Congressional Delegation To Visit Cuba- 4 Senators & 2 Representatives

From 19 February 2017 to 22 February 2017, six (6) members of the United States Congress will visit the Republic of Cuba.  From the United States Senate: The Honorable Patrick Leahy (D- Vermont), The Honorable Thad Cochran (R- Mississippi), The Honorable Michael Bennet (D- Colorado), and The Honorable Tom Udall ( D- New Mexico).  From the United States House of Representatives: The Honorable Jim McGovern (D- Massachusetts) and Seth Moulton (D- Massachusetts).

LINK TO: List Of U.S. Government, Governors & Members Of Congress Who Have Visited The Republic Of Cuba

LINK TO: Want To Have A Legislative Victory? Then Be Specific... Define Payment Terms & Who Will Offer What

United Airlines Crew Stranded In Havana- Airport, Government, Hotel, and Personnel Provided Everything

On 8 February 2017, United Flight 1502, a Boeing 737-800, was scheduled to depart Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) to Newark International Airport (EWR) at 2:53 pm.  It did not.

A snowstorm was scheduled to impact the New York City Metropolitan Area during the morning and mid-afternoon of 9 February 2017, so United Airlines and other carriers cancelled in advance approximately 1,800 flights, including Flight 1502.

While passengers confirmed on Flight 1502 were re-booked for 10 February 2017, there was the issue of how to accommodate the ten-person crew (two pilots, four flight attendants, one mechanic, and five security personnel) who had travelled on 8 February 2017 from EWR to HAV on United Flight 1501 expecting to return the same day on Flight 1502.

Since the resumption of regularly-scheduled airline flights between the United States and the Republic of Cuba commenced in 2016, there have been no reported instances of crews being stranded in the Republic of Cuba; and the Civil Aviation Arrangement signed by the governments in 2016 does completely anticipate for crews to be accommodated.  Thus, the crew of Flight 1502 on 8 February 2017 became the first to encounter an issue. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba (MINREX) granted emergency visas to the crew and the they were transported to the Four Points Sheraton Havana, managed by Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide (a subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International) since 16 June 2016.

The crew of United Airlines flight 1502 were not prepared for an overnight- only one had an overnight bag with clothing or toiletries.  Amongst the ten crew, they had approximately US$200.00 in United States currency.

The management of the Four Points Sheraton Havana placed some of the crew in newly-renovated rooms, others in rooms that have yet to be renovated, provided them with two-plus hours of internet access per day, provided meals, arranged tours of the city of Havana and, most importantly, arranged for the crew to access the Lost & Found for articles of clothing (including bathing suits), which had been washed, so that the crew could have their uniforms cleaned.  Unknown if United Airlines will be receiving an invoice for the services provided to the crew.

At HAV, the United Airlines aircraft had been sealed on 8 February 2017.  Unfortunately, the catering which had been loaded at EWR on the morning of 8 February 2017 was left on the aircraft until the late morning of 10 February 2017 because air carriers do not permit non-company personnel to enter an aircraft without being accompanied by company personnel.  Unknown is the reason(s) for not removing the catering from the aircraft on 8 February 2017.  All the prepared meals had spoiled, permeated the aircraft, and had to be discarded.  On 10 February 2017, catering personnel at HAV removed all the spoiled food and cleaned the galleys.

The catering personnel at HAV offered to fully-provision the flight, but United Airlines would only authorize bottled water reportedly for sanitary reasons and lack of a catering contract.

Unknown as to the reason(s) that United Airlines did not secure the aircraft on 8 February 2017 and send the crew to Houston on another United Airlines flight and/or send the aircraft to a location in the United States.

NCL Could Bring 60,120 Passengers To Cuba In 2017; US$7 Million Economic Impact

Bermuda-based (Miami, Florida, headquarters) Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (2016 revenues exceeded US$4.3 billion) (NCL), has announced an additional twenty-five (25) sailings from Miami, Florida, to Havana, Republic of Cuba, for the period June 2017 through December 2017.  Previously, the company announced five (5) sailings for May 2016.

NCL also reported receiving authorization from the government of the Republic of Cuba for its subsidiaries, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, to operate in the country.  According to the company, "With a combined fleet of 24 ships with approximately 46,500 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 510 destinations worldwide."  NCL carried approximately 2.3 million passengers in 2016.

NCL is using the 2,004-passenger, 848ft Norwegian Sky, built in 1999 (refurbished in 2013).  If operating at capacity, NCL will deliver 60,120 passengers to the Republic of Cuba, resulting in a direct economic impact of which could exceed US$7 million.   Gross revenues to NCL if the vessel operates at capacity for all sailings could be US$81.4 million, representing 2% of gross revenues and approximately 3% of total passengers.

Earlier in February 2017, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (2016 revenues exceeded US$8.5 billion) increased the number of sailings in 2017 that include the Republic of Cuba from four (4) to eleven (11); changing the number of passengers from a potential 6,408 to 17,622 and gross revenues from a potential US$8.3 million to US$22.9 million.

For the Republic of Cuba sailings, the company is using its 1,602-passenger Empress of the Seas (692ft), which was placed in service on 25 June 1990.  

On 26 January 2017, with four (4) announced itineraries (one departing from Miami, Florida and three from Tampa, Florida), if the Empress of the Seas was fully-occupied for each sailing, the total number of passengers would be 6,408 with gross revenues of approximately US$8.3 million.  In 2016, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. vessels carried approximately six million passengers.  The four Republic of Cuba sailings would represent .11% of the total passengers carried by the company and .10% of gross revenues to the company.

On 3 February 2017, the company announced additional itineraries.  Thus, for 2017, Royal Caribbean Cruises will have eleven (11) sailings that will include the Republic of Cuba: ten (10) from Tampa, Florida, and one (1) sailing from Miami, Florida.  The sailings, which range from four (4) nights to seven (7) nights, commence in April 2017 and continue through November 2017.  If the Empress of the Seas sails at capacity, the total number of passengers that would visit the Republic of Cuba in 2017 will be 17,622 with gross revenues of approximately US$22.9 million.  The eleven sailings would represent .28% of the total passengers carried by the company in 2016 and represent .29% of gross revenues to the company in 2016.

Cuba's 1st US Standard-Based 4-5 Star/4-5 Diamond Rated Hotel May Arrive In June

The 246-room Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana will soon accept reservations for its first guests... who are expected to check-in during the first weeks of June 2017. 

Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana
Calle San Rafael (entre Monserrate y Zulueta)
La Habana Vieja , 10100, Havana Cuba

Reservations.lahabana@kempinski.com

Since 2014, there have been reports by media outside the Republic of Cuba and media inside the Republic of Cuba that Geneva, Switzerland-based Kempinski Hotels SA had signed a management contract with Republic of Cuba government-operated Gaviota SA., controlled by Republic of Cuba government-operated Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (Enterprise Management Group), or GAESA, which is, in turn, controlled by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the Republic of Cuba (FAR).  Now, there is an agreement.

Kempinski Hotels SA operates seventy-five (75) five-star properties in thirty (30) countries.  The Bangkok, Thailand-based Thailand Crown Property Bureau has a majority shareholding in Kempinski AG, which owns Kempinski Hotels SA.

From the Kempinski Hotels Internet site (https://www.kempinski.com/en/havana/gran-hotel-kempinski-la-habana/): "Originally built between 1894 and 1917 as the first European style shopping arcade in Cuba, Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana is situated in the heart of the old Havana with a direct view of the Capitol and the Great Theatre of Havana and amidst UNESCO World Heritage sites. The famous Castillo del Morro is accessible within a 10 minute drive. Experience the first true luxury hotel in Cuba and indulge yourself while staying in one of our 246 large rooms or suites with extra high ceilings and French windows opening out to the old city. Experience a variety of restaurants and bars, which also includes a one of a kind cigar lounge and a roof top Panoramic Restaurant and Bar with spectacular views over the old city. Relax in our spa, fitness center and rooftop pool."

While no data has been provided, the value of the renovation project has been estimated to be US$30 million to US$50 million.

Properties rated five-stars in the Republic of Cuba generally equate with one-star to three-star properties in the United States.

There are no properties in the Republic of Cuba that currently achieve a AAA Four Diamond Award or AAA Five Diamond Award from the Heathrow, Florida-based AAA (formerly American Automobile Association) or a Four-Star Rating or Five-Star Rating from the Atlanta, Georgia-based Forbes Travel Guide.   Neither AAA nor Forbes Travel Guide have rated any properties in the Republic of Cuba.  

From AAA: "AAA’s Diamond Rating System does not cover Cuba at this time."

From Forbes Travel Guide: "At this time we do not have any star rated hotels in Cuba though we continue to watch the destination with interest and look forward to launching the country as a new market in the not too distant future. We are really waiting for the hotel infrastructure to generate levels of service that would qualify them to be considered for an evaluation and potential Star Award.  We have not sent any inspectors into Cuba at this time for this reason though have already made high level visits by members of our Executive office."  The Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide, Gerald J. Inzerillo, visited the Republic of Cuba in 2016.

The Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana may be the first property in the Republic of Cuba to earn a four or five rating from AAA and/or Forbes Travel Guide.

There are three (3) properties in the Republic of Cuba with ratings by Boulogne Billancourt, France-based Michelin Travel Partner (a subsidiary of Clermont-Ferrand, France-based Michelin): Hotel El Bosque (3 stars), Hotel Kohly (3 stars) and NH Capri La Habana (4 stars).  However, these ratings are deemed too robust by United States-based travel industry executives.

A challenge for the Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana will be to control the impact upon guests by the consistently problematic city of Havana electrical grid, water quality and pressure, waste disposal, and internet communications infrastructure. 

Another challenge for the Gran Hotel Kempinski La Habana will be to incentivize employees who are Republic of Cuba nationals as they are not unaware of the convertible currency differences between what guests pay and the spending value of what they earn.  An environment based upon a passive or active requirement for gratuities to obtain basic guest services is unsustainable. 

Food quality, value and pricing have been consistent issues for hotels throughout the Republic of Cuba with an increasing number of guests, especially those staying in hotels located in cities, choosing to pay for meals (lunch and dinner) at paladares (privately-owned restaurants), even when lunch or dinner may be included in their accommodation package.

Related Blog Post: http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2016/12/28/seeking-better-roi-cuba-hospitality-companies-to-become-landlords-rather-than-managers?rq=Forbes

Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (a subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International), is scheduled to open the Hotel Inglaterra on 1 December 2017 in the city of Havana, Republic of Cuba.  On 16 March 2016, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide reported that the company would in 2016 manage two (2) properties in the Republic of Cuba- the Hotel Quinta Avenida (rebranded as Four Points Sheraton Havana on 27 June 2016) and Hotel Inglaterra; and had signed a Letter of Intent to manage a third property, the Hotel Santa Isabel.  No reason(s) has been provided for the delay in implementing the management contract or the Letter of Intent.  The Hotel Inglaterra will be amongst the company's 122-property The Luxury Collection; the Hotel Santa Isabel is expected to be included in The Luxury Collection.

Ile-de-France, France-based AccorHotels will be managing the Gaviota SA-owned US$60 million Sofitel So La Habana under construction at the corner of Prado and Malecón and scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2019.  The company also plans to convert the Accor-managed 178-room Mercure Sevilla Havane into a 112-room MGallery property in Havana; the estimated cost is US$20 million.

Like The Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana, The Hotel Inglaterra, Hotel Santa Isabel, Sofitel So La Habana, and Hotel Saratoga (owned by Republic of Cuba government-operated Habaguanex SA under the auspice of GAESA and managed under contract with a non-Republic of Cuba-based entity) will likely seek to earn AAA Four Diamond Award or AAA Five Diamond Award and/or Four-Star Rating or Five-Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide. 

Condition of the building prior to revovation

Starwood Delays One Hotel And Has Not Commented Upon Another

Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (a subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International), is scheduled to open the Hotel Inglaterra on 1 December 2017 in the city of Havana, Republic of Cuba.  The Hotel Inglaterra will be amongst the company's 122-property The Luxury Collection.

On 16 March 2016, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide reported that the company would in 2016 manage two (2) properties in the Republic of Cuba- the Hotel Quinta Avenida (rebranded as Four Points Sheraton Havana on 27 June 2016) and Hotel Inglaterra; and had signed a Letter of Intent to manage a third property, Hotel Santa Isabel. 

No reason(s) has been provided for the twenty-one month delay in implementing the management contract for the Hotel Inglaterra or the signing of a management contract for the Hotel Santa Isabel.

"HAVANA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (“Starwood”) (NYSE:HOT) today signed three new hotel deals in Cuba, marking the first U.S. based hospitality company to enter the market in nearly 60 years. This announcement follows receipt of authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department for Starwood to operate hotels in Cuba. Long-time Havana icon, Hotel Inglaterra, will join The Luxury Collection and Hotel Quinta Avenida will become a Four Points by Sheraton. Both hotels will undergo renovations before raising their new brand flags later in 2016. The Company also announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent to convert the famed Hotel Santa Isabel into a member of The Luxury Collection."

The three properties to be managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide are owned by Republic of Cuba government-operated Gaviota SA., controlled by Republic of Cuba government-operated Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (Enterprise Management Group), or GAESA, which is, in turn, controlled by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the Republic of Cuba (FAR).

