By: Las Vegas Now Staff
There has been mixed reaction about Fidel Castro's resignation from the local Cuban community here in the valley.
There are close to 10,000 Cubans living here in Las Vegas and many of which are familiar with the popular Cuban restaurant, the Florida Cafe.
Cuban culture can be scene everywhere inside this restaurant. It's this culture that kept employees glued to the television all day for new developments in Castro's resignation. Among them was Malby's Martinez.
“They say Papa Fidel when you are little. They teach you that he is like God,” she said.
She still remembers what she was taught when she grew up in Cuba. She came to the United States in 1994 and now works at the Florida Cafe.
Her father is still in Cuba, along with several other family members. Today's news had her up early and calling friends and family here in Las Vegas.
“I was happy. He's not going to live forever. He's been there for so long that you give up,” she said.
But not all are celebrating just yet.
Sergio Perez owns the Florida Cafe and has been in the U.S. for 14 years. He got the call about Castro's resignation from his sister who is still in Cuba with their father.
He feels it's too early to know what this all means.
“Who has the power right now? Raul Castro is no different than Fidel Castro. It's the same. What is the difference?” he asks.
And until there is a free Cuba, he hangs onto the hope of seeing his family again soon.
“I want to hug my father and my sister,” he said.
Many we spoke with have tried to call their family in Cuba to see what is happening there, but the lines have been busy all day.
They see it as another example of how the Cuban government is controlling the people there.
Email your comments to Reporter Chris Saldana
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