Luther Castillo Harry, a former student of the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba, is currently the Secretary of State in the Office of Science and Technology of Honduras and a staunch admirer of the late dictator Fidel Castro.
Last week, during an interview with Cuban state media, Castillo recalled his time in Cuba and his hours spent alongside Fidel, with whom he claimed to have shared "a lot."
The Honduran official stated he felt proud to have gone through ELAM and said it was a product of the "solidarity of the Cuban revolution."
In his speech, he enthusiastically highlighted that he arrived in Cuba on March 17, 1999, and since then, he has participated in the marches ordered by Castro as part of the so-called "Battle of Ideas."
"I had the experience of spending countless hours with Commander Fidel Castro Ruz. I was a leader at the Latin American School of Medicine. He would call for me there every week, during the battle of little Elián. Every Saturday, every Wednesday, and every Saturday we would meet. We would visit municipality by municipality, participating in the open forum," said Castillo, demonstrating that at ELAM, the ideological indoctrination of students has always been an integral part of their training as doctors.
According to what he added, he even participated in the first “anti-imperialist” forum, called by the dictator, and came to feel just like any other Cuban.
His words echo the same triumphalist tone of the Cuban establishment. He also adopted the militant rhetoric of Fidel and the regime, in which they blame the U.S. government for "attacking" the island through the "blockade."
Castillo went to the U.S. to pursue two master’s degrees at Harvard University, and upon returning to his country, he became a minister.
"Today I returned to my country as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, with clarity and conviction about what the Cuban revolution means to me and what it means for our people. That's why I have always said that they shouldn't count on me to speak ill of Cuba," he expressed.
This is not the only case in which a person trained in Cuba, with communist leanings, manages to infiltrate high political spheres in other countries.
Such is the case of the Cuban nationalized Venezuelan, Leticia Cecilia Gómez Hernández, appointed as Minister of Tourism in Nicolás Maduro's government, a news that sparked controversy regarding the infiltration of the Castro regime into the Bolivarian power structure.
In the complex framework of the relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, the name Gómez Hernández stands out for its influence and power in the tourism industry. According to Venezuelan investigative journalist Ibéyise Pacheco, the tourism minister arrived in Venezuela in 2001 alongside the current Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, and quickly began to climb the ranks within the tourism sector.
The influence of Gómez Hernández is not limited to his official positions. His presence in Venezuela represents a vital link between the interests of the Cuban regime and chavismo.
Gómez has led initiatives to attract tourism from Cuba to Venezuela, promoting what are presented as business opportunities for both countries, but which in reality seem to be schemes for money laundering and evasion of international sanctions. These schemes involve Cuban citizens acting as "mules" in a supposed "shopping tourism" that is heavily controlled and monitored by State Security in Margarita.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fidel Castro's Influence on Education and Politics in Latin America
Who is Luther Castillo and what is his relationship with Fidel Castro?
Luther Castillo is the current Secretary of State in the Office of Science and Technology of Honduras and was a student at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Cuba, where he developed a close relationship with dictator Fidel Castro, actively participating in the marches and events organized by the Cuban regime.
What role does the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) play in ideological indoctrination?
The ELAM is used by the Cuban regime as a platform for the ideological indoctrination of students from different countries, instilling in them the doctrine of the Cuban revolution and the figure of Fidel Castro, as demonstrated by Luther Castillo's experience during his time at the institution.
What is Luther Castillo's opinion on the Cuban revolution?
Luther Castillo expresses deep pride and admiration for the Cuban revolution, considering it a source of solidarity and ideological training. He maintains a defensive stance toward the Cuban regime, refusing to criticize it and highlighting its positive impact on his professional and personal life.
How does Fidel Castro's influence manifest in the education of young Cubans?
The influence of Fidel Castro on Cuban education is reflected in the systematic indoctrination of the youth, through programs such as "Bastión estudiantil" and the promotion of his figure as a historical leader. The regime uses events and speeches to perpetuate his legacy among new generations, as evidenced by the actions of President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
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