NAS and the Havana Syndrome

Does the NAS Report Miss the Point About What Caused the Havana Syndrome?

 

From the beginning the Havana Syndrome story has been mired in politics.

While the science is inconclusive, some factual bilateral base lines should be kept in mind:

1)       Only US and then Canadian embassy personnel were affected.  The initial targets were reported to be US intelligence people, not diplomats.  No other embassies, nor the Cuban population, encountered similar medical problems.

2)       The attacks took place at several discreet periods that seemed to have a political or strategic logic.  (They began in December 2016 creating a new atmosphere of conflict for incoming Trump officials, escalated in April when it seemed that Trump was not going to do anything to fulfill his harsh campaign promises in Miami, and were renewed in August after it was obvious that the only thing achieved in June was a hard line speech).

3)      The attacks were on residences (houses or hotel rooms), not on the embassy buildings.

4)      The official US response to the attacks was to surrender not to fight.  Although US foreign service personnel officially recommended diplomats remain despite risks, the Secretary of State withdrew most US embassy and consular staff and forced Cuba to withdraw most of its staff from Washington.  Senator Rubio had been pushing to completely close the embassies.

5)      After the US gutted its capabilities, the attacks ceased.  Remaining US personnel suffered no additional assaults.

6)      The Cubans were extremely cooperative hosting several FBI delegations until it became obvious the US was not reciprocating with information.  According to Reuters, “U.S. officials say off the record they cannot cooperate with Cuba on such a sensitive investigation where its Communist government has a strong interest in the outcome.”

7)      The Cubans then took the public position that the problem was created for political reasons or was psychosomatic.

8)      Most recently the Cuban scientific response to the NAS was more nuanced:  “Cuba’s Academy of Sciences disagrees with the final conclusion regarding the causes of the ailments,” the academy said in a statement read to journalists by its President Luis Velazquez. Velazquez… said the “investigation about these health ailments has suffered from a lack of fluid communication between U.S. and Cuban scientists.”

9)      This suggests that if the Biden Administration is prepared to collaborate seriously, Cuba will also.

10)  The NAS study has replaced one unproven science fiction story with another.  Occam’s razor suggests a known technology which can be undertaken covertly, chemical neurotoxins, the Canadian thesis, is more likely, especially if direct application rather than the unintended consequence of insecticide is considered.

11)  The crucial factors are motive, agency and ability.  The Russians and Cuban Americans had motive to destroy the Obama opening.  Each had agency, the ability to act either with some Cuban cover or within the U.S. Embassy envelope.  Only the Cuban Americans had a motive to attack the Canadians, the long despised largest source of tourists and the biggest foreign investor.  However only the Russians have the experience and resources to use chemical neurotoxins so widely.

The onset of diverse symptoms was so unlikely and without an obvious explanation that the initial US response in the last months of the Obama Administration was to not say anything.  When the complaints of affected staff forced the issue to be acknowledged, a series of theories surfaced in on-line publications and the New York Times.  At first it was a mysterious unheard of acoustic weapon, then it was microwaves, now described as “directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy”.

After months of government mandated work, the National Academy of Sciences produced a report in August that clarified little and was kept secret for four months.  But as the State Department said, “each possible cause remains speculative”.  NBC News reported that, “Although it praised the National Academies of Sciences for undertaking the effort, the State Department offered a long list of ‘challenges of their study’ and limitations in the data the academies were given access to, suggesting that the report should not be viewed as conclusive."

I have pasted below comments I have received from a member of the Canadian team about the NAS report, largely justifying their original case that insecticide was responsible.  Such an explanation has the benefit of being able to conclude the medical problems were an unintended consequence so no one should be held responsible.  However that does not fit the anecdotal account by the top US diplomat in Havana and the NAS report that such abnormal spraying was not done at the residences of Americans.

His response to my questioning the insecticide thesis was:

Topical application either incidental or intentional of OP poisons will lead to the same sickness. We suspected more the relatively high dose / picture of  agriculture pesticides since I saw that myself in the diplomats houses when I went to Havana as part of the research study.  We cannot rule out very low dose of a more toxic agent that the Russians (for example) are using. According to Navalny, his wife Yulia has very similar symptoms to his, but to a lesser extent 2 weeks before he was poisoned. He claims she was poisoned first.  We will never know in her case nor the Americans  - as blood was not saved immediately after the acute event (another mishandling of the whole case by the State Department).

We don’t really know for sure, unfortunately.   If fumigation / toxin exposure is the cause, at least we can stop that exposure.

These comments should not be distributed publicly but the source is prepared to personally respond to questions.

As you know, the Dalhousie team tested the Canadian diplomats, and without having all details I cannot rule out the possibility that the Americans have a different illness. The authors also agree that “Multiple kinds of mechanisms might contribute to the observed phenomena in the Department of State (DOS) personnel.” And specifically, that the “the chronic symptoms that were reported are often seen in patients after head trauma, as a result of chemical exposure, infectious diseases, or stress in a hostile environment.” (Page 17).

It seems that the committee was considering directed radio frequency energy mainly due to “the sudden onset of a perceived loud sound, a sensation of intense pressure or vibration in the head, and pain in the ear or more diffusely in the head”. I agree that this presentation is not typical to pesticides exposure, but importantly, such presentation was not reported by most Canadian diplomats (except one). What I find strange is that while the authors admit that “only a subset of individuals who reported suffering from the late set of generally more common signs and symptoms, also described the more distinctive early set and in particular, the sudden onset of a directional or location-specific loud noise, pressure or pain,” (Page 12) it is not mentioned how many of the American diplomas did report the acute symptoms. I think it is critical to know (from the over 30 who reported symptoms) whether 1, 5, or 25 described in real-time the sudden onset of “a directional or location-specific loud noise, pressure or pain”. This number has never been reported.

