THE last great revolutionary leader has died

WHEN Fidel Castro handed over the reins of government of Cuba to his brother Raul in 2006 and effectively disappeared from the political stage soon after, there were rumours that he had died but the new government were keeping his death secret in case of civil disruption.

According to an announcement made by President Raul Castro on the Cuban TV on the evening of November 25, the former president and leader of the Cuban revolution aged 90 died during that day and his body was to be cremated on Saturday November 26 followed by several days of mourning.

Having ruled Cuba as a single party state for some 50 years, he was seen as a saviour by many and a monster by others so whilst there will be sadness around Cuba, there is celebration in much of Miami where thousands of Cuban emigres have made their homes.

Certainly the last of the great communist leaders from the time of the Cold War and beyond, the revolutionary leader of a little country in the Caribbean certainly made his mark in history and will be remembered for years to come.