est. 2007

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Cuba!

Submitted by Andrew Nehaul A tsunami of concern must have gone through the Caribbean tourism community yesterday with the announcement by President Obama that he was reestablishing diplomatic ties with Cuba and would open up travel by all Americans to that country. After years of closure for American tourists, this Caribbean nation will now welcome…

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Submitted by Andrew Nehaul

A tsunami of concern must have gone through the Caribbean tourism community yesterday with the announcement by President Obama that he was reestablishing diplomatic ties with Cuba and would open up travel by all Americans to that country. After years of closure for American tourists, this Caribbean nation will now welcome Yankees again. With many airports that can take wide body aircraft besides Havanna and Varadero you will shorty see more hotel development in areas like Caya Coco and others with great beaches  and little infrastructure. Tourism to Vinales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Caya Largo etc will make these sleepy villages and towns will shortly be milestones on Trip Advisor.

What does this mean for other Caribbean islands? Concern! And a more greater need to market their destinations in the USA. The islands like Barbados that still have not found success with social media and digital marketing will be left behind.

The BTA is still “spinning top in mud”. We need professional people put in place that can direct, train and motivate staff and have the knowledge and experience to know how to get the best buy for the budget buck. Moreover, these factors along with the ability to treat airline execs in an extemporary fashion and to encourage big spenders to our island will be a step towards true success.

The new Director of Tourism is familiar with the US market and in particular knows about the money spent by Will Smith, Samuel Jackson and others who on several occasions brought their friends to Bermuda for 4 days to play golf. I hope the new board gives Billy Griffith the latitude to spread his wings and do what he does best.

103 responses to “Cuba!”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    The first headache for Barbados will be the difference in service level. The customer service one will experience in Cuba is like nothing we deliver in Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

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    […] Cuba! […]

  3. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    This has been a ‘fear’, a strategic threat, for more than 25 years. Yet, we are in no better a position than when this ‘fear’ started.

    What does that tell us? Answer, we are either incapable or unable to even start thinking about a hundred year plan for tourism, as a national project, if we were serious.

    We have never detected anything other that a year to year tactical approach, at best, which swings from pillar to post, regime to regime, demands to demands etc

  4. ac Avatar
    ac

    fact checking is a major part of educating people …..US ban on tourist travel remains in place,

  5. David Avatar
    David

    Obama moves to normalize relations with Cuba as American is released by Havana

    The United States and Cuba ended more than a half-century of enmity Wednesday, announcing that they would reestablish diplomatic relations and begin dismantling the last pillar of the Cold War.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/report-cuba-frees-american-alan-gross-after-5-years-detention-on-spy-charges/2014/12/17/a2840518-85f5-11e4-a702-fa31ff4ae98e_story.html

  6. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    The move is significant and signals an opening of US investment into Cuba, which will impact on the quality and level of service, at a much lower cost and with a wider variety of attractions (including quiet and old worldly but expanding to current modern) than we are providing.

    The Cuba destination will provide a level of product that we simply cannot match, dollar for dollar (or are unwilling to match).

    About time we realize that the ridiculous real estate and food prices here are mainly artificial and we are about to find that out the hard way.

    Now one sees why the overseas financial institutions have been lukewarm about the Eastern Caribbean for a while now.

    Likely their big jump is going to be in Cuba, where the ‘action’ is going to be over the next twenty years.

  7. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    What one is missing is that the agreement will snowball into the removal of all sanctions. The people who have ‘fears’ are rightly concerned.

    AC, is saying that large parts of the travel ban remains, but so are some slave laws, but nobody pays them any mind!

    The flood gates have been opened and no foolish, irrational, travel ban can’t stop the tsunami of travel that will come

  8. Damian Avatar
    Damian

    What does the avrage Bajan think about tourisium? He certianly does not gain from it, yet is the main atraction.

  9. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Note the usual balderdash objections by some Republicans, who wrongfully class Cuba in the same vein as Iran etc.

