Cuba buries Castro, launching post-Fidel era
SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba: Cuban President Raul Castro entombed the ashes of his late brother Fidel inside a round granite boulder on Sunday, opening a new era without the revolutionary leader who ruled the island for decades.
Castro placed a cedar urn inside the tall monolith near the mausoleums of the 19th- century independence icon Jose Marti and comrades of Fidel’s rebellion in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba. Capping a week of massive tributes, a simple, dark green marble plaque bearing just his first name – “Fidel” – was placed over the niche at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery.
Raul Castro gave a military salute at the private ceremony attended by his family and some foreign dignitaries, including Latin American allies from Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua, official photos showed.
“There were no speeches. It was very simple. There were just the ashes that were interred, the family, the government and officials,” French Environment Minister Segolene Royal – criticized in her country for defending Castro’s human rights record – told AFP after the hourlong funeral.
Castro, who died on November 25 at age 90, was revered by supporters for the free health care and education he provided across the island, but vilified by dissidents who saw him as a brutal dictator.
After keeping the public and media at bay, the cemetery opened and mourners lined up to leave white roses and other flowers inside marble vases behind a small iron gate in front of the granite boulder.
“He guided us, taught us, gave us free medicine, gave us everything for free, including schools,” said Grisela Corona, a self- employed mother of three. “I am completely grateful to him and the revolution.” — AFP