Fidel Castro, a revolutionary with a vision

Lovatama Penena Fidel Castro
Author: Jayantha Wijewickrama
Reviewed by Ranjan Amarasinghe

I read Jayantha Wijewickrama's book on Fidel Castro titled Lovatama Penena Rathu Kuluna with much interest. Naturally, the character profile of Fidel Castro generates much enthusiasm among its numerous and vivid readers, as he had been a trail-blazer propagating a socialist ideology not only in Cuba, where he was able to capture political power without much bloodshed, but also throughout the world.

In spite of some powerful Western countries stigmatising countries such as Cuba, China and Russia as Communist countries, where individual freedom of expression and human rights are violated with impunity, there had been significant strides in social, economic and environmental fields, in these much maligned socialist countries.

Fidel Castro's exposure to the adverse effects of poverty from his young days enabled him to be sensitised to the life threatening and strangulating effects of hunger which had a damning effect on the majority of its population.

Socialism

Fidel Castro had been castigated with much venom; especially by the United States of America, whose rulers found him as an irritant, propagating a new philosophy of equality and socialism. Cuba's close proximity to the US, understandably makes it a target of malicious and vicious propaganda drive, orchestrated allegedly by the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and also by the private media of the US which showcase their democratic credentials, thus preening as saviours of democratic rights.

There is perhaps no exaggeration in the claims made by the Cuban political hierarchy, that there had been numerous attempts of assassination of their supreme leader, Fidel Castro by sleuths of the CIA whose, attempts had miraculously misfired. However, it is apparent that in spite of the trade embargo enforced by the US for a long period of time against Cuba, the revolutionary fervour had spread like wildfire throughout the country.

The personage of Fidel Castro no doubt will remain as an enigma though he no longer wields political power as he had already stepped down from active politics.

Commitment

In hindsight, though the path he had chosen may have had its pitfalls, his commitment and dedication to serve his citizens, with a view to eradicating poverty undoubtedly deserves appreciation. He had become a role model to other aspiring political leaders, so much so that even the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela did not fail to praise Cuba for its role in safeguarding its citizens’ sovereign rights.

Another salient feature, which deserves highlighting is that Cuba still remains a socialist country, irrespective of a number of other so-called socialist countries that had started to experiment with capitalist ideologies with a view to accelerate their economic growth.

The cynics may ignore the achievements of Cuba downgrading it as a totalitarian regime in which individual freedom of expression is stifled, and also pointing out that many Cubans risk their lives by trying to escape to the United States by sea routes, in a not so seaworthy and strong boats in their quest for freedom. However, in counter-point one can argue that Fidel Castro had been able to woo the hearts of the majority of its populace for they had found him to be an astute leader whose stature had never been tainted with charges of misconduct or corruption.

To sum up, the advocates of Socialism and Capitalism may never get tired of galvanising the strength of their systems to high heavens though they may never reach a compromise, for they had stubbornly chosen a road running in parallel lines. However, it is apparent that both these systems have their respective merits and demerits, which deserve careful study and independent analysis. Then perhaps a synthesis of effective and positive ideas may evolve in the process, benefiting immensely the well-being of the human race.