After seven months of hype by the media the Cuban “visitor” Elian Gonzalez has finally returned to Cuba with a reception quite opposite from the farewell he received when he left Cuba. Touted as the young prince back home, Elian had to go through a period which took everyone in the states by storm. As the court rejected the appeal of his relatives his seven-month stay in the US came to an end. President Fidel Castro has frequently accused his critics in the United States of exploiting Elian by making such a big issue out of him. However the whole issue has served the Cuba’s future prospects with the US very well. Seven months ago, Elian was rescued from a boat in which his father had died. He was brought to the states where he should have been sent back to Cuba by the US immigration. Instead he was handed over to his relatives who later on refused to return to give the Child’s custody back to his parents. Complicated issues were raised as what would be better for Elian’s future. There were mixed public opinions as some thought he belonged to his mother while some thought that going back to Cuba means he has a dark future and he should be given the opportunity to be raised in a better society. However in the end the verdict went in the favor of his immediate family and he was returned back to his mother....
