46 years on, the party's over for Cuba's 'guiding light' Fidel Castro

Published on Tuesday 19 April 2011 16:12

Raul Castro was named first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party yesterday, as his ageing brother, Fidel, was formally removed from the party leadership for the first time since its creation 46 years ago.

Despite hopes that a new generation of leaders was poised to take up important posts, Raul Castro announced that Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, an 80-year-old Casto confidant, would be his No 2.

Ramiro Valdes, a 78-year-old vice-president, was named to the third spot. Several younger politicians were added to the 15-member leadership group, but in lesser posts.

In his speech to the delegates at the party's gathering in Havana, Raul Castro said he would never abandon making necessary economic changes, but that he would only do so at a pace the country could handle.

"Modernising the economic model is not a miracle that can be accomplished overnight, like some believe," he told delegates, adding that he would never allow "the return of a capitalist regime".

Of his brother, Raul Castro said he needed no formal title to continue being the country's guiding light. "Fidel is Fidel," he said.

The elder Castro made a surprise appearance at the gathering, receiving thunderous applause from the 1,000 delegates assembled in a vast convention centre.

Many could be seen crying as the man who led the 1959 revolution to overthrow Fulgencio Batista was helped to his place on stage by a young aide, then stood at attention next to his 79-year-old brother during the playing of the national anthem.

Fidel, 84, has appeared in public many times since improved health allowed him to re-emerge from seclusion last summer, but has rarely been seen alongside his brother, who had already replaced him as president.

The revolutionary icon looked unsteady on his feet as he clutched the aide's arm, and at times slumped in his chair. But he became more animated as the proceedings continued, especially when Raul's name was read out by an official announcing the members of the party's Central Committee.

And for the first time since the party's founding in 1965, Fidel's name was not included.