Cuban leaders call for open doors with Black Community

by Jose Ricardo G. Bondoc

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (3/24)- On Wednesday (3/13), a diplomatic delegation from Cuba met with the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce (SFAACC) in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco. 

Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera said, “I am so happy to be here; we have traveled to cities across America. As a result, in 2022, we were able to have a delegation from the SFAACC attend FIHAV, where we were able to celebrate VI Investment Forums, which repeats as an excellent occasion to hold bilateral meetings between Cuban and foreign businessmen, potential foreign investors; as well as, to continue sharing ideas and exchanging about the challenges that lie ahead in terms of attracting investment … where several of you were able to experience our hospitality…”

“Today, we are trying every action and advocacy, from e-mail to engagement with Cuba and the Cuban people. We have a champion in Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s leadership. She is beloved not just in the House of Representatives but by the people of Cuba as well …”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) noted in the past 2 years, “I commend President Biden for taking action this week to reverse yet another set of oppressive Trump-era policies: this time, regarding Cuba. The United States will now resume the family reunification program, increase flights to Cuba and lift restrictions on remittances; all overdue, much-needed steps that will support the Cuban people. Donative remittances will also resume, providing a crucial lifeline to the most vulnerable Cubans, particularly within the Afro-Cuban community.

“These important changes will bring real, impactful help to people and families in Cuba and the U.S. but our work toward normalizing relations cannot end here. We must do more to rectify the decades of harmful, counterproductive policies and, instead, support engagement and opportunity on the island. I look forward to working with President Biden to continue advancing U.S.-Cuban relations and ensure a brighter future for the Cuban people.”

Ambassador Rivera noted, “Cuba wants good relationships with the United States. We are ready to sit with the Biden Administration. 

According to the United Nations, the General Assembly adopted its annual resolution calling for an end to the United States-led embargo on Cuba, with speakers stressing the urgency of that action, including the global economic insecurity following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Ambassador Rivera, there are four major priorities:

* Remove Cuba from the list of “State Sponsors of Terrorism”. Rivera noted, “As you can see, we don’t support terrorism, nor have we sponsored terrorism…”

* End persecution of those persons/parties traveling to Cuba.

* Waive the Helms-Burton Law.  Rivera noted, “This was an action done under President Bill Clinton and continued until the Trump Administration…”

* End product restrictions. Rivera states, “Under the current set of sanctions and restrictions, businesses are prevented from purchasing or selling any product, wherein more than 10% of the components are from America….”

In a series of proposals, Rivera invited SFAACC San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass members to join a delegation to FIHAV 2024. Their website states, “FIHAV is a well-established and highly regarded event occurring annually since 1983. It is the most important general trade fair in Cuba and the Caribbean and one of the most representative from Latin America. This year, the event will occur during a particular period, as the Republic of Cuba holds the pro tempore presidency of the Community of States of Latin America and the Caribbean.

FIHAV will feature a variety of activities, conferences, and seminars. Exhibitors will showcase their products and services to a broad audience and gain valuable exposure to potential customers. Rivera stated, “FIHAV is an event that offers exhibitors a unique chance to gain visibility, make valuable connections, and increase their business opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this important event and take advantage of its many benefits …”

Furthermore, the group and delegation were invited to Havana’s International Jazz Festival. Cuba’s a music machine pumping out a wall-to-wall sound that fuels the global music scene. Visit Cuba and jump into an audio inferno of Afro-cuban beats, Latin jazz swirling salsa, and dizzying son and rumba.

For information concerning FIHAV 2024, the Jazz Festival 2025, and to learn more about investment and trade opportunities, contact Ms. Esther Vicente, SFAACC Cuba Committee Chair, at [email protected]. To  join the discussion and or join the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website at www.sfaacc.org 

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