But Want Much More
The BBC used this AP photo to illustrate an article this week about the changing entrepreneurial landscape in Cuba. A new 32-page document highlighted the latest government reforms aimed at stimulating the island's stagnant economy. Small and medium-sized private businesses, such as the bar depicted above, will soon be able to more fairly compete against state-owned enterprises. Cuba currently allows self-employment in several hundred categories from restaurant owners to hairdressers. However, the BBC investigation revealed that many small and medium business owners still complain that they do not have the same opportunities as state-owned businesses to import supplies and export products.
Michael Bay is excited about being in Cuba this week to film scenes for "Transformers: The Last Knight." On his Instagram page, Bay wrote: "Amazing place, Cuba! Second American movie shot in Cuba!"
Michael Bay's latest "Transformers" blockbuster arrives in Cuba on the heels of Vin Diesel's Fast & Furious-8 production. Taking advantage of President Obama's easing of travel restrictions to the nearby island, they are the first two Hollywood movies to shoot in Cuba since 1961. Like Furious, the cast and crew of Transformers: The Last Knight are racking up frequent flyer miles from the United States to Cuba.
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This Sunday Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will arrive in Cuba at the head of a delegation hoping to pave the way for "solid business ties with Cuba." They will stay until June 1st. Governor Nixon said, "We especially want Cuba to become a significant export market for Missouri's rice growers." Cuba imports a lot of rice, most of it from faraway Vietnam because of the U. S. embargo, which President Obama "is sensibly and bravely easing," according to Governor Nixon. Louisiana and other states also crave Cuba's rice business.
This week the Orlando Sentinel has an excellent update on the softening of U.S.-Cuban relations under President Obama. The article is entitled: "Defiance or Compliance: Embargo, Cuba-Americans and Obama." It references the "hard-liners" still opposing Obama's Cuban overtures but notes that younger Cuban-Americans even in Miami support Obama's detente and are benefiting sharply from easier contact with the island. The article includes a gallery of 34 photos taken by Kevin Spear to illustrate the changing relationship. The photo above and the following five are courtesy of Kevin Spear/Orlando Sentinel.
American tourists can enjoy a more welcoming Cuba.
Still a familiar sight in Cuba.
Cuba adjusting to Obama's boom in tourism.
Tourists enjoying the tropical island.
Female Cuban soldier pointing out a prized souvenir.
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