That is a question many observers will be pondering over as Fidel Castro (The Big Chief) recovers from major intestinal surgery today. So strong has his control been over the country that his demise always seemed to be wishful thinking by those opposed to him.
They now say the move gives them hope for eventual openings in the island’s political and economic systems. Castro took control of the country on New Year’s Day 1959 with the overthrowing of Fulgencio Batista and has never before given up power. Historians who will pore over this period of Cuban rule will point to the steadfast control but they will also probably form the view that the economic aftermath of the revolution has left a questionable legacy. Many will say the economic plan, such as it was, has failed.
Almost 80 per cent of Cubans have been born under Castro’s rule and are also greatly divided in their view of Los Barbudos ﾖ Castro and the young Argentinian doctor, Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara whose mythical presence is still evident in Cuba today. Due in part to Castro’s own allegiance to his other ‘warrior.’ Guevara was executed in Bolivia in 1967 but he became the defining icon of the Cuban revolution.
It would doubtless have pleased the young, well do to revolutionary that his friend and compatriot is still ﾖ at least until this week ﾖ in control of the country- one of five remaining communist countries, along with China, Vietnam, Laos and North Korea. Castro has dominated Cuban politics for close to half a century, a constant irritant to most, not all, the US presidents who have come and gone during this period.
Few people understand the US unswerving opposition to Castro with a rigid embargo and travel restrictions placed on almost all Americans.
If Americans could travel freely to the country, Cuba would, ironically pose a significant ‘threat’ to other countries, purely through a dramatic increase in its tourism. The Bahamas would not be free from the eventual knock-on effect either.
The fact that Castro has had no alternative but to hand over control and therefore power to his younger brother, Raul, who has just turned 75, does indicate his health is in a very delicate state.
If Castro’s rule is over, what of Raul the successor? He has been serving as the defence minister. He was heavily involved with the military’s successful peacetime efforts to help rescue Cuba’s economy, following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
He usually works behind the scenes but recently has taken on a higher profile. Physically, he is shorter than his brother and much less charismatic.
What matters is his attitude to the communist rule in which he has been closely involved and whether there will be changes, should he have permanent control.
He is thought to be less dogmatic and more amenable to change. Only time will tell. The US is publicly opposed to the transition so they must have serious doubts about Cuba under his rule. To that end a U.S. presidential commission has earmarked an $80 million program to help non-governmental groups in Cuba for the purpose of hastening an end to the country’s communist system.
But Castro, confident as ever, is said to be optimistic of recovery. He has asked celebrations scheduled for his official 80th birthday on Aug. 13 ﾖ although some say he was born in 1927, not 26 – be postponed until December 2. And he expects to be there.
By: RUPERT MARCUS, The Nassau Guardian