    Cuba has never been a sponsor of terrorism, it has always however, stayed on a solid path of socialism, rightfully or wrongfully.

    But one cannot effect change by alienation. It must be done by constant dialogue and working with the other party.

    This is what the current US administration must see and this is a worthwhile move on their part, both for the US and Cuba.

  10. David Avatar
    David

    “Damien

    Please expand on your comment. Some of us may suggest we need to diversify our economy but currently tourism is responsible for 15% direct GDP and a hell of a lot more indirectly. So how do you mean Barbadians don’t benefit? Where does the foreign exchange come from to support conspicuous consumption behaviour today?

  11. David Avatar
    David

    @Crusoe @ Pacha

    Correct!

    This is the beginning, why would Obama permit investment and prevent Americans from traveling there.

    Ignorance knows no bounds!

  12. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    @Pach

    Correct, it is obvious that this is merely the first wave and opening to allow US business to begin its transition.

    The removal of travel restrictions will be a formality only.

  13. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    @David,

    Agreed. I suggest that the Barbadian Govt, work solidly to get a right of work between Barbados and Cuba, for when the business really hits.

    There will be places for Barbadian SKILLED workers if we do so.

  14. lawson Avatar
    lawson

    It is not just the tourism product that will suffer , for people wanting to have that home in paradise it will be available at a much reduced cost just a hop and a skip away . The inflated prices on Barbados real estate I am sure will see a decline , because of the lower value and variety of land to build on in Cuba, the easier access to materials once bans are lifted will ignite a building boom similar to the California gold rush. Barbadians have known for years that this would happen and should have had a plan in place, but I have seen no evidence of it. But maybe this is a wakeup call, govt get your act together chart that path for the future and commit to it or Barbados will be a backwater

  15. robert ross Avatar
    robert ross

    An exciting, perhaps the most exciting, thing Obama has done, bedeviled by home grown whining, rooted in ‘what’s in it for us?’. Sad really. Hurrah for the real world. Bye make-believe.

  16. lawson Avatar
    lawson

    Sorry Robert didn’t mean to whine, but I bet you the Cuban’s wont mind to be open on Sundays

  17. David Avatar
    David

    It is believe US presidents work hard on the legacy building project in the second term, the normalisation of Cuba US relations will put Obama up there with the ‘greats’.

  18. John Hanson 1781-1782- I SERVE 1788- 1792 BARBADOES. Avatar
    John Hanson 1781-1782- I SERVE 1788- 1792 BARBADOES.

    I cant wait to see the price tag of a ticket from LIAT., arm and a leg , will need a wheel chair to get on .

    maybe now we can get medical supplies at a better price and better doctors who cares more

  19. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    David
    Not so fast. Cuba is a good start but the country is not, unlike Nixon’s China foray, so important to make such a judgement.

    However, if he can now deal with at least Iran positively. And then contribute to Palestine, as icing, we would agree.

    This does not mean that we are willing to forgive all the wickedness he has done, is still doing. But yes, we are looking at seismic shifts.

  20. David Avatar
    David

    The anti Castro people in Florida have started to bray.

  21. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    David
    Most of them are dead and the young people don’t have the ‘burdens’ of their forefathers.

  22. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Folks, this is just a change of tactics.
    The USA has been unable, after 50 years of bullying, to convert Cuba into an island of brass bowls (like was so easily achieved elsewhere 🙂 ) and they have now realized that “what yuh can’t catch with a bullet yuh can catch with some honey”.

    ….so Cuba’s ass is grass – much like the rest of us.

    Instead of being a unique, principled, resourceful, proud island-country, that has fought WAY ABOVE it’s weight class – affecting historic events in Africa, Europe, Latin America as well as being highly respected (even if hated and despised) by the USA and others….
    …Cuba will now join the ranks of the igrunt brass bowl mendicants who will sell their souls for cheap American/ Chinese trinkets, meaningless fleeting passion, and increasing indebtedness to the first world.