The authors thus admit that it was “difficult to know with certainty that all cases were due to the same cause(s), and in particular, whether the individuals with only the chronic set of signs and symptoms suffered from the same cause(s) and etiologic mechanisms as those who reported the initial, sudden onset set of signs and symptoms.”

 With regards to the NAS evaluation of our study and the “toxin hypothesis”, the authors agree that "The potential for exposure of U.S. Embassy personnel to these insecticides was quite high." (Page 21)

And that “it is highly likely that U.S. Embassy personnel were exposed to OPs either when they were in public spaces or via overspray that drifted from public spaces into U.S. Embassy offices and residences”

 The authors confirm that they cannot rule out over-exposure in the American diplomats since

“AChE activity was not measured in blood from U.S. Embassy personnel.” 

 The NAS report also states that, “Another concern with the Dalhousie measurements is that AChE levels should always be compared to the established reference values of the clinical laboratory in which the measurements are performed.” This is a strange criticism from a scientific committee. Simply put, our approach proceeded according to how such scientific research is done: by comparing two groups of individuals and running statistical analysis. Their criticism of the method of control groups is especially strange in light of the NAS committee’s repeated critique that the studies conducted were missing precisely such a “control group” when it came to testing US diplomats (Pages 12 and 15).  As for their preferred comparison method for AChE levels, no such established reference values exist in our clinical laboratory (or to the best of our knowledge elsewhere in Canada), so we had to use a different, but completely valid, scientific approach.

Another NAS criticism of the Dalhousie report: “A second reason is that the number of Canadian personnel with detectable levels of temephos or 3-PBA was much smaller than the number of individuals with symptoms.” This is a misreading of our work, as our report showed traces of temephos or 3-PBA in the majority of exposed individuals: “Temephos was detected in six of ten remotely exposed individuals, compared to one recently exposed individual and none of the controls (P<0.001). 3-PBA was found in the majority (62%) of exposed individuals” (Page 10, Friedmaan et al., 2019).

 The NAS authors admit that “it is not possible to determine whether exposures [to OPs or pyrethroids) were at levels that might reasonably cause toxic effects, particularly in vulnerable individuals.” (Page 22).

 They also admit that the symptoms of individuals affected by certain OPs and insecticides are consistent with the chronic symptoms reported by the US diplomats: “With regards to the overlap of symptoms between chemical exposures and the Havana cases, epidemiologic and clinical studies have linked occupational or environmental chemical (including OP and pyrethroid insecticide) exposures to a subset of the distinctive early phase symptoms and many of the nonspecific chronic problems suffered by some of the U.S. Embassy Havana cases.”

 The committee summarizes that part of the report by writing: “the committee could not rule out the possibility, although slight, that exposure to insecticides, particularly OPs, increased susceptibility to the triggering factor(s).” They also say that “differential exposure to insecticides amongst affected individuals may have contributed to the clinical heterogeneity of the acute symptoms noted in Havana cases,” and finally “The committee also finds it plausible that subacute or chronic OP and/or pyrethroid exposures contributed to the nonspecific chronic symptoms observed in affected U.S. Embassy personnel.” (Page 23). I could not agree more.

 I also found it surprising that the committee ignored the results of what was likely the most objective test of American diplomats, namely the visual test undertaken shortly after exposure: “average pupil area was significantly smaller in the Havana affected group” (Balaban, 2020). A small pupil, also known as miosis, is one of the most classical signs of organophosphate poisoning.

 A final thought: one key way to further confirm or reject the insecticidal hypothesis is to test Cubans who were similarly exposed, including those living in nearby areas, working at the embassies (or residents), or those who are fumigating. We have initiated such a collaborative study with Cuban scientists (unfortunately the study was halted due to COVID-19). Unfortunately, our American colleagues were not interested in such collaboration.

 --------------------------------

Efficacy and outcomes of lipid resuscitation on organophosphate poisoning patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Yu S, Yu S, Zhang L, Gao Y, Walline J, Lu X, Ma Y, Zhu H, Yu X, Li Y.Am J Emerg Med. 2019 Sep;37(9):1611-1617. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.11.022. Epub 2018 Nov 17.PMID: 30527914

 Obesity-related acetylcholinesterase elevation is reversed following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Shenhar-Tsarfaty S, Sherf-Dagan S, Berman G, Webb M, Raziel A, Keidar A, Goitein D, Sakran N, Zwang E, Shapira I, Zeltser D, Berliner S, Rogowski O, Shibolet O, Zelber-Sagi S.Int J Obes (Lond). 2019 Feb;43(2):297-305. doi: 10.1038/s41366-018-0014-4. Epub 2018 Feb 3.PMID: 29491490

 Prevalence of Abnormal Serum Cholinesterase and Associated Symptoms from Pesticide Exposure among Agricultural Workers in the South of Thailand. Guytingco A, Thepaksorn P, Neitzel RL.J Agromedicine. 2018;23(3):270-278. doi: 10.1080/1059924X.2018.1470049.PMID: 30047860

 Acetylcholinesterase Activity Measurement and Clinical Features of Delirium. Jackson TA, Moorey HC, Sheehan B, Maclullich AM, Gladman JR, Lord JM.Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2017;43(1-2):29-37.

 Decline in serum cholinesterase activities predicts 2-year major adverse cardiac events.

Arbel Y, Shenhar-Tsarfaty S, Waiskopf N, Finkelstein A, Halkin A, Revivo M, Berliner S, Herz I, Shapira I, Keren G, Soreq H, Banai S.Mol Med. 2014 Feb 12;20(1):38-45. doi: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00139. Evaluation of neurotoxicity of repeated dermal application of chlorpyrifos on hippocampus of adult mice. Mitra NK, Siong HH, Nadarajah VD.Ann Agric Environ Med. 2008;15(2):211-6.