Marriott International, before acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, reported in 2016 that it was exploring property management opportunities in the Republic of Cuba.

Hotel Inglaterra

Hotel Santa Isabel

Four Points Sheraton Havana

Update On Title Three Suspension Of Libertad Act (Helms-Burton)

During the next six months, or sooner, the Trump Administration will decide whether to implement Title III of the Libertad Act of 1996.  This provision enables individuals with assets expropriated by the government of the Republic of Cuba to bring lawsuits in United States Federal Courts. 

The Libertad Act requires the president to enable or suspend the provision every six months; and Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama did so.  If not, lawsuits relating to expropriated property in the Republic of Cuba may commence.  The president may rescind the suspension at any time.

"(2) Additional suspensions.--The President may suspend the effective date under subsection (a) for additional periods of not more than 6 months each, each of which shall begin on the day after the last day of the period during which a suspension is in effect under this subsection, if the President determines and reports in writing to the appropriate congressional committees at least 15 days before the date on which the additional suspension is to begin that the suspension is necessary to the national interests of the United States and will expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba."

The Trump Administration may view creating uncertainty about Title III as an effective means of destabilizing the interests of companies in the United States and other countries toward the Republic of Cuba; and it would be successful.

For example, there are individuals who maintain they have Title III-actionable claims relating to Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) and port at Santiago de Cuba.  In the case of HAV, United States-based air carriers and those from other countries could find their assets attached if they do not avoid the Republic of Cuba.  In the case of the port at Santiago de Cuba, passenger cruise ships and cargo ships might avoid docking and unloading for fear of expensive and enduring legal proceedings.

The United States Department of State reported that the Obama Administration issued a suspension on 5 January 2017; this was not publicized.  The next six-month interval will be July/August 2017.

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Washington, DC
January 5, 2017

The Secretary of State reported on January 4, 2017 to the appropriate congressional committees that, consistent with Section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114; 22 U.S.C. 6021-6091) and the authority delegated to the Secretary by the President on January 31, 2013, the Secretary had made the statutorily required determination in order to suspend for six months beyond February 1, 2017 the right to bring an action under Title III of the Act.

Secretary's Determination under Title III of Libertad
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Washington, DC
July 15, 2016

The Secretary of State reported on July 11, 2016 to the appropriate congressional committees that, consistent with Section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114; 22 U.S.C. 6021-6091) and the authority delegated to the Secretary by the President on January 31, 2013, the Secretary had made the statutorily-required determination in order to suspend for six months beyond August 1, 2016 the right to bring an action under Title III of the Act.

Secretary's Determination of Six Months' Suspension under Title III of Libertad
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Washington, DC
January 21, 2016

The Secretary of State reported on January 14, 2016 to the appropriate congressional committees that, consistent with Section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114; 22 U.S.C. 6021-6091) and the authority delegated to the Secretary by the President on January 31, 2013, the Secretary had made the statutorily required determination in order to suspend for six months beyond February 1, 2016, the right to bring an action under Title III of the Act.

Statement on Signing the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996
March 12, 1996

Today I have signed into law H.R. 927, the "Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996." This Act is a justified response to the Cuban government's unjustified, unlawful attack on two unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft that left three U.S. citizens and one U.S. resident dead. The Act imposes additional sanctions on the Cuban regime, mandates the preparation of a plan for U.S. assistance to transitional and democratically elected Cuban governments, creates a cause of action enabling U.S. nationals to sue those who expropriate or "traffic" in expropriated properties in Cuba, and denies such traffickers entry into the United States. It is a clear statement of our determination to respond to attacks on U.S. nationals and of our continued commitment to stand by the Cuban people in their peaceful struggle for freedom.

Immediately after Cuba's brutal act, I urged that differences on the bill be set aside so that the United States could speak in a single, strong voice. By acting swiftly—just 17 days after the attack—we are sending a powerful message to the Cuban regime that we do not and will not tolerate such conduct.

The Act also reaffirms our common goal of promoting a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba by tightening the existing embargo while reaching out to the Cuban people. Our current efforts are beginning to yield results: they are depriving the Cuban regime of the hard currency it needs to maintain its grip on power; more importantly, they are empowering the agents of peaceful change on the island. This Act provides further support for the Administration's efforts to strengthen independent organizations in Cuba intent on building democracy and respect for human rights. And I welcome its call for a plan to provide assistance to Cuba under transitional and democratically elected governments.

Consistent with the Constitution, I interpret the Act as not derogating from the President's authority to conduct foreign policy. A number of provisions—sections 104(a), 109(b), 113, 201, 202(e), and 202(f)—could be read to state the foreign policy of the United States, or would direct that particular diplomatic initiatives or other courses of action be taken with respect to foreign countries or governments. While I support the underlying intent of these sections, the President's constitutional authority over foreign policy necessarily entails discretion over these matters. Accordingly, I will construe these provisions to be precatory.

The President must also be able to respond effectively to rapid changes in Cuba. This capability is necessary to ensure that we can advance our national interests in a manner that is conducive to a democratic transition in Cuba. Section 102(h), concerning the codification of the economic embargo, and the requirements for determining that a transitional or democratically elected government is in power, could be read to impose overly rigid constraints on the implementation of our foreign policy. I will continue to work with the Congress to obtain the flexibility needed if the United States is to be in a position to advance our shared interest in a rapid and peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba.

Finally, Title IV of the Act provides for the Secretary of State to deny visas to, and the Attorney General to exclude from the United States, certain persons who confiscate or traffic in expropriated property after the date of enactment of the Act. I understand that the provision was not intended to reach those coming to the United States or United Nations as diplomats. A categorical prohibition on the entry of all those who fall within the scope of section 401 could constrain the exercise of my exclusive authority under Article II of the Constitution to receive ambassadors and to conduct diplomacy. I am, therefore, directing the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to ensure that this provision is implemented in a way that does not interfere with my constitutional prerogatives and responsibilities.

The Cuban regime's lawless downing of two unarmed planes served as a harsh reminder of why a democratic Cuba is vitally important both to the Cuban and to the American people. The LIBERTAD Act, which I have signed into law in memory of the four victims of this cruel attack, reasserts our resolve to help carry the tide of democracy to the shores of Cuba.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON
The White House, March 12, 1996.

White House Makes Second Comments About Cuba Policy

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
February 03, 2017

Press Briefing
12:37 P.M. EST

Mr. Spicer:  With that, I’m going to go my first Skype question seat.   Jackie Nespral from NBC 6 in South Florida.  Jackie.

