Punto Cero, Nov 18 (THAINDIAN NEWS) There is a strong rumor that the Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro is dead. It is an unconfirmed rumor. Due to his failing health, Fidel Castro has been on the so-called deathbed for long. In July 2006, he had emergency intestinal surgery to stem internal bleeding caused by chronic diverticulitis, which nearly claimed his life.

His failing health has made him very dependent on medicines, doctors, nurses and surgeries and the subsequent complications from them. He requires constant medical care, so in a practical move, a state-of-the art convalescent suite has been made in his principal residence, Punto Cero, where he is completely surrounded by his well-meaning family and Cuba’s finest doctors.

His failing health has made him give up his cherished power years ago. He handed over the power reigns to his brother Raul Castro. Since then, the long-time “El Presidente” has rarely been seen in public, although he did come on Cuban TV in August 2009. Even though he might not directly be in power, but his influence on Cuban politics hasn’t diminished at all.

The Cuban state has kept all news about Castro’s failing health a top- sate secret, which naturally makes all these Fidel Castro dead rumors quite unauthorized. Perez Hilton tried to report that Castro was dead in 2007, but those allegations were subsequently proven false.