 Acetylcholine terase activity in veterans of the first Gulf War. Concato J, Aslan M, Palmisano MM, Doebbeling CC, Peduzzi P, Ofek K, Soreq H, Doebbeling B.J Investig Med. 2007 Nov;55(7):360-7. doi: 10.2310/6650.2007.00016.

 Organophosphate poisoning: 10 years of experience in southern Taiwan. Tsai JR, Sheu CC, Cheng MH, Hung JY, Wang CS, Chong IW, Huang MS, Hwang JJ.Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2007 Mar;23(3):112-9. doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70385-7.

 Distinctive Convergence Eye Movements in an Acquired Neurosensory Dysfunction. Carey D Balaban 1 2 3 4, Mikhaylo Szczupak 5, Alexander Kiderman 6, Bonnie E Levin 7, Michael E Hoffer 5 8 Front Neurol. 2020 Jun 16;11:469. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00469. eCollection 2020.

 

The full Canadian report can be accessed here:   https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2019/11/cause-of-havana-syndrome-identified-by.html

      

 

Section of NAS Report that addresses the Canadian findings

 

CHEMICALS

 

Sources of Information

DOS asked the committee to consider the plausibility of organophosphate (OP) or

pyrethroid insecticide exposure as a cause of the clinical signs/symptoms observed in U.S.

Embassy personnel in Havana. This possible cause was raised by Canadian investigators who

reported decreased cholinesterase activity, temephos (an OP), and pyrethroid metabolites in

blood samples collected from some Canadian Embassy personnel and Canadian tourists who

were in Havana during the same period as the affected U.S. Embassy personnel. Additionally,

the timing of some cases in U.S. Embassy personnel coincided with widespread spraying of OP

and pyrethroid insecticides in Cuba in 2016 to mitigate spread of Zika virus by mosquitos.

To address the plausibility of the OP/pyrethroid insecticide hypothesis, the committee

examined five sources of information: (1) the Research Report, “Havana Syndrome:

Neuroanatomical and Neurofunctional Assessment in Acquired Brain Injury Due to Unknown

Etiology” (Friedman et al., 2019); (2) formal presentations to the committee by Claire Huson

(DOS Office of Safety, Health, and Environmental Management), Cynthia Calkin and Alon

Friedman (Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine), Marion Ehrich (Virginia-Maryland

College of Veterinary Medicine), and Nick Buckley (University of Sydney); (3) feedback

provided during a question and answer session with DOS Bureau of Medical Services staff; (4)

the National Toxicology Program publication, “Systematic review of long-term neurological

effects following acute exposure to the organophosphorus nerve agent sarin,” (NTP, 2019); and

(5) peer-reviewed scientific literature.

 

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The committee considered three general issues: (1) What is the strength of the evidence

that affected individuals were exposed to OP or pyrethroid insecticides?; (2) Were exposures at

levels that might be expected to cause toxic effects?; and (3) How similar are the signs and

symptoms of acute, subacute, or chronic exposures to OP or pyrethroid insecticides to the

distinctive acute signs and symptoms and the less specific chronic signs and symptoms

associated with cases from Havana?

 

Assessment and Findings

 

With respect to the question of exposure, information presented by Claire Huson

regarding the DOS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program indicated that pyrethroids

(lambda cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin, and cypermethrin) were used in U.S. Embassy

offices and residences in Havana; thus, the potential for exposure of U.S. Embassy personnel to

these insecticides was quite high. OPs were not included in the IPM program and it is DOS IPM policy not to allow outside contractors to apply pesticides in U.S. Embassy offices or residences.

Consistent with this information, the committee heard in a question and answer session with

DOS medical staff that OPs were not detected in environmental samples collected from the

residences of U.S. Embassy personnel some months after the incidence of unexplained illnesses.

 

However, this information does not rule out the possibility that U.S. Embassy personnel were

exposed to OPs in their residences proximal to the onset of symptoms because OPs are relatively

short-lived in the environment (half-life of several days in the outdoor environment and weeks to

months in the indoor environment depending on dust levels, light, and humidity). Moreover,

information provided by presenters from Dalhousie University indicated widespread heavy

spraying of OPs (including the OP chlorpyrifos) and pyrethroids throughout Cuba to prevent the

spread of Zika virus by mosquitos. If the images of pesticide spraying shown in the formal

presentations to the committee were reflective of actual conditions in Havana, it is highly likely

that U.S. Embassy personnel were exposed to OPs either when they were in public spaces or via

overspray that drifted from public spaces into U.S. Embassy offices and residences. As an aside,

targeted exposures of individuals to OPs are also possible, as illustrated by the assassination of

Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who died after two women

allegedly applied OP nerve agent to his skin in the Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13, 2017,

and by the attempted assassination of a former Russian spy and his daughter in Great Britain in

2018. However, these individuals showed acute symptoms of cholinergic poisoning associated

with their exposure to OPs.

 

OP exposure is also monitored by measuring AChE activity in blood samples because OP

insecticides inhibit AChE. AChE activity was not measured in blood from U.S. Embassy

personnel. The Dalhousie University research team presented data they believed demonstrated

significantly decreased AChE activity in at least a subset of Canadian Embassy personnel and

Canadian tourists who were in Havana during the same time as affected U.S. Embassy personnel.

