The Green Timberwolf

Americanization of Cuba

Blogged by: Vincent

Cuba and the United States have had a strained relationship for over 50 years.  The two countries severed ties in 1961 because Fidel Castro began increasing trade with the Soviet Union and increased taxes to American imports. For this the U.S. imposed travel restrictions and a trade embargo on Cuba. So finally after more than 50 years, these restrictions are in preparation to be lifted.  Americans have not been able to tour Cuba freely since 1961, a country that is 90 miles away from them.  With the travel restrictions finally being lifted, what will the presence of Americans in Cuba mean? What benefits for Cuba will there be?

President Barack Obama talks with Cuban President Raul Castro before a bilateral meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Andrew Harnik / AP

The Cubans are bracing for the increase in tourism and Americans are eager to tour a country that they have been restricted from.  The Cubans are building new hotels, and cruise ship docks in preparation. The Americans want a new Caribbean place to visit. It is expected that Cuba will get 10 million American visitors a year. Cuba has to do many improvements. They need more five star hotels, they need to replace crumbling buildings, they need to improve their transportation system and communication/internet systems. Also the Cubans needs the U.S. dollars to help their economy. With the countries making this agreement, there have been some changes but there are still problems ahead. When making this agreement we have to put in perspective that these are two very close countries have not had the best relationship.

In my opinion the countries are too close to have this law and agree that it should be lifted. Also Americans should be allowed to tour Cuba as just regular tourists but the laws and rules of both countries must be such that neither country can take advantage of the other. This is to keep both countries interests protected, preserve Cuban culture, and allow both countries to have mutual respect for each other.