Question:  Good afternoon.  On behalf of the viewers of South Florida, thanks so much for this opportunity.  You know, a lot of focus on foreign affairs this week, a new sanctions announced today against Iran, and of course Miami, as you know, is home to the largest Cuban-American community in the country.  And during the campaign, President Trump talked about his discontent with the warming of U.S.-Cuba relations implemented by President Obama.  And in the last days of his administration, he ended the "wet foot, dry foot" policy, leaving thousands of Cubans in limbo.

So my question is twofold.  A, has there been any contact between your administration and the Cuban government?  And B, are there any plans to change the current policy right now?

Mr. Spicer:  Thanks, Jackie.  We are in the midst of a full review of all U.S. policies towards Cuba.  The President is committed to an agenda of ensuring human rights for all citizens throughout the world.  And as we review those policies in Cuba, that will be forefront in their policy discussions, but there is nothing that we have on that front at this point.

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Washington, DC
24 January 2017

Press Briefing
36:18 of 45:26

Question:  Does the President have any plans to change US policy towards Cuba there are a lot of changes that took place during the last Administration and the Executive Orders as it relates to US-Cuba relations?

Mr. Spicer:  I have to follow-up with you we've got nothing that we're ready to announce at this point.

http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2017/1/25/first-comments-from-the-white-house-about-cuba-policy

Correction: Royal Caribbean Cruises Increases 2017 Cuba Projections: 175% For Passengers & 186% For Revenues

NOTE (2:22 pm): Incorrect data was obtained from RCC relating to the passenger count for the Empress of the Seas vessel.  We have corrected the errors throughout the following text.  We apologize.

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (2016 revenues exceeded US$8 billion) has increased the number of sailings in 2017 that include the Republic of Cuba from four (4) to eleven (11); changing the number of passengers from a potential 6,408 to 17,622 and gross revenues from a potential US$8.3 million to US$22.9 million.

For the Republic of Cuba sailings, the company is using its 1,602-passenger Empress of the Seas (692ft), which was placed in service on 25 June 1990.  

On 26 January 2017, with four (4) announced itineraries (one departing from Miami, Florida and three from Tampa, Florida), if the Empress of the Seas was fully-occupied for each sailing, the total number of passengers would be 6,408 with gross revenues of approximately US$8.3 million.  In 2016, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. vessels carried six million passengers.  The four Republic of Cuba sailings would represent .11% of the total passengers carried by the company and .10% of gross revenues to the company.

On 3 February 2017, the company announced additional itineraries.  Thus, for 2017, Royal Caribbean Cruises will have eleven (11) sailings that will include the Republic of Cuba: ten (10) from Tampa, Florida, and one (1) sailing from Miami, Florida.  The sailings, which range from four (4) nights to seven (7) nights, commence in April 2017 and continue through November 2017.  If the Empress of the Seas sails at capacity, the total number of passengers that would visit the Republic of Cuba in 2017 will be 17,622 with gross revenues of approximately US$22.9 million.  The eleven sailings would represent .28% of the total passengers carried by the company in 2016 and represent .29% of gross revenues to the company in 2016.

The economic impact on the Republic of Cuba by the eleven (11) sailings may be approximately US$2.2 million if the vessels operate at capacity.

During an appearance on CNBC's "Power Lunch" on 26 January 2017, Mr. Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., referred to the company's planned April 2017 to May 2017 sailings to the Republic of Cuba as a "trivial part of our business."

Mr. Fain was correct about the economic impact of the Republic of Cuba to the company based upon announced activity for 2017.  He was not accurately reflecting the commensurate effort by the company to obtain authorization from the government of the Republic of Cuba.

Reportedly, members of the Chicago, Illinois-based Pritzker family have substantive shareholdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.; at one reporting they were the third-largest shareholder in the company.  The Honorable Penny Pritzker (net worth reported as US$2.4 billion) served as United States Secretary of Commerce during the Obama Administration from 26 June 2013 to 20 January 2017 and visited the Republic of Cuba twice during her tenure.

The "Godmother" of the Empress of the Seas is the Republic of Cuba-born, Florida-based singer Ms. Gloria Estefan.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL OPENS NEW SAILINGS TO CUBA
Adventure Seekers Can Now Stay in Havana Overnight on Empress of the Seas

MIAMI, Feb. 3, 2017 – Guests looking to dive deeper into the culture and nightlife of Cuba will now have the opportunity to experience the island at night on Empress of the Seas’ new sailings to Havana. Royal Caribbean International has expanded its Caribbean itineraries sailing from Tampa, to include new 4- and 5-night cruises with day and overnight visits to Havana, along with stops in Key West, FL. and Cozumel, Mexico. The new sailings are available through Nov. 4, 2017, and all sailings are now open for sale.

Visiting Cuba with Royal Caribbean means guests can enjoy authentic people-to-people experiences curated to immerse them in the natural beauty and rich culture of the island. Adventures include taking a trip back to the 1950s in a classic American car to tour Havana, with stops at the historic and luxurious Hotel Nacional de Cuba and the Plaza de Revolución, as well as a scenic drive along the island’s famous Malecón waterfront. For guests who want to immerse themselves even more during their time in Cuba, a walking tour offers a close-up experience of the city’s most famous locales, including the old quarter and the Havana Club Museum, a renowned rum producer housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion. For those intrigued by literary greats, a unique excursion will take them to novelist Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts, including where he lived, fished, dined and sipped his favorite cocktails.  

In the evenings, travelers can experience another side of Cuba – its diverse nightlife. From visiting the famous Tropicana Club to enjoying a performance by the Buena Vista Social Club or witnessing the family friendly ceremonial cannon firing at El Cañonazo, guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of Cuba after dark.

The vibrant Cuban culture extends beyond land to the experience onboard Empress of the Seas. From cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal to salsa music and dancing in the Boleros Latin lounge, guests will have a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life throughout the entire journey.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 48-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 25 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2017/1/26/cuba-is-trivial-part-of-business-says-royal-caribbean-cruises-chairman-ceo-not-quite-accurate

American Airlines Opens Ticket Office In Havana; Delta Air Lines Was First; Can't Accept Credit Cards & Can't Check-In For Flights

On 1 February 2017, Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines opened a ticket office in the city of Havana, Republic of Cuba.  The company has an operations office for its resident country manager.

American Airlines operates thirteen daily flights from Miami, Florida, and from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Havana and the cities of Camaguey, Cienfuegos, Holguin, Santa Clara and Varadero.

From American Airlines on 6 February 2017:

We have three employees at the Ticket Service Center. They are not American Airlines employees, they contract employees.

