WHAT is Fidel Castro afraid of? That US President Barack Obama will take over his revolution? If not, what is bothering him? A joke? It is almost two weeks since the 44th president of the US made his official visit to Havana, accompanied by his wife, his mother-in-law, and the two Obama daughters. It made the news at home and abroad — but not as big as I’d imagined.

The American president spoke openly of his mission to get Cuba and the US to move away from the past and go forward to mend the “broken fence” between them. He wanted them to bury the Cold War hostility of 60-odd years to convince the Cuban people and Government that the US was ready to make peace and become good neighbours.

The intention, too, was to facilitate reform of Cuba’s economy and political system, without the threat of US interference. So was it reported by the Associated Press, one of the established media organisations which kept track of the visit.

Few, if any, representatives of Caribbean media were on spot. If they were, they kept out of sight. Strange, isn’t it, how little time we Caribbean people give to each other? Overseas media doesn’t always have the answer, so we need to see things from our perspective more often and let the world know we are on spot too.

When the Obamas went back to Washington, they were wearing smiles. The president had done what his predecessors had failed to do. He had made friends with a former enemy. Photos of the Obama visit showed happy Cuban faces offering the hospitality for which they have been famous, even in their most difficult times — and they had many such. The hands of friendship, peace and goodwill had joined at last. The most famous Cuban of them all, Fidel Castro, was conspicuous by his absence from the events which the US president attended and addressed Cuban citizens who came out to see and hear.

It was no secret that declining health, which comes with increasing years, has been determining Fidel’s moves. He is a senior citizen now; looking shaky, but still a man with strong opinions of his own. At age 89, Fidel has surrendered leadership to his younger brother, Raul, but every day there seems to be a reminder that he’s not done yet.

Fidel waited until after Air Force One had taken the US leader back home, then he spoke, via a letter of many, many pages; not words of peace and harmony, but his determination to be his own man. Too much floodwater had gone under the bridge between him and Washington, so to speak. War and rumours of war had taken their toll over the years. To share his view of America’s attempt at friendship, he wrote one of his noted long, long epistles, unleashing doubt and cynicism, while taking an ill-concealed slap at President Obama and America. Fidel was in no mood for fence-mending. For him, the battle is not over yet.

The wily old fox didn’t seem to care what had been said or the applause given. He was not impressed. He didn’t believe any promises either. He had gone without gifts for so long, and apparently he is prepared to do without them. He even brushed aside talk of trade and economic relations which could benefit the two nations. One headline said he didn’t want any presents. Cubans could feed themselves with self-produced food, etc, and manage their own business. He didn’t want charity.

So far, I cannot recall seeing in media anywhere a response from Obama or Raul Castro publicly reacting to Fidel’s outburst. Fidel seemed to be saying that Cuba will always be Cuba, captain of its own ship, master of its own destiny, not tempted by the easy way out.

Fidel’s letter is not unlike that of a wayward child who refused to be placated when grown-ups try to get him to apologise for interrupting a conversation.

It would be interesting to get the opinion of Cubans who want to move along from the revolution of old and see what can be achieved in a new era. Maybe we will find out one day, or maybe we won’t. Fidel will have his way to the very end. He doesn’t give a peso for anyone’s opinion. As far as he’s concerned, he’s said it already; and who doesn’t like it, should know what to do by this.

Obama must be somewhat embarrassed, having got others to believe that all Cubans were ready to forgive and forget. But here comes Fidel, rebuffing attempts at luring his people into capitalism. Meanwhile, to go down in history as the peacemaker, Obama will still press on. Time is running out on his “presidential credit card” and time left in office, but it is evident that he will keep trying.

I am curious, did Fidel and Obama meet? Did brother Raul take messages back and forth? Will we ever know?

Praise and nuff respect, Arthur Williams Jr

We really are a people in thick of all things to have achieved something spectacular like the Arthur Williams Jamaican family, whose 22-year-old son Arthur Jr, outstanding student at college in the US, was consulted on his research to provide background material to be used in President Obama’s speech which was delivered at the historic visit to Cuba.

“Daddy Williams”, attorney and former senator, is beaming with pride, not only for the glory shared by the family, but for all Jamaica. Give thanks and praise and nuff respect!

Jamaica and Guantanamo

Did you know that there have been Jamaican workers employed at Guantanamo, the American base, for years now? When the news broke recently that one worker was airlifted home here because of illness, nuff people commented that they didn’t know our people worked there. Our people work anywhere and everywhere. The Ministry of Labour recruited workers for “Gitmo” for many years. It seems now not many “Back a Yard” even remember. Maybe now, we will.

Memo to the ministry: Do we still recruit for Gitmo?

Barbara Gloudon is a journalist, playwright and commentator. Send comments to the Observer or to gloudonb@yahoo.com.