Page 163 - Suape 45 Anos

A history of struggle, friendship, and love

A student’s life is full of challenges and that of Verônica Siquei- Verônica shares her husband’s concern and passion for the natural
ra, when she was 19 years old, was no different. It was when she environment, sustainability, and social issues. It is no coincidence that
was studying Social Work at the Federal University of Pernambuco the period that she looks back on most fondly is precisely the time she
(UFPE), in 1980, that she was selected to work as an intern at Suape. spent in the Department of Ecological and Cultural Preservation.
One of her first tasks was to go out in canoes or small local boats - We were involved in Suape’s first project involving planting
to the islands of Cocaia and Tatuoca to survey the living conditions fruit trees and reforesting the area. This was a social project. Social
of each family living in these communities and to register them for workers were involved. We planted mango trees and cashew trees
social services and possible relocation. and others. To this day, at certain times of the year, you can see peo-
- The islands were only accessible by boat or canoe. However, ple selling cashew nuts gathered from these reforested areas.
the crossing was usually done using one of the traditional boats be- As a social worker, Verônica was also interested in the rights of
longing to the islanders. employees. In the early 1980s, she was a founding member of the
After becoming a fully-fledged member of staff, Verônica lived Suape Staff Association (Asfus), of which she was director and, later,
through key periods in the history of the Complex. When she first president. With the creation of the Single State Servants Movement
arrived, the employees were still mostly people who had moved (Muse) and consequent formation of a union, she arrived at the
from various State Government departments and agencies. Department of Formal Employees and is currently an active trade
- Many of these were famous technical experts who had earned unionist. At that time, Brazil was still ruled by a military dictatorship,
a good name for themselves in the State as dedicated public ser- and Verônica was involved in the pro-democracy movement.
vants. Verônica came and went at Suape, working also in the State
Much time has now passed and Verônica has many stories to Departments of Administration, Education, and the Environment,
tell. It is a history of love and passion and long-standing friendships. in addition to previously having occupied posts in three different
It was in Suape that she met Durázio Siqueira, whom she married, administrations at Recife City Hall. However, when asked what the
and bore three children. She has one grandchild and life goes on. Complex means to her, her response is instantaneous.
- We dated for around a year. He was always very friendly and - Suape has always been very important for me professionally.
kind. Not just with me. It took me a while to get to know him, to The impact that it has had on me and that it continues to have,
understand how important he was for me. When I decided to give it beyond the work itself, concerns the lasting friendships I have made
a go, he won me over. here. People I really like and who like me in return.

Suape 45 anos | 163