Cubans Celebrate 50 years of the Revolution

Barra Mac An Fhaili

Cuba celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution on January 1st. It marked the victory of the 26th July movement led by Fidel Castro over the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista on Jan. 1, 1959.

In Santiago de Cuba, where Fidel Castro addressed the nation five decades ago, Raul Castro told Cubans the revolution is as strong as ever but warned of the need to continuously fight the enemy, referring to the US. "It is time to reflect on the future, on the next 50 years when we shall continue to struggle incessantly," he told a crowd. “I’m not trying to scare anyone, this is the truth."

President Castro hailed his brother's role in creating and sustaining the revolution, quoting from several speeches over his nearly half century in power. "We know that a man alone doesn't make history. But some men are indispensable, as they can have a decisive influence in the course of events. Fidel is one," he said.

"Viva Fidel, viva the revolution, viva free Cuba!" he shouted.

The leader of the Revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro in a message published in the state run newspaper, ‘The Granma’ praised "our heroic people" for 50 years of revolution.

Under Fidel Castro Cuba has got worldwide acclaim for its education system that has stamped out illiteracy and its universal healthcare system, which ranks amongst the best in the world.

Cuba's economy has suffered due to the US embargo placed on the island for the past 46 years. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s it placed greater strains on the Cuban economy. However it remains steadfast and it remains to be seen whether Cuba will fair lightly in the world economic downturn compared to other nations throughout the world. Cuba still has a strong ally in Venezuela, who have been sending some 100,000 barrels of subsidized oil a day. With this being said Cuba's economy has been hurt this year by three hurricanes causing $10 billion in damage and high food prices.

The economic embargo in place by the US is not expected to be lifted any time soon. But with the incoming administration of US President Barack Obama, there is a renewed sense of hope that he'll ease restrictions – including family travel and remittances for Cuban Americans – and that more dialogue can open between the two nations

The fact that Cubans celebrated the 50th anniversary of the revolution this month shows the failed foreign policy of the US towards the island. Despite the US Embargo and the US policy of isolation towards Cuba the country continues to strive, grow and outcome the many obstacles which attempt to strangle the Cuban revolution.

Heres to another 50 years of the revolution….