Based on these data and targeted analysis of OPs and pyrethroid metabolites in serum samples

that identified the OP temephos and the pyrethroid metabolite 3-PBA in blood from a subset of

individuals (although the overlap between individuals with AChE inhibition and detectable

OPs/pyrethroids is not clear), the Dalhousie University group developed a working hypothesis

that neurological effects were due to chronic low level cholinesterase inhibitor toxicity. These

data cannot, however, be considered supportive of this hypothesis. One reason, based on

information presented to the committee, is that the Dalhousie group measured AChE activity in

serum/plasma samples. However, AChE is a membrane-bound molecule found in blood only on

erythrocytes; thus, whole blood samples, not serum or plasma, are required for accurate

 

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determination of AChE activity in blood. Another concern with the Dalhousie measurements is

that AChE levels should always be compared to the established reference values of the clinical

laboratory in which the measurements are performed, rather than to the values of a specific and

limited set of experimental controls, because laboratory reference values are generally based on

many more samples and reflect a more realistic range of normal activities. The Dalhousie study

relied instead on experimental controls. A second reason is that the number of Canadian

personnel with detectable levels of temephos or 3-PBA was much smaller than the number of

individuals with symptoms. A third reason is that Canadian personnel were not sampled at the

time of initial signs and symptoms.

 

Absent data regarding the concentration of OPs or pyrethroids in relevant environmental

samples collected proximal to the onset of symptoms or in samples from affected U.S. Embassy

personnel at the time of initial signs and symptoms, it is not possible to determine whether

exposures were at levels that might reasonably cause toxic effects, particularly in vulnerable

individuals. This issue is complicated by the fact that there is growing evidence that at least some

of the neurotoxic effects of OPs are mediated by mechanism(s) other than or in addition to AChE

inhibition (Anger et al., 2020; Costa, 2006; Naughton and Terry, 2018; Pope, 1999).

With regards to the overlap of symptoms between chemical exposures and the Havana

cases, epidemiologic and clinical studies have linked occupational or environmental chemical

(including OP and pyrethroid insecticide) exposures to a subset of the distinctive early phase

symptoms and many of the nonspecific chronic problems suffered by some of the U.S. Embassy

Havana cases (see Appendix D).

 

Acute OP poisoning manifests as a clinical toxic syndrome known as cholinergic crisis,

which includes parasympathomimetic symptoms (sweating, tears, rhinorrhea, salivation,

urination, diarrhea, increased bronchial secretions and bronchoconstriction, and bradycardia),

muscle fasciculation followed by flaccid paralysis, loss of consciousness and seizures (Eddleston

et al., 2008; Hulse et al., 2014). Subacute and chronic OP exposures involving doses that do not

cause significant AChE inhibition, do not cause cholinergic signs but can be associated with

neurotoxic effects not only in individuals with occupational exposures, but also in the general

public. OP-associated neurotoxic effects, which may or may not be associated with AChE

inhibition in affected individuals, include hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, headache, fatigue,

motor incoordination, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, memory deficits and inability to concentrate

(Anger et al., 2020; Ashok Murthy and Visweswara Reddy, 2014; Choochouy et al., 2019;

Crawford et al., 2008; Dassanayake et al., 2007, 2008, 2009; Dundar et al., 2016; Edwards and

Tchounwou, 2005; London et al., 1998; Richter et al., 1992; Roldan-Tapia et al., 2006; Ross et

al., 2013; Teixeira et al., 2002). Some of these effects were reported among affected DOS

employees stationed in Havana.

 

There are significantly less epidemiologic and clinical data available regarding the

neurotoxic effects of pyrethroids than there are for OPs, but published studies report associations

between acute, subacute, and chronic pyrethroid exposures and hearing loss, visual disturbance,

tinnitus, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, and deficits in memory and concentration in

occupational cohorts and in the general public (Campos et al., 2016; Chen et al., 1991;

Lessenger, 1992; Müller-Mohnssen, 1999; Richardson et al., 2019; Teixeira et al., 2002; Xu et

al., 2020; Zeigelboim et al., 2019). High dose acute pyrethroid exposures are also associated with

tremors and seizures (Bal-Price et al., 2015).

 

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Summary

In summary, the committee concludes that it is not likely that acute high-level exposure

to OPs and/or pyrethroids contributed to the unexplained illnesses observed in the Havana cases

because there is no convincing evidence of acute high-level exposures and the clinical history of

affected U.S. Embassy personnel is not consistent with acute OP poisoning. It is also unlikely

that subacute or chronic OP or pyrethroid exposures precipitated the onset of the distinctive acute

symptoms associated with the Havana cases. However, given experimental data indicating that

interactions between pesticides (particularly OPs) and psychosocial or physical stressors, the

latter including noise and non-ionizing radiation, can increase risk and/or severity of adverse

outcomes, the committee could not rule out the possibility, although slight, that exposure to

insecticides, particularly OPs, increased susceptibility to the triggering factor(s) that caused the

Embassy personnel cases. Alternatively, differential exposure to insecticides amongst affected

individuals may have contributed to the clinical heterogeneity of the acute symptoms noted in

Havana cases, since OP and pyrethroid exposures are associated with a subset of these acute

symptoms (see Appendix D). The committee also finds it plausible that subacute or chronic OP

and/or pyrethroid exposures contributed to the nonspecific chronic symptoms observed in

affected U.S. Embassy personnel.

Chat and Q & A from the Webinar on Travel to Cuba in the Biden-Harris Administration

 16:48:46 From  John McAuliff  to  Everyone : Your tax deductible contribution is very much appreciated to cover the cost of this and future webinars      https://tinyurl.com/donateFRD

16:49:30 From  John McAuliff  to  Everyone : The United States and Cuba: A New Policy of Engagementhttps://www.wola.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/A-New-Policy-of-Engagement-WOLA-CDA.pdf

17:02:10 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  All panelists : I John, all! Great to see you!

17:03:05 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Hi John! Thank you for hosting this session!!!-Un abrazo, Cynthia Carris Alonso

17:04:44 From  Leslie Salgado  to  All panelists : Great introduction!

17:06:55 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Hi everyone!

17:07:51 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : more woke politics?

17:11:43 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : John, the options of gallery view etc are not showing up for some reason.  If it's simply on my end, I'll go out and come back into the zoom

17:12:33 From  Geo Darder  to  All panelists : Saludos from Copperbridge Foundation.

