With little known about Castro's condition, Cuba is abuzz with rumors

With little known about Castro's condition, Cuba is abuzz with rumors
by Carlos Batista Wed Jan 24, 2:49 AM ET

HAVANA (AFP) - With little known about the condition of ailing President
Fidel Castro over the past six months, Cuba has been abuzz with wild
rumors, further fueled by speculation reaching the island from abroad.

Authorities in communist Cuba have given only rare and vague medical
updates since the July 31 announcement that Castro had undergone
intestinal surgery a few days earlier and handed over power to his
younger brother Raul.

Ever since, the announcement, the rumor mill has been working overtime.

"Some people have even said he has died, that they are conserving him
and waiting for I don't know what, but I don't believe that," said Felix
Perez, a 35-year-old waiter.

A 28-year old nurse, who would only identify herself as Josefina said
rumors circulating in a Havana hospital say "he is very thin, but is
alright and spending his time on the telephone, giving orders and
driving the doctors crazy."

In the absence of news, many Cubans rely on what is known here as Radio
Bemba -- word-of-mouth that circulates in the streets.

Some get their news through foreign television programs, often thanks to
illegal cable connections or satellite dishes.

Radio Bemba even reaches the inside of prisons.

"Visitors tell us what is said in the streets," said Pedro, 51 shortly
after being released from a Havana jail where he was held for causing a
"public scandal."

Sometimes, the rumors also reach tourists' ears.

"There are many stories going around, some people say Castro doesn't
show himself because he has lost his beard," said Jorge Torres, a
visitor from Guatemala.

Statements from abroad have added to the confusion.

US and other officials suggested Castro had terminal cancer. A Spanish
surgeon who visited the ailing leader last month, dismissed the theory,
but gave no details of Castro's ailment.

Spanish media reports citing the hospital where the surgeon works said
the revolutionary leader had suffered intestinal hemorrhaging last
summer and a severe infection caused by inflammation of the large
intestine. The surgeon also denied that version too.

"Everything that is said is sheer speculation. What is certain is that
Cuba feeds the rumors," said a Latin American diplomat.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has visited and telephoned Castro
on several occasions, said last week his friend and ally was battling
for his life, but gave no details.

The revolutionary leader, who has survived several assassination
attempts, has said his condition had to remain "a state secret."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070124/lf_afp/cubacastrohealthrumors_070124021344