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The first cargo ship to sail from Miami to Cuba in 50 years has arrived in Havana.

The ship was carrying humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine that are exempt from the US trade embargo against the communist-run island.

Its cargo was made up of charitable donations and gifts to relatives from Miami's large Cuban exile population.

The vessel will now operate a weekly service linking Miami and Havana for the first time since 1962.

Similar cargo services to Cuba already operate from other US ports.

The Bolivian-flagged vessel Ana Cecilia entered Havana Harbour on Friday morning.

The International Port Corporation - which is operating the service - obtained a special permit from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which enforces the trade embargo against Cuba.

"We have to create bridges like this, it is the most important thing we can do between the two peoples," company spokesman Leonardo Sanchez-Adega told Reuters news agency.

The cargo service costs around $12 (£8) per kilo.

US President John F Kennedy imposed a trade embargo on Cuba's communist government in 1962.

In 2009 President Barack Obama relaxed the restrictions, making it easier for Cuban-Americans to visit and send money to relatives on the island.

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Originally posted by Geezer:

Quote:

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The first cargo ship to sail from Miami to Cuba in 50 years has arrived in Havana.

The ship was carrying humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine that are exempt from the US trade embargo against the communist-run island.

Its cargo was made up of charitable donations and gifts to relatives from Miami's large Cuban exile population.

The vessel will now operate a weekly service linking Miami and Havana for the first time since 1962.

Similar cargo services to Cuba already operate from other US ports.

The Bolivian-flagged vessel Ana Cecilia entered Havana Harbour on Friday morning.

The International Port Corporation - which is operating the service - obtained a special permit from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which enforces the trade embargo against Cuba.

"We have to create bridges like this, it is the most important thing we can do between the two peoples," company spokesman Leonardo Sanchez-Adega told Reuters news agency.

The cargo service costs around $12 (£8) per kilo.

US President John F Kennedy imposed a trade embargo on Cuba's communist government in 1962.

In 2009 President Barack Obama relaxed the restrictions, making it easier for Cuban-Americans to visit and send money to relatives on the island.

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18835595

Nice to see such a normalization of relations.

Do wonder, though, why a Socialist paradise like Cuba needs "humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine" from the evil old Capitalists. Can't be the embargo, since pretty much everyone in the world except us trades with them.

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Originally posted by Geezer:

Do wonder, though, why a Socialist paradise like Cuba needs "humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine" from the evil old Capitalists. Can't be the embargo, since pretty much everyone in the world except us trades with them.

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Originally posted by Kwicko:
Is anyone else surprised that Geezer and Rappy are the only ones here who seem to have a problem with people helping out their families in Cuba?

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When my brother Carlos was a teenager, he attended school in Cuba for a period of time and a friend of my parents took him in. Mother was eternally grateful and sent them packages, until her death, when I decided to take on that responsibility.

They never request food, so I don't think it's a problem for them. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's not for other parts of the island. Mainly, it's items that are hard to get; such as shoes, watches, razor blades and clothes. Along with that, I occasionally send them monetary help, especially since the man of the house lost his job. The health situation in Cuba is critical, though, as there has recently been an outbreak of cholera. I imagine that the authorities here are monitoring it very closely, as so many in our community travel there.

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Originally posted by Geezer:
Do wonder, though, why a Socialist paradise like Cuba needs "humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine" from the evil old Capitalists. Can't be the embargo, since pretty much everyone in the world except us trades with them.

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Hello,

If I remember correctly, medical supplies is actually one of the major industries of Cuba. This does not, however, mean that the natives get all they need when they need it.

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In fact, the main industry of Cuba may be 'getting by with less than we ever thought possible.'

Such industry may be an example that the rest of us will someday need to emulate, whatever our system of government.

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Hello,

For those that are interested, I made an inquiry with one of my family members about what they send to Cuba and why. This is the response in her own words, copy and pasted from their email reply.

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When my brother Carlos was a teenager, he attended school in Cuba for a period of time and a friend of my parents took him in. Mother was eternally grateful and sent them packages, until her death, when I decided to take on that responsibility.

They never request food, so I don't think it's a problem for them. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's not for other parts of the island. Mainly, it's items that are hard to get; such as shoes, watches, razor blades and clothes. Along with that, I occasionally send them monetary help, especially since the man of the house lost his job. The health situation in Cuba is critical, though, as there has recently been an outbreak of cholera. I imagine that the authorities here are monitoring it very closely, as so many in our community travel there.

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--Anthony

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Originally posted by Kwicko:

Quote:

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Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Hello,

For those that are interested, I made an inquiry with one of my family members about what they send to Cuba and why. This is the response in her own words, copy and pasted from their email reply.

Quote:

---

When my brother Carlos was a teenager, he attended school in Cuba for a period of time and a friend of my parents took him in. Mother was eternally grateful and sent them packages, until her death, when I decided to take on that responsibility.

They never request food, so I don't think it's a problem for them. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's not for other parts of the island. Mainly, it's items that are hard to get; such as shoes, watches, razor blades and clothes. Along with that, I occasionally send them monetary help, especially since the man of the house lost his job. The health situation in Cuba is critical, though, as there has recently been an outbreak of cholera. I imagine that the authorities here are monitoring it very closely, as so many in our community travel there.

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--Anthony

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Anthony,

Thank you for this information. If possible, could you let us know if you come across any reputable charity groups that are helping out the Cuban people? I don't have much - less than most Americans, maybe - but I try to help when and where I can.

There are people there who need help. They are Cuban, they may be socialist, but they are, first and foremost, human beings.



"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero


"I've not watched the video either, or am incapable of intellectually dealing with the substance of this thread, so I'll instead act like a juvenile and claim victory..." - Rappy

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