From our Bureau of Wishful Thinking with some assistance from our Radio Bemba Bureau and our Castronoid Zombie Apocalypse Bureau
The King could be dead. If so, may he rot in Hell forever. So say many Cubans on social media, emails, and texts. This rumor follows on the heels of the deaths of four generals of the dinosaur generation. I received one email that claimed that KIng Raul and those generals had been killed by a bomb. (see image below) Could it be true?
As Cubans well know, the gossip network we call Radio Bemba (Fat Lips Radio) is highly unreliable. Fidel, for instance, died thousands of deaths on Radio Bemba before he died for real.
Some are speculating that the military junta is keeping his death a secret for all the obvious reasons, and that it could be remain a secret for a long time. Raul has disappeared from view a few times since he pretended to leave the throne. Some say his death could become apparent if he fails to mingle next week with Vietnam’s dictator To Lam, who is scheduled to visit Havana on September 25 and 26 . Stay tuned. Don’t get ready to party until it’s official.
Loosely translated from Periodico Cubano
Rumors about the possible death of Raúl Castro Ruz, 93, are circulating widely on social media, causing a stir within the Cuban community. The speculation gained momentum following statements made by influencer Juan Juan Almeida, son of the late Revolutionary Commander Juan Almeida Bosque.
Almeida’s comments came just hours after the deaths of four generals from the Cuban Armed Forces were announced, all of whom were younger than Fidel Castro’s brother.
Though Juan Juan did not directly mention Raúl by name, during an impromptu livestream while taking a shower, he hinted that “La China” or “Ho Chi Min”—a nickname possibly referring to Castro—was in his final moments.
“Well, I hope I’m wrong, but it seems like this time it’s real. I heard he’s in very, very bad shape. The information comes from a very close source where they’re preparing him. So, let’s stay alert. Hopefully, the news will say something before 8:00 p.m.,” said Juan Juan.
The death of Raúl Castro is not the only topic of discussion among Cubans. Four high-ranking generals have passed away in recent weeks, fueling speculation about a possible crisis within the military ranks of the island. One of them, Major General Jorge Luis Guerrero Almaguer, died on September 16, adding to the list of significant military figures who have lost their lives this month.
Guerrero Almaguer, who joined the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) in 1960, had a distinguished career within the Cuban military, and his death has raised many questions. Other deceased include Major General Romárico Sotomayor García, Brigadier General Juan Israel Cervantes Tablada, and retired Brigadier General Juan Antonio Hernández Hernández, all of whom were influential veterans in Cuba’s recent history.