    Lotta shiite…. the original Fidel would have told Obama to stuff it…. “VIVA la Revolution”…
    shiite man, this is precisely what the revolution was meant to prevent….

    If life is really about developing social responsibility, utilizing your talents to the MAXIMUM, building national self-confidence and self-respect, then it is hard to better Cuba….Their medical, military, sport, cultural and educational impacts have been globally superlative….

    if it is about owning white people’s trinkets while refining the art of mendicancy (tourism and foreign investments) then Cuba has a lot to learn from Barbados indeed…

    Kudos to Obama for succeeding where the white presidents have failed to destroy the revolution….

  23. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Crusoe December 18, 2014 at 7:09 AM
    “Cuba has never been a sponsor of terrorism, it has always however, stayed on a solid path of socialism, rightfully or wrongfully.”

    Far from being a sponsor Cuba was an early victim of the ‘modern’ form of terrorism. October 1976 springs readily to mind.

    Cuba will be the next economic giant to be awaken in the Caribbean. We can expect more Chinese investment to flow into Cuba (at the expense of Caribbean jurisdictions like Barbados) to compete with American dollars.

    ¿Hablas español, Señor?
    ¿Adónde la industria del turismo y a la industria azucarera en Barbados?

  24. ac Avatar
    ac

    Exactly miller and like all other communist countries who have been poised and ready for the capatlist to flee USA seeking cheaper ground.Castro people are able and ready to meet and reap because of an educational system that is equipped and effecient to undertake all of globalisation requirements necessary to strengthen their economy.A lesson that these small island nations is yet to learn.

  25. Gabriel Avatar
    Gabriel

    Ah well,mostly interesting and informative contributions.Fortunately the tourism pie has grown considerably since ’59,so Bim should still be in with a shout.Cuba is a massive seismic event tourism wise.Butch and them thar abrasive locals will be saying to themselves”bwoi ef I did know dat was comin’,no way wud I have spend 65 million in dover”

  26. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Tourism in the rest of the Caribbean will take a hit, they can’t compete on prices, service or natural attractions even now Cuba attracts a million Canadian visitors per year. The spins offs are tremendous this is an opportunity for the US to increase its trade and investment with a partner who is literally speaking sitting on its doorstep (but what about Guantanamo)?

    Obama certainly set the cat among the pigeons with his critics on this latest move or he paid attention to the lyrics of this 60’s classic (which was performed at the White House) to heart.

  27. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Bushie

    You can’t see these events in isolation. You have to interpret them within the new environments that have emerged, since the revolution, still emerging.

    The expected removal of the blockade is not the capitulation of the Cuban Revolution. Cuban has China as an example of how a country that is/was a ‘communist’ country could co-exist within global capitalism.

    Far from capitulation the Cuban Revolution will rightly see this as a victory because anything less than American one-sided concessions equals a victory in military, political and diplomatic terms for the Cubans.

    Having said that, we can not expect the Cuban people to forever endure the hardships of an illegal, immoral, blockade, as war, on our sanctimonious alter of justice.

    Indeed, the reverse may well be true and history will some day point to this period as a clear indication of the failure of American attempts at hegemony in Cuba. The American are in essence admitting defeat. Not that it may not be a trick, as you suggested. We are confident that the Cuban people will not be fooled.

    After 54 odd years this victory of the Cuban Revolution, a revolution that could have led to the end of all life on earth, has instead succeeding against the most powerful country of all times. It was/is a 50 year war of attrition.

    We hardly think this will mean the return of the bordellos, the pervasive casino gambling, the mafia or Uncle Sam’s jack boot. Though if one was in Cuba recently there could be seen evidence of these in an underground and not so underground economy.

    ……………………………

  28. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Barbados could again become a cheaper destination for Canadians.

    “Prices will surge as restrictions on American travellers ease, he said, adding Cuba will also have to adjust its tourism infrastructure to accommodate an influx of new visitors.

