first reactions

Habana 3/23 -- A mix of excitement and anxiety seems to be gripping the people of Havana as first reactions to the death of President Fidel Castro segue into speculation about the future. Few people that I've spoken with doubt that the transition of power to the "first brother," Raúl will proceed quickly and efficiently. However, there are obvious concerns about outside agitation or even intervention, as well as keen interest in what the power shift will mean for future policy directives.

A quick telefonazo to the ministry of the interior unveils the government's official stance. "This is both a time of great grief and an historic crossroads for the republic," the assistant who took my call said. "We have no further statements at this time. President-designate Raúl Castro will address the republic at 2:00 pm."

A second call to a friend and colleague who heads the Cuban longshoreman's union was more informative. The central revolutionary committee has been called into emergency session and the military has cancelled all leave, he said. He himself had been summoned to a meeting with key labor leaders. "Something tells me we're in for some intense maneuvering," he noted. "You know, not everyone likes the dauphin-designate." For obvious reasons, I will keep his name confidential.

Finally, a call to Jorge's rural home in Vuelta Abajo. His septuagenarian father took the call, a man who served proudly, if briefly, with Castro's revolutionary guard. No, Jorge hadn't arrived yet. He was presumably still on the road after staying over in the capital with friends. (And presumably taking it easy because of last night's sangria -- which I didn't bother to share with the elder Milian.)

"It is now over for my generation," Jorge's father said somberly. "All our passion and sweat and toil has been poured into this glorious era for Cuba. What comes now is not for us, but for the saints," he lamented.

havana hombre