U.S. Coast Guard Placing Restrictions On Vessels Arriving From Cuba To United States. Might Disrupt U.S. Commodity/Food Product Exports To Cuba?

Department of Homeland Security
Coast Guard
[Docket Number USCG-2025-0094]
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces that it will impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving from the Republic of Cuba. Conditions of entry are intended to protect the United States from vessels arriving from foreign ports or places that have been found to have deficient anti-terrorism measures.
DATES: The policy announced in this notice is effective on April 2, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document call or email Mr. Edward X. Munoz, Division Chief, International Port Security Assessments, United States Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-2122, Edward.X.Munoz@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Purpose

The authority for this notice is 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 46 U.S.C. 70110 (“Maritime Transportation Security Act”), and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1(II) (97.f), Revision No. 01.4. As delegated, 46 U.S.C. 70110(a) authorizes the Coast Guard to impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving in U.S. waters from foreign ports that the Coast Guard has not found to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures. Section 70108, as amended by section 5603 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Pub. L. 118-31, Dec. 22, 2023), states that DHS shall deem any port under the jurisdiction of a foreign government that is a state sponsor of terrorism as not having effective anti-terrorism measures, and immediately apply the sanctions described in 46 U.S.C. 70110(a) to such a port.

In accordance with 46 U.S.C. 70108, as amended, and the Department of State's designation of the Republic of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, the Coast Guard finds that Cuba does not have effective anti-terrorism measures.

With this notice, the current list of countries assessed and not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures is as follows: Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Madagascar, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sudan, Syria, Timor-Leste, Venezuela, and Yemen. The current Port Security Advisory is available at:

http://www.dco.uscg.mil/​Our-Organization/​Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/​International-Domestic-Port-Assessment/​.

Dated: February 19, 2025.
Thomas G. Allan,
Vice Admiral, Deputy Commandant for Operations, Acting, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2025-04597 Filed 3-18-25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

In 8,375 Words, Havana Docks Corporation Requests U.S. Supreme Court To Review Libertad Act Lawsuit Against Cruise Lines

QUESTION PRESENTED

“The LIBERTAD Act is an essential pillar of United States foreign policy toward Cuba’s hostile and anti American regime.  Title III of that Act creates a private right of action for United States nationals who have a claim to property confiscated by that regime against persons who traffic in that property.  22 U.S.C. § 6082(a)(1).  The Act specifies that such trafficking “undermines the foreign policy of the United States” by, among other things, “provid[ing] badly needed financial benefit” to the Cuban regime.  Id. § 6081(6).

The question presented here applies in every case brought under Title III, and will determine whether that provision continues to advance U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba: whether a plaintiff must prove that the defendant trafficked in property confiscated by the Cuban government as to which the plaintiff owns a claim (as the statute requires), or instead that the defendant trafficked in property that the plaintiff would have continued to own at the time of trafficking in a counterfactual world “as if there had been no expropriation” (as the divided Eleventh Circuit panel held below).”

No. 24-983
Title: Havana Docks Corporation, Petitioner v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., et al.
Docketed: March 13, 2025
Lower Ct: United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Case Numbers: (23-10151, 23-10171)
Decision Date: October 22, 2024
Rehearing Denied: December 20, 2024

LINK: Mar 06 2025 Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due April 14, 2025)
LINK: Petition Proof of Service Certificate of Word Count

LINK: BRIEF OF REP. MARIO DÍAZ-BALART, SEN. RICK SCOTT, REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, REP. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR, AND REP. CARLOS ANTONIO GIMÉNEZ AS AMICI CURIAE SUPPORTING PETITIONER (March 2025)

“They are interested in this case because the judgment sought to be reviewed undermines a central pillar of our nation’s foreign policy on Cuba.”

Attorneys for Petitioner
Christopher Landau
Counsel of Record    
Ellis George LLP
1201 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Suite 513
Washington, DC 20036
clandau@ellisgeorge.com    (202) 249-6900
Party name: Havana Docks Corporation

LINKS To Related Analyses

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Is Not Preventing Havana Docks Corporation From Appealing To The United States Supreme Court Jan 24, 2025

Cruise Lines Request 11th Circuit Court Of Appeals To Return Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit To District Court. Defendants Argue Supreme Court Unlikely To Agree To Hear Appeal By Plaintiff. Jan 3, 2025  

Three Law Firms In Cuba Trademark Use Lawsuit Involving Heineken And Use Of 2024 Law

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
MIAMI DIVISION

CASE NO. 1:23-cv-24350-DPG-GAYLES/LOUIS

LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY d/b/a CERVECERIA LA TROPICAL, and LA TROPICAL HOLDINGS B.V., Plaintiffs, v. SOLTURA, LLC dba BUCANERO USA, et al/ Defendant.

SOLTURA, LLC dba BUCANERO USA, et al/ Counterclaimant, v. LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY d/b/a CERVECERIA LA TROPICAL, and LA TROPICAL HOLDINGS B.V., Counter-Defendants

LINK: RESPONSE in Opposition re 70 Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law filed by Soltura

LINK: Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.

LINK: Bacardi Spent Approximately US$690,000.00 And 251 Days Later Its Cuba Trademark Legislation Moved From House To Senate- With No Objection. Where Were Pernod Ricard Lobbyists? NGO's? Members? December 07, 2023

