Obama says history will judge Castro’s ‘enormous impact’

Mr. Obama, who began a process to normalize relations with Cuba two years ago and visited Cuba this year, added, “The Cuban people must know they have a friend and partner in the United States of America”.

‘The policies and actions he pursued, in our judgment, weren’t in the best interests of the Cuban people, ‘ he told ABC.

Choking back tears, Irma Hierrezuelo, 65, said she had gone on medication “for my nerves” after learning the news.

MARGARITA BARCA: A lot of people screaming and being happy. And we’re not happy because a person died.

The organization works to improve relations between the USA and Cuba through trips and events.

“People who do live in Cuba come here on vacation and end up saying that they wouldn’t change Cuba for anything”. Younger Cuban-Americans like Daniel Guaty are anxiously planning a trip to the island.

At Cuba 312 in Roscoe Village, owner Guillermo Alvarez says Castro’s death has been the talk at every table. No Castro, no anybody, when Cuba is free.

During the campaign, Trump sent mixed signals about how he meant to approach US policy toward Cuba, even as Obama was using the final months of his presidency to try to codify as much of the opening as possible. A Fidel impersonator dressed in green military fatigues, chomping a cigar drew cheers with selfies as he made his way through the crowd. History will remember him as nothing more. “If we want a democratic transition on the island, it has to be without that family in power”, she said.

The death of Castro prompted celebration across South Florida, including along Little Havana’s S.W. 8th Street, or Calle Ocho, as well as Westchester.

“I was born under this revolution and I am truly sad”, Micaela Consuegra, a street-sweeper of 55.

Santiago was the scene of Castro’s ill-fated first revolution attempt in 1953. Well, this one lasted 57.

“They captured me in Havana.they condemned me to 14 years in prison”, says Abreu.

“We have the right to the change”.

Others saw Fidel’s death as a sign that a generation that has ruled Cuba for decades is passing from the world stage, many noting that his brother, current President Raul Castro, is 85.