Colleagues,
49 years after having overthrown the corrupt Batista regime Fidel Castro today resigned. Although he had handed leadership (temporarily) to Raul Castro in July 2006a letter in the official state paper, Granma, stated:
"I communicate to you that I will not aspire to or accept ... the position of president of council of state and commander in chief."
So, although not wholly unexpected, it is still a surprise.
I would be very interested in views as to what you think this means for Cuba in the short-term and, in the case of his eventual death, what the future holds for Cuba.
Many thanks
Ian
5 comments:
IAn - not sure about this one. Went on a TU delegation to Cuba 4 yrs ago and saw plenty of poverty.
Hopefully Castro going means improevement for them.
See you soon.
Graham
Hiya Ian,
I'm picking up on this one a few weeks after the announcement and there doesnt seem to be much of a press reaction.
Time will tell I suppose.
Alan
Alan,
I agree. It is to soon to tell what will happen as Castro has been in power so long.
It is a pity though that the yanks seem to be getting satisfaction from this, even though it is Castro to some degree who has 'won'.
Graham
Friends,
I don't think makes a lot of difference to be honest.
If you look at what's happened in the country since he stood down what is there?
Although it's been good to have him so close to America for all these years and sticking 2 fingers up to them, it's time for change.
I for one have always been uncomfrtable with the way that opponents of the regime have been jailed and also the poor treatment of LGBT Cubans.
Times change.
Thanks
Jenni (BFAWU)
Ian,
Now it's been some time since you first posted this and I see there has been some interesting developments.
The thing to do with being able to buy a mobile is a small development the big one though is allowing farmers to farm commercially and sell to the government.
The most important thing here is to get a sense of whether Cuba will move down Chinese lines with an essentially private sector economy managed by a one-party state.
Interesting times.
Pete Eden
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