Raul Castro turns 82, with heir-apparent on deck

Posted on Monday, 06.03.13

Raul Castro turns 82, with heir-apparent on deck
The Associated Press

HAVANA -- Cuba's Raul Castro marked his 82nd birthday Monday in another
reminder that time is running out for the aging generation that has led
the country since the 1959 revolution.

Castro has been in power since a life-threatening intestinal disease
forced his brother Fidel to step aside in 2006. Since then he has
embarked on a program of social and economic reforms, while vowing that
Cuba will remain socialist.

"Raul has done much of what I hoped he would," said Roberto Roman, a
54-year-old resident of the capital. "I agree with what he said about
this being his last term. ... Raul should finish what he started."

Earlier this year Castro announced that his current presidential term,
which ends in 2018, will be his last, for the first time since the 1959
revolution naming a date beyond which Cuba will not be led by him or his
brother.

In a sign of the inevitable generational leadership change, Castro named
as his new vice president and heir-apparent Miguel Diaz-Canel, who at 53
is relatively young compared to the octogenarians who occupy many top
positions.

Castro's reforms have been gradually taking effect especially since
2010, including the legalization of many non-government jobs and private
businesses, the private cultivation of fallow state land, the relaxation
of limitations on overseas travel, and the legitimization of used car
and real estate markets.

His critics, however, say change has been slow to come and lament the
lack of political reform like multiparty elections.

Castro's birthday was not mentioned in state-run newspapers and no
public celebrations were announced, but some people wished him well on
social media and on the streets of Havana.

"I wish him success in his work," said Frank Gonzalez, 45.

Raul Castro was born June 3, 1931, in the eastern town of Biran.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/03/3430895/raul-castro-turns-82-with-heir.html