Havana Cuba
November 26, 2016
Being Canadians living full-time in Havana Cuba for almost 10 of the past 20 months, my wife and I have a perspective on life here that is not possible for in-and-out tourists to acquire. With the death of Fidel Castro on Friday night, I know there are people around the world who would appreciate hearing from me. So, here are my thoughts.
I recall a Fidel quote that goes something like “A revolution is a most serious matter, not to be taken lightly” which to me defined the man. He was serious. He was thoughtful. Fortunately, he was a giver; not a taker. He came from a family of wealth and yet he spurned that way of life. Rather than being a dictator or a communist as he is inadequately described, he was a man obsessed with giving his people the necessities of life like food and shelter, personal and national security, healthcare and education. He accomplished all of that for all Cubans so his legacy will endure for centuries.
Unfortunately, he had enemies. American political and business leaders believed that following the revolution Fidel could be bought-and-paid for, as most third world country leaders are, which was a huge mistake because he was not that man. The US Administration’s differences with Fidel led to the treasury embargo against Cuba, thinking that if they imposed the weight of the US Federal Reserve Bank on all countries that needed to deal in trade and commerce with America then surely the Cuban economy would collapse and the Cuban people would turn against him. However, just as US politicians and media had never encountered a man like President-elect Donald Trump who told them publicly and to their faces they were crooks and liars, so too these American leaders over the past almost 60 years greatly underestimated the resolve of Fidel Castro, who also called them crooks and liars.
“Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights,” Mr. Trump said in his official statement following the passing of Fidel.
Vice president-elect Mike Pence commented on Twitter, saying “The tyrant #Castro is dead. New hope dawns. We will stand with the oppressed Cuban people for a free and democratic Cuba. Viva Cuba Libre!” — Mike Pence
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who Trump might call upon for a post in his new Administration, also had a critical tweet: “Build a list of those praising Castro and you will have a list of leftists who reject reality for an ideological fantasy.” — Newt Gingrich
Contrast the Trump, Pence and Gingrich statements with those of Presidents Obama and Carter and Secretary Clinton or Canada’s Prime Minister who was here earlier this month.
Former President Jimmy Carter “fondly” remembered Fidel in his official statement. “Rosalynn and I share our sympathies with the Castro family and the Cuban people on the death of Fidel Castro… We remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country. We wish the Cuban citizens peace and prosperity in the years ahead.”
While living here, I have never heard a single person say they hated Fidel. Moreover, unlike what many self-serving people would tell you, the Cuban people are not oppressed. They simply will not be exploited. And, they did not and do not revile a “brutal dictator.” In fact, Cubans today enjoy a way of life that Americans and Canadians do not in that they are thankfully free of mass murders, drugs, gangs, guns, ridiculous costs of health services, medicines and insurance, with destitute and troubled people laying in the streets, and so forth. Those whose fingers are pointing at Cuba ought to look down the other end of their arms.
To our amazement, my wife and I have even observed and enjoyed some personal freedoms and privileges here not allowed or available in the US or Canada. We have never felt threatened in any way. And you should know that unlike their neighbors to the north, almost every man and woman or parent and child in Cuba walk their streets holding hands. Yes, everyone holds hands in public. Hitch-hiking too is safe, even for young women. The hotels and B&B’s are full. In-bound cruise ships are packed. Tourists are happy. New restaurants pop up daily, seemingly everywhere. Havana is now a noisy city that never sleeps. Nightlife in the bars and clubs for the locals as well as for tourists is 7×24. House renovation is also a non-stop affair in every part of the city, but especially in Vedado where we live. World famous personalities like Rolling Stones a few months ago and Placido Domingo this week are ever present… In summary, life here is fascinating.
It’s hardly a perfect situation. But the people understand. They all have unrestricted access to the world via internet. They watch the latest American movies and discuss the latest news each day. They can travel to any country that issues them a visa. In fact, many go routinely to Moscow for shopping. Their education is off the charts. They are sophisticated.
The bare necessities being provided to them since following the Revolution almost 60 years ago and the positive aspects of people’s lives today are reasons why my friends here never hated El Commandante. The one thing the Cuban people deeply resent, however, is an economic system that America imposed on them that has cost their families almost three full generations of lost opportunity. They have social equity; but are in dire need of economic equity – the right to compete openly with the world. Fidel never stopped them from doing that. The American Congress did.
I repeat: what Cubans do hate is the resultant lack of opportunity for which they hold the American leadership accountable, not Fidel. Moreover, all leaders of the world’s most important nations – communist, capitalist, right-wing, left-wing — stand united behind Cuba, not America, in this matter.
Cuba is certainly not in the words of George W. Bush, in one of his State of the Union addresses, part of a global Axis of Evil. That is so absurd, it is downright laughable. To the contrary, I know that Cubans have a great love of the American people, and of people around the world, just as they know that most Americans want the insufferable embargo terminated and the deplorable political rhetoric from a few of their imperialist-leaning leaders to stop.
President Obama, whose string of limos passed beneath our balcony earlier this year to cheering and US flag-waiving throngs of people, gave Cubans hope that America would soon change its inane foreign policy. Although the early rhetoric from the newly elected Republican leaders is clearly a throwback to America’s cold war, most Americans – and the huge majority of people around the world — are hoping that the mutual goodwill established by Democratic Party leadership can continue under the Trump Administration.
In any case, in the words of President Obama, it’s time “to put the past behind us.”
To the Cuban people, Fidel is now and for the rest of their lives only an icon from the past, like Che and Jose Marti, part of the very rich history of this country. Very soon – sometime in 2018 — his brother Raul, the current President, will join him as an historical figure. The people’s lives will go on in hopes that the next leadership here can effectively deal with President Trump, who they believe is a builder not a destroyer. They need the two countries to work harmoniously, free of the embargo, to make Cuba a land of opportunity once again.
I hope to be around to enjoy watching Cubans seize the opportunities their future holds. I know and I tell you they are capable. Like China, maybe four percent are Communists and like China there are many entrepreneurs here. Cuba is a cohesive society and militarily powerful country that as an ally, I say, could help protect the US south, a potentially key piece in a Trump homeland security program, and provide sufficient numbers of doctors and nurses for all the US inner cities to help solve that huge problem.
Following his wishes, Fidel will be cremated with his ashes interred in the city of Santiago, a culturally remarkable city in the most eastern province of Cuba just 50 miles from Guantanamo, quite distant from Havana and much of the country. However, because he was a man of and for all his people, like no other, there will be wakes and parades in every part of Cuba.
This weekend, the music din has quieted and the bars, restaurants and nightclubs close shop early. There is no joy in this country. People are in mourning. In a week or so, they will put the past behind them and will look again to the future.
Thankfully, Pat and I are here as witnesses to history.
All the best to each of you,
/Bill
