We are Hapag-Lloyd: Otto Merelo from Ecuador

In our News portal series “We are Hapag-Lloyd”, we aim to introduce you to a wide range of voices, some of which are often muted, hidden or simply unexpected. In doing so, our purpose is not to criticize or promote one position over another, but to create a forum in which new voices can be heard as well as to prompt reflection on and discussion of the issues touched upon in a spirit of inclusiveness and mutual acceptance. We are very much looking forward to your comments and thoughts.

Today, Otto Merelo tells his story. He is PO Center Coordinator in our office in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He is 37 years old and has been living with a disability for most of his life.

Otto, you are living with a handicap. Please tell us about it.

I was born in Ecuador in a little town called Santa Lucía. When I was 9 months old, I contracted the poliovirus – also known as infantile paralysis – which severely affects your nerves. I was vaccinated against polio when I was a child. But doctors think that the vaccine was damaged during transport – so it didn’t work. As a result, I have walked with a limp since childhood. My left leg doesn’t work properly, and I have undergone several surgeries. I have learned to live with my handicap, and I try to focus on the many other abilities that I do possess.

Children can be mean towards people with disabilities. How was it for you while growing up?

At times, I was very sad as a child. I was teased and laughed at a lot. That’s why I only had very few friends growing up. My sister is one year older than me, and she was always by my side. In a way, she was and still is my best friend. In Ecuador – and I imagine it’s the same in many other parts of the world – all the kids play football. Because of my handicap, I was unfortunately never able to participate.

Did things get better later?

Actually, I was very emotional when I finished high school. People with disabilities are often treated as if they don’t have value or as if they cannot do anything. School gave me a sense of achievement because I always earned excellent grades. I learned this early on: My body may not work perfectly, but I can always expand my mind and learn. As a kid, I read every book I could get my hands on. I received one of the top grade point averages in the largest school of Ecuador in my year. At the end of the school year, the top students usually carry the Ecuadorian flag in a parade. They didn’t let me do that because of my handicap, and this saddened me terribly. But my high school did mention me on a commemoration plaque in the school building. I am still very proud of this achievement because I brought honour to my family.

What is your biggest concern regarding how you are treated today?

I want to be treated with respect. It’s not easy to live with a disability in Ecuador. People that I don’t even know call me names on the street, tease me, provoke me. It hurts. Once, children threw water balloons at me. You might think these are harmless anecdotes. But this happens every other day.

What gives you strength?

My family and friends are most important to me. I had a nice and very supportive partner until recently, but the relationship unfortunately ended during the pandemic. It really helps me to talk to my psychologist regularly to help me cope with the challenges of my personal life.

Let’s talk about your career. How did you get into shipping?

I first joined Transoceanica, which was the agent of Hapag-Lloyd in Ecuador, and worked as a cashier. In Ecuador, every company with more than 100 employees is required to hire at least one person with a disability. That’s how I got started in this industry. Early on, one of my superiors realized that I had potential. I began as a vacation replacement and, before long, I knew how all the departments operated. When something didn’t work right, my colleagues would say “Call Otto! He can solve it!”. It made me very proud to be needed.

What were your thoughts when Hapag-Lloyd took over the agent?

I was afraid that Hapag-Lloyd wouldn’t take me over. At the time, Hapag-Lloyd Ecuador had fewer than 100 employees, which meant that the requirement to hire disabled staff didn’t come into effect. But I was retained. They liked how I interact with customers and colleagues, and they obviously benefit from my broad knowledge and experience. I can’t tell you how happy and grateful I am that I was kept on board.

What kind of changes would you like to see when it comes to diversity?

I wish people would understand just how much they can hurt handicapped people by treating them without respect. Society needs to encourage more empathy and solidarity, and children’s education needs to include instruction on respect and tolerance. Disabled people are sometimes treated like supposedly “incomplete” human beings. I don´t want you pity; but give me your respect.