Juanita Castro, the sister of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, has passed away at the age of 90, according to a report in Newsweek. Known for being one of Fidel Castro’s harshest critics, Juanita left Cuba in 1964 and moved to Florida after accusing her brother of turning the country into a prison. She eventually became an agent for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), operating under the codename “Donna.”
The news of Juanita Castro’s death was announced by journalist Maria Antonieta Collins, who co-authored Juanita’s memoir. In a caption accompanying a photo on Instagram, Collins said, “This is the news I never wanted to give, but as his spokesperson for the last three decades of his life, I have to communicate it.”
Details about the cause of Juanita’s death have not been made public, but Collins described her as an exceptional woman and a tireless fighter for the cause of Cuba. She also requested prayers for Juanita’s soul and stated that there would be no interviews and the funeral would be private.
Fidel Castro, one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, had a significant impact on American politics with the establishment of a communist state near the United States. His support for Moscow led to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, a 13-day standoff between the US and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Despite his failing health, Castro remained in control of the nation for many years until 2006 when he handed over power to his brother Raul Castro.
In contrast to her influential family, Juanita Castro distanced herself from her brother’s administration and became a vocal opponent. She expressed sadness upon hearing of Fidel Castro’s death in 2016 but stated that she would never return to Cuba.
In her memoir, “My Brothers Fidel and Raul, the Secret History,” Juanita described the challenges she faced as a Cuban exile in Florida due to her connections with the country’s leaders. She lamented the lack of understanding and support she received, both from those in Cuba who saw her as a deserter and from many in Miami who viewed her as “persona non grata” because of her association with Fidel and Raul.
Juanita Castro’s passing marks the end of an era and highlights the complex relationship between family and political ideology.
