HAVANA -Cuban President Fidel Castro's advancing age -and ultimately his mortality -were brought home yesterday after he fractured a knee and an arm when he tripped and fell at a public event.
In a communist society where the 78-year-old leader has played a larger-than-life role for more than four decades, the tumble was the latest reminder that Cuba's commander in chief is an aging man who will not live forever.
I'm all in one piece
Castro declared on state television Wednesday night after tripping on a concrete step while returning to his seat after an hour-long speech in the central city of Santa Clara.
A medical examination early yesterday confirmed Castro suffered a broken left knee and a hairline fracture in his upper right arm, according to an official notice carried by state media.
His general health is good and he is in excellent spirits it stated, adding that Castro hoped to be back in place soon.
He asked that it be made known he is in condition to keep overseeing fundamental questions in close cooperation with government and party leaders
the statement stated.
Nevertheless, Castro's tumble was sure to cause speculation about the communist leader's health after 45 years of ruling this island of 11.2 million people.
Castro's health has long been closely watched.
Sometimes
people have this idea that he's some sort of god
that he's omnipotent
said Yanisset Rivero, spokeswoman for the Cuban Democratic Directorate, a Miami group that supports dissidents on the island. It's a sign ... that he's human.
Rights activist Elizardo Sanchez of Havana predicted the incident would not immediately affect government policies, but it does put on the agenda the theme of the advanced age of various leaders.
In the last several years, Castro's knees have seemed more wobbly, his step less steady. Nevertheless, he maintains a busy schedule that frequently includes all-night meetings with aides and visitors.
Average Cubans did not seem as alarmed yesterday as they were three years ago when Castro fainted in the scorching Caribbean sun during a live televised speech before a crowd of thousands.
He needs to get well soon
Georgina Hernandez said yesterday as she walked on the streets of Old Havana. The Cuban people need him and need him to last a long time.
Taxi driver Emilio Lagos said, I hope he will have good health for at least 20 more years.
He's our guide
added Fermina Pino, a middle-aged Cuban woman.
In Washington, the State Department declined to wish a speedy recovery to Castro.
I will do what is possible to recover as fast as possible
but as you can see I can still talk
Castro told television viewers, sweating profusely into his olive green uniform from the pain. Even if they put me in a cast