We sell tickets and provide information. All transactions are cash only, only currency accepted is CUC’s (Cuban Convertible Pesos). Unlike in the U.S. or other TSC’s in Latin America and the Caribbean, customers can’t check-in or receive a boarding pass and the self-service machine is not operational at this time. Also, our frequent flyer program reservations and inquiries are limited.

The office is located at Calle 76 entre 5ta y 3ra Avenida, Centro de Negocios de Miramar, Barcelona Building. Office is open to the public Monday through Friday de 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Additionally we have a training room to bring in our airport contract employees in Cuba for training. Our country manager’s office is also located in this office complex (Edificio Beijing).

On 7 November 2016, Atlanta, Georgia-based Delta Air Lines became the first United States-based company to establish an office since 1961 in the Republic of Cuba.

Long Island City, New York-based JetBlue Airways expects to open an office soon.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury has authorized United States-based companies to have representative offices in the Republic of Cuba.

The ticket offices are staffed by Republic of Cuba nationals.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has authorized the re-establishment of regularly-scheduled commercial services from the United States to the Republic of Cuba; there will be up to 110 daily flights.

http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2016/9/23/which-companies-are-the-first-to-open-offices-in-cuba?rq=american%20airlines

Florida Budget Proposal Would Impact Florida Ports With Cuba Services

The Honorable Richard Lynn “Rick” Scott, Governor (R) of the State of Florida, has included language on page 221 of his 363-page 2017/2018 budget that would, if approved by the Florida Legislature, impact the ports located in the state which are the location of exports to the Republic of Cuba and/or imports from the Republic of Cuba.  

Governor Scott was inaugurated on 4 January 2011 and is term-limited; his final term ends on 5 January 2019.

The impacted ports may include: Port Everglades, Jaxport (Jacksonville), Port Manatee, Port Miami, Port of Palm Beach, Port of Pensacola and Port Tampa Bay.

Florida Department of Transportation

1873   FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY
       SEAPORT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
        FROM STATE TRANSPORTATION
         (PRIMARY) TRUST FUND. . . . . . .                        15,000,000

1874   FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY
       SEAPORTS ACCESS PROGRAM
        FROM STATE TRANSPORTATION
         (PRIMARY) TRUST FUND. . . . . . .                        10,000,000

1875   FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY
       SEAPORT GRANTS
        FROM STATE TRANSPORTATION
         (PRIMARY) TRUST FUND. . . . . . .                       140,097,833

1876   FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY
       SEAPORT INVESTMENT PROGRAM
        FROM STATE TRANSPORTATION
         (PRIMARY) TRUST FUND. . . . . . .                        11,448,082

"No funds in Specific Appropriations 1873 through 1876 may be allocated to infrastructure projects that result in the expansion of trade with the Cuban dictatorship because of their continued human rights abuses."

How the words "result in" and "expansion" could be interpreted has created challenges for officials representing ports located in the State of Florida.  In January/February 2017, three (3) ports declined to execute Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the Port Authority of the Republic of Cuba.  

The wording of the budget proposal could be interpreted expansively- that if a port uses state funds to add a crane or expand a container facility and months later Crowley Liner Services increases on one vessel the number of containers transported from Port Everglades to the Port of Mariel, the increase could be interpreted as having been a result of changes to port infrastructure.

The vagueness of the wording was precisely what Governor Scott and his staff sought- to create uncertainty and, as a result, negatively impact the desire of exporters in the United States to engage commerce with Cuba.

In July 2016, the Florida Department of Transportation issued its 2015 Florida Seaport System Plan within which was the following passage:

3.8.3 EXPANSION OF TRADE WITH CUBA
Reaching back as far as the first Seaport Mission Plan, published in1990, the topic of resuming normal trade with Cuba has been listed as a significant issue for Florida’s seaports. Due to the proximity of the state to Cuba and the cultural ties, expanded trade opportunities could be dramatic. Many U.S. companies, educational institutions, humanitarian consortiums, and public officials seek to better understand future opportunities.

Meeting Minutes from the Tampa Bay Ports Regional on 13 August 2014 included the passage:

Primary Meeting Action Items:
Shared Strengths: Research, Manufacturing, Land capacity, Shared channel, Roads and Rail, Proximity to the Panama Canal, Cuba, Central and South America, Shared consumer markets along I4 corridor.

Cuba Imports Condoms From India

In 2016, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) of the Republic of Cuba imported approximately US$160,000.00 in condoms from Thiruvananthapuram, India-based HLL Lifecare Ltd; in 2017, the company is expect to export approximately US$300,000.00 in condoms to MINSAP.

Condom manufacturers in the United States include Ewing, New Jersey-based Church & Dwight Co, Inc.; Iselin, New Jersey-based Ansell Americas (headquarters in Australia); Parsippany, New Jersey-based Reckitt Benckiser LLC (headquarters in United Kingdom);

Colorado Governor To Become 15th To Visit Cuba Since 1999

The Honorable John Hickenlooper (D), Governor of the State of Colorado, will visit the Republic of Cuba from 2 February 2017 to 5 February 2017.  Governor Hickenlooper will be the fifteenth (15th) governor to visit the Republic of Cuba since 1999.

Denver, Colorado-based Biennial Of The Americas (www.biennialoftheamericas.org), a non-profit organization, is coordinating the visit to the Republic of Cuba.  Governor Hickenlooper is the Honorary Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Representatives of Colorado-based companies are participating in the visit; the names of the companies have not been published.

Governor Hickenlooper will be paying the expenses for him and his wife.  Biennial Of The Americas will be paying the expenses of Mr. Doug Friednash, Chief of Staff to the Governor.  Two security officers will accompany the Governor, as required by state statute; their expenses will be paid by the state of Colorado.

George Ryan (R- Illinois)-  1999/2002
Jesse Ventura (I- Minnesota)- 2002
John Hoeven (R- Nebraska)- 2002
David Heineman (R- Nebraska)- 2005/2006/2007
Kathleen Blanco (D- Louisiana)- 2005
John Balducci (D- Maine)- 2005
Butch Otter (R- Idaho)- 2007
Mike Beebe (D- Arkansas)- 2009
Bill Richardson (D- New Mexico)- 2009/2010
Sonny Perdue (R- Georgia)- 2010
Jay Nixon (D- Missouri) replaced by wife, Georganne Nixon- 2015
Andrew Cuomo (D- New York)- 2015
Asa Hutchinson (R- Arkansas)- 2015
Greg Abbott (R- Texas)- 2015
Terry McAuliffe (D- Virginia)- 2016
Jay Nixon (D- Missouri)- 2016
Lt. Governor Brad Owen (D-Washington)- 2016
John Bel Edwards (D- Louisiana)- 2016
Earl Ray Tomblin (D- West Virginia)- 2016
John Hickenlooper (D- Colorado)- 2017

Outline For A Visit By A Governor To The Republic Of Cuba

Cuba Is "Trivial" Part Of Business Says Royal Caribbean Cruises Chairman & CEO; Not Quite Accurate

Mr. Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (2016 revenues exceeded US$8 billion), referred to the company's planned April 2017 to May 2017 sailings to the Republic of Cuba as a "trivial part of our business" during an appearance on CNBC's "Power Lunch" program on 26 January 2017.

