While statements from Cuba Tuesday suggested that Fidel Castro had survived intestinal surgery, few other details were given on his condition or illness.

With control temporarily handed over to his brother, Raul, what will Fidels eventual demise mean to the political and social fabric of the country hes ruled for nearly 50 years?

West Virginia has trio of experts on the region who can comment on Cuba in light of its ailing leaders health crises

They are:

• Dr. Bill Trumbull, director the Division of Economics and Finance in the College of Business and Economics. For several years up to 2004, Trumbull taught economics courses in the country through a partnership with WVU and the University of Havana. He can discuss the country in socioeconomic terms, be it post-Fidel, or otherwise. Trumbull is currently in Miami at a conference and can be reached by e-mail at william.trumbull@mail.wvu.edu or by cell phone at 304-685-5630.

• Dr. Jamie Elizabeth Jacobs of the political science faculty is an expert on Latin America and can talk about social activism, political movements and environmental concerns in Cuba and the region. Shes fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and her research has appeared in the journal,Latin American Politics and Society.She can be reached at jjacobs3@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3811, ext. 5285.

• Dr. Joe Super is a history professor who specializes in Latin America history. He can talk about how Castro came to be while framing the Cuba of todayand possibility tomorrow, given the fortunes of Fidels healthin that context. He can be reached at john.super@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-2421, ext. 5222.