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.

Fidel Castro, 84, made a surprise appearance at the gathering, receiving thunderous applause from the 1,000 delegates assembled in a vast convention centre in the capital, Havana.

Many cried as he was helped to the stage by a young aide, then stood at attention next to his brother during the playing of Cuba’s national anthem.

The revolutionary, who wore a blue tracksuit over a checked shirt, looked unsteady on his feet as he clutched the aide’s arm, and at times slumped in his chair. But he became more animated as the proceedings continued, especially when Raul’s name was read out.

For the first time since the party’s founding in 1965, Fidel was not included in the names of the party’s Central Committee members.

A mixture of young and old, females and Cubans of African descent make up the new leadership group.