Mr. Fain is correct about the economic impact of the Republic of Cuba to the company based upon announced activity for 2017.  He is not accurately reflecting the commensurate effort by the company to obtain authorization from the government of the Republic of Cuba.

Reportedly, members of the Chicago, Illinois-based Pritzker family have substantive shareholdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.; at one reporting they were the third-largest shareholder in the company.  The Honorable Penny Pritzker (net worth reported as US$2.4 billion) served as United States Secretary of Commerce during the Obama Administration from 26 June 2013 to 20 January 2017 and visited the Republic of Cuba twice during her tenure.

For the Republic of Cuba sailings, the company is using its 2,270-passenger Empress of the Seas (692ft), which was placed in service on 25 June 1990.  

The "Godmother" of the Empress of the Seas is the Republic of Cuba-born, Florida-based singer Ms. Gloria Estefan.

With four (4) announced itineraries (one departing from Miami, Florida and three from Tampa, Florida), if the Empress of the Seas was fully-occupied for each sailing, the total number of passengers would be 6,408 with gross revenues of approximately US$8.3 million.  In 2016, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. vessels carried six million passengers.  The four Republic of Cuba sailings would represent .11% of the total passengers carried by the company and .10% of gross revenues to the company.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL OPENS SAILINGS TO CUBA
Adventure Seekers Can Now Visit Havana On Empress of the Seas from Miami or Tampa

MIAMI, Dec. 9, 2016 – Salsa music, dominoes, Mojitos and historic Havana neighborhoods are easier to reach than ever before for guests on Royal Caribbean International. The newly revitalized Empress of the Seas will make history for the cruise line with its first visit to Cuba during a 5-night sailing departing Miami on April 19, 2017. The ship will then reposition to Tampa offering two itineraries with calls to Havana on April 30 (7-night sailing) and May 20 (5-night sailing). These Empress of the Seas sailings are now open for sale.

Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the 2017 summer season – the cruise line’s first-ever summer program from the destination – offering a series of 4- and 5-night sailings, including port calls to destinations in Cuba. Empress will provide vacationers with the opportunity to discover the timeless sights, sounds and culture of this island nation. Details of the summer itineraries will be released at a later date.

“Royal Caribbean is the world’s most exciting adventure company, and we’re thrilled to introduce culture-seeking travelers to Cuba. As the unrivaled innovators of the cruise experience, no company is better positioned to help adventurers explore and experience this culturally rich destination,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Guests sailing onboard Empress of the Seas and visiting Cuba can enjoy curated people-to-people experiences created to immerse vacationers in the natural beauty of Cuba, its architecture, cuisine, music and art.  All cruises will be designed in accordance with current U.S. to Cuba travel regulations.

While in Cuba, guests will explore Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage site – some of the city’s most notable squares, historic neighborhoods, a local artisan market, Havana’s rum museum as well as Hemingway’s former residence and favorite haunts. Local experts will immerse guests in the history, culture and people of Cuba. These authentic encounters will give guests an unforgettable taste of what has made Cuba the gem of the Caribbean.

The authentic experiences aren’t limited to land. The vibrant culture will extend to Empress of the Seas, from cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal to salsa music, guests will have a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life during the entire journey. The revitalized Empress will bring the shipboard Cuban flair together with signature amenities, such as a thrilling rock-climbing wall for adrenaline seekers; updated pool and whirlpools; a Vitality Spa with an extensive treatment menu; and a complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program. Empress also will offer a variety of dining options with the casual atmosphere of the Windjammer Café and fine dining at Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse Chops.

The summer program on Empress of the Seas provides travelers with more opportunities to sample the unique Royal Caribbean experience from Tampa. Two other Royal Caribbean ships, Rhapsody of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, will offer Caribbean itineraries from the homeport during the winter season. Guests interested in being one of the first to experience Cuba with Royal Caribbean can contact their travel professional, call Royal Caribbean at 1-866-562-7625 or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/Cuba.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 13 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 25 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Biography Of Mr. Fain:

"Richard D. Fain serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL). More than five million guests sail each year aboard the company's cruise lines. RCL owns and operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises and is part of joint ventures that operate Pullmantur and TUI Cruises. The company's 49 ships sail to nearly 500 ports on all seven continents.

Fain became the cruise line company's chairman and CEO in 1988, and has guided its growth to its current place on the S&P 500, as well as its listing by the Ethisphere Institute as a 2016 World's Most Ethical Company.Fain is chair of the University of Miami Board of Trustees, and serves on the board of the Posse Foundation and the executive committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

He has been recognized with the Federal Maritime Commission's Earth Day Award, the Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award, the South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and membership in the South Florida Business Hall of Fame. The French government honored Fain as a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, while the Finnish government named him a Commander, First Class, of the Order of the Lion.

Fain holds a B.S. degree in economics from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Fain and his wife, Colleen, have four children and six extraordinary grandchildren."

Florida Company Receives License To Export Electric Vehicles To Cuba; Charging Stations From New Jersey-Based Company

On 9 January 2017, after a four-year effort, Miami, Florida-based Premier Automotive Export (PAE), Ltd., a subsidiary of Grand Cayman-based Cayman Automotive (www.caymanautomotive.com), received a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce authorizing the export of electric vehicles and vehicle chargers from the United States to the Republic of Cuba.  PAE became operational in January 2017.

New Paragraph (1/27/17): Mr. Felder, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cayman Automotive, reported that after contacting a United States-based consultant, making a payment of US$2,500.00 and not receiving the expected support, he chose to directly engage with the licensing staff at the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce to navigate the licensing process.  From Mr. Felder: "The licensing staff at the OFAC and BIS were excellent in assisting me; we were all seeking to create a license never before attempted... and we did."

Partial text from the PAE application to the BIS: “Electric vehicles will be used by the various embassies as their official government vehicle. Premier Automotive Export is seeking a U.S. Export License to ship 100% electric vehicles and charge stations to Cuba. This new business will not only benefit the Cuban people by reducing the country's carbon footprint, but also by creating jobs and having a positive effect of our economy.”

The BIS license (Click For PDF Text), which is valid until 31 January 2021, requires that all vehicles be exported directly from the United States through the United States-based subsidiary, PAE, and be delivered only to non-Republic of Cuba government-operated entities.

