Widespread speculation surrounding the health of Fidel Castro grew in 2006 after the former Communist leader underwent abdominal surgery and later ceded the presidency to his younger brother , Raul . Cuban revolutionary Juan Castro died of a heart attack that evening . Almeida , 53 , was a vice president and member of the Central Committee . He was among only a few black leaders in top government positions . He sided with the Castros at the start of their campesino - communist revolution .
Cuban revolutionary Juan Castro died of a heart attack that evening . Almeida , 53 , was a vice president and member of the Central Committee . He was among only a few black leaders in top government positions . He sided with the Castros at the start of their campesino - communist revolution .