03/10/2025    71     RESPONSE in Opposition re 70 Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law filed by Soltura, LLC. Replies due by 3/17/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 03/10/2025)
02/24/2025    70     Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. Responses due by 3/10/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 02/24/2025)
02/18/2025    69     Defendants ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Amended Complaint by Martin Wadley, Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 02/18/2025)
02/04/2025    68     Second AMENDED COMPLAINT against Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley filed in response to Order Granting Motion for Leave, filed by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 02/04/2025)
02/03/2025    67     Defendant's COUNTERCLAIM against La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co., filed by Soltura, LLC.(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 02/03/2025)
02/02/2025    66     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 63 Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Counterclaim and Incorporated Memorandum of Law. Pursuant to Local Rule 15.1, the Defendant shall separately file the Counterclaim by February 7, 2025. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 2/2/2025. (mp02) (Entered: 02/02/2025)
02/02/2025    65     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 61 Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs may file a Second Amended Complaint. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 2/2/2025. (mp02) (Entered: 02/02/2025)
01/31/2025    64     Witness List for November 3, 2025 Trial by Martin Wadley, Soltura, LLC.. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/31/2025    63     Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Counterclaim and Incorporated Memorandum of Law by Soltura, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Counterclaim, # 2 Affidavit - Declaration of Jeffrey D. Farrow, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/31/2025    62     Witness List for November 3, 2025 Trial by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V... (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/31/2025    61     Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint and Incorporated Memorandum of Law by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/14/2025    60     Defendants ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Amended Complaint by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/14/2025)
01/14/2025    59     SIXTH AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE: (Jury Trial set for 11/3/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles., Calendar Call set for 10/29/2025 09:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles.), REFERRING 58 Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, filed by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley., Motions terminated: 58 Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, filed by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. Motions terminated: 58 Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, filed by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 1/14/2025. See attached document for full details. (pc)
Pattern Jury Instruction Builder - To access the latest, up to date changes to the 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions go to https://pji.ca11.uscourts.gov or click here. (Entered: 01/14/2025)
01/10/2025    58     Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. Attorney Joseph Alan Sacher added to party Martin Wadley(pty:dft). (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of JeffreyD. Farrow, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/10/2025)
12/31/2024    57     Summons Issued as to Martin Wadley. (pc) (Entered: 01/02/2025)
12/31/2024    56     NOTICE of Filing Proposed Summons(es) (Directed to Defendant Martin Wadley) by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. re 55 Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal,, filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V. (Attachments: # 1 Summon(s) Proposed Summons directed to Defendant Martin Wadley) (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/31/2024)
12/31/2024    55     First AMENDED COMPLAINT against Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley filed in response to Order Granting Motion for Leave, filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/31/2024)
12/23/2024    54     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 47 Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Amended Complaint. The Court finds good cause to grant the Motion. The Court previously granted Plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint. [ECF No. 45]. Furthermore, the substantive issues raised by the Defendant in opposition are best resolved at summary judgment. Pursuant to Local Rule 15.1, Plaintiffs shall separately refile their amended complaint on or before January 10, 2024.
As additional fact discovery may be warranted, the parties may submit a joint proposed amended scheduling order on or before January 10, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/23/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 12/23/2024)
12/04/2024    53     Corrected REPLY to 51 Response in Opposition to Motion, by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/04/2024)
12/04/2024    52     REPLY to 51 Response in Opposition to Motion, by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/04/2024)
11/27/2024    51     RESPONSE in Opposition re 47 Plaintiff's MOTION for Leave to File Amended Complaint and Incorporated Memorandum of Law filed by Soltura, LLC. Replies due by 12/4/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Jeffrey D. Farrow in Support of Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Amended Complaint)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 11/27/2024)
11/20/2024    50     FIFTH AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE: (Jury Trial set for 8/25/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles., Telephonic Calendar Call set for 8/20/2025 09:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles.) re 48 Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.., Motions terminated: 48 Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. Motions terminated: 48 Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/20/2024. See attached document for full details. (pc)
Pattern Jury Instruction Builder - To access the latest, up to date changes to the 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions go to https://pji.ca11.uscourts.gov or click here. Modified text on 11/20/2024 (pc). (Entered: 11/20/2024)
11/20/2024    49     Defendant's First Amended ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Complaint with Jury Demand by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 11/20/2024)
11/14/2024    48     Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/14/2024)
11/13/2024    47     Plaintiff's MOTION for Leave to File Amended Complaint and Incorporated Memorandum of Law by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Amended Complaint, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Redlined Amended Complaint)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/13/2024)
11/07/2024    46     Defendant's ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Complaint with Jury Demand by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 11/07/2024)
10/24/2024    45     ORDER granting, in part, and denying, in part 10 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 10/24/2024. See attached document for full details. (bs00) (Entered: 10/24/2024)
10/23/2024    44     NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Emiley Frances Pagrabs on behalf of La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Attorney Emiley Frances Pagrabs added to party La Tropical Holdings B.V.(pty:pla), Attorney Emiley Frances Pagrabs added to party Lagunitas Brewing Co.(pty:pla). (Pagrabs, Emiley) (Entered: 10/23/2024)
09/30/2024    43     PAPERLESS ORDER granting, in part, and denying, in part, 10 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint. A detailed paper order shall follow. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 9/30/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 09/30/2024)
09/12/2024    42     PAPERLESS ORDER granting the parties' 41 Joint Motion to Modify the Scheduling Order to Extend Expert Discovery. The schedule is amended as follows:
1. Parties shall disclose expert reports, expert witnesses, summaries, and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before October 16, 2024;
2. Exchange of rebuttal expert witness summaries and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before November 15, 2024; and
3. Expert discovery shall be completed on or before December 5, 2024.
The other pre-trial deadlines and trial date shall remain unchanged. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 9/12/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 09/12/2024)
09/11/2024    41     Joint MOTION to Amend/Correct 37 Order on Motion to Amend/Correct,, by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 9/25/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 09/11/2024)
09/11/2024    40     PAPERLESS Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Darrin P. Gayles: Telephonic Status Conference held on 9/11/2024. All parties present. Total time in court: 5 minutes. Court Reporter: Patricia Diaz, 305-523-5178 / Patricia_Diaz@flsd.uscourts.gov. (bs00) (Entered: 09/11/2024)
09/11/2024    39     PAPERLESS ORDER. For the September 11, 2024 Status Conference, counsel shall enter their appearances telephonically using the following dial-in information: Dial-in Number 305-990-2559; Conference ID 374 050 271#. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 9/11/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 09/11/2024)
08/27/2024    38     FINAL MEDIATION REPORT by Mediator Harry R. Schafer. Disposition: Adjourned. Mediation held/partially held via video-conference. Filed by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Mediator's Report)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 08/27/2024)
08/15/2024         The Status Conference set for August 22, 2024 has been cancelled in light of the newly scheduled Status Conference for September 11, 2024. (bs00) (Entered: 08/15/2024)
08/13/2024    37     AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE re 36 Motion to Amend/Correct. Telephonic Calendar Call set for 4/16/2025 09:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Jury Trial set for 4/21/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Telephonic Status Conference set for 9/11/2024 10:00 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 8/13/2024. See attached document for full details. (pc) (Entered: 08/13/2024)
08/02/2024    36     Joint MOTION to Amend/Correct 19 Scheduling Order,,,, Order Referring Case to Mediation,,,, Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge,,, and to Continue Trial Date by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 8/16/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Decl. of Steven J. Wadyka, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 08/02/2024)
06/28/2024    35     PAPERLESS ORDER granting the parties' 34 Joint Motion to Extend Deadline to Complete Mediation. The parties shall complete mediation on or before August 20, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 6/28/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 06/28/2024)
06/18/2024    34     Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Mediate by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 06/18/2024)
