After 46 years, Fidel no longer on leadership list

RAUL CASTRO was named first secretary of Cuba’s Communist Party, with his ageing brother Fidel not included in the leadership for the first time since the party’s creation 46 years ago.

Despite the promise that a new generation of leaders was poised to take up important positions, Raul announced that Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, an 80-year-old long-time confidante, would be deputy.

Ramiro Valdes, a 78-year-old vice-president, was also named in a prominent position. Several younger people were added to the 15-member leadership group, but in lesser positions.