    “There’s a limited amount of accommodation, so there’s going to have to be a lot of hotels built, especially in the cities, to accommodate people who want to visit,” Krytiuk said in a telephone interview

    http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/12/17/uscuba_thaw_means_holiday_is_over_for_canadian_tourists_experts_say.html

  29. SuckaBubby Avatar
    SuckaBubby

    Only thing going in Cuba is drugs and guns.

  30. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Will the government of Cuba allow democracy or will they change to a hybrid governance of democratic socialism backed by their massive army?

    Interesting times ahead.

  31. ac Avatar
    ac

    The tourist ban will not be lifted any time in the forseeable future as others seem to suggest..america is fully aware of covert actions on both sides that would take full advantage to penetrate security..
    After all 911 is still a lingering reminder of all things possible

  32. Margaret Harris Avatar
    Margaret Harris

    It is certainly not the first wave and opening for US tourists into Cuba since the Revolution. US tourists, especially cultural industry aficionados, educators and even businesspeople have trekked to Cuba via Mexico, where their passports were/are not stamped, over the last 30 or more years.

    The thawing of relations between Cuba and the US will mean fewer backhand deals (perhaps) such as the sale of prime Cuban real estate to foreigners through trusted friends. It marks the beginning of greater transparency about private investment on the whole, much of which is lost to the black market.

    You can say it will be the first wave since the Obama ruling. It is inaccurate to imply that American tourists have not been going over to Cuba in their numbers over the years. They have been for many reasons; some of them with official authorization.
    When the US interest section near the Malecon gets upgraded to an embassy again this will certainly inaugurate a flood. But, more than 98 000 are on record as having travelled to Cuba in 2012, from 73 500 in 2011. No doubt this has a lot to do with the gradual easing of restrictions on both sides.

    Cuba wrote into law in the last year that it would now be allowing more of its own citizens in the US to return home. Previously they were subjected to a ban. A select number of travel agents from the US have been to Cuba since 2011 as well, authorized by the government for obvious tourism purposes.

    A politics of pragmatism began in the 1990s which continues until today. It has enabled foreign investment and the international business sector to engage in deals previously unheard of. The most far-reaching of that pragmatism has come in the form of the renewed diplomatic ties with the US. Some view it as a capitulation by Cuba; others, particularly those anti-Castro factions braying in Miami, as a setback .

    As a result of this opening and practical end to the last remnants of the cold war, the American tourist is more than likely to return to Cuba en masse.

    However it will also mean that investors from the US and other jurisdictions who feared the backlash from effects of the infamous (Cuban Democracy Act), Torricelli law and the Helms Burton Act, seen as extensions to the embargo in the 90s, may now feel less intimidated at the thought of doing business in Cuba. There will be a waiting period to evaluate the impacts of the Obama ruling and what practical effects it will have in the short to medium terms.

    The US has asked for economic transparency for private sector transactions. It wants to see trade open with the average private citizen, not big business only. Existing trade agreements are currently only officially sanctioned by the government. The US will expect that restrictions to the private sector are softened and more than anything else that the internet is freed up for average citizens.

    This attempt to return to full privatisation hits at the heart of the socialist project. If the US gets its way, Cuba will be returned to the fold of Latin American and Caribbean nations in the democratic tradition, as the US sees it. The socialist/communist brand of democracy (and yes there is socialist democracy) as practiced in Cuba will then be viewed as a categoric failure in its mission to spur long term internal progress and development.

    Externally, Cuba will be always remembered for its humanitarian efforts in health and education and its execution of military initiatives to free Angola and, South Africa from apartheid, especially at the decisive Battle of Cuito Cunavale. More recently it has sent doctors to aid in stemming the Ebola epidemic in Africa. It has an ongoing mission of assistance to Haiti.

    There are other issues that the Government of Canada and the Pope requested as intermediary such as improvements in its Human Rights records, of which there are many infractions at present in Cuba. This includes Cuban journalists who are unjustly imprisoned. The intermediaries had also asked for reductions in levels of opposition to those opposed to the Government.