05/31/2024    33     PAPERLESS ORDER. THIS CAUSE comes before the Court on the parties' 32 Stipulation to Modify the Scheduling Order. The 19 Scheduling Order is amended as follows:
1.Parties shall disclose experts, expert witness summaries, and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before August 15, 2024;
2.Exchange of rebuttal expert witness summaries and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before September 13, 2024;
3.Fact discovery shall be completed on or before July 15, 2024; and
4.Expert discovery shall be completed on or before October 4, 2024.
All other deadlines shall be governed by the Court's 19 Scheduling Order. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 5/31/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 05/31/2024)
05/30/2024    32     STIPULATION re 19 Scheduling Order,,,, Order Referring Case to Mediation,,,, Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge,,, TO MODIFY SCHDULING ORDER by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 05/30/2024)
05/13/2024    31     ORDER granting, in part, the Parties' 30 Joint Motion for Entry of Agreed Confidentiality Stipulation and Protective Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Lauren Fleischer Louis on 5/13/2024. See attached document for full details. (as06) (Entered: 05/13/2024)
05/03/2024    30     Joint MOTION for Protective Order and Agreed Confidentiality Stipulation by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 05/03/2024)
04/15/2024    29     NOTICE of Mediator Selection and Hearing. Selected/Added La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co., Harry R. Schafer as Mediator. Mediation Hearing set for 6/25/2024. (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 04/15/2024)
04/01/2024    28     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 27 Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Discovery. Defendants shall submit its responses on or before April 15, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 4/1/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 04/01/2024)
03/29/2024    27     Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiff's Discovery by Soltura, LLC. Responses due by 4/12/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 03/29/2024)
03/26/2024    26     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 25 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Molly R. Littman-Johnson is permitted to appear before this Court on behalf of Plaintiffs for all purposes relating to this action. The clerk is directed to provide Notice of Electronic Filings to Ms. Littman-Johnson at molly.littman@gtlaw.com. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 3/26/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 03/26/2024)
03/26/2024    25     MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Molly R. Littman-Johnson. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-17397924 by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 4/9/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Certification Molly R. Littman-Johnson, # 2 Exhibit A - Proposed Order)(Gillenwater, James) (Entered: 03/26/2024)
03/05/2024    24     PAPERLESS ORDER denying Plaintiffs' 21 Motion for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 3/5/2024. (aci) (Entered: 03/05/2024)
01/22/2024    23     Plaintiff's REPLY to 20 Reply to Response to Motion, 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM to Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant Soltura LLC's Motion to Dismiss by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/22/2024)
01/16/2024    22     RESPONSE in Opposition re 21 MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant Soltura, LLC's Motion to Dismiss filed by Soltura, LLC. Replies due by 1/23/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Jeffrey D. Farrow)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/16/2024)
01/11/2024    21     MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant Soltura, LLC's Motion to Dismiss by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/11/2024)
01/05/2024    20     DEFENDANT'S REPLY IN SUPPORT OF MOTION re 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) Modified text on 1/8/2024 (ebz). (Entered: 01/05/2024)
12/27/2023    19     SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE: Telephonic Status Conference set for 8/22/2024 10:00 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Telephonic Calendar Call set for 2/5/2025 9:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Jury Trial set for 2/10/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Mediation Deadline 8/2/2024. ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Lauren Fleischer Louis for Discovery Matters. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/27/2023. See attached document for full details. (wce)
Pattern Jury Instruction Builder - To access the latest, up to date changes to the 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions go to https://pji.ca11.uscourts.gov or click here. (Entered: 12/27/2023)
12/27/2023         Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings per DE 18 Order re 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM . Replies due by 1/5/2024. (amb) (Entered: 12/27/2023)
12/27/2023    18     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 17 Defendants Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Reply in Support of Motion to Dismiss. Defendant shall file its reply on or before January 5, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/27/2023. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/27/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 12/27/2023)
12/26/2023    17     Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer as to 14 Response in Opposition to Motion, 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/26/2023)
12/22/2023    16     Joint SCHEDULING REPORT - Rule 16.1 by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/22/2023)
12/21/2023    15     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 13 Unopposed Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Attorney Jeffrey D. Farrow is permitted to appear before this Court on behalf of Defendant Soltura, LLC d/b/a Bucanero USA for all purposes relating to this action. The clerk is directed to provide Notice of Electronic Filings to Jeffrey D. Farrow at email address: jfarrow@mrllp.com. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/21/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 12/21/2023)
12/20/2023    14     RESPONSE in Opposition re 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Replies due by 12/27/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Decl. of Mark A. Salky w/Exhibits)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/20/2023)
12/20/2023    13     Unopposed MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Jeffrey D. Farrow. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-17160590 by Soltura, LLC. Responses due by 1/3/2024 (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/20/2023)
12/08/2023    12     PAPERLESS ORDER REQUIRING JOINT SCHEDULING REPORT AND PROPOSED SCHEDULING ORDER. Pursuant to S.D. Fla. Local Rule 16.1, on or before December 22, 2023, the parties shall prepare and file a Joint Scheduling Report, as well as Certificates of Interested Parties and Corporate Disclosure Statements.
The parties shall also file a Proposed Scheduling Order, adhering to the format and guidance of the attached form. If the parties deviate in any way from that format and guidance, they shall contemporaneously submit a written explanation, which provides their purported justification for each and every deviation. If the parties fail to submit such written explanation, the Court may enter a Scheduling Order that does not take into account the parties' proposed dates.
Failure to comply with this Order shall be grounds for dismissal without prejudice and without further notice. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/8/2023. See attached document for full details. (bs00) (Entered: 12/08/2023)
12/06/2023    11     Defendant's Corporate Disclosure Statement by Soltura, LLC (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/06/2023)
12/06/2023    10     Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Soltura, LLC. Attorney Joseph Alan Sacher added to party Soltura, LLC(pty:dft). Responses due by 12/20/2023 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/06/2023)
11/21/2023    9     AFFIDAVIT of Service signed by: Robert Hansell, RPS #1422 re 4 Summons Issued by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/21/2023)
11/15/2023    8     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 7 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Attorney Steven J. Wadyka, Jr., of the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, is permitted to appear before this Court on behalf of Plaintiffs Lagunitas Brewing Company d/b/a Cerveceria La Tropical and La Tropical Holdings, B.V. for all purposes relating to this action. The clerk is directed to provide Notice of Electronic Filings to Steven J. Wadyka, Jr. at email address: wadykas@gtlaw.com. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/15/2023. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/15/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
11/15/2023    7     MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Steven J. Wadyka, Jr.. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-17075918 by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 11/29/2023 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Gillenwater, James) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
11/15/2023    6     Bar Letter re: Admissions sent to attorney Steven J. Wadyka Jr., mailing date November 15, 2023, (pt) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
11/14/2023    5     NOTICE OF COURT PRACTICE. Unless otherwise specified by the Court, every motion shall be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12-point typeface. Multiple Plaintiffs or Defendants shall file joint motions with co-parties unless there are clear conflicts of position. If conflicts of position exist, parties shall explain the conflicts in their separate motions. Failure to comply with ANY of these procedures may result in the imposition of appropriate sanctions, including but not limited to, the striking of the motion or dismissal of this action. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/14/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    4     Summons Issued as to Soltura, LLC. (pc) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    3     FORM AO 120 SENT TO DIRECTOR OF U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK (pc) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    2     Clerks Notice of Judge Assignment to Judge Darrin P. Gayles.
Pursuant to 28 USC 636(c), the parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren F. Louis is available to handle any or all proceedings in this case. If agreed, parties should complete and file the Consent form found on our website. It is not necessary to file a document indicating lack of consent. (pc) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    1     COMPLAINT against Soltura, LLC dba Bucanero USA. Filing fees $ 402.00 receipt number AFLSDC-17069575, filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co. dba Cerveceria La Tropical, La Tropical Holdings B.V.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summon(s) Defendant Soltura, LLC dba Bucanero USA, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit D, # 7 Exhibit E, # 8 Exhibit F, # 9 Exhibit G, # 10 Exhibit H, # 11 Exhibit I, # 12 Exhibit J, # 13 Exhibit K, # 14 Exhibit L, # 15 Exhibit M, # 16 Exhibit N, # 17 Exhibit O, # 18 Exhibit P, # 19 Exhibit Q, # 20 Exhibit R)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