17:13:08 From  Medea Benjamin  to  All panelists : That video with Jill Biden was so beautiful! It bodes well

17:13:55 From  John McAuliff  to  Everyone : If you are on a laptop, upper right is View.  Not sure where on a pad

17:14:15 From  Christopher Baker  to  All panelists : And on a desktop?

17:14:46 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Unlike all other zoom meetings I go on, it's not there.  I don't want to miss a word of Bill's though so I'll cope.  Meanwhile, sending you regards

17:14:57 From  Guillermo Grenier  to  All panelists : I’m not getting the choice of views either…no problem, though. Bill is mercifully blurry…:)

17:15:30 From  Tomas Moran  to  Everyone : Hi all.  I am SF Bay Area Cuban American. Lived in Puerto Rico or US since 1961 with other family in Cuba and Miami. Traveled to Cuba in 1991, 2003, 2017

17:15:42 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : I can't see view on my desktop Zoom control

17:16:30 From  Raul Galvan  to  All panelists : There is no view on mine either.  Only expand or minimize

17:17:40 From  Lois Howes  to  All panelists : My last clients were in Cuba in February and I had cruisers there just as trump put a stop on cruising there. So many more clients had to be cancelled.

17:18:04 From  John McAuliff  to  All panelists : Everyone will be sent the youtube link by the weekend

17:18:23 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : I am from England. But have been working on Cuba since 1978! It's great to see and hear Bill looking and sounding so well as ever!

17:20:34 From  Andrea Holbrook-Wagman  to  Everyone : John, can you post the link Bill is referring to? 

17:21:21 From  Daniel Jimenez  to  All panelists : That you for hosting this dialogue!

17:21:28 From  John McAuliff  to  All panelists : go to top of chat for the link to the policy recommendations

17:22:07 From  TK Hernández  to  Everyone : Hi all, I'm from Canada, founder/editor of Cuba Business Report.

17:24:29 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : Hi all, I’m Patricia, founder of Four Wives. we do high-end travel and event production in Cuba. I’ve been based in Cuba for a little over 7 years now.

17:24:42 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : *event

17:24:53 From  David Guggenheim  to  Everyone : Attendees may be interested in a landmark article by our colleague, attorney Robert Muse indicating that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the president may UNILATERALLY terminate the embargo on Cuba: https://theglobalamericans.org/2020/10/the-president-has-the-constitutional-power-to-unilaterally-terminate-the-embargo-on-cuba/

17:25:30 From  Tom Millington  to  All panelists : Hi, all, here is a link to an interesting article about the significance of having a US Ambassador to Cuba:  https://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2020/12/12/president-biden-should-appoint-a-united-states-ambassador-to-cuba-not-as-reward-but-as-weaponnbsp

17:25:55 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : Hi David... I'd like to connect with you after this webinar. cpbaker@earthlink.net

17:26:08 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : I am Editor of the International Journal of Cuban Studies going Open Access form Jan 1st! https://www.jstor.org/journal/intejcubastud

17:26:24 From  Medea Benjamin  to  All panelists : what

17:26:38 From  Medea Benjamin  to  All panelists : what’s the relationship of the  Summit of the Americas to the OAS?

17:27:44 From  Medea Benjamin  to  Everyone : I don’t see the link for the WOLA/CDA briefing. Can someone post it?

17:28:30 From  Stephanie & Burgos  to  All panelists : Here is a link to the paper released today by CDA and WOLA - The US and Cuba: a new policy of engagement https://www.democracyinamericas.org/all-press-releases/wola-and-cda-joint-statement

17:28:34 From  Cynthia Wright  to  Everyone : The link is in the last reminder notice that was sent out to all registrants for this webinar.

17:28:53 From  Stephanie & Burgos  to  Everyone : Here is a link to the paper released today by CDA and WOLA - The US and Cuba: a new policy of engagement https://www.democracyinamericas.org/all-press-releases/wola-and-cda-joint-statement

17:29:36 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Hi Medea! I have never met you but read a lot of your work! Here you are: https://www.wola.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/A-New-Policy-of-Engagement-WOLA-CDA.pdf

17:31:08 From  Liliana Marino-Rhoades  to  All panelists : I’d like to be more involved in pushing for US regulation changes, any ideas, contacts or best practices to have our voices heard. I’m Cuban born and work in tourism.

17:31:09 From  Medea Benjamin  to  Everyone : Thank you

17:31:14 From  Ellen Stein  to  All panelists : A friend who was our guide in Havana just messaged me that Cuba is having trouble producing its own COVID vaccine due to the embargo. Perhaps that's something Biden can reach out and help with?

17:31:42 From  Ike Nahem  to  All panelists : There was no announced or achieved “normalization” under the 2nd Obama Administration but the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. That led to some easing of travel restrictions and other exchanges. Normalization has to mean a unilateral end to all US economic and travel sanctions and especially their extraterritoriality.

17:32:21 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : greetings from a Cuban who grew up in Los Angeles. I live in Cuba half the year. I would like to add that part of the jubilation in the streets after the Obama Castro talk was because the rest of the Cuban 5 were released out of US jails and were being sent back to Cuba.

17:32:23 From  Tomas Moran  to  Everyone : Hi Medea….would love to talk with you… one of my cousins who was in Cuba when we went has been living in Argentina…

17:33:40 From  Ike Nahem  to  All panelists : Also another key date to focus the Biden team’s mind is the UN General Assembly vote against the US anti-Cuba policy

17:33:46 From  Medea Benjamin  to  All panelists : sorry the chat doesn’t allow us to have private conversations. Possible to change?

17:34:05 From  carlos lazo  to  All panelists : Hi everyone!

