Castro refused anaesthetic so he could stay in charge
Demonstrating he retains firm control over Cuba after fracturing his knee and arm in a fall, President Fidel Castro told of conducting government business by mobile phone during an ambulance ride and later refusing general anaesthesia.
“I have not stopped attending to the tasks that I am responsible for, in co-ordination with the other comrades,” the 78-year-old Castro wrote in a lengthy note read on state television last night.
Castro said he underwent a three hour, 15 minute operation to repair his left knee, which was broken in eight pieces, and the immobilisation of his right upper arm, which suffered a hairline fracture.
He said he remained awake the whole time, anaesthetised only from the waist down, so he could “attend to numerous important issues” with his chief of staff, who dressed in surgical scrubs.
Castro said earlier he remained in contact with his office via mobile phone during the ambulance ride back to Havana from Santa Clara, the city about a three-hour drive away where the accident occurred.
Castro’s message seemed aimed at clearing up any doubts about his ability to govern this communist nation of 11.2 million people after 45 years in power.
Castro’s advancing age – and ultimately his mortality – were brought home when he was injured when he tripped and fell after a speech at the Santa Clara graduation ceremony.
But Castro has fought to dispel concerns about his health and his ability to keep governing.
“I’m all in one piece,” Castro declared on state television just minutes after he fell.
Castro’s health has long been closely watched – particularly by his political enemies in Miami, home to a large Cuban exile community.
“Sometimes, people have this idea that he’s some sort of god, that he’s omnipotent,” said Yanisset Rivero, spokeswoman for the Cuban Democratic Directorate, a Miami group that supports dissidents on the island. “It’s a sign that he’s human.”
In Washington, the State Department declined to wish a speedy recovery to Castro, who has remained in power during 10 American administrations.
“We, obviously, have expressed our views about what’s broken in Cuba,” said spokesman Richard Boucher.
Rights activist Elizardo Sanchez of Havana predicted the incident would not immediately affect government policies, but it “does put on the agenda the theme of the advanced age of various leaders.”
In the last several years, Castro’s knees have seemed more wobbly, his step less steady. Nevertheless, he maintains a busy schedule that frequently includes all-night meetings with aides and visitors.
Castro’s designated successor has long been his brother, 73-year-old Defence Minister Raul Castro, who fought with him in the Cuban revolution that overthrew President Fulgencio Batista in 1959.
Also mentioned as possible successors have been Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, 39, a former personal secretary to Castro, and Vice President Carlos Lage, 53, who as Cabinet secretary has broad experience in helping oversee the economy and government.