Expedia And Orbitz Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit Moving Towards Trial

Case Number: 19-22621-CIV-MORENO
MARIO ECHEVARRIA, Plaintiff, vs. EXPEDIA, INC., HOTELS.COM L.P., HOTELS.COM GP, LLC, and ORBITZ, LLC, Defendants.  

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF'S APPEAL OF MAGISTRATE JUDGE'S ORDER AND ORDER OF CONTINUANCE

Chief Magistrate Judge Torres has ruled that without an extension of pretrial deadlines there is no cause to compel further discovery in this case. Rather than making this case a ''trial'' over the sufficiency of the evidence so far produced, the Court continues the trial to the two week period of March 24, 2025 and calendar call will take place before the undersigned on March 18, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Courthouse, 400 North Miami Avenue, Room 12-2, Miami, Florida 33128.

LINK To Order Setting Status Conference (2/26/25)
LINK To Order Setting Status Conference (12/17/25)

Exxon Files With U.S. Supreme Court For Ruling In Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit Against Cuba Companies

Docket for 24-699: Title:Exxon Mobil Corporation, Petitioner v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.  United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Petition for a writ of certiorari Party name: Corporación CIMEX, S.A. (Cuba), Corporación CIMEX, S.A (Panama), Unión Cuba-Petróleo

LINK To: 20241227105128755_Exxon_PETITION FOR A WRIT OF CERTIORARI

Title:    Exxon Mobil Corporation, Petitioner v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.
Docketed:    December 31, 2024
Linked with 24A330    
Lower Ct:    United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Case Numbers:    (21-7127, 22-7019, 22-7020)
Decision Date:    July 30, 2024

Oct 03 2024- Application (24A330) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from October 28, 2024 to December 27, 2024, submitted to The Chief Justice.

Oct 10 2024- Application (24A330) granted by The Chief Justice extending the time to file until December 27, 2024.
    
Dec 27 2024- Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due January 30, 2025)
 
Jan 06 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response from January 30, 2025 to March 3, 2025, submitted to The Clerk.

Jan 07 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is extended to and including March 3, 2025.
    
Jan 30 2025- Brief amici curiae of King Ranch Inc., et al. filed.

Jan 30 2025- Brief amicus curiae of Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America filed.

Jan 31 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response from March 3, 2025 to April 2, 2025, submitted to The Clerk.

Feb 03 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is further extended to and including April 2, 2025.
    
Attorneys for Petitioner
Jeffrey B. Wall
Counsel of Record
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
1700 New York Ave NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006
wallj@sullcrom.com    (202) 956-7660

Exxon Mobil Corporation
Attorneys for Respondents
Michael Robert Krinsky
Counsel of Record    
Rabinowitz Boudin Standard Krinsky Lieberman, P.C.
320 West 85th Street
New York, NY 10024
mkrinsky@rbskl.com    19179296051

Party name: Corporación CIMEX, S.A. (Cuba), Corporación CIMEX, S.A (Panama), Unión Cuba-Petróleo
Jared Robert Butcher
Counsel of Record    
Berliner Corcoran & Rowe LLP
1101 17th St Nw
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
jbutcher@bcrlaw.com    2022931074

King Ranch Inc., Vertientes-Camaguey Sugar Company, and Grant Manheim
Ilana Hope Eisenstein
Counsel of Record    
DLA Piper LLP (US)
1650 Market Street
Suite 5000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ilana.eisenstein@dlapiper.com    215-656-3300
The Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America

Docket for 24A330: Title:Exxon Mobil Corporation, Applicant v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.  United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Application (24A330) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from October 28, 2024 to December 27, 2024

Title:    Exxon Mobil Corporation, Applicant v.cCorporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.
Docketed:    October 7, 2024
Linked with 24-699    
Lower Ct:    United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Case Numbers:    (21-7127, 22-7019, 22-7020)

Oct 03 2024- Application (24A330) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from October 28, 2024 to December 27, 2024, submitted to The Chief Justice.

Oct 10 2024- Application (24A330) granted by The Chief Justice extending the time to file until December 27, 2024.

Attorneys for Petitioner
Steven Keith Davidson
Counsel of Record    
Steptoe LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
sdavidson@steptoe.com    202-429-8077
Party name: Exxon Mobil Corporation

Certified Claims Background

There are 8,821 claims of which 5,913 awards valued at US$1,902,202,284.95 were certified by the United States Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (USFCSC) and have not been resolved for nearing sixty years (some assets were officially confiscated in the 1960’s, some in the 1970’s and some in the 1990’s).  The USFCSC permitted simple interest (not compound interest) of 6% per annum (approximately US$114,132,137.10); with the approximate current value of the 5,913 certified claims is more than US$8,750,130,510.77.

The first asset (along with 382 enterprises the same day) to be expropriated by the Republic of Cuba was an oil refinery on 6 August 1960 owned by White Plains, New York-based Texaco, Inc., now a subsidiary of San Ramon, California-based Chevron Corporation (USFCSC: CU-1331/CU-1332/CU-1333 valued at US$56,196,422.73).

From the certified claim filed by Texaco: “The Cuban corporation was intervened on June 29, 1960, pursuant to Resolution 188 of June 28, 1960, under Law 635 of 1959.  Resolution 188 was promulgated by the Government of Cuba when the Cuban corporation assertedly refused to refine certain crude oil as assertedly provided under a 1938 law pertaining to combustible materials.  Subsequently, this Cuban firm was listed as nationalized in Resolution 19 of August 6, 1960, pursuant to Cuban Law 851.  The Commission finds, however, that the Cuban corporation was effectively intervened within the meaning of Title V of the Act by the Government of Cuba on June 29, 1960.”

LINK TO LIBERTAD ACT TITLE III LAWSUIT FILING STATISTICS

U.S. Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Increase .80% In January 2025. Other Exports: US$303,869.00 In Cement; US$1,907,350.00 In Used Vehicles; US$250,920.00 In Motorcycles

ECONOMIC EYE ON CUBA©
March 2025

January 2025 Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Increase .80% - 1
44th Of 203 January 2025 U.S. Food/Ag Export Markets- 2
Cuba Ranked 44th Of 203 U.S. Ag/Food Export Markets - 2
January 2025 Healthcare Product Exports US$479,334.00 - 2
January 2025 Humanitarian Donations US$5,394,610.00 - 3
Obama Administration Initiatives Exports Continue To Increase - 3
U.S. Port Export Data- 19

JANUARY 2025 FOOD/AG EXPORTS TO CUBA INCREASE .80% - Exports of food products and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba in January 2025 were US$45,532,183.00 compared to US$45,168,873.00 in January 2024 and US$32,394,196.00 in January 2023.

LINK TO COMPLETE REPORT IN PDF FORMAT

Havana Club Rum Available In Ukraine At Upscale Kyiv And Kharkiv Supermarket.

US$1.00 equals 42.28 Ukrainian Hryvni

Cuba Ranking In 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): 41/100 And 82/180

“Corruption is blocking progress towards a sustainable world

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries.  Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.  The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). 

How are country scores calculated?  Each country’s score is a combination of at least 3 data sources drawn from 13 different corruption surveys and assessments. These data sources are collected by a variety of reputable institutions, including the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.  CPI scores do not reflect the views of Transparency International or our staff.

The CPI is the leading measurement for public sector corruption worldwide. Because it combines many different manifestations of corruption into one globally comparable indicator, it provides a more comprehensive picture of the situation in a particular country than each source taken separately. The process for calculating the CPI is regularly reviewed to make sure it is as robust and coherent as possible. This was done most recently by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in 2017.

What is the difference between a country/territory’s rank and its score?  A country’s score is the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0-100, where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean.  A country's rank is its position relative to the other countries in the index. Ranks can change merely if the number of countries included in the index changes.  The rank is therefore not as important as the score in terms of indicating the level of corruption in that country.  What does it mean if my country’s score has gone up or down?

Small fluctuations or changes in a country’s CPI score are not usually significant, which is why every year in the full table of results [.xlsx], we mark all those countries that have undergone a “statistically significant” change. This is a change which is reflected in a majority of the CPI’s underlying data sources. When only a few data sources register a change, this means that it is not yet clear whether public sector corruption has gone up or down in that country.”

OFAC Makes Changes To Licensing Portal- Easier To Request "Interpretive Guidance"

Important Announcement for Users of OFAC’s License Application Portal.

To improve your experience with the license application process, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its License Application Portal.

In addition to the current application process, the License Application Portal now features an option to establish an account to submit requests for specific licenses or interpretive guidance, or submit reports required by some specific licenses. By registering for an account, applicants will be able to save and return to an application in progress; view a list of their applications and the associated case statuses in a single dashboard; save frequently used contacts for easier data entry; replicate an application; and more. For added security, establishing and accessing an account requires identity verification through ID.me.

