Queens cheers Castro resignation

Much of the local Hispanic community in Queens rejoiced at the announcement that long-time Cuban President Fidel Castro was stepping down from his position, although many said it is too soon to tell what the immediate and long-term ramifications will be on the country.
Castro made the announcement early on Tuesday morning, February 19, and cited his poor health as the primary reason for his permanent resignation - which comes just days before the country’s national assembly is scheduled to meet to select a leader. Castro, 81, has ruled Cuba for nearly 50 years keeping the country under a communist regime and his actions led the U.S. to impose economic sanctions on the country.
“For years, Cuba has been under his leadership - and some may say dictatorship - and it has really set Cuba back for many, many years,” said Queens Assemblymember Jose Peralta, who represents an area heavily populated with Hispanic Americans.
Many experts believe that Castro’s brother Raul, who assumed temporary power when Fidel was undergoing surgery two years ago, will succeed Fidel and not many policies will change.
Dr. Pedro Goiricelaya, who was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. more than 45 years ago, currently practices medicine in Jackson Heights, believes that this was a calculated move by Fidel Castro in order to have everything in place before he dies.
“Everything will be the same because he is there,” said Goiricelaya, who treats many Cuban patients in Jackson Heights. “He will be the boss as long as he lives.”
However, Peralta believes that Castro’s resignation could be the first step in rebuilding the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba.
“This is going to be a renaissance for Cuba, and I think we are going to see the embargo eventually lifted and corporate America will have a field day with Cuba,” Peralta said. “I think it’s going to be good for the country, good for the economy, good for the people of Cuba and good for everyone involved.”
Eduardo Giraldo, who is the First Vice President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Queens, agreed.
“In my opinion it will be a good thing,” Giraldo said. We are in a changing time and I hope this will allow Cuba to move forward and allow Cuba to embrace the democratic process.”
Giraldo believes if that took place, then Cuba would see other changes as well including improved economic relations with the U.S.