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A young boy dressed in a military uniform is hoisted on the shoulders of an adult as he waves the flag of Cuba Tuesday May 1, 2007 in Havana, Cuba. CHRIS URSO/The Tampa Tribune
BY KAREN BRANCH-BRIOSO
The Tampa Tribune
HAVANA – Long before dawn today, the Cuban capital awoke with anticipation for the annual International Labor Day celebration.
Tens of thousands made their way to the Plaza of the Revolution. They came from all parts of Cuba. From all parts of the world, even the United States. On everyone’s mind: Would President Fidel Castro, who has presided over most every May 1 celebration since he came to power in 1959, make his first public appearance since temporarily transferring power to his brother Raul July 31?
“There’s tremendous anticipation in the city,” said Pamela Ann Martin, an Ambler, Pa.-based consultant wrapping up a trip here to try to arrange sales of medical equipment to Cuba from Clearwater-based Mercury Medical. “That’s the big talk: will he come out or won’t he? I’m hearing more ‘wills’ than ‘won’ts’.”
“We hope he shows up,” said Juan Cortes, 48, vice president of Puerto Rico’s Central Workers’ Federation, which sewnt 11 members to the events. “That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Cuban nationals were more skeptical. While recent photographs released of the leader in recent days showed a Castro who looked far more robust than his appearance after intestinal surgery last summer, they think he still has some recovery to go before attending a long-running event like this. The march of hundreds of thousands can last several hours in Havana’s searing heat.
“It’s a tradition for him to preside over the parade, but it’s understandable if he doesn’t show,” said Francisco Rodriguez, 36, a journalist for Trabajadores, the weekly newspaper for the Cuban workers union. “I would be very happy if he came, but it would be better for his health if he didn’t…But with Fidel, one never knows. He likes to surprise people.”
Rodriguez’s son, Javier, who accompanied his father on his seventh birthday. He made his own prediction about a Castro sighting: “Raul will be here.”
Reporter Karen Branch-Brioso can be reached at (813) 259-7815 or at kbranch-brioso@tampatrib.com.
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