Cuba Travelers Encourage Embargo Lift, Trade Relief In ‘Open Letter’ To State Congressional Group

In June, a group of nearly 40 travelers from Arkansas went on a “cultural exchange” trip to Cuba through coordination with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

The group of Arkansans stayed for a week and experienced a number of business and cultural sites that left many hoping for a renewed relationship with the Communist island country. An embargo has been in place since October 1960.

One of the groups travelers, Pat O’Brien, penned this guest commentary about his experiences in Cuba last month. On Monday, 37 members of the Cuba trip shared an “open letter” to members of Congress who have not committed to ending the Cuban embargo and removing trade sanctions.

U.S. Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., and Cong. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, have been supportive of restoring relations with Cuba in order to help agricultural interests in the state, although Crawford has urged “caution and deliberation.”

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has expressed reservations in lifting sanctions until Cuba embraces greater democracy and ends its Castro rule. Other members of the Congressional delegation have been less committal.

Here is the letter from the group:

August 17, 2015

An Open Letter To the Members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation,

A few months ago, we traveled to Cuba on a “People to People Cultural Exchange,” one of the few legal ways Americans can visit the island nation. In light of what we saw and experienced on our nearly week-long journey, we are asking our congressional delegation to do what is best for Arkansans and all Americans by lifting the 55-year old trade embargo and trade restrictions.

As you know, Arkansas is a state with a diverse agriculture industry. We lead the U.S. in production of many commodities. Most notable are rice and poultry, which are both staples of the Cuban diet. Rice alone could lead to nearly 600,000 metric tons of demand and become a $200-million market for both rice and poultry almost immediately. Overall market expansion for agricultural products from the U.S. is expected to increase by $365 million if tourism and trade restrictions are lifted. Arkansas alone would see an estimated $35 million increase.*

We spoke with many individual Cubans and they all agreed that the embargo has hurt the people – not the ruling class in Cuba. Besides, the U.S. trades with other communist nations on a frequent basis. Cuba should be no different. Through trade and commerce, we are able to build strategic partnerships and have greater influence on encouraging democracy and capitalism.

We want to salute the leadership that Senator John Boozman and Governor Asa Hutchinson have shown by supporting an opening of relations with Cuba. We hope that all members of the Arkansas delegation will follow suit.

Let’s do what is best for Arkansas. We urge you to take all necessary steps to lift the Cuban embargo and ease the trade restrictions, which are hindering the economic growth of our state and the spread of our democratic principles and American values.

Sincerely,

Rep. Camille & Wayne Bennett
Sharon Welch-Blair & Bob Blair
Polly & Laudies Brantley
Jill Judy & Mark Brown
Lisa & Darwin Buehler
Charlie Cole & Sam Chaffin
Skip Davidson
Laura & Steve Edwards
Terri Hollingsworth
Julie & Edward Kardas
Melissa Bond & Matt Keil
Pam & Paul Latture
J.D. Lowery
Beth Mason
Margaret Motley
Emily Nevala
Pat O’Brien
Ron Oliver
Denver Peacock
Paula & John Ronza
Sherry & Bill Sandage
Elizabeth Solano
Ruth Steuart
Judy & Randy Wilbourn

* Source: Eric Wailes University of Arkansas System’s Division of Ag economist