17:34:24 From  Medea Benjamin  to  All panelists : Tomas how wonderful to “hear” from you. I’m at medea.benjamin@gmail.com

17:36:31 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : couldn’t agree more with Collin

17:38:17 From  Josue Portal  to  Everyone : Thank you for this opportunity. Manicato LLC, Founder, from Havana. I think many of us share interests regarding Cuban entrepreneurship, and hospitality and travel industries. So expect to join efforts, and also hope you're open to consider cryptoassets aiming that. Cheers!

17:40:04 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : do not believe in the claim of microwave attacks.

17:41:26 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : Trump Admin propaganda, just before the UN vote

17:42:23 From  John McAuliff  to  All panelists : setting is to allow private conversations.  Click the down arrow next to all panelists and scroll down.

17:42:55 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : yes, Americans need to see the rich cultural exchanges that are possible. The Joyce dance theater used to have cultural exchanges.

17:43:36 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Jeez, when was there ever a time when the artists weren't an issue?

17:43:58 From  Bill Leogrande  to  Guillermo Grenier and all panelists : What!!??

17:44:05 From  Guillermo Grenier  to  All panelists : Moving early on Cuba also has some political benefits if the 2024 elections are a concern. Rubio is up in two years but he’ll get the same % of Cuban-American votes as Trump did, roughly, regardless.

17:44:16 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Many thanks to Colin for such a cogent and thorough presentation

17:46:20 From  Norman Savitt  to  All panelists : Thank you for this interesting conference!

17:46:58 From  Edward Russo  to  All panelists : I live in Key West and am a US citizen and I want to know why there are any restrictions regarding travel or the freedom to business in Cuba. Human rights issues? Really? As compared to who? What is so unique about Cuba that warrants these restrictions???? I have traveled there for environmental research dozens of times and love the country and its people. If OFAC wants to set standards that all countries must follow, fine. But singling out Cuba is wrong.

17:47:10 From  Norman Savitt  to  All panelists : I am eager to return to Cuba and I hope this conference helps.

17:51:35 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : Rita... I'm not finding a website for you. Assuming you have one, can you please provide

17:52:41 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : under support for the Cuban people Americans could stay in hotels (until Trump made it illegal for all Americans to stay in hotels)

17:53:07 From  Gay Myers  to  Everyone : Rita, what is your company and how can you be reached?  From: Gay Myers at Travel Weekly

17:53:29 From  Tom Millington  to  All panelists : I will be visiting Cuba in March to meet with a university.  Will anyone in this webinar be travelling there at about that time?

17:54:11 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : It is there the chance the Biden administration to add a new more open traveling far reaching category for traveling that basically would allow Americans to travel to the Island without restrictions?

17:54:55 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : If anyone wants to support paladar owners in Cuba, my favorites are mentioned in my recent book: A Taste of Cuba

17:55:08 From  John McAuliff  to  Gay Myers and all panelists : Gay it is Rita McKniff <Rita@LikeACuban.com>,

17:55:14 From  Ellen Stein  to  Everyone : My question, too, Carlos. I want to go back there on my own, not with a group. Even when I went, my group was very loose and we went out on our own most of the time.

17:55:24 From  Natasha Lycia Bannan  to  All panelists : how do you all center Cuban voices in your advocacy so they can speak directly to US audiences?

17:56:08 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Cuba-Journey-Authentic-Countrys/dp/1948062003

17:56:19 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : Ellen, that is exactly what I mean, a “free”category :)

17:56:25 From  Daniel Zim  to  All panelists : Hi, Daniel Zim here from Zim Travel Law, PLLC. I specialize in travel and tourism law including Cuba travel. Please visit our website at http://www.zimtravellaw.com/

17:56:45 From  Patricia Metcalf  to  All panelists : Please repeat name and NGO name of cosponsor

17:56:53 From  Ellen Stein  to  Everyone : Yeah I'm not one for escorted tours.

17:57:27 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Do you know when the CUC will no longer be usable in Cuba?

17:57:55 From  Greg Miller, CREST  to  Everyone : HI PATRICIA METCALF, My name is Gregory Miller, Executive Director of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), based in Washington, DC. www.ResponsibleTravel.org,

17:58:02 From  Andrea Holbrook-Wagman  to  Everyone : In terms of putting pressure on the administration to act quickly in doing policy changes, what is the best way to advocate?   Especially within the travel industry, how can leverage our contacts to organize more meetings like this to get momentum?     

17:58:13 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : yes

17:58:15 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : just be aware when traveling to Cuba that they require a PCR test at the airport and quarantine for 5 days then another PCR test and then you can travel if you’re negative. I’m flying to Havana in January.

17:58:26 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Do you know where Cuba will getting the COVID vaccine from and is there any effort to sell the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to Cuba?

17:58:40 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : I thought the quarantine for foreigners was 24 hours?

17:59:10 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : ‘support of the Cuban people’ category allows any US citizen to travel to Cuba right now.

17:59:12 From  Johann Besserer  to  All panelists : slightly off topic, any thoughts on when cuba will be fully open again after covid restrictions?

17:59:22 From  sarah arizaga  to  All panelists : @elena - it's only 1 PCR test for tourists assuming its negative result.

17:59:23 From  Gay Myers  to  Everyone : what impact will the devaluation of the peso have on tourism?

17:59:38 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : Elena, that’s only for those visiting family/friends and who will be staying in the community. for tourists staying in hotels or B&B it’s only one PCR  at the airport and a 1-2 day quarantine in your accommodation.

17:59:41 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : flights are going into Havana

17:59:45 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Hi Gregory, I'd like to connect with you. I have worked taking groups to Cuba for thirty years including US, UK and Australian travellers. My guess is that we will be going back in huge numbers soon. We should link up.

18:00:15 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : support of Cuban people is legal

18:00:40 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : I’ve never seen a Cuban peso to a dollar!

