The previous leader of Cuba Fidel Castro 90, who was the communist leader of the country before he turned the reigns over to his brother Raul Castro, has died.
When Fidel first became the leader of Cuba in 1959, he promised Cubans a better life only to turn around and dominate everything every Cuban did in their lives, making their lives miserable the whole time he was in power. Now that he passed away on Friday, there are celebrations for his death going on everywhere, except from those who followed his every lead.
According to the NY Times, Fidel's health had been failing him for several years. Because he was so sick for so long, he turned the reigns of power over to his younger brother Raul, 85, in 2006. Although Raul is the current leader of Cuba and has been his brother's closest confidant since Fidel started ruling Cuba, he has told the people of Cuba that he does plan to resign his ruling of the country in 2018.
Fidel had held on to the power of controlling Cuba and everything the Cuban people did longer than any other ruler besides Queen Elizabeth II.
Fidel was a deceiving ruler. According to NY Times, he stood at a podium at the capital and gave an admiring speech in front of his thousand admirers at the military headquarters. Once the white doves were released, everyone thought this was a sign of peace to come to Cuba. Not only this, but a lone white dove landed on Fidel's shoulder which made everyone think that this symbolized this young new fearless leader was going to be their savior.
Once that lone dove landed on his shoulder, the crowd erupted in cheers. Many of his admirers back then had no idea what Fidel really had planned for Cuba. He was a master of myth and image, and even thought of himself as the Messiah of his fatherland who would soon control Cuba and every single thing the Cuban people could and could not do in their lives. Now that he has passed, everyone is rejoicing and celebrating in the streets.
According to NPR.org, Fidel lived through 10 United States presidents who had tried everything they could to overthrow him from his reign of evil power over the people of Cuba; however, they failed to do so.
The previous president of Cuba had been in bad health since 2006 when he underwent emergency intestinal surgery. This was when he turned his power over to his main confidant and younger brother, who formally became the new president in 2008.
The announcement of Fidel's passing was done by his brother, who announced Fidel's death sadly and emotionally. Raul stated that Fidel passed away at 10:29 pm Friday night and will be cremated, while the official announcement of his final arrangements will be announced later today. When Raul announced his older brother's passing, the announcement was translated by Carrie Kahn from NPR, and here is what Raul said about Fidel's death.
"With profound pain I share with our people and the friends of America and the world that today, on the 25th of November at 10:29 p.m., the head commander of the Cuban Revolution, the companion Fidel Castro Ruz died. In following the wishes expressed by Fidel, his remains will be cremated. In the early hours of tomorrow, Saturday the 26th, the funeral organizing commission will provide the people detailed information about the organization of a posthumous tribute to the founder of the Cuban Revolution. Towards victory forever."
Fidel had relationships, one good and one bad, with two powers of the world. He was an ally with The Soviet Union and an adversary with the United States.