Please note that registering for an account is not required to submit an application for a specific license or interpretive guidance. The option to create an account is in addition to the current application process. All applicants may check their application status using their Case ID.

For questions about submitting an application using an account, please contact OFAC’s Licensing Division at (202) 622-2480.

For more information on this specific action, please visit our Recent Actions page.

Launch of OFAC's File Finder Application

Today, OFAC launched its new File Finder application for use on the OFAC website. This browser-based application allows users to search through and efficiently navigate all of OFAC's website content. Putting the user in control, File Finder searches all static content on OFAC's website (PDF documents, word documents, etc.) by document title, document type, and the contents of each document. Searchable content typically includes general licensees, federal register notices, executive orders (and other legal documents), press charts, advisories, specific guidance, as well as many other records. For technical assistance, or if you would like to provide feedback on OFAC's new File Finder application, please contact the OFAC technical support team at O_F_A_C@treasury.gov. For more information on this specific action, please visit our Recent Actions page.

Western Union Reported To Suspend (Again) Currency Delivery Services From United States To Cuba. Will It Seek Another Partner In Cuba? Will Cuba Provide Another Partner In Cuba?

Denver, Colorado-based Western Union Company (2024 revenue approximately US$4.2 billion) has reportedly suspended currency delivery service from the United States to the Republic of Cuba. The company has not published a statement on its Internet site.   

Western Union Statement by email: “We understand our services are critical to providing daily needs for so many living in Cuba. As a global company, we are also required to adhere to the laws and regulations established in the countries we operate in. Due to a change in U.S. sanctions regulations, Western Union is forced to indefinitely suspend its money transfer service between the US and the island, effective immediately. As of this time, there is no timeline for when or if our service will resume. “We are actively working with customers that have active money transfers in our network to provide a refund on the full amount of their transaction. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Links To Related Analyses 

Updated Cuba Restricted (CRL) List Published By United State Department Of State February 06, 2025

Trump Administration Adds Orbit S.A. To Cuba Restricted List- Western Union Must Identify New Partner Or Again Suspend Remittances To Cuba. February 01, 2025

Western Union Resumes Services To Cuba. Continues Prohibition For Commercial Use. May 11, 2024

Arrest Of "Super Mule" In Tampa For Illegally Transporting US$100,000.00 To U.S. From Cuba Not Surprising… May Have Transported US$4.5 Million In Last Nine Months. February 07, 2024

Who Or What Is Delaying Western Union From Authorizing Commercial Transfers From U.S.-Cuba And From Cuba-U.S.? Biden? Diaz-Canel? MSME's Waiting With U.S.-Based Companies And Entrepreneurs April 22, 2023

Western Union Goes National For U.S. Transfers To Cuba.... When Will Cuba Permit U.S. Investment And Financing For MSMEs In Cuba? No Excuse For Delays.  March 03, 2023

Western Union Returns To The Cuba Marketplace; Initial Small Steps Should Lead To Vibrant Funds Transfer Opportunities For MSMEs In Cuba And For U.S. Companies And U.S. Investors January 11, 2023

Has Cuba Provided An Opportunity For Biden-Harris Administration To Renew Electronic Remittance Services? Orbit S.A. In Cuba Now Permitted To Engage. Can It Meet U.S. Conditions? A False-Flag? February 09, 2022

Cuba Could Resolve Western Union's Certified Claim By Waiving Four Months Of Electronic Remittance Transfer Fees. Biden Administration Should Support And Negotiate Certified Claims Settlement. September 17, 2021

If Western Union Ends Remittance Services To Cuba, That Means A Return Of “Mules On Steroids”- The Impact Could Cripple MIA November 16, 2020

Western Union Preparing To End Money Transfers To Cuba On 22 November 2020.... Will Cuba Permit It? November 13, 2020

Cuba Says Western Union's 407 Distribution Points Will Close; Western Union Not Giving Up- 2016 Seems So Long Ago... October 28, 2020

Delta Air Lines & Western Union Plus US$1.15 Million Could Be Keys To Resolving Certified Claims June 04, 2019

Government Of Cuba Response To Trump-Vance Administration Reinstatement Of Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit Statute

The Trump-Pence Administration (2017-2021) on 2 May 2019 made operational Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996 (known as “Libertad Act”). Title III authorizes lawsuits in United States District Courts against companies and individuals who are using a certified claim or non-certified claim where the owner of the certified claim or non-certified claim has not received compensation from the Republic of Cuba or from a third-party who is using (“trafficking”) the asset. 45 Lawsuits Filed (16 certified claimants & 29 non-certified claimants). LINK To Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit Filing Statistics

HAVANA, Cuba, Feb 2 (ACN) Statement by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

On January 31, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he apprised U.S. Congress of the revocation of the ban on lawsuits being filed in U.S. courts under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and the reinstatement of the List of Restricted Cuban Entities, with the addition of the Cuban remittance management enterprise Orbit, S.A., preventing entities or persons in the United States from carrying out transactions on pain of being fined and having their assets frozen.

These are not unexpected actions. They are just further steps to undo the positive, albeit belated, decisions announced by President Joseph Biden on January 14.

This announcement is also likely to precede other measures that the team in charge of the Cuba issue in this government has designed since 2017 to strengthen even more, gratuitously and irresponsibly, the siege laid to Cuba to create new and avoidable scenarios of deterioration and bilateral confrontation.

The goal of these measures is to intimidate foreign investors and prevent them from contributing to Cuba's economic development and to the well-being of the Cuban people through the express threat of being sued in U.S. courts. They also intend to close all sources of external income to the overall Cuban economy; to tamper criminally with the ability of all public and private economic actors to provide goods and services; and to further deteriorate the living standards of the population affected by the blockade and the additional measures imposed during Trump's first term, so as to upset and destabilize society and to try to achieve the often dreamed of but never accomplished purpose of overthrowing the Revolution for purposes of domination and chastisement.

Along with these actions come smear and disinformation campaigns concocted by a powerful machinery of manipulation in digital platforms to discredit Cuba and hold it responsible for the impact of the criminal measures of the U.S. government, so that the world and the people of Cuba do not recognize their executioners.

These are the same politicians who are driven by their commitment to reactionary families and special interest groups in the U.S. and Florida and benefit from the blockade of Cuba by sacrificing the well-being and even threatening the sustenance of the Cuban people. These politicians of today are the same ones behind dozens of additional measures to the blockade that came into effect between 2017 and 2021.

Since the passage of the Helms-Burton Act in 1996 and until 2019, all U.S. presidents, including Trump in the first two years of his previous term, have used executive powers to suspend the application of Title III every six months, aware that it contravenes International Law and the sovereignty of other States and that its application would generate insurmountable obstacles to the prospect that any claim made by Americans over properties legitimately nationalized at the triumph of the Revolution will be settled or any compensation being paid to them.

As a result, around 45 lawsuits have been filed in the courts since 2019, mainly against U.S. companies, which have been forced to spend money, time and energy to defend themselves against what experts deem a legal aberration with even unconstitutional overtones. Among the most significant is the extension of this policy to owners who were not U.S. citizens at the time of the nationalizations and whose alleged ownership has not been certified by anyone.

These measures have nothing to do with the national interest of the United States, or the wishes of a large part of the business community in that country to participate in the Cuban economy. On the contrary, it is linked to the desires of dictator Fulgencio Batista’s political heirs to reconquer Cuba.

