U.S.-Cuba News Brief: 04/19/2019

Dear friends,

This week, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, speaking against an overtly political backdrop in the largest swing state in the U.S., announced new sanctions against Cuba. Frankly speaking, the measures are mean-spirited, and some can only be understood as a means of creating economic hardship for the Cuban people. While the specific rule changes are not yet clearly defined, if implemented as described, they will cause great pain to the Cuban people, create obstacles for companies around the world, and represent a significant step backwards in the policy goals we long for and work daily to achieve: engagement between our two nations and our two peoples.

In this toxic policy climate, we commit to redouble our efforts – to increase our educational and advocacy activities, to bring influential U.S. actors to Cuba to learn about the impact our policies on the island, and to *celebrate* the many ties between our two peoples.

We are grateful for you, the greater CDA family, and urge you to join us now on the front lines of educating, advocating, and organizing. Thank you for your support.

This week, in Cuba news…

U.S.-Cuba News Brief: 04/12/2019

Dear friends,

This week, in Cuba news…

U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS

Trump administration cancels Major League Baseball deal with Cuba

U.S.-Cuba News Brief: 04/05/2019

Dear friends,

This week CDA staff was busy with an agenda full of engaging events and pleasant surprises. From leading meetings between Cuban visionaries and influential Members of Congress and staff – Rep. Karen Bass, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Kathy Castor, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee; to a sold-out film screening and panel discussions with these same inspirational Cuban leaders organized by the Platform for Innovation and Dialogue with Cuba; a discussion on U.S. foreign policy with our very own Emily Mendrala hosted by Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security and the Brookings Institution; and, last but not least, an unexpected encounter with the cast of Netflix’s Queer Eye on Senator Leahy’s U.S. Capitol balcony! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with CDA’s work.

This week, in Cuba news…

U.S.-Cuba News Brief: 03/29/2019

Dear friends,

This week, in U.S.-Cuba news…

U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS

Google strikes deal to bring faster web content to Cuba

U.S.-Cuba News Brief: 03/22/2019

Dear friends,

This week marks the three year anniversary of President Obama’s official visit to Cuba, the first of a sitting U.S. president in 88 years. He offered a rose of friendship to the Cuban people; he honored the personal stories of families separated by our countries’ animosities; his family watched an afternoon Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Cuban national team baseball game alongside Jackie Robinson’s family; and, in remarks to the Cuban people, he said he came to “bury the last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas.”

Three years later, with a strong sense that those remnants of the Cold War in the Americas have resurfaced, we are working together with you to celebrate U.S.-Cuba engagement and protect the powerful gains wrought by President Obama and countless families, cultural groups, bipartisan Members of Congress, businesses, and many others. Thank you for the many ways you advance U.S.-Cuba engagement and the powerful ways you support CDA.

In the spirit of celebrating the ties that bind the U.S. and Cuba, don’t miss these upcoming events in D.C. in the coming weeks:

The coming weeks will bring two must-catch events: Cuban funk musician Cimafunk in concert at Tropicalia Lounge Thursday, March 28, and film screenings with Cuban visionaries at Landmark E Street Cinema Wednesday, April 3. Details for both in the events section below, including ***opportunities for VIP access and sponsorship*** for the Cimafunk concert!

Q&A with Eric Gettig, Ph.D. on Cuba’s energy system

Eric Gettig, Ph.D. is a scholar of modern Cuba, with a particular focus on the intersection of politics, political economy, international relations, and the environment, especially energy. Dr. Gettig is working on his first book, titled Cuba in the Global Hydrocarbon Age: Energy, Empire, Development, and Revolution. Dr. Gettig is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and a non-resident Senior Associate in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a non-partisan think-tank in Washington, D.C. Follow Dr. Gettig on Twitter @eric_gettig.

Q: What is the current state of Cuba’s energy system? What steps are they taking to diversify energy sources and foreign trading partners for this sector?

U.S-Cuba News Brief: 03/15/2019

Dear friends,

Two things at the top:

This weekend, CBS News’ 60 Minutes will report on the mysterious health incidents affecting U.S. personnel in Cuba and China. For more information, including the multiple reported theories, a timeline of events, and discrepancies in the U.S. response to incidents in Cuba v. China, access CDA’s explainer HERE.

And, for DC-based subscribers…

Check it out! The coming weeks will bring two must-catch events: Cuban funk musician Cimafunk in concert at Tropicalia Lounge Thursday, March 28, and film screenings with Cuban visionaries at Landmark E Street Cinema Wednesday, April 3. Details for both in the events section below, including *** opportunities for VIP access and sponsorship *** for the Cimafunk concert!

This week, in Cuba news…

U.S.-CUBA NEWS BRIEF: 3/8/2019

Dear friends,

Two things at the top:

First, today is International Women’s Day, and CDA extends a warm embrace to each of the incredible women in the greater CDA family – in Cuba; in Washington, DC; in Miami; and beyond. We celebrate you and the many ways you make our world a better place. ¡Abrazos a todas!

Second, for those of you in or near Washington, DC, SAVE THE DATE(S) for two events you DON’T. WANT. TO. MISS: Cuban funk musician Cimafunk in concert at Tropicalia Lounge Thursday, March 28, and film screenings with Cuban visionaries at Landmark E Street Cinema Wednesday, April 3. Details for both in the events section below.

This week, in Cuba news…

U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS

Sec. Pompeo announces tightening of Cuba embargo