18:01:01 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  All panelists : Greetings from CAFE - thanks for an amazing panel

18:01:21 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : even when dollars used to be used I. the 90’s

18:01:21 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Believe it or not, I remember when the Cuban peso was pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.  Of course we couldn't use dollars anywhere in Cuba....  But the peso was really worth something.  In fact, it was easy to live on 450 pesos a month.  I know there are not likely people on this call who remember that.  Or believe it.

18:01:23 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  Everyone : Greetings from CAFE - thanks for an amazing panel

18:01:49 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : raise prices offset by higher salaries. Keep fingers crossed. Long over due.

18:01:52 From  Andrea Holbrook-Wagman  to  Everyone : CREST made some important inroads with the State Department and possibly impacted the reduction of the State Dept travel warning from Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) to Level 2 (Exersize increased caution), which was very important.   CREST could lead the charge on re-engaging with the State Depart to accomplish some of these important engagement goals. 

18:02:57 From  Jo McIntire  to  Everyone : Fascinating discussion. Thank you. Yosi (The Friendship Association - 20 plus years building bridges with Cuba)

18:03:03 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : Cuba allows anyone to stay in their hotels. It’s the US government saying they shouldn’t.

18:03:42 From  Gay Myers  to  Everyone : what are the entry requirements now in place for US visitors on a Support-for-Cuban people category

18:03:52 From  Kathleen McCloskey  to  All panelists : Tourism does, however, take food from the locals because the hotels have a priority over food rations.  

18:03:53 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : nothing

18:04:05 From  Julia Poteat  to  All panelists : Thank you for a very informative presentation. I look forward to my next trip to Cuba.

18:04:08 From  Mike McClanahan  to  All panelists : This was an excellent discussion and presentation.  I look forward to traveling to Cuba again.  I was able to in 2017, grandfathered under Obama's rules.  The person to person is a perfect means to do that, but my sense is you must speak Spanish for that to work for the most part.

18:04:18 From  Erin Feely-Nahem  to  All panelists : you could see the number of new paladar after Obama’s easing of restrictions and Raul allowed small businesses

18:04:19 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : at the kiosk at the airport just tell them you’re going under the support of the Cuban people category.

18:04:28 From  Tom Millington  to  Everyone : Hello, Jo McIntire, I would love to learn more about The Friendship Association: tom@abroadia.com.

18:04:51 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Any update on vaccine sales to Cuba?

18:04:51 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : I took a couple of girlfriends with me that are American

18:05:36 From  Andrea Holbrook-Wagman  to  Everyone : There is a need to verified information regarding current rules of entry for Cuba.  We know there is a mandatory PCR Covid test that is free and there is apparently now a $25 health pass (which I believe is in the flight cost or perhaps to be paid at the airport) but there is a lot of confusion about the length of time required for quarantine / test results.

18:05:50 From  Zita Arocha  to  All panelists : Is it possible to take a university study abroad group to Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People category?

18:06:17 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : American Airlines has it in their website. It’s $30

18:06:35 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Where does a visitor get a COVID test to leave Cuba? And how does one get their results?

18:07:25 From  Andrea Holbrook-Wagman  to  Everyone : Thank you, Rita.  Official information about this would be really helpful.   

18:07:26 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Yes, Rita, I was always impressed how my sister in law would give the the person who trimmed her garden a dollar or two.  This was way back in the beginning and so has stayed in my memory.  So it trickled from us to her to someone quite humble.  More recently, of course, you can pay for just about anything in CUCs -- the exterminator, the knife sharpener, and of course in the market.  These are CUCs but were of course = dollars

18:07:44 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : Andrea, the official gov info is clear. However, some cities (Holguín, Santiago...) is forcing tourists to get a 2nd test and quarantine longer however the official policy is that tourists only have the one at the airport and quarantine for 1-2 days. all Cubans, residents, and visitors who are staying with family or in a house with Cubans have to have a 2nd PCR on day 5 and quarantine for the full 7-10 days with their entire household

18:08:00 From  sarah arizaga  to  All panelists : MINSAP website and Cubadebate have an FAQ for the COVID travel requirements

18:08:27 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : Rita... website? I'd love to connect after this call: cpbaker@earthlink.net

18:08:47 From  William Hendricks  to  All panelists : where did you stay while waiting for your test.

18:08:50 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : @Andrea http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2020/12/02/respuestas-a-inquietudes-y-dudas-sobre-las-medidas-de-control-sanitario-internacional-en-cuba/

18:09:16 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Amy Klobuchar introduced a bill some years ago to lift the embargo.  A number of senators signed on, including Elizabeth Warren and of course Sanders.  I believe this was 2019. Along with the bills to live the travel restrictions in senate and house

18:09:35 From  Johannes Werner  to  All panelists : Hi Rita - how can I reach you? Editor of Cuba Standard, johanneswerner@cubastandard.com

18:09:54 From  John McAuliff  to  Christopher Baker and all panelists : Rita McKniff <Rita@LikeACuban.com>,

18:10:02 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : Thanks John

18:10:04 From  Kathleen McCloskey  to  All panelists : Kathleen McCloskey - What do you mean by military hotels? 

18:10:20 From  John McAuliff  to  Johannes Werner and all panelists : Rita McKniff <Rita@LikeACuban.com>,

18:10:26 From  Jo McIntire  to  Everyone : Is there a way to save all the chats?

18:10:54 From  Greg Miller, CREST  to  Stephen Wilkinson and all panelists : I can be reached at GMiller@ResponsibleTravel.org, Gregory Miller, Executive Director, CREST Gracias!

18:11:03 From  carole cloonan  to  All panelists : Screenshots for the most important, those with links...

18:11:12 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : John may suggest a way.  Meanwhile, I suggest copying and pasting to a Word or Google doc, which you can do minimizing zoom -- you'll still hear it

18:11:50 From  David Lee  to  Everyone : Having just returned myself from Cuba this past weekend, there is some confusion regarding the PCR testing and results. Apparently , tourists will not all be notified if their tests are negative. Therefore waiting up to 48 hours confined to your hotel or casa will also not be necessary.

