Cuba Si, Yanqui Si

JoshA

Senior Insider
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30516740

US President Barack Obama has hailed a "new chapter" in US relations with Cuba, announcing moves to normalise diplomatic and economic ties.
Mr Obama said Washington's current approach was "outdated" and the changes were the "most significant" in US policy towards Cuba in 50 years.
Cuban President Raul Castro said he welcomed the shift in a TV address.
The move includes the release of US contractor Alan Gross and three Cubans held in the US.
Wednesday's announcements follow more than a year of secret talks in Canada and at the Vatican, directly involving Pope Francis.
'Respectful'The US is looking to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months, Mr Obama said.


The plans set out in a White House statement also include:

  • Reviewing the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism
  • Easing a travel ban for US citizens
  • Easing financial restrictions
  • Increasing telecommunications links
  • Efforts to lift the 54-year-old trade embargo
 
Those that have invested in property and businesses in Cuba are going to make a bundle. It was only a meter of time. Cuba, is in a way, like the countries such as the Czech Republic that were behind the Iron Curtain for many years. Cuba was one of the nicest destinations in the Caribbean and will be again. The charm of remaining unchanged will be capitalized upon. However soon the pollution, cars clogging the roads and crime will catch on as it becomes more westernized. Let's hope the island will go the route of SBH or Nantucket with controlled development but it will probably not and instead be a free for all.
 
One can only hope for the better results. The big risk is that Cuba does have similar population to e.g. Haiti and Dominican Republic and may end up the same way after being exploited. The country needs work for the 10 million people.

While one have seen the Chinese influence rise in Cuba over the last years (e.g. Chinese cars), it's a pity that China has not built new infrastructure there the same way they've done in all over Africa and some Caribbean islands as well.
 
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