Carlos Rafael Rodríguez

[3] A "dedicated Marxist", Rodríguez's participation in the Batista cabinet marked the high point of the regime's collaboration with the Communist Party.

[4] Castro befriended him, and after his victory, he rewarded Rodríguez with top posts in the Cuban government.

From 1962 to 1965, Rodríguez headed the National Institute of Agrarian Reform, and was referred to by some in the foreign press as Cuba's economic czar.

[1] In 1969, Castro sent him as an "observer" to the International Meeting of Communist and Workers Parties in Moscow, where he gave an important speech declaring that Cuba would "stand unflinchingly by the USSR".

Rodríguez remained a key figure in Soviet-Cuban relations, providing public statements during times of friendship and discord.