it to Cuba so that they will not be left behind. They have a first world technology. From now on, we will also strengthen the human resource. In my opinion we need more people in the Computerization Department attending the HPC, and that is not a problem because there are very talented young people who can become specialists in HPC", he said. .
Faced with this demand, the Rector of the UO suggested that it be a work priority for the Computerization Directorate in the coming months "the University lived before and after the installation of the Data Center, now we must work on stability and training of human resources".
During the meeting, Roefs also mentioned the need to strengthen the link with Cuban industries. "For example, some like BioCubaFarma need a lot of this service. Other companies also need it and do not even know it exists and we can provide it, even paying, so the University will have income to support this technology. "
Dr. Diana Sedal insists that not only for Cuba, also other countries in the region could benefit from this service and "this should be an aspiration that also contributes to the sustainability of the service, with a good promotion and others".
Regarding sustainability, the Director of Computerization said that currently he is working on a project of photovoltaic panels that promotes the use of renewable energy. Oliveros points out that in this way he contributes to the savings of the University, gains stability and is in tune with the country's policies, as it promotes the use of renewable energies. "The current consumption of the equipment is studied to have clarity of what is needed and then to advance in all the equipment that is needed to complete this initiative".
In this exchange, held in the office of the Rector at the end of the afternoon of Wednesday, Dr. Diana Sedal delivered to the MSc. Dieter Roefs, a folder with books and several allegorical objects to the 70th anniversary of the Universidad de Oriente, celebrated on October 10th. For his part, Roefs gave the Rector of the UO an attractive volume that also includes the two centuries of history of the University of Ghent.
"It is my pleasure to collaborate with this University - Roefs highlighted - and with Cuba in general, where there are people who are so capable, friendly and always ready to collaborate".
Translator: Lilia Sanz Gámez
MSc. José Orlando Cuza Freire, Cuban leader of the TP1 and Eloy Oliveros, B.A, Director of Computerization participated in the meeting as well.
The Rector of the UO explained Roefs that the University has experienced a substantial change after the installation of the Data Center. We have to work more in favor of the stability and training of the personnel, she asserted.
Eloy Oliveros, B.A, Director of Computerization, pointed out that they are currently working on a project of photovoltaic panels that enhances the use of renewable energies and will guarantee the sustainability of the Data Center. At the same time, the issue of power instability is subjected to solution.
The exchange was held in the office of the Rector of the UO. It foresaw a new work stage in which work bonds between the VLIR-IUC and the Universidad de Oriente. Photos: Daylenis Blanco.