Fidel Castro was partial to knocking on the door of the Canadian ambassador’s residence in Havana to seek out lengthy conversations about Canadian politics, Latin America and even Quebec separatism over gin and tonics -- his favourite cocktail.
Cuba’s long-time dictator, whose death at the age of 90 was announced on state television Saturday, only met with a handful of Canadian officials over the course of his five decades in power. Those he encountered recall a charismatic leader deeply rooted in his political ideals. They also say he was a bit of an oddball.
“He was a very unusual person, a great physical presence in front of you, extremely talkative and colourful,” Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien told CTV News Channel on Saturday.
Chretien travelled to Cuba only once as prime minister, a whirlwind day-and-a-half visit in 1998, marking the first time in 22 years that a Canadian leader visited the isolated communist island.
Chretien criticized Castro’s ruthless suppression of political dissent and pushed for a more progressive approach to human rights, but was mindful that aggression would not be well received.
“We had to disagree with him, but never in a very unpleasant way,” he said.
Castro was equally reluctant to rebuff a Canadian leader, mindful of the need to maintain Canada’s unwavering support amid frosty relations with the U.S.
His warm relationship with former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and frequent visits to the Canadian-Cuban embassy would serve that purpose in lieu of formal talks with acting prime ministers.
Ambassador recalls cocktails with Castro
Mark Entwistle served as Canada’s ambassador to Cuba between 1993 and 1997. He remembers Castro knocking and waiting at his door. The Cuban leader was a frequent guest. His home was just steps away.
“His imposing physical stature would take up the entire door, basically blocking the sunlight. He’d ask to come in very politely. His favourite drink was a gin and tonic, so he would have a gin and tonic,” said Entwistle.
When he wasn’t popping by for a visit, Castro would call Entwistle in the middle of the night, summoning him to his office for lengthy talks about Canadian politics and all manner of “crazy things.”
“He did this several times in my tenure,” he said. “It was a fascinating experience as you can imagine.”
Entwistle estimates he spent hundreds of hours with Castro, but nothing that compared to his close friendship with Trudeau.
Castro was not known for being a good listener, but countless formal dinners with the former prime minister saw that change.
“Fidel would actually listen to Pierre Trudeau. That was a very, very unique feature of their relationship. It was warm, but it was also one of great respect. I would say intellectual respect,” said Entwistle.
He says the pair were like “philosophical soul mates” whose love for logic and rational thinking bridged their different backgrounds.
Their conversations throughout the 1990s inevitably led to longstanding tensions between Cuba and the U.S., with Castro using Trudeau as a sort of sounding board for his takes on the matter.
“The Cubans understand the Americans profoundly well. They spend a lot of time doing this in a very serious way,” said Entwistle. “I think that was part of the connection between Pierre and Fidel.”
