The Castro charisma
published:
Friday | February 22, 2008
Iwas beginning to wonder whether Fidel Castro, having defied the accepted western laws of international politics for 50 years, was now going to defy the laws of nature and live forever. However, Castro too, is mortal and on February 19, he wrote, "It would be a betrayal of my conscience to accept a responsibility requiring more mobility and dedication than I am physically able to offer."
Castro defied the pressures from Cuba's mighty neighbours for over 50 years. The communist rule of his nation is now characterised by vintage cars, power cuts and the dire shortage of even essential items, such as medicine and basic goods. No wonder they could give us so many light bulbs; light bulbs have very long lives when the power is only on for a few hours a night. Images of Cubans crammed on boats, risking their lives to leave their home, have been a staple for the media over the years, and yet despite this desperation, Castro remained admired and even popular.
Benelovent dictator
Yet, the old body has let down the undying spirit of Fidel Castro, leaving Cuba in the hands of his somewhat less colourful brother, Raul. Fidel was a dictator, and he did oppress his people and they did suffer, yet his charisma to the very end made him seem like a benevolent dictator. His departure was done on moral high ground, almost as though he acted in the interest of his people to the very last. There is no doubt that Raul will continue Fidel's regime, with very little substantive difference, yet without the personality of Fidel, he is likely to be seen just as a dictator. Cubans might then decide that they want change, and as they have done in the past, they may again demand it.
In Jamaica, we have hosted many of the Cubans who have left in exile, intransit as they make their way to their final destination, the United States of America. Perhaps our power outages, and inadequate public services serve as too harsh a reminder of home. Almost like Mecca, Miami is the Promised Land, and does not even require learning a new language or culture. It is an enviable position, once a Cuban reaches the shores, America awaits them with open arms. I suspect that if a boatful of Jamaicans rolled up on US shores and cried political persecution, fear for their lives based on their political allegiance, power outages and poor medical care, America would not be so welcoming. I believe a few thousand Haitians would support that argument.
Underdog poster child
America payed lip service to their dislike for the communist rule of Castro; in contrast they chose to deal with Iraq (on the other side of the world) a little more decisively. Yet, their policy only assisted in increasing Fidel's stranglehold on his people and enhanced his popular appeal, as he became a poster child for the underdog. Castro, a leader of a relatively small island nation, was able to withstand the pressures of a mighty superpower, and this became the focus, and a source of our admiration.
The presence of Castro in the international arena has certainly made it an interesting period of history. His charisma, intellect and mastery of public speaking have made him a star on the political stage. However, what would be even more noteworthy is if Cuba can be restored to economic and social stability, where freedom is no longer the object of desire at the end of a long, life-threatening journey, but a part of everyday life in a beautiful nation.
Tara Clivio is a freelance writer.
