Georgetown: With Cuba policy under the Trump administration still uncertain, Cuba solidarity activist Haleem Khan is reiterating the call for an end of the US blockade.
President of the Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Haleem Khan said in 2016 alone, the blockade cost Cuba US$4.7 billion. Since 1962, the socialist island lost over US$750 billion because of the policy. “We're hopeful that when the Trump Administration conducts a thorough review of U.S.-Cuba policy, they will see how to enhanced cooperation.”
Khan explained that since U.S. President Donald Trump has not indicated any attempt to remove the blockade. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said at his confirmation hearing that he would reverse former President Barack Obama’s executive orders normalizing relations with Cuba.
He said seeking to reverse more than 50 years of U.S. efforts to force Communist-run Cuba to change by isolating it, Obama agreed with Cuban President Raul Castro in December 2014 to work to normalize relations. Since then the two countries have restored diplomatic ties and signed various cooperation agreements.
“Local campaigns aimed at ending the embargo can play a key role in continuing to fortify public opinion in favor of a changed U.S. policy on Cuba. Along with the promising potential for victory and contribution of additional voices to the movement, such campaigns have shown themselves capable of strengthening other local strategies,” Khan noted “They can build alliances with related political struggles or accompany art and cultural events—such as Cuban music concerts and festivals, book release parties, displays of Cuban posters at libraries, and presentations by local residents who’ve come back from trips to the island.”
Former President John F. Kennedy first imposed the blockade against Cuba in 1962. It has since been renewed every year by the following nine presidents.
In 2015, the U.N. General Assembly voted 191-2 to condemn the U.S. blockade of Cuba, with only the U.S. and Israel opposed.
Obama, a Democrat, used executive orders to circumvent the longstanding U.S. trade embargo on Cuba and ease some restrictions on travel and business. The embargo can only be lifted by the U.S. Congress, which is controlled by Republicans.
Trump, who can reverse Obama's executive orders, has threatened to end the detente if Cuba does not make further political and other concessions, although the Republican businessman-turned-politician has not specified what these should be.
Havana hotels and restaurants are full of U.S. travelers and cruise ships now crisscross Havana Bay almost daily.
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