US sanctions list exempts dozens of companies with links to Cuba

The United States exempted dozens of foreign companies and individuals appearing on its sanctions list for having economic and financial relations with Cuba.

The US State Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published the list of countries exempted on its website, which includes entities from Germany, Cyprus, Kuwait, Ecuador, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela.

U.S. priest: Spiritual costs of Cuban embargo have been high

The U.S. trade embargo against Cuba turns 55 in October, and its effects are clear in the dilapidated buildings, scant food supply of Cuban stores and infrastructure around the island.

But what’s not easy to see is the spiritual cost. Trinitarian Father Juan Molina, director of the U.S. bishops’ Office for the Church in Latin America, said that spiritual cost has been great.

“The embargo has literally put a block between two hands, two sister churches working together,” Father Molina said. “The church in the United States is very much a missionary church that goes to very different places around the world, not only to spend time with their brothers and sisters, but also to help them.”

Leahy advocates for further normalization of relations with Cuba

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Monday that the United States’ travel ban against Cuba contradicts American ideals. Those ideals ought to be promoted abroad, Leahy said, by lifting the trade embargo against the Caribbean country.

Leahy delivered his remarks to a small group of reporters gathered at his Burlington office on the heels of his return to the United States after witnessing Americans on Aug. 14 raise their flag over an embassy in Cuba for the first time in 54 years.

Senate Appropriations Committee Adopts Pro-Cuba Trade Amendments Before Recess

 On July 23, the Senate Appropriations Committee considered and approved its version of the FY 2016 Financial Services Appropriations bill, which included consideration of several amendments to improve the U.S. relationship with Cuba. Specifically, the Committee adopted amendments that would: prohibit funds from being used to ban travel of U.S. citizens to Cuba, from Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)); eliminate a financing barrier to trade by allowing for the use of private credit for the sale of agricultural commodities to Cuba, from Senator John Boozman (R-AR) based on legislation introduced by Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Boozman; and repeal the 180 prohibition on vessels that have traveled to Cuba from loading or unloading freight in the U.S. without a license, from Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). NAWG applauds adoption of amendments to enable U.S. wheat farmers to export to Cuba and continues to advocate for expanding trading opportunities through stand-alone legislation and the Appropriations process.

Source: NAWG

Heart to Heart International will head to Cuba soon to deliver medical supplies

The United States government took a major step forward in its mission to normalize relations with Cuba when on Friday it opened the first U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Havana since 1961.

Now a medical mission group in Lenexa is preparing for a Cuba trip of its own.

Heart to Heart International, a nonprofit that collects medical supplies for disaster relief and other medical relief around the world, has collected enough basic medical supplies to fill a 40-foot-long container.

Sen. Klobuchar pushes to lift Cuba trade embargo

In a whirlwind, one-day trip, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar got to witness a bit of history and set foot in Cuba, where she hopes to lift a trade embargo.

The Minnesota Democrat visited Cuba on Friday, where the U.S. reopened its embassy, which had closed 54 years before.

In December, the two countries began to normalize relations with each other. Since then, the U.S. has loosened some travel and financial restrictions between the former Cold War adversaries.

Klobuchar has introduced legislation that would allow more U.S. goods to be exported to Cuba.

Chanticleers Took Flight For Cuba Thursday

The time has finally come for the Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball team to make its historic journey to the island nation of Cuba to play a trio of international friendly competitions against the Cuban National Team.

Upon arrival in Havana the team will have time to settle into the hotel then enjoy the first of many authentic Cuban meals. Following dinner the Chants will go on a guided tour of downtown Havana and the Malecon then retire to the hotel for the evening.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Aug. 8-10) are game days for the Chanticleers at the famed Havana Sports City. The days will start with a traditional shoot around in the morning followed by the contests at 4 p.m. In addition to the games on Sunday and Monday, the Chants will also have the opportunity to take salsa lessons and tour a cigar factory.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings joins race to Cuba

Add Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to the list of cruise companies moving fast to offer Cuba sailings.

The Miami-based parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas has applied for licenses from the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce to offer trips to the island nation, Norwegian president and CEO Frank Del Rio revealed Tuesday during a conference call to discuss the company’s second quarter earnings.

Norwegian also is talking with the Cuban government about obtaining necessary permission to visit, Del Rio said during the call.

Los Van Van on tour in US

Los Van Van will arrive in the United States this Friday,  the tour will serve to present some of the themes of their latest creation: Fantasy (2014), fourteen songs.
Los Van Van, internationally known as The Rolling Stones of Salsa continue to reap success without making concessions to its characteristic sound. The band has demonstrate you can keep an identity seal for 46 years while reinvent itself and stay in the top of the public’s preference.
It is expected to be presented in a dozen cities, among which will be Washington DC. Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.
This tour will also serve as a tribute to its late founder because, as his son and current leader of the orchestra Samuel Formell has declared, his father participated in the selection of the fourteen songs on the new album.

Press Release: Statement from Engage Cuba on Announcement that U.S. and Cuban Embassies Will Re-open

WASHINGTON – James Williams, President of Engage Cuba, released the following statement on the announcement that the United States Department of State and the Cuban government have reached an agreement to re-open their respective embassies:

“We applaud this important step in bringing the U.S. and Cuba closer together, and urge Congress to hasten the day when American travelers and companies have the freedom to engage with one of our nearest neighbors. Opening embassies in Washington and Havana is an important step toward the day when Americans can make their own decisions on where they travel, and our businesses can compete with the rest of the world. We are making history by making it clear that America’s engagement isn’t a concession, it is a show of strength and the best way to promote our values and create opportunities for both Americans and the Cuban people.