    I think the larger question is to what extent trade between the Caribbean Community and Cuba will now be facilitated. Cuba is ripe and has been for a long time for more investment from its neighbours. Cuba will also wish to expand its trading options to the Caribbean Community, where is has a solid footing. Cuba has very unique products to offer the region at good prices.

    To be watched very closely will be China’s relationship with Cuba over the next period, which goes back 150 years. One would have to see if China’s geopolitical interest is now trumped by its economic interests, and where Cuba fits in the picture. China is still a close partner to Cuba, second to Venezuela. This should tell us something about the nature of the geopolitical partnership and the ideological roots.

    I have no doubt that China has been promoting investment and private partnerships in Cuba and encouraging Cuba to follow the path China took. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cuba hasn’t taken its lead from its main business partner China. China has reaped the benefits of its move to a pragmatic international politique. The days of murder at Tiananmen Square are over. Equally, Cuba is being encouraged to leave the cold war politique behind and enter a new era. For Obama, their fierce cold war no longer makes any sense either. So its a happy day for both parties, even if the ideological mission of both takes a beating. Both Obama and Fidel have acted on the right side of history. No easy matter and the quid pro quos and outcomes of the negotiating machinery will continue to be revealed.

    The road for Cuba is being mapped against this need to become modernized in business, social and political terms while still retaining some of its ideological foundations. The options are not that many as Cuba grapples with severe internal economic and social challenges that many Cubans refer to as the “internal blockade.” Cuba will look to bring many of its skilled workers home to help rebuild its economy.

    They will also be looking for opportunities from abroad and China will be on hand to help. Businesses in the Caribbean Community will be up against these big challenges. Yet there are always niches markets to enter. Some first movers from the Caribbean Community have already found their way into Cuba. No doubt this will continue and even increase but competition will be steep.

    Re: tourism, it is clear that Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean will not be able to compete with Cuba on price and service. Cuba already offers a film festival, a jazz festival, and other festivals and opportunities for tourists. It has some of the best and biggest museums in the Caribbean. It has an international art market that is reasonable as well as wide ranging. Its musicians, dancers and artists are easily some of the best and most consistent in the world. All together in one package, Cuba is a great destination for many different reasons. Cuba will be looking to export more of its artistic products.

    The culture in Cuba is one of service to others generally with a smile, whether you are rich or poor, black or white or regardless of origins. It is not to romanticize Cuba to say that people go out of their way to help. As everywhere else, poverty and money iare changing and have changed many of the rules of the game in Cuba but that essential quality of service to the visitor remains a strongpoint of the Cuba service industry. It is not something they have to advertise about; it appears to be ingrained in the country’s personality.

    How Cuba will change in the next decade as internal consumption increases and foreign/local entrepreneurship is promoted is left to be seen. If the Chinese example is anything to go by then Cuba is on the way to becoming a regional economic powerhouse. Obama has left a legacy yes, and China is waiting somewhere in the wings, to hold Cuba’s hands in this process of change.

  33. David Avatar
    David

    @Hants

    Has China become a democracy?

    What about Vietnam?

    Investment by America will not be affected by Cuba’s system of government. There will be investment to buildout infrastructure and then people will follow.

    On Thursday, 18 December 2014, Barbados Underground wrote:

    >

  34. Dee Word Avatar
    Dee Word

    Very absorbing stuff above. To read the comments it seems that after this Executive Decision by Pres Obama there will be a smooth natural flow as one commenter saiid: “The removal of travel restrictions will be a formality only.”

    Really! Where would that be.

    Please be reminded that the Republicans now control Congress. Completely. And as David alluded to above there key leaders are decidedly not in favor of this action. So too Democratic Senator Menedez is strongly against.

    It is still STATUTE barred for tourist travel to Cuba and there is nothing in the current political tea leaves to suggest that congress will lift that ban as just a formality.

    Only making the point folks that this first step has a long, long path of political mountains to traverse. Good Solid step though it be.

