Turning the screws further on Cuba?

[El Presidente]

Increasing tidbits are coming out about what is being considered  by the US incoming administration in relation to Cuba. 

1. Full Travel ban
2. Airline ban. 
3. Further US visa restrictions (and expansion) for non US citizens who vitit Cuba. 
4. increasing funding for dissidents and pro-democracy programs 

I suspect they are doubling down as they can see the regime teetering if not exactly on one knee. They may be right. 

I suspect 1 and 2 will be heavily restricted but not a complete ban. The rest is easily achieved. 

[chris12381]

I think you can add the end of remittances via Western Union from the US, cell phone recharges to Cubacel/ETECSA drawn on US banks/PayPal as well as the US bank accounts for small businesses on the island (though the Cuban government blocked that program anyway).  I could also see Americans being unable to send products via websites like supermarket23.  

The end of remittances would be ruthless for the population.  Most economists estimate that remittances are the 2nd or 3rd most significant source of the island's income (after it trickles out of the recipient's hands and into the eventual government coffers).  Cut that off and you're looking at a shortfall of about 3 billion dollars that 2/3 of families and the economy need to survive. 

[ha_banos]

But it's all good. Cigar keep are advertising the Feb Habanos festival. Luxurious galas, farm visits, luxury hotels etc. they offer a whole concierge service. The best casa particulares if you prefer that authentic experience. Come and enjoy Havana and the festival with Kirby, who clearly doesn't care for going back to Texas anytime soon after.

 

 

[MrBirdman]

13 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I suspect 1 and 2 will be heavily restricted but not a complete ban.

I sure hope it won’t crimp Kirby’s propaganda campaign for Habanos 🙄

[ha_banos]

3 minutes ago, MrBirdman said:

I sure hope it won’t crimp Kirby’s propaganda campaign for Habanos 🙄

Nope. I got the cigar keep email just today pushing the Feb festival and their concierge services. Full steam ahead old boy. Carry on.