It is proof of the corrupt nature of the U.S. government in general and, specifically, of its intention to asphyxiate the Cuban economy, cause harm to our people, and expect that we renounce the sovereign prerogatives whose conquest has cost so many years, efforts and lives.

With the reactivation of Title III, the application of the Helms-Burton Act is once again completed in its entirety, marked as it is by its extreme extraterritorial scope and for violating the norms and principles of International Law, contravening the rules of commerce and international economic relations and being harmful to the sovereignty of other States, mostly because its provisions affect companies and persons established therein. It has been broadly, consistently and almost unanimously rejected by the international community in the United Nations, specialized international bodies and regional organizations alike. Several countries have even enacted domestic laws to deal with the extraterritorial effects of this legislation.

The Government of Cuba reiterates the postulates of the Act on the Reaffirmation of Cuban Dignity and Sovereignty (Act No. 80) and recalls the decision of the Provincial People's Court of Havana on November 2, 1999 to declare the lawsuit against the Government of the United States for Human Damages admissible, sanctioning it to make reparations to and compensate the Cuban people with the amount of 181,100 billion dollars. Subsequently, on May 5, 2000, the Tribunal determined the Economic Damages caused to Cuba and dictated the payment of 121 billion dollars for damages.

Cuba has reiterated its willingness to find a solution to mutual claims and compensations. The Cuban nationalizations were in line with the law and strictly in accordance with both the Cuban Constitution and International Law. All nationalizations provided for fair and adequate compensation which the U.S. government refused to consider. Cuba reached and honored global compensation agreements with other nations that today invest in our country, such as Spain, Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

Likewise, the Cuban government denounces and holds the U.S. government responsible for the immediate consequences that the new measure will have throughout the country against the right of Cuban émigrés to send remittances to and help their relatives, who are already suffering too much because of an intensified siege caused by the unjust and fraudulent inclusion of Cuba on the list of alleged State sponsors of terrorism.

Cuba rejects these decisions strenuously, firmly and categorically. We consider them as a new hostile and arrogant act and condemn the disrespectful and slanderous language of the State Department's communiqué, full of lies in an attempt to justify the unjustifiable.

No one will be fooled by their false pretexts to try to justify these and any other future outrage. They will only succeed in reinforcing the isolation and universal rejection of the shameful abusive attitude of U.S. governments toward Cuba and its population.

We call on the international community to side with our people by putting a stop and denouncing this new and dangerous onslaught of aggression that has just begun.

The U.S. authorities might cause great harm with their murderous and cowardly plans and measures, but they will never achieve their main objective of bringing Cuba to its knees in order to subjugate it. Cuba shall overcome!

US Agricultural Commodity/Food Product Exports To Cuba In December 2024 Decrease 7.8%. For Year, Increased 26.5%. Humanitarian Donations Nearly Double 2023.

ECONOMIC EYE ON CUBA©
February 2025

December 2024 Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Decrease 7.8% - 1
48th Of 223 December 2024 U.S. Food/Ag Export Markets- 2
2024 To 2025 Exports Increase 26.5% - 2
Cuba Ranked 49th Of 224 U.S. Ag/Food Export Markets - 2
December 2024 Healthcare Product Exports US$0.00 - 2
2024 Healthcare Product Exports US$342,572.00-
December 2024 Humanitarian Donations US$6,489,230.00 - 3
2024 Humanitarian Donations US$67,828,087.00 -
Obama Administration Initiatives Exports Continue To Increase - 3
U.S. Port Export Data- 19

DECEMBER 2024 FOOD/AG EXPORTS TO CUBA DECREASE 7.8% - Exports of food products and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba in December 2024 were US$41,700,049.00 compared to US$45,229,570.00 in December 2023 and US$39,393,828.00 in December 2022. 

The data contains information on exports from the United States to the Republic of Cuba- products within the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000, Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, and regulations implemented (1992 to present) for other products by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce.

The TSREEA re-authorized the direct commercial (on a cash basis) export of food products (including branded food products) and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba, irrespective of purpose. The TSREEA does not include healthcare products, which remain authorized and regulated by the CDA.

The data represents the U.S. Dollar value of product exported from the United States to the Republic of Cuba under the TSREEA, CDA, and other regulations, specifically including products exported from the United States to the re-emerging private sector in the Republic of Cuba.

The data does not include transportation charges, bank charges, or other costs associated with exports; the government of the Republic of Cuba reports unverifiable data that includes transportation charges, bank charges, and other costs.

LINK TO COMPLETE REPORT IN PDF FORMAT

US$586.5 Million U.S. Exports To Cuba In 2024: US$433.8 Million Commodities/Food Products, U$64.7 Million Vehicles, U$67.1 Million Donations

2024
Total Exports: US$586,499,825.00
Commodity/Food Product Exports: US$433,895,992.00
Vehicles: US$64,747,001.00
Donations: US$67,159,937.00

2023
Total Exports: US$404,375,085.00
Commodity/Food Product Exports: US$342,053,059.00
Vehicles: US$8,594,089.00
Donations: US$36,563,551.00

The data contains information on exports from the United States to the Republic of Cuba- products within the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000, Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, and regulations implemented (1992 to present) for other products by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce.

The TSREEA re-authorized the direct commercial (on a cash basis) export of food products (including branded food products) and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba, irrespective of purpose. The TSREEA does not include healthcare products, which remain authorized and regulated by the CDA.

The data represents the U.S. Dollar value of product exported from the United States to the Republic of Cuba under the TSREEA, CDA, and other regulations, specifically including products exported from the United States to the re-emerging private sector in the Republic of Cuba.

The data does not include transportation charges, bank charges, or other costs associated with exports; the government of the Republic of Cuba reports unverifiable data that includes transportation charges, bank charges, and other costs.

Donations
2024- US$67,159,937.00
2023- US$36,563,551.00
2022- US$30,083,306.00
2021- US$11,074,090.00
2020- US$4,605,055.00
2019- US$7,150,989.00
2018- US$8,998,855.00
2017- US$6,122,601.00
2016- US$4,755,859.00
2015- US$4,619,588.00
2014- US$939,705.00

LINK TO COMPLETE LIST OF PRODUCTS IN 2024 EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CUBA

LINK TO COMPLETE LIST OF PRODUCTS IN 2023 EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CUBA

Updated Cuba Restricted (CRL) List Published By United State Department Of State

“The Department of State is publishing a List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated With Cuba (Cuba Restricted List) with which direct financial transactions are generally prohibited under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR).  The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) generally will deny applications to export or reexport items for use by entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List” 

LINK TO COMPLETE LIST (6 February 2025)

Trump Administration Adds Orbit S.A. To Cuba Restricted List- Western Union Must Identify New Partner Or Again Suspend Remittances To Cuba.

“When the Biden-Harris Administration (2021-2025) authorized Denver, Colorado-based Western Union Company (2024 revenue approximately US$4.2 billion) to use Havana, Republic of Cuba government-operated Orbit S.A. as the facilitator for electronic remittance transactions originating from the United States, there was knowledge by the United States Department of State that Orbit S.A. was affiliated with the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of the Republic of Cuba.  Since the goal was to re-establish electronic remittance transactions as soon as possible, a decision was made to ignore real or otherwise connectivity with FAR.”

United States Department of State
Washington DC
31 January 2025

Within the first two weeks of President Trump’s term, the State Department took decisive action to rescind major last-minute policy changes on Cuba announced by the previous administration on January 14.

The President acted on his first day in office to keep Cuba on the SST list, where it belongs. The Cuban regime has long supported acts of international terrorism.  We call for the regime to end its support for terrorism, and to stop providing food, housing, and medical care to foreign murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers, while Cubans go hungry and lack access to basic medicine.

