FORMER OPPONENTS and allies of retiring Cuban leader Fidel Castro yesterday paid tribute in the House of Representatives to the man who steps down from the presidency after virtually a half century at the helm of Government in the communist island.

The Cuban leader's retirement is being described as not only the end of an era, but the end of eras. Prime Minister Bruce Golding said Castro remains the longest serving head of government in the modern world.

Opponent of castro regime

He acknowledged that, during the great ideological divide, the Jamaica Labour Party was a fierce opponent of the political values of the Castro regime.

The prime minister said that era was a thing of the past, with Jamaica and Cuba now enjoying a relationship that is mutually respectful and beneficial.

Golding hailed Castro for his steadfastness, courage, strength of leadership and unswerving commitment to the cause of the Cuban people.

"There is a transition that is now taking place and one of the hopes that we have is that this transition will be a defining moment … that it will put an end once and for all to the unjustified isolation of the Cuban people," he added.

PNP stood by Cuba

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, in her remarks, described Castro as a legend, a giant and a champion.

She said that, during the difficult period of the Cold War when many countries were afraid to associate with the communist state, the People's National Party administration stood with Cuba and opposed the United States' trade embargo.

"Michael Manley and P.J. Patterson stood firm and retained diplomatic relationships with Cuba. Despite the challenges of that country, Fidel Castro stood strong and tall among world leaders," she said.

Simpson Miller thanked the Cuban leader for contributing to Jamaica's education sector by constructing three schools - José Martí High, Garvey Maceo High and the G.C. Foster College.

Other members of Parliament on both sides of the political divide also paid tribute to Castro's leadership.