RAUL CASTRO led his final May Day march as president in Havana yesterday, dedicated to late leader Fidel.

Crowds gathered from 2am in the capital’s huge Jose Marti Revolution Square for the annual highlight of workers’ celebrations around the world.

Mr Castro, who has said he will step down next February, presided over the rally, flanked by members of the Communist Party of Cuba politburo for the opening speeches at 7.30am, before the march set off.

Some 1,690 international guests from 89 countries, 349 trade unions and 14 Cuba solidarity organisations attended.

Cuban Workers Federation secretary-general Ulises Gilarte gave the keynote speech, laying into the imperialist offensive against leftwing governments across Latin America, especially Venezuela.

“There is a very complex international situation and the challenges and dangers for Latin America and the Caribbean are growing,” Mr Gilarte said, urging greater unity among the peoples of the continent.

He said Cuba supported President Nicolas Maduro’s government in its fight “to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, independence and the genuine values of the Bolivarian revolution.”

Mr Gilarte added that Cuba supports workers across the world in their fight against capitalism and their claims for better social and labour rights.

He thanked union leaders from all continents who came to show their solidarity with Cuba.

The labour leader also demanded that the US end its 55-year economic blockade of Cuba, still in force despite detente with former US president Barack Obama.

“Cuba will never give up on its ideals of independence and social justice because we have earned this sovereign right with great sacrifices,” he said.

The parade, marking the 55th anniversary of the Cuban Young Communist League (UJC), was led by school and university students.

UJC first secretary MaiLin Alberti last week stressed that the nation’s young people would never betray the legacy of revolutionary leader and former president Fidel Castro, who died in November.

“Fidel will be present this International Workers’ Day in each man and woman present at the rally,” she said. “He will be our guide, example,” she said. “This May Day will be Fidel.”