In a January 29 letter to the appropriate Congressional committees, I withdrew the prior administration’s letter regarding the LIBERTAD Act. The Trump Administration is committed to U.S. persons having the ability to bring private rights of action involving trafficked property confiscated by the Cuban regime.

On January 31, I approved the re-creation of the Cuba Restricted List, which prohibits certain transactions with companies under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, the repressive Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel.  The State Department is re-issuing the Cuba Restricted List to deny resources to the very branches of the Cuban regime that directly oppress and surveil the Cuban people while controlling large swaths of the country’s economy.  In addition to restoring the entities that were on the list until the final week of the previous administration, we are adding Orbit, S.A., a remittance-processing company operating for or on behalf of the Cuban military.

The State Department promotes accountability for the Cuban regime for oppressing its people and rejects Cuba’s malign interference across the Americas and throughout the world.  We support the Cuban people’s human rights and fundamental freedoms and demand the release of all unjustly detained political prisoners.  Our Embassy in Havana is meeting with families of those unjustly detained, as well as dissidents, so that they know the United States wholeheartedly supports them. We are steadfast in our commitment to the Cuban people and promote accountability for the Cuban regime’s actions.

Links To Related Analyses 

Has Cuba Provided An Opportunity For Biden-Harris Administration To Renew Electronic Remittance Services? Orbit S.A. In Cuba Now Permitted To Engage. Can It Meet U.S. Conditions? A False-Flag? February 09, 2022 

OFAC Authorizes Orbit S.A. In Cuba To Engage In Remittance Transactions- Not On Cuba Restricted List (CRL). Western Union Next Up To Return? November 18, 2022 

Who Or What Is Delaying Western Union From Authorizing Commercial Transfers From U.S.-Cuba And From Cuba-U.S.? Biden? Diaz-Canel? MSME's Waiting With U.S.-Based Companies And Entrepreneurs April 22, 2023

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Is Not Preventing Havana Docks Corporation From Appealing To The United States Supreme Court

No. 23-10171- HAVANA DOCKS CORPORATION, Plaintiff-Appellee Cross Appellant, versus ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES, LTD., NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS, LTD., CARNIVAL CORPORATION, a foreign corporation doing business as Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC CRUISES S.A. CO., MSC CRUISES (USA), INC., et al., Defendants-Appellants Cross Appellees. 

01/08/2025- REPLY to RESPONSE to [83] filed by Appellee Havana Docks Corporation. [23-10151] (ECF: Christopher Landau) [Entered: 01/08/2025 01:29 PM]

01/23/2025- ORDER: The motion of Havana Docks Corporation to stay the issuance of the mandate pending a petition for writ of certiorari is GRANTED to and including March 20, 2025... [82] [10366180-2] ENTERED FOR THE COURT - BY DIRECTION. (See attached order for complete text) [23-10151, 23-10171] [Entered: 01/23/2025 08:35 AM] 

“ORDER: The motion of Havana Docks Corporation to stay the issuance of the mandate pending a petition for writ of certiorari is GRANTED to and including March 20, 2025, the stay to continue in force until the final disposition of the case by the Supreme Court, provided that within the above-mentioned period there shall be filed with the Clerk of this Court the certificate of the Clerk of the Supreme Court that the certiorari petition has been filed. The Clerk shall issue the mandate upon the filing of a copy of an order of the Supreme Court denying the writ, or upon expiration of the stay granted herein, unless the above-mentioned certificate shall be filed with the Clerk of this Court within that time."

Link: Reply In Support Of Motion For Order Granting Or Confirming The District Court’s Discretion To Address On Remand Costs Taxable In The District Court Under Federal Rule Of Appellate Procedure 39(E)

Link: Order Of The Court

Link To Related Analyses 

Cruise Lines Request 11th Circuit Court Of Appeals To Return Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit To District Court. Defendants Argue Supreme Court Unlikely To Agree To Hear Appeal By Plaintiff. Jan 3, 2025  

U.S. Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Increased 37.4% In November; Up 31.8% Year Thus Far. US$2.9 Million In Vehicle Exports. US$57.4 Million In Vehicle Exports Thus Far In 2024.

ECONOMIC EYE ON CUBA©
January 2025

November 2024 Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Increase 37.4% - 1
48th Of 223 November 2024 U.S. Food/Ag Export Markets- 2
Year-To-Year Exports Increase 31.8% - 2
Cuba Ranked 49th Of 223 U.S. Ag/Food Export Markets - 2
November 2024 Healthcare Product Exports US$176,419.00 - 2
November 2024 Humanitarian Donations US$6,350,097.00 - 3
Obama Administration Initiatives Exports Continue To Increase - 3
U.S. Port Export Data- 19

NOVEMBER 2024 FOOD/AG EXPORTS TO CUBA INCREASE 37.4% - Exports of food products and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba in November 2024 were US$39,384,920.00 compared to US$28,643,992.00 in November 2023 and US$33,085,677.00 in November 2022.

The data contains information on exports from the United States to the Republic of Cuba- products within the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000, Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, and regulations implemented (1992 to present) for other products by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce.

The TSREEA re-authorized the direct commercial (on a cash basis) export of food products (including branded food products) and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba, irrespective of purpose. The TSREEA does not include healthcare products, which remain authorized and regulated by the CDA.

The data represents the U.S. Dollar value of product exported from the United States to the Republic of Cuba under the TSREEA and CDA. The data does not include transportation charges, bank charges, or other costs associated with exports; the government of the Republic of Cuba reports unverifiable data that includes transportation charges, bank charges, and other costs.

January 2024 through November 2024 TSREEA exports were US$391,962,167.00 compared to January 2023 through November 2023 TSREEA exports of US$297,377,457.00.

Total TSREEA exports since first deliveries in December 2001 exceed US$7,638,295,560.00

Other products exported from the United States to the Republic of Cuba in October 2024 include:  

Used Vehicle (1500cc-3000cc)- US$3,989,435.00  
Used Vehicle (1500cc-3000cc) 2024 Exports- US$48,733,037.00
New Vehicle (+3000cc) 2024 Exports- US$4,566,028.00

LINK TO COMPLETE REPORT (AWAITING PORT DATA)

LINK TO COMPLETE LIST OF PRODUCTS IN 2023 EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CUBA

In First Hours, President Trump Reverses President Biden's 14 January 2025 Cuba Decisions.

“Anyone foolish enough to believe President Trump would not reverse the decisions of President Biden believes that Captain Louis Renault in the movie ‘Casablanca’ did not know that gambling was happening at Rick's Cafe.”

The White House
Washington DC
20 January 2025

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: 

Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  The previous administration has embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices within every agency and office of the Federal Government.  The injection of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) into our institutions has corrupted them by replacing hard work, merit, and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy.  Orders to open the borders have endangered the American people and dissolved Federal, State, and local resources that should be used to benefit the American people.  Climate extremism has exploded inflation and overburdened businesses with regulation.

To commence the policies that will make our Nation united, fair, safe, and prosperous again, it is the policy of the United States to restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen.  The revocations within this order will be the first of many steps the United States Federal Government will take to repair our institutions and our economy. 

Sec. 2.  Revocation of Orders and Actions.  The following executive actions are hereby revoked: 

The Presidential Memorandum of January 14, 2025 (Certification of Rescission of Cuba’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism). 

The Presidential Memorandum of January 14, 2025 (Revocation of National Security Presidential Memorandum 5). 