    The Bush Man has spoken with amazing clarity with: “…the original Fidel would have told Obama to stuff it…. “VIVA la Revolution”…this is precisely what the revolution was meant to prevent”

    In that regard, – advent of overreaching capitalist practices back in Cuba- Fidel and his sworn enemies in Florida are definitely singing the same hymn. Neither would want that, although for different reasons.

    Of course, the Barbados tourism product will be buffeted by any new markets whether Cuba down the road as it was with places like Atlantis in the Bahamas, or in Dominican Republic which offers awesome services (golf courses, lovely family resorts, lovely adult interests) in a scale not comparable in Barbados. So too Punta Canta and other spots in Mexico, etc etc.

    I expect that after all these years the tourism pros know their niche and will continue to work hard to drive growth. No one expects it to be easy.

    And finally, I too appreciate what Fidel did/attempted to do in Cuba but if the commenters here are going to objectively hail Cuba’s revolution as successful when after all these years the day-to-day living circumstances for an average Cuban is very basic; when basic freedom of expression and access to the world is still controlled; when USSR became the dynamic modern economic power of Russia; when China has one if not the most powerful internet company (Alibaba) in the world, then I dismiss them as
    insufferably biased.

    This action by Pres Obama should be discussed as why did the US Pres have to set the tone for change when that should have been done by the leaders in Cuba. After all, the US was the ONLY country which ostracized Cuba. In that context 50 years on from the US embargo Cuba has not evolved as it should have.

    It’s amusing therefore to see the remarks, “…the expected removal of the blockade is not the capitulation of the Cuban Revolution. Cuban has China as an example of how a country that is/was a ‘communist’ country could co-exist within global capitalism.:

    Cuba has clearly shown that it CANNOT co-exist with global capitalism. Its leaders have mired it in the past UNLIKE China and other communist states.

    That’s why the defiant Cuban-Americans are so angry with the Pres because they really want Cuba to be a failed state. This action may actually lead them out of that if the old guard is replaced with modern day sages who do indeed use China and Russia as models.

    VIVA la Revolution, indeed. Long past the time for the revolutionists to wake up and move on. That folks is the message I take away from this excellent step by Pres Obama.

  35. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    Hola amigos, are you looking for an authentic cultural experience? Visit Cuba! Are you looking for unspoilt beauty? Visit Cuba! are you looking for friendly locals? Visit Cuba! Are you looking for value for money? Visit Cuba!

  36. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    On December 16, 2014, MOF Chris Sinkler said:

    “These early results, plus others anticipated, are a direct consequence of this government’s decisions to change the investment matrix in tourism through the granting of the so-called “Sandals concessions” which can now in large part be accessed by the entire industry, to complement our already aggressive efforts at increasing airlift into the country.

    These, together with strategic interventions in the second home market with the very attractive but sensible policy on high-net worth individuals investing in Barbados, have driven a major renewed interest in the upper end of the foreign direct investment market in the country. Multi-million dollar private sector investments are now being executed or will unfold throughout 2015 by Sandals, (at Casuarina and the Beaches at Almond); a new Hyatt Hotel in Bridgetown; and a new multi-faceted family resort at Sam Lord’s to be managed by the world renowned Wyndham properties.

    The remodeling and reintroduction of both the Sandy Beach and Amaryllis properties to the local tourism market will complement the work on a complete rebuild of the old Settlers Beach Hotel into a new up-market villa hospitality establishment; together with the early 2015 start of the much anticipated Beachlands Villa Project; the recently announced exclusive high-end residences project at the Crane and the multi-million dollar Kings Beach Villa Project which has already started.

    Between these projects and the others to come, Barbados’ economy is expected to receive a much needed boost of new FDI of over 1.5 billion Barbados dollars over the next two years or so. This will no doubt create major economic activity including job creation, spending during construction and increased tourism value added once the projects are completed.”

    On December 17, 2014, US President Barack Obama called for an end to the long economic embargo against its old Cold War enemy.

