FIDEL CASTRO DIES AT 90

Fidel Castro, the emblematic leader of Cuba's 1959 revolution and its longest-serving head of state, passed away on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90. His younger brother, Raúl Castro, who succeeded him as president, announced the news on state television, stating, "The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died at 22:29 hours this evening".

Castro's death marked the end of an era for Cuba, a nation he transformed from a U.S.-dominated playground into a socialist state that defied American influence for nearly six decades. His revolutionary journey began in the mountains of eastern Cuba, where, at 32, he led a guerrilla movement that ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista. His image as a revolutionary warrior, rifle in hand, became iconic and inspired admirers worldwide .

Under Castro's leadership, Cuba aligned itself with the Soviet Union, surviving numerous U.S. assassination attempts and the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. He established a one-party state, implemented sweeping social reforms in education and healthcare, and maintained a firm grip on power. However, his regime was also marked by political repression, suppression of dissent, and economic challenges.

In 2006, ill health led Castro to temporarily transfer power to Raúl, who officially took over in 2008. Despite stepping down from public life, Fidel remained a prominent figure in Cuban society, with his image adorning billboards across the island. In his final public appearance in April 2016, dressed in a blue tracksuit and speaking with a trembling voice, he remarked, "Soon I'll be like all the rest. Everyone's turn comes," signalling his acceptance of mortality.

Following his death, Cuba declared nine days of national mourning. His ashes were interred in Santiago de Cuba on December 4, 2016, after a funeral procession that retraced the route of the 1959 "Freedom Caravan," symbolising his enduring legacy in the nation's history

Fidel Castro's passing left behind a complex legacy: revered by many as a symbol of resistance and social justice, yet criticised by others for his authoritarian rule and the hardships faced by the Cuban people. His influence on global politics and his role in shaping Cuba's identity continue to be subjects of debate and reflection.