Island marks Castro’s 100th birthday as his shadow endures

Cuba commemorated the 100th birthday of its former leader, Fidel Castro, on Thursday, August 13, with events across the island, though his legacy remains a deeply divided subject.

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I believe (Fidel Castro) leaves Cuba a legacy of dignity, morality, tireless work and concern for the poor.

Supporters, including writer Miguel Barnet, remember Castro for "a legacy of dignity, morality, tireless work and concern for the poor," alongside policies that advanced culture, education, and public health. Billboards displaying his image and slogans like "Homeland or Death" line the streets, and his presence is still felt profoundly by many Cubans who refer to him simply as Fidel.

However, others view Castro as the architect of a system that has led to Cuba's current economic hardship. This perspective gains traction as the island grapples with an intensifying US blockade, particularly a fuel blockade imposed in January, alongside other sanctions. These measures have exacerbated a five-year economic crisis, leading to widespread power outages, shortages of fuel and medicine, and reduced economic activity.

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And a philosophy that was translated into concrete policies in areas such as culture, education and public health.

Castro governed Cuba for nearly five decades, from the 1959 revolution until he handed over power to his brother in 2008. He remained an influential figure until his death in 2016. Argelia Mustelier, a retiree in Old Havana, expressed that "Fidel left us everything, everything good that came from Cuba’s revolutionary process" and believes he would have found ways to bring happiness amid current difficulties.

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Fidel left us everything, everything good that came from Cuba’s revolutionary process.

The commemorations, including the International Book Fair and various gatherings, highlight Castro's enduring impact on Cuban society and politics, even as the nation faces significant economic challenges attributed by some to his policies and by others to external pressures.

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In these difficult times we’re living through, he would have found a way to bring some happiness to his country and his people.