    On December 18, 2014, senior executives at Sandals, Hyatt, Wyndham and others are likely saying “Put those Barbados expansion plans on the back burner, while we look Cuba as a place to earn a better ROI for our FDI dollars.

    Or as Gabriel said at December 18, 2014 at 9:15 AM #
    “Butch and them thar abrasive locals will be saying to themselves”bwoi ef I did know dat was comin’,no way wud I have spend 65 million in dover”………. an I ent gonna put no money in Heywoods when I can put it right nex door in Cuba.

  37. David Avatar
    David

    @Dee Word

    Agree with many of your observations. It will be hard though for the Republicans to stem the momentum unleashed by Obama’s order.

    @Magaret

    The challenge for Cuba will be to maintain its culture to which Bush Tea alluded. This maybe easier for Cuba than neighbors given the experience of the revolution.

  38. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Jamaica should benefit from its proximity to Cuba if the Cuban economy expands rapidly as some are predicting.

    The Canadian media is predicting a shift from Cuba because of “Americanisation” and higher prices.

    Can Barbados adjust its Tourism industry to increase the numbers from Canada?

  39. Green Monkey Avatar
    Green Monkey

    Watch out Cuba. Monsanto is sure to be knocking on your door any day now, skinning and grinning and demanding to be let in with bags and bags of their patented GMO crap seeds.

    Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO): Profit, Power and Geopolitics
    By Colin Todhunter

    Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not essential for feeding the world [1,2], but if they were to lead to increased productivity, did not harm the environment and did not negatively impact biodiversity and human health, would we be wise to embrace them anyhow?

    The fact is that GMO technology would still be owned and controlled by certain very powerful interests. In their hands, this technology is first and foremost an instrument of corporate power, a tool to ensure profit. Beyond that, it is intended to serve US global geopolitical interests. Indeed, agriculture has for a long time been central to US foreign policy.

    “American foreign policy has almost always been based on agricultural exports, not on industrial exports as people might think. It’s by agriculture and control of the food supply that American diplomacy has been able to control most of the Third World. The World Bank’s geopolitical lending strategy has been to turn countries into food deficit areas by convincing them to grow cash crops – plantation export crops – not to feed themselves with their own food crops.” Professor Michael Hudson [3].

    The Project for a New American Century and the Wolfowitz Doctrine show that US foreign policy is about power, control and ensuring global supremacy at any cost [4,5]. Part of the plan for attaining world domination rests on the US controlling agriculture and hijacking food sovereignty and nations’ food security.

    http://www.globalresearch.ca/genetically-modified-organisms-gmo-profit-power-and-geopolitics/5419873

  40. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/n-cop-killer-joanne-chesimard-face-cuba-extradition-article-1.2049460

  41. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    @Dee Word, good writings.

    @Green Monkey,

    Fully agree. Food security is paramount. You control the three basics, water, food and fire (energy), you control EVERYTHING.

    Bear in mind that China is apparently rationing use of potatoes in fries etc, due to scarcity.

    That should give us a clue, also that China has leased massive tracts of land in Africa, why? They know the importance of agriculture.

    And our Minister can talk rot about Barbados should not follow the other islands in producing agricultural output by abandoning sugar cane.

    Actually, no. We NEED to be producing sweet potato, yams, cucumbers etc etc etc etc… For our own consumption and not GE foods, not reliant on foreign input.

    So, Basics;

    1) Water -modernisaiton of reservoirs and pumping stations and increase facilities if necessary
    2) Food – produce MUCH more locally
    3) Fire (Energy) – Solar power for every household ,and major business units.

    Self reliance is key.

  42. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    @ David

    Cuba = investment = Republican support.

  43. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Why open an Embassy but ban travel? Some people’s igrunce is boundless.