From Politico: “Notably, the Trump administration did not reverse the Biden administration’s decision to suspend Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, a provision that was designed to allow Cuban exiles to file suit against Havana for property and assets seized during the Cuban Revolution but has since been mainly used by multinational corporations.”

• “Suspension becomes effective fourteen days after notification to the United States Congress. The Biden-Harris Administration provided the notification on 14 January 2025 so the effective date would be 29 January 2025 (do not count the day of notification). The Trump-Vance Administration may rescind the suspension immediately upon notification to the United States Congress.”

Links To Related Analyses 

Certification of Rescission of Cuba’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Jan 14, 2025

Biden-Harris Administration Eliminates Cuba Restricted List. Companies Expect Trump-Vance Administration To Reinstate It. Jan 14, 2025

Biden-Harris Administration Suspends Cuba Lawsuits Using Title III Of Libertad Act Of 1996. Impact Limited. Jan 14, 2025

Cuba Using Word “Banned” Is Grossly Misleading. $400+ Million In Commodity/Food Exports, $50 Million In Vehicle Exports, Authorized Investment/Financing Into Private Companies Attests Jan 15, 2025  

Cuba Using Word “Banned” Is Grossly Misleading. $400+ Million In Commodity/Food Exports, $50 Million In Vehicle Exports, Authorized Investment/Financing Into Private Companies Attests

Cuba Government Statement Using Word “Banned” Is Grossly Misleading- As More Than US$400 Million In Agricultural Commodity/Food Product Exports In 2024, US$50 Million In Vehicle Exports In 2024, Authorized Investment/Financing Into Privately-Owned Companies Since 2022, And Bank Account Permissions Attests 

The Diaz-Canel-Valdes Mesa Administration (2018- ) unnecessarily embraces awkward and thus misleading sentence structure when describing the existence of commercial, economic, and financial connectivity with the private sector in the United States.     

• “On the other hand, U.S. citizens, companies and subsidiaries of U.S. corporations are banned from trading with Cuba or Cuban entities, with very restricted and regulated exceptions.” 

LINK TO COMPLETE LIST OF PRODUCTS IN 2023 EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CUBA 

Links To Related Analyses 

Biden-Harris Administration Approves First Equity Investment Since 1960 In A Private Cuban Company May 10, 2022 

With U.S. Government Authorization For First Direct Equity Investment Into A Private Company In Cuba, Here Is Important Context And Details.  About The Parties; About The Message. May 16, 2022      

Biden Administration Will Use Cuba's Authorization Of SMSE's As Means To Expand Support For Cuba Private Sector- U.S. Investments And Loans May Be Next June 02, 2021 

Coffee & Charcoal Have Been Imported From Cuba; U.S. Companies Want More. Agricultural Commodities/Food Products/Healthcare Products Have Been Exported To Cuba; U.S. Companies Want More. October 02, 2021 

In A First... Private Company In Cuba Wins US$85,004.63 Default Judgement Against Miami Food Exporter. Dec 28, 2024

OFAC Updates Reporting Requirement For Legal Services Payments Originating Outside Of The United States. Dec 21, 2024

Huddleston, Rhodes, Others In Letter To President Biden Ignore Reality About Cuba OFAC Licensing. Ill-Conceived. Il-Timed. Uninformed. Dec 21, 2024

Penicillin G Amidase Exported From U.S. To Cuba. October 2024 Ag/Food Exports Increase 161.2%. First Cane Sugar, Dog/Cat Food, Frozen Crustaceans, Coffee/Tea Makers, Cane Furniture, Forklifts Nov 14, 2024

Sorry, Cuba Deputy Foreign Minister- Chewing Gum Is Candy And Candy Is Exported From U.S. To Cuba- Along With Sugar, Chocolate, Puddings, Cookies, Waffles, Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Tequila, Pet Food Nov 26, 2024

Why Is Cuba Deputy Foreign Minister Lying, Misleading, And Misstating Commercial Relationship With U.S.? Isn’t He Supposed To Encourage, Nurture, And Support It? Nov 24, 2024  

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Havana, Republic of Cuba
15 January 2025

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba

On January 14, 2025, the U.S. government announced the decision to: 1) remove Cuba from the State Department's list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism; 2) make use of the presidential prerogative to prevent legal action in U.S. courts regarding lawsuits filed under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act; and 3) eliminate the list of Cuban entities banned from engaging in financial transactions with U.S. citizens and institutions, which has had fallout on third countries.

Despite its limited nature, this is a right decision in line with the sustained and firm demand of the government and people of Cuba, and with the broad, emphatic and reiterated call of many governments, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, Cubans living abroad, political, religious and social organizations, and countless political figures in the United States and other countries. The government of Cuba thanks everyone for their contribution and sensitivity.

This decision puts an end to specific coercive measures that, along with many others, cause serious damage to the Cuban economy, with severe effects on the population. This is and has been an issue in Cuba's official meetings with the U.S. government.

It is important to point out that the economic blockade and many of the dozens of coercive measures imposed since 2017 to reinforce it are still in effect and remain fully extraterritorial in nature, in violation of International Law and the human rights of all Cubans.

To cite just a few examples, the illegal and aggressive persecution continues against fuel supplies that Cuba has a legitimate right to import. The cruel and absurd persecution of Cuba's legitimate international medical cooperation agreements with other countries continues, threatening to deprive millions of people of health services and limiting the potential of Cuba's public health system. Cuba's international financial transactions or those of anyone related to Cuba are still prohibited and subject to reprisals, and merchant ships docking in Cuba also remain under threat.

On the other hand, U.S. citizens, companies and subsidiaries of U.S. corporations are banned from trading with Cuba or Cuban entities, with very restricted and regulated exceptions.

Harassment, intimidation and threats against nationals from any country who intend to trade with or invest in Cuba continue to be official U.S. policy. Cuba is still a destination that the U.S. government prohibits its citizens from visiting.

The economic war remains and persists in posing the main obstacle to the development and recovery of the Cuban economy at a high human cost to the population, and continues to be a stimulus to emigrate.

The decision announced today by the United States corrects, in a very restricted way, aspects of a cruel and unjust policy. It occurs now, on the verge of a change of government, when it should have been made years ago as an elementary act of justice, without demanding anything in return or fabricating excuses to justify inaction, if doing the right thing were the intention. In order to exclude Cuba from the arbitrary list of State sponsors of terrorism, it should have been enough to acknowledge the truth, the total lack of reasons for such designation and the exemplary performance of our country in the fight against terrorism, which even U.S. government agencies have admitted.

It is known that the U.S. government could reverse in the future the measures adopted today, as it has done in the past through decisions revealing of the poor legitimacy, ethics, consistency and rightfulness in terms of its Cuba policy.

To do so, U.S. politicians do not usually refrain from arguing honest justifications as long as the vision described in 1960 by the then Assistant Secretary of State Lester Mallory and the goal that he described of subduing the Cubans by means of economic siege, misery, hunger and desperation remains in force. They would not justify anything as long as their government continues to be incapable of recognizing and accepting Cuba's right to self-determination and as long as it continues to be willing to assume the political cost of international isolation caused by its genocidal and illegal policy of economic asphyxiation against Cuba.

Cuba will keep fighting and denouncing this policy of economic warfare, the interference programs and the disinformation and smear campaigns financed every year with tens of millions of dollars from the U.S. federal budget. It will also remain willing to develop a relationship of respect with that country, based on dialogue and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, despite differences.

LINK TO COMPLETE ANALYSIS IN PDF FORMAT