Obama lifts restriction on Cuban American visits to Cuba

After Barrow gave his address the message that all regional leaders were waiting to hear was that of Barack Obama. The United States President delivered his address to a packed audience. It was his first address in the Caribbean and Obama did not disappoint. Ushering a change from the old ideology to “a new day” of relations, the President said he was willing to talk directly to the Cuban leaders. While Obama fell short on the issue of lifting the trade embargo, he did say he was open to “a new beginning” with Cuba.

Barack Obama, President, United States of America
“We all have a responsibility to see that the people of the Americas have the ability to pursue their own dreams in democratic societies. There’s been several remarks directed at the issue of the relationship between the United States and Cuba so let me address this. The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba. I know there’s a longer journey that must be travelled to overcome decades of mistrust, but there are critical steps we can take toward a new day. I’ve already changed the Cuba policy where I believe it has failed to advance liberty or opportunity for Cuban people. We will now allow Cuban Americans to visit the islands whenever they choose and provide resources to their families the same that people from my country sent money to their families in your countries to pay for everyday needs. Over the past two days I’ve indicated and I repeat today that I’m prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a wide range of issues; drugs, migration and economic issues. To human rights, free speech and democratic reform. Now, let me be clear, I’m not interested in talking just for the sake of talking, but I do believe that we can move the UC/Cuban relations in a new direction.”