    Crusoe

    Are you sure there is a lack of skilled workers in Cuba?
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/salim-lamrani/world-bank-cuba-has-the-b_b_5925864.html

  44. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    Crusoe December 18, 2014 at 7:13 AM #

    @David,

    Agreed. I suggest that the Barbadian Govt, work solidly to get a right of work between Barbados and Cuba, for when the business really hits.

    There will be places for Barbadian SKILLED workers if we do so.
    ……………………………………………………………………………….
    SKILLED workers?. Only yesterday I overheard a man lamenting that he had a problem with a system on his car, and had to send that component to Guyana to be repaired. When I enquired about the Polytechnic’s ability in turning technicians to service and repair such systems,he countered, ‘Polytechnic? more like a polyclinic.

  45. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    If there is any exchange or need of skill workers, it would be more practical to bring Cubans to Barbados to teach us how to keep 1,2 and 3 year old government vehicles on the road, and expressly those at the SSA, as the Cubans are still running and maintaining 55 year old vehicles which were imported in the days of Batista, when quite a few of us here on BU were still in primary school. Dodge, Fargo, Hillman Minx , etc etc,and all those big American gas guzzlers which we grew up here with.

  46. Easy Squeeze (make no riot) Avatar
    Easy Squeeze (make no riot)

    It’s stupid to get in stupid arguments where you make stupid points to win instead of making peace. Obama may have struck up a deal to stop stupid hate but he can’t hold a candle against God’s Power for Peace even with America’s military
    http://youtu.be/zgV4dMsTA3Q

  47. lawson Avatar
    lawson

    let me get this right Cuba would go outside its borders to hire people who will come in and take good paying jobs rather than hire their own.That makes about as much sense as Canadians are going to come to Barbados instead of Cuba because of Americanisation. The #1 destination is florida for Canadian snowbirds are they not americanized there.

  48. Gabriel Avatar
    Gabriel

    David
    I continue to be impressed by the fine contributions on this subject. Imho the Republicans and the anti Castro element can sing the song of Jose,(bajans say Who See)money and the capitalist class will talk and prevail.The US stand to make trillions investing in Cuba and Obama will leave office with the DOW at over 22000 points up from 8000 when he took over the Presidency.
    In all this I take my hat off to Errol Barrow,a man with vision and foresight beyond one’s imagination.Barrow was no ordinary mortal.He defied the US and journeyed to Cuba many times in the early 70’s and permitted Cubana to fly into Barbados on a scheduled basis every week.Cubana had a manager here in the late ’60s and Cubana operated former Air Canada DC8’s, with the blessing of the Trudeau government.Later Barrow allowed Castro into Africa with technical stops at Barbados,going to and coming from, until Harold Emeritus exposed it to Nation readers.
    Our linkage to the terrorist bombing of the DC8 in October 1976 was supposedly carefully hatched and executed by an anti Castro element with tacit US support.That message was loud and clear to Barbados.Barrow had been voted out and Tom was in,so the operatives made their move before Tom could cool Barrow’s seat at Bay Street.
    There are those who contend that if Barrow had not lost power,there would have been no blowing up of that Cubana aircraft. The US connections did not know or trust Barrow’s reach. Here was a man honoured by President Lyndon Johnson and who bold facedly called Ronald Reagan a cow boy in public and without recrimination.
    Barrow’s steadfast support for Cuba will leave an indelible mark on Barbados/Cuba relations for many years to come.I am sure,history will absolve Barrow,Burnham,Williams and Manley on their groundbreaking decision to side with the Cuban revolution from the ’60s.

  49. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ lawson, The Canadian snowbirds spend 5 months in Florida and are retirees.

    There is a segment of the Canadian market that will still vacation in Barbados if we raise our standards and market effectively.

  50. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Of course Cuba will hire its own preferably, but there will also be places for multinational workers and yes, Barbados has skilled workers in specific areas.

    Hospitality, accounting, banking, electronic communications (as some of those technicians laid off at LIME) and computing services etc etc (bear in mind many of the ‘new’ businesses will be international and required to adhere to international standards which yes, Barbadians are able to do.

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