Authorized end-users include, but are not limited to, embassies, private enterprises and non-state businesses, self-employed, and United States-based companies with operations in the Republic of Cuba.  There may be no transfer of ownership unless authorized by the BIS.

Thus far, the government of the Republic of Cuba has not authorized United States-based companies to directly export products to non-Republic of Cuba government-operated entities.

United States-based companies with operations in the Republic of Cuba include Atlanta, Georgia-based Delta Air Lines, the first United States-based company to establish an office since 1961 in the Republic of Cuba; Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines which has the largest presence of all United States-based air carriers, has an operations office for its resident country manager and expects to have a ticket office soon; Long Island City, New York-based JetBlue Airways expects to open an office soon; and Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (a subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International), which manages the Four Points Sheraton Havana and this year will add two properties.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury has authorized United States-based companies to have representative offices in the Republic of Cuba.

The company (coordinating through its office in Miami, Florida) is using the Crowley Liner Services twice-weekly container schedule from Port Everglades, Florida, to the Port of Mariel, Republic of Cuba, managed by TC Mariel SA (a subsidiary of Singapore-based PSA International Pte Ltd).

The first Nissan Leaf departed the United States on 8 February 2017.

Cayman Compass
Cayman Islands
18 January 2017

Excerpts....

The license stipulates shipment of “one 2015 Nissan Leaf, 100 percent electric four-door sedan with a range of 87 miles on a single charge. The engine is 24 kilowatts and delivers 97 horsepower,” and costs US$24,850.00.

The document describes the station: “Clipper Creek level II charger is a 40 amp charger fitted with the J-1772 universal charging connector,” the same equipment used in Cayman’s charging stations. The license pegs the cost at US$875.00.

Mr. Felder has been operating George Town-based Cayman Automotive since 2005, mostly trading in U.S., Japanese and Chinese trucks and cars. In 2009 he became Cayman’s sole electric-vehicle dealer, selling the first “EV” to Camana Bay and installing almost a dozen-and-a-half charging stations across Grand Cayman, supplying the 52 electric cars on the roads.  The islands boast another 15 gas-electric hybrids.

Guyanese Ambassador to Cuba Halim Majeed thanked Mr. Felder for the initiative: “On behalf of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and, indeed on my own behalf, I would wish to express our gratitude to you for your perseverance in exporting to my embassy a 100 percent electric vehicle,” the ambassador wrote on Jan. 10.

Mr. Felder said he partnered with Advanced Solar Products, Inc., (http://www.advancedsolarproducts.com) based in Flemington, New Jersey, to install 50 charging locations, each costing approximately US$1,000.00, in gas stations across Havana.  “They are going into Havana next month to get operating, and will be shipping chargers next month,” Mr. Felder said, indicating the company may employ Cuban-built solar panels.

In a December 2014 issue of Cuba’s Granma International newspaper, Efren Marcos Espinosa, investment specialist at the Pinar del Rio electric company, said Cuba’s 4,000 solar panels each produced a peak output of 250 watts, saving approximately 8.4 million barrels of crude per year.

Complete Analysis In PDF Format

Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Cuba (MINTRANS): Before 2030, MINTRANS plans for 45% of the total number of vehicles owned by Republic of Cuba government-operated companies will be electric vehicles.  A goal is to introduce more than 56,000 electric vehicles of which about 36,000 will be imported while 17,000 will be retrofitted from existing combustion engine vehicles.  A goal is to install 38,000 charging stations throughout the country with 16,000 fast charging stations and the remainder slow or semi-fast charging stations.  An additional 2,000 slow and fast charging stations will in public places while 180 50KV fast charging stations will be located to supply public services.  The first Cuban company to utilize electric vehicles in the Republic of Cuba was Republic of Cuba government-operated Aguas de la Habana.  The company operates a twenty-two Nissan e-NV200 vehicles.  LINK To YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNhxN0aevXc

First Comments From The White House About Cuba Policy

The White House
Washington, DC
24 January 2017

Press Briefing
36:18 of 45:26

Question:

Does the President have any plans to change US policy towards Cuba there are a lot of changes that took place during the last Administration and the Executive Orders as it relates to US-Cuba relations?

Sean Spicer:

I have to follow-up with you we've got nothing that we're ready to announce at this point.

Italy’s Savino del Bene receives license from BIS To Provision Non-US Passenger Vessels In Cuba

Scandicci, Italy-based Savino del Bene SpA (2016 revenues approximately US$1.4 billion) has received a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce to export food products, agricultural commodities and healthcare products from the United States to the Republic of Cuba for use by cruise ships.

The company (coordinating through its office in Miami, Florida) is using the Crowley Liner Services twice-weekly container schedule from Port Everglades, Florida, to the Port of Mariel, Republic of Cuba, managed by TC Mariel SA (a subsidiary of Singapore-based PSA International Pte Ltd).

The significance of this announcement is Savino del Bene SpA is receiving orders from Geneva, Switzerland-based MCS Cruises to provision its vessels upon their arrival to the Port of Havana, Republic of Cuba. 

MSC Cruises operates itineraries including the Republic of Cuba that are not authorized for individuals subject to United States jurisdiction.

MCS Cruises will provide a list of items which will be sourced in the United States and then delivered through the services of a Republic of Cuba-based supply-chain correspondent to the vessel in a sealed container.

BIS authorized exports of product from the United States to the Republic of Cuba specifically for use by passengers (tourists) of a non-United States-based cruise company.  

If United States-based cruise companies with itineraries authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury seek to use the BIS-licensed provision services of Savino del Bene SpA, the BIS will need amend the existing license.

“The Savino Del Bene Group is a global operator with over 3200 employees, 151 own branches, 66 subsidiary offices, and with the support of over 150 selected correspondents.  Savino Del Bene, whose name is homonymous of its founder, started up in Florence, Italy, at the beginning of the 1900's. The company's early focus was to develop freight forwarding services primarily towards the USA. Today, Savino Del Bene has evolved into a global logistics provider with a worldwide network, specialized in supply chain management, offering services for ocean, air and surface transportation.”

Company Profile In PDF Format

Rex Tillerson, Nominee For Secretary Of State, Submits Written Answers To Cuba Questions; Channels Speaker Ryan From June 2016

Written Question: Will you work with the Treasury Department to ensure that no revenue from American businesses goes directly toward supporting the Cuban military and the regime?

Mr. Rex Tillerson: Yes, if I am confirmed.

