Havana - Cuban Vice President Juan Almeida Bosque, one of the closest compatriots of the island's revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, died overnight Friday, Cuban media reported Saturday. He was 82.
Almeida was one of the strongest personalities in the group led by Castro that staged the communist revolution in Cuba in the 1950s. He was by Castro's side throughout the entire campaign, which ended with Castro coming to power in 1959 and staying until he entered semi- retirement in 2008, when Castro's brother took over the reins of power.
Almeida held various posts starting in 1959, both in the administration and in the Communist party. He was also an author and a composer.
The government declared Saturday a day of mourning in Almeida's honour.
