Fidel Castro transformed politics in the Western Hemisphere – President Granger

By Leroy Smith

Former Cuban Leader Fidel Castro has transformed politics in the Western hemisphere and Guyana stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba and their President Raul Castro, the brother of Fidel Castro, President David Grander said this morning.

In an invited comment, the Guyanese leader recalled that it was 44 years ago that Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica broke the isolation of Cuba under Fidel Castro and established diplomatic relations.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of President Castro and his life was of significance, not only to Guyanese and the friendship he had with Guyanese Leaders but also the entire Western Hemisphere and say to the world probably, the best known Latin American,” Granger was quoted as saying on Saturday morning at Durban Park during an invited comment.

He said Guyana has a cordial relationship with Cuba and its leaders even as he reflected on the Guyanese Doctors who would have returned to Guyana and the many Cuban Doctors who are working in this country.

The President noted that there are lots of engagements between Guyana and Cuba at various levels in the educational and technical fields.

“People grow up knowing no other leader than him and we express sympathy to his brother and the Cuban people, he transferred politics in the western hemisphere and we would like to express our solidarity with the Cuban people in that regard” the Guyanese President posited.

Fidel Castro passed away at 22:29hrs on Friday in his native land. The Cuban leader is expected to be cremated before noon today, in keeping with his wishes while he was alive.

His brother and President of the Country Raul Castro made the announcement in a statement to the nation on Friday evening.

In 1959 while only 32- years- old, Castro led a revolution into the Capital of Cuba overthrowing a dictator and assuming the reins of power. He served as president for 47 years, rubbing the countries to the north in all the wrong ways, until failing health in 2006 caused him to relinquish power to his younger brother, now sitting President Raul Castro, to whom he permanently handed over the powers to become President in 2008.

Fidel Castro died at age 90.