HAVANA - In a surprise move, newly elected Cuban President Raul Castro named Cuban-born musician and television actor Desi Arnaz as his vice president yesterday. Insiders say that Mr. Castro selected Arnaz because he is "a huge fan" of Arnaz's signature song "Babalu." When Mr. Castro made the announcement to a stunned parliament, Arnaz came on stage carrying his bongo drums. He was accompanied by his next-door neighbor, ex-vaudevillian Fred Mertz who proceeded to perform a "soft shoe" routine. Mr. Mertz was pelted by several persons in the crowd with tomatoes, one of which knocked him to the ground. Security guards quickly escorted Mr. Mertz from the stage. Mr. Mertz reportedly was later shot by Cuban military personnel and expired immediately.
In introducing Arnaz to parliament, Mr. Castro explained that he formerly was married to Lucille Ball, "the zany redhead we are all so crazy about." Mr. Castro told the crowd that his brother, outgoing Cuban President Fidel Castro, was "very, very pleased" with Arnaz's selection. "My brother's face shined with a contentment I have not seen the Sierra Maestra Mountains," Mr. Castro said. "Fidel told me, 'Now I can die in peace. Desi Arnaz has returned to Cuba.'"