NOTE: On 9 June 2016, The Honorable Paul Ryan (R-WI), Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, issued a statement entitled, "Achieving U.S. Security Through Leadership & Liberty"

The second paragraph of the document included this sentence: "A first step should be to ban financial transactions with the Cuban military."

http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2016/6/11/speaker-of-the-house-paul-ryan-wants-to-rescind-starwood-hotel-management-agreement?rq=Paul%20Ryan

Committee on Foreign Relations
United States Senate
Washington, DC

Written answers by Mr. Rex Tillerson, nominee to be United States Secretary of State, as published by the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Question: Despite the Obama Administration’s controversial and misguided decision to normalize relations with Cuba and its hope that this could lead to improved governance and human rights, Cuban officials continue to arrest dissidents and violate the rights of citizens, and tourism revenues benefit only government officials and a small minority of the population. How do you plan to approach the United States’ relationship with Cuba? How will you support human rights defenders and democracy activists in Cuba? What bilateral and/or multilateral pressure will you exert to lessen authoritarian rule in Cuba?

Tillerson: If confirmed, I will engage with Cuba but continue to press for reform of its oppressive regime. I will support human rights defenders and democracy activists in Cuba, empower civil society, defend freedom of expression, and promote improved Internet access and I will ask our allies to do the same.

Will you continue to support programs that promote democratic voices and initiatives in Cuba like Radio and TV Marti?

Yes, if I am confirmed.

What steps will you take to pressure the Castro regime to return American political fugitives like New Jersey cop-killer Joanne Chesimard?

If confirmed, I will engage bilaterally and multilaterally to bring these fugitives to justice.

Will you work with the Treasury Department to ensure that no revenue from American businesses goes directly toward supporting the Cuban military and the regime?

Yes, if I am confirmed.

NOTE: On 9 June 2016, The Honorable Paul Ryan (R-WI), Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, issued a statement entitled, "Achieving U.S. Security Through Leadership & Liberty"  The second paragraph of the document included this sentence: "A first step should be to ban financial transactions with the Cuban military."  http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2016/6/11/speaker-of-the-house-paul-ryan-wants-to-rescind-starwood-hotel-management-agreement?rq=Paul%20Ryan

What steps will you take to encourage the government of Cuba to release political prisoners, artists, journalists, and other Cubans being detained for politically-motivated reasons?

If confirmed, I will press Cuba to meet its pledge to become more democratic and consider placing conditions on trade or travel policies to motivate the release of political prisoners.

What steps will you take to promote judicial reform in Cuba?

I will work bilaterally and multilaterally to identify training and technical assistance opportunities to assist with judicial reform, if I am confirmed.

On October 12, 2016, PEOTUS Donald Trump stated, “The people of Cuba have struggled too long. Will reverse Obama’s Executive Orders and concessions towards Cuba until freedoms are restored.” Do you stand by PEOTUS Trump’s commitment to reverse the Obama Administration’s Cuba regulations until freedoms are restored on the island?

Yes. There will be a comprehensive review of current policies and executive orders regarding Cuba to determine how best to pressure Cuba to respect human rights and promote democratic changes.

On October 14, 2016, VPEOTUS Mike Pence reiterated this commitment by stating, “When Donald Trump and I take to the White House, we will reverse Barack Obama’s executive orders on Cuba.” Do you stand by VPEOTUS Pence’s commitment to reverse the Obama Administration’s Cuba regulations?

Yes, if I am confirmed.

Cuba Comic Con Expo To Havana In May 2017

Warwick, NY (January 9, 2017) – Martin Glynn, CEO of MAD Event Management announced today that they have partnered with Paradiso, the Cuban cultural agency, to produce Cuba Comic Expo, being held in Havana, Cuba on May 19-21, 2017.

This cultural exchange program will welcome creators from the aligned pop culture worlds of comic book, animation, storytelling and other creative arts to Havana for a unique and historic event. 

MAD will sponsor comic, animation, prose and other creators to join them in Cuba and will facilitate meetings with their Cuban peers, as well as to produce content for a two-day public event to be held at Pavilion in Cuba’s capital city of Havana.

The program will feature tours of relevant cultural institutions in Havana, followed by networking sessions with peers from Cuba.

There will be a public exposition on May 20 & 21 where the creators will be introduced to fans through a series of curated Question & Answer sessions and panel discussions. Featured artwork and scripts from the creators will be presented in a museum-like setting.

“We’ve been investigating the concept of producing an event in Cuba for nearly a year, and were thrilled to receive formal approval to move forward. The opportunities for both sides are incredible with knowledge and skill sharing between the two countries’ brightest and most creative professionals,” said Marty Glynn, CEO of MAD Event Management. “We will be announcing more specific details over the next month, and will offer people in related industries to join us as part of a Fam Tour (familiarization tour). There will also be a limited number of sponsor and exhibitor opportunities available.”

For more information about the event, you may reach Marty Glynn at marty@madeventmanagement.com.

About MAD Event Management:

MAD Event Management is an all-purpose event planning facilitator whose principal owner has over 15 years of experience producing annual large-scale consumer conventions around the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Dallas. MAD's capabilities include: Site Selection, Exhibit Staffing, Marketing Plans, Vendor Selection, Floor Plan Development, On-Site Execution, Sponsor Exhibitor Sales, Travel Management, Contract Development, Setup & Disassembly and Contract Coordination. Visit www.madeventmanagement.com for additional information.

The comic book/character/entertainment industry in the United States had gross revenues of more than US$3 billion in 2016.

Media Release In PDF Format

Cuba Port Representatives Visiting Six Ports In The United States

A delegation of representatives from port facilities in the Republic of Cuba is visiting the United States from 21 January 2017 to 3 February 2017.

The Trump Administration did not seek to cancel or delay the visit.

The delegation includes: Eradis Gonzalez de la Peña, CEO of Almacenes Universales S.A.; Ernesto Viñas Betancourt, advisor of the Vice Minister of Transportation of Cuba; Ana Teresa Igarza Martinez, general director of Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM); Tania Vazquez Garcia, official within the Trade Policy Division with North America, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment; Rene Rolando Fernandez de Lara Cabazas, director of Inland Waterway and Sea Transport, Cuban Ministry of Transport; Joe Lago, First Secretary, Embassy of Cuba; and Jose Leonardo Sosa Barrios, Deputy Director, Mariel Container Terminal, Port Mariel.

The schedule includes visits to six (6) port facilities (including Houston, Texas, and a visit to Austin, Texas; Port of New Orleans, Louisiana; Port of Norfolk, Virginia) and to Washington DC; and signing of memorandums of understanding (MOU) between the National Port Administration of Cuba and ports in Florida (Palm Beach, Port Everglades; Tampa) and in Alabama.

The delegation from the Republic of Cuba will attend a conference on 2/3 February 2017 in Tampa, Florida, hosted by the Alexandria, Virginia-based American Association of Port Authorities.