Castro takes centre stage once more to insist: I’m not on my death bed yet

An article by him on a state-sponsored website, ironically titled “Fidel is Dying,” is accompanied by photos taken by son Alex that show the revolutionary standing outside wearing a checked shirt and cowboy hat, including one in which he is seen reading Friday’s copy of the Communist Party newspaper Granma. Castro is leaning against a cane in the photos and he looks every bit his 86 years, but his eyes are sharp and his expression determined as he gestures with his left hand.

“I don’t even remember what a headache feels like,” Castro claims in the article, adding that he was releasing the photos to show “how dishonest” the rumour mongers have been.

Cubans reacted with a mix of support and cynicism.

“He looks well to me and the truth is I’m happy, but one day he will die because at his age he’s on borrowed time,” said Camilo Fuentes, a 67-year-old Havana resident.

Castro’s article was published on the state-run Cubadebate website and in virtually all other state-media later. It is the latest evidence the ex-president is alive and seemingly well after more than a week of intense speculation he was seriously ill.