Dear Editor,
I was amazed that Mike Persaud could write a letter published in today’s Stabroek News titled “Castroism has failed”, who ever Mike Persaud is, is clearly confused as he refers to the hardships the Cubans are going through. Hardships due to an inhumane embargo and other pressures applied on a people who helped hundreds of thousands of people in Africa, the Caribbean, and elsewhere to resist imperialist domination.
When Fidel led the Cuban revolution in this month of February in 1959, it was the playground literally and metaphorically of Batista who showed little interest in the welfare of ordinary Cubans. To refer to Fidel Castro’s exploits can take many pages, safe to state, that those who visited Cuba could not help being amazed at the love and admiration Cubans had for Fidel.
I share with readers one example; I attended the Pan-American games held in Cuba in August 1991, the 4 x 100 metres relay is always considered the top event, since it showcased the four best sprinters a country could offer. On paper the US team and the Jamaican team were considered the favourites, as a former sprinter I ensured I was present for that event.
Moments before the race started Fidel entered the stadium and waves at the four sprinters representing Cuba, the four athletes ran as though they were possessed and won the event, when the last sprinter cleared the finish line, baton in hand, ahead of the others, he ran straight to Fidel who embraced him to the roar and astonishment of the assembled patrons, the Cubans out-classed the others.
It was a moment I will never forget and perhaps people like Mike Persaud will not understand or appreciate the magnificence and inspiration that Fidel Castro gives to ordinary Cuban people. For brevity I say no more, but I believe the Cuban people will overcome.
Yours truly,
Elder Hamilton Green
