In New Jersey, Cubans celebrate and speculate on future

In New Jersey, Cubans celebrate and speculate on future
By JANET FRANKSTON
Associated Press Writer

August 1, 2006, 12:43 PM EDT

UNION CITY, N.J. -- By the time Felix Alfonso's restaurant opened early
Tuesday morning, Fidel Castro's surgery and his temporary turnover of
power were clearly the specials of the day in this city filled with
Cuban immigrants.

"It was definitely a topic of conversation as soon as we opened up,"
Alfonso said while making Cuban sandwiches for the afternoon lunch rush
at El Artesano.

Residents said they and their fellow Cuban natives were rejoicing at the
news that Castro underwent intestinal surgery and temporarily handed
power to his brother Raul.

"We are very happy. I came to the United States in 1960. I've never been
back to Cuba," said Carlos Barberia, 70, a former band conductor who was
born in Cuba. "I want to go back to Cuba. I love my country."

Cuban government opponents said Castro's move gave them hope for
eventual openings in the island's political and economic systems. In New
Jersey, Barberia and others spread gossip that Castro will not return to
power.

"The opinion that we have is Castro is dead," said Angel Yasell, 65, who
was eating a Cuban sandwich for lunch. "I believe so and so do many Cubans."

As he spoke, Yasell's cell phone rang with friends calling to share the
latest news.

"Everyone is jumping," he said. His friend Tony Perez called the day a
big fiesta.

The turnover marked the first time that Castro, two weeks away from 80th
birthday, had relinquished power in 47 years of rule.

Some Cuban Americans were more measured in their comments.

Alfonso, 38, who left Cuba at age 2, said there are some mixed emotions
when it comes to talking of Castro's death.

"Some people feel it's premature," said Alfonso, the restaurant's
manager and co-owner. "Some feel it's the beginning of the end. Overall,
there is a positive vibe."

Alfonso, whose shop is filled with maps of Cuba, posters of Havana and
smells of empanadas and Cuban sandwiches, said it's unclear how the
Cuban people would adapt if such a long regime ended.

"They're accustomed to a system," Alfonso said. "It's for the better of
the country if that does happen and they will sacrifice for freedom."

Mario Sanchez, 43, said the day Cuban people have been waiting for could
be near.

"It's good if he dies," said Sanchez, a mechanic who was born in Cuba
and came to the U.S. in 1980. "And then the people will be free."

Either way, Sanchez said he does not plan to return to Cuba.

"I'm staying here," he said. "If he dies, Cuba's politics are going to
change. People want to be free."

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