Fidel Castro’s funeral set for December

The state funeral for Fidel Castro who died at the age of 90, has been fixed for Sunday, December 4, in Santiago de Cuba, according to state media report. But the cremation of the remains of Castro will be carried out according to his wishes and has been fixed for Saturday, Cuba President Raul Castro announced early Saturday. According to official states media, the government has also declared nine days of mourning in honour of the fallen hero.

The death of Cuba strongman, Mr Castro, has triggered both celebration and mourning, as critics welcomed his demise while supporters grieved for the polarising strongman who dominated Cuba for decades. In Maimi, celebrations spilt out over the death of Mr Castro and the state government decreed a nine days of mourning. During the period, all activities and public performances will be halted, and Cuba’s flag will be flown at half-mast in public and at military establishments. According to reports , the country’s radio and television channels will broadcast informative, patriotic and historical programming.

Mr Castro reigned in Havana for nearly five decades with an iron hand, defying a U.S. economic embargo intended to dislodge his regime. But he lived long enough to see a historic reunion between Cuba and the U.S. The two nations re-established diplomatic relations in July 2015.

Meanwhile, messages by world leaders have been pouring in celebration of Castro who ruled Cuba for 47 years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, praised him, describing Mr Castro as a “symbol of an era”, while former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev hailed him for “strengthening” Cuba.

Narenda Modi, India prime minister, said Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century and said India mourned the loss of a great friend.

Mexico’s President, Enrique Pene Nieto called Mr Castro a friend of Mexico, who had promoted bilateral relationships based on respect, dialogue and solidarity.

Also, Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuela’s president, has sent a solidarity and love message to Cuban people on the loss of the country’s longtime leader.Mr Maduro has remained a close ally of Cuba, in his Twitter message, he called on all the revolutionaries of the world to continue his legacy under the flag of independence , socialism and homeland.

In his message, China’s president Xi Jinping says, Mr Castro “will live forever” especially in the minds of those who loved and cherished him. 

(NAN)