 This feature written by reporter Barry Wigmore appeared in The Times on August 20th, 1998. The story involved spending a week traveling in Cuba asking people from many different backgrounds what they fear most should Fidel Castro die. having lived in Miami for 5 years, one is led to believe that cuba is the most appalling country on earth, such is the violent political rhetoric spewed forth from the anti Cuba press in miami. the fact is nothing could be further from the truth. Cuba is a wonderful, unspoilt country whose inhabitants are amongst the friendliest on earth. many love and revere their charismatic and unpredictable leader, not everyone hates Fidel, although there are those of course who are lured to leave by images from U.S. TV promising riches beyond their wildest dreams. surprisingly, what it appears cubans in cuba fear most when castro dies, is the arrival of wealthy Cubans from Miami looking to resurrect the glory of their forefathers who fled. Cubans on the island fear miami Cubans who may bring with them the violence and corruption that is endemic in Miami, both on the streets and in politics. some suggest a war in the Caribbean when Castro dies. one can only hope this does not materialise. |