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Showing posts with label Fidel Castro Ruz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fidel Castro Ruz. Show all posts

Friday, July 24, 2026

FIDELISM Celebrated


A Tribute to Fidel Castro

Happy 100th Birthday in advance, Comandante Fidel Castro Ruz (1926–2016).  Your place in history remains secure



Deo Adjuvante, Non Timendum

“With God as My Helper, I Have Nothing to Fear”


FIDELISM- CENTENARIAN 


By Dr. Kevin J. Turnquest-Alcena
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas


“All the glory in the world fits in a kernel of corn.” — Antonio Maceo


As the world approaches the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz on August 13, 2026, humanity is presented with an opportunity to reflect upon the endurance of a man whose stoicism, conviction, and unwavering resolve continue to provoke admiration and debate across continents.


Whether viewed through the prism of history, geopolitics, or social transformation, Fidel Castro remains one of the most consequential figures of the twentieth century.


Congratulations are extended in anticipation of his centenary birthday, while acknowledging that his steadfastness under extraordinary pressure has earned recognition from millions throughout the global community.


Today, more than ever, the Republic of Cuba must remain resolute.


Nations that refuse to surrender their sovereignty often attract those who circle like vultures, waiting for weakness, isolation, or collapse.


Yet Cuba has endured decades of adversity through discipline, sacrifice, and national resilience.


The international community should recognize Cuba’s contributions to medicine, disaster relief, education, scientific advancement, and international solidarity, while seeking constructive engagement that enables the Cuban people to prosper in dignity.


As José Martí wisely declared, “The homeland is humanity.”


That timeless principle reminds us that the welfare of one nation ultimately contributes to the welfare of all.


The legendary Zulu King Shaka kaSenzangakhona is traditionally credited with the maxim: “Never leave an enemy behind, or it will rise again to fly at your throat.”


Though born from military strategy, it also illustrates an enduring truth about vigilance, perseverance, and preparedness in the face of relentless challenges.


Fidelism, an enduring ideological phenomenon, was born nearly a century ago, completely transforming the geopolitics of the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa.


It irrevocably altered Cuba’s trajectory.


Thousands of institutions, schools, hospitals, research centres, and international partnerships emerged from this legacy and continue to symbolize resilience, progress, and visionary leadership.


Fidelism demands reverence, admiration, and a salutation gilded in gold, echoing across time like a clarion call to solidarity.


It represents, to its supporters, more than political doctrine.


It is an expression of fraternity, sacrifice, and international cooperation.


Rooted in a belief that nations should assist one another beyond political boundaries, Fidelism has influenced generations throughout the developing world.


On August 13, 1926, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was born in Birán, Cuba.


On November 25, 2016, he departed this world, yet his historical presence remains unmistakable.


As his centenary approaches, many continue to reflect upon the legacy of a leader who inspired admiration, criticism, and passionate debate across the international community.


Voices of Praise and Solidarity


Nelson Mandela observed:


“What other country has such a history of selfless behavior as Cuba has shown for the people of Africa?… What country has ever needed help from Cuba and has not received it?”


José Martí reminded us:


“The homeland is humanity.”


Marcus Garvey declared:


“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”


Martin Luther King Jr. taught:


“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”


Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed:


“The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”


Patrice Lumumba affirmed:


“History will one day have its say.”


Thomas Sankara encouraged Africa to pursue dignity through self-reliance, education, and courage, principles that inspired cooperation with Cuba in the training of students and professionals.


Fidel Castro himself declared:


“A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.”


Culminating Invocation


History demonstrates that powerful nations often become the subject of intense criticism, political rivalry, and competing narratives.


Cuba has experienced this reality for decades.


Nevertheless, its resilience, its educated people, and its enduring contributions to medicine, education, and international humanitarian missions continue to command the respect of many around the world.


We acknowledge Cuba’s assistance in training doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and other professionals across the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and beyond.


Cuban medical brigades rendered assistance during global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while scientific institutions advanced biotechnology and vaccine research under exceptionally difficult circumstances.


As Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday approaches, history invites both reflection and thoughtful dialogue about his legacy and Cuba’s place in the modern world.


Whatever one’s political perspective, few can deny the profound influence Cuba has exercised upon global affairs over the past century.


Fidelism, to its adherents, remains more than a political philosophy.


It is a continuing expression of solidarity, resilience, and national determination.


Happy 100th Birthday in advance, Comandante.  Your place in history remains secure.


24 July, 2026


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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Cuba's Fidel Castro Ruz - Has history absolved him?


Fidel Castro Ruz


By Rebecca Theodore



“But I do not fear prison, as I do not fear the fury of the miserable tyrant who took the lives of 70 of my comrades.    Condemn me.   It does not matter.   History will absolve me.”



In a speech that rang synonymous with Socrates at the portico of Athens for the alleged charge of impiety, or with Dr King fighting for the civil rights of African Americans, or even Saint Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica, Dr Fidel Castro, is still cleverly checking his adversaries, both from within and abroad.



Since that fateful arrest in 1953 for assaulting the Moncada military barracks in the eastern city of Santiago in southern Cuba, Castro still controls his mind although nearly subdued by collapsing health.

Fidel Castro Ruz is the world's longest-serving head of government and the leader of the Americas' only communist country.   Since he seized power in a 1959 revolution, El Comandante as he is affectionately called by his countrymen, still commands the admiration of the world.

He endured the fall of the Soviet Union, the culmination of communism in Eastern Europe, antagonized ten American presidents and outwitted dozens of assassination attempts.

It is true that the Cuban Revolution is probably one of the most theatrical, polarizing political events of the twentieth-century.   Critics and proponents alike may someday eulogize Castro on the pages of history as a tyrant who suppressed freedom, equality, and social justice.

Nonetheless, education and the intelligence of a human being in a revolutionary society have immensely prevailed over instinct.   Castro has without doubt offered every Cuban and many Caribbean citizens the opportunity of an education free from discrimination.

Today, Castro’s 1959 revolution provides a compelling picture of Cuba in relation to the rest of the world.   Cuba’s influence on Latin America and the Caribbean, its coalition with the Soviet Union from the 1960s until the downfall of the Soviet bloc in 1989, and its riotous relationship with the United States cannot go by unnoticed.

For someone who has reiterated that “all of the world’s glory fits in a kernel of corn,” Castro is now preparing his people politically and psychologically for his absence through the power of his pen.

Adhering to his own thoughts that “a revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past and that a revolution is a dictatorship of the exploited against the exploiters,” his name will forever be printed on the pages of history and will again be read overtime for “one just man deserves more respect than a rogue with a crown.”

He has justified his point of view by proving that “revolution is the source of legal right” in Cuba and there is indeed, according to French writer, François Hotman, “a bond or contract between the government and its subjects.”

Yet, assuming all this as truth, John Locke, in his essay on government, seems to refute this socio-politico principle with his assertion “that when the natural rights of man are violated, the people have the right and the duty to alter or abolish the government.”

Hence, stunning doubts persist on who will be the leader who brings Cuba out of decades of seclusion? Who will be Raúl Castro’s heir?

Castro’s retirement draws the curtain on a political career that traversed the Cold War, survived US animosity, and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.   As one of the most controversial, combative, and charismatic rulers in history, the assessment by political scientist of how his illness and departure will transform politics continues to raise doubts about the future of the western hemisphere's only communist state.

His wishes have always been to discharge his duties to his last breath for he believes that one has to be consistent right up to the end.   After all, it is suffering and death that defines our humanity and as mortals we must die.

As to whether his policies will play a major role in a post Fidel Castro Cuba or continue to plague the US beyond the grave remains to be seen.

Notwithstanding, Fidel Castro Ruz continues to fight in the battle of ideas. That’s all he can now offer his people. His pen has become mightier than his sword after so many years of struggle but that too is irrelevant.

The question is - has history finally absolved him?

June 15, 2011

caribbeannewsnow