Raul Castro, who took power after his older brother Fidel was hospitalized in 2006, said that the revolutionary leader's remains will be cremated early on Saturday, "in compliance with his expressed will."

Raul Castro made the announcement just after midnight Friday (0500 GMT Saturday).
One of the leading world figures in the second half of the 20th century, Fidel Castro had outsized influence given the size of his small Caribbean island.
He was said to have survived countless US assassination attempts.

Now the questions is:  Who will take over when Raul retires next year? Are we about to see real change in government? From communism to capitalism?

VIVA CUBA LIBRE!