18:11:51 From  Jennifer Spelman  to  All panelists : Greetings from Santa Fe - thank you for arranging such a thoughtful panel.

18:13:34 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : CUC were invented when the US placed a 10% penalty on USD coming into Cuba. I think this was in the 90’s. With the abolishment of the CUC were just going to go back to the 2 currencies we had before CUC. I think the discussion of Cuba trying to normalize the incomes of their people is a different conversation.

18:13:35 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Credit cards all depend on US banks trusting the US government not to stuff them up!!  The US government had authorized use of Credit Cards and the banks when asked said they simply did not trust it

18:13:44 From  Gina Faustin  to  All panelists : Is it realistic to plan a small group in June?

18:13:53 From  Katie Irwin  to  All panelists : Thank you to the panelists for a very informative session

18:13:59 From  Tom Millington  to  Everyone : Thanks for an excellent session! I enjoyed it. -Tom (www.abroadia.com).

18:14:22 From  Tom Millington  to  Everyone : Thanks, John, for putting this together!

18:14:40 From  Edward Russo  to  All panelists : Thank all of you for organizing this and I hope you continue this forum.

18:14:55 From  Noreen Hammerick  to  Everyone : Ditto :)

18:15:01 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : The Cuban peso had been at a 24:1 to USD for decades

18:15:09 From  Elizabeth Merritt  to  All panelists : on the mysterious illness, I saw an article this week that said it was Russia because diplomats in Moscow had been hit

18:15:18 From  Jayne Rynar  to  All panelists : This has been so helpful. Thank you John for putting this together.

18:15:19 From  Julie Cárdenas  to  All panelists : Thanks so much for this insightful discussion!

18:15:32 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Excellent Bill!!  

18:15:57 From  A L  to  All panelists : Thank you for a very informative presentation. I remain very hopeful and look forward to more of these meetings as things progress.

18:16:23 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : This has been their normal currency exchange

18:16:26 From  Guillermo Grenier  to  All panelists : I did the numbers. Cubans voted no more “Republican” than other Republicans.

18:16:31 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Yes, John, the FIU poll is so revealing

18:16:44 From  JUAN MONTENEGRO  to  All panelists : I propose the US dollar become the currency in Cuba like it is in Panama.

18:17:25 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : We tend to see Cuban Americans through a 1 dimensional lens, and simply they are not.  As well, the Democrats in Florida where I have worked since 2004 on elections have established that they cannot organize their way out of a paper bag

18:17:27 From  Guillermo Grenier  to  All panelists : https://progresoweekly.us/cuban-americans-and-the-presidential-election-evidence-and-hypotheses-from-the-2020-cuba-poll/

18:18:44 From  Scott Schwar  to  All panelists : Thank you to all participants.  Time very well spent.

18:18:48 From  Elizabeth Merritt  to  All panelists : What will happen to CUCs on Jan 1?

18:20:26 From  Zita Arocha  to  All panelists : Thanks.

18:20:35 From  Shabnam Samoohi  to  All panelists : for packages try Haroldo  +1 (786) 512-2922

18:20:38 From  Lois Howes  to  All panelists : Thank you John. I have to sign off !!  This was great! I'm hopeful to be able to start to send more clients to Cuba once again !!

18:20:43 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Will it be possible to trade in CUC in 2021?

18:21:07 From  Guillermo Grenier  to  All panelists : And, yes, Cuba policy was not the issue.

18:21:34 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Dollars will always have value in Cuba because Cubans want them to travel outside of Cuba

18:22:35 From  Johannes Werner  to  All panelists : CUC will be phased out 180 days after Jan. 1

18:22:39 From  Natasha Lycia Bannan  to  All panelists : Cuba will continue to accept CUC as long as they are in circulation. however they will not be issuing it or returning it.

18:22:44 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : I’ve been sending food to my family using Supermercado 23. Its one of this stores. It’s limited with products but I just sent coffee, ground beef corn which is delivered to my cousins home.

18:22:59 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : 6 month is the time Cuban government gave to turn in all the CUC’S

18:23:02 From  Benita Lubic  to  All panelists : Do you think Rubio will be a major roadblock again.

18:23:08 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : I read that they’re giving  everyone 180 days for the CUC conversion.

18:23:08 From  sarah arizaga  to  All panelists : You can spend or trade CUCs until June 180 days

18:23:42 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : The store debit cards are done with USD

18:23:51 From  Gay Myers  to  All panelists : great session. thank you all! Gay Myers gmyers@travelweekly.com

18:24:43 From  Zita Arocha  to  Everyone : Any idea if will be able to send US dollars electronically to the card?

18:24:53 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : Yes Elena. Also, people who have bank accounts in CUC, If they do not do anything, those accounts will automatically change to CUP at the current exchange rate 1-24

18:24:58 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : yes you can send money to the card.

18:25:17 From  Kent Newton  to  All panelists : are other webinars planned?

18:25:23 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Will Biden change US policy by Executive Order if he can’t get Congress to approve?

18:25:37 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  Everyone : Poll is good

18:26:03 From  Grisell Collazo  to  Everyone : I sent my Aunt a cellphone from US to her in Havana last week.  It got  there in less than week.   My parents had to mail it through an agency in Homestead FL.  I also sent her some food via a grocery delivery system...ordered over the internet but incredibly expensive.  It took over a week.  Bottomline I have to rely on my relatives in Cuba to tell me what works.   Constantly a moving target as what worked a few months ago no longer exists.  Also the local agencies in Miami area keep us informed on what avenues are available to move $ and items to Cuba but in most cases you have to visit the agency in person which doesn't work for me.  

18:26:17 From  TK Hernández  to  Everyone : Thank you John and the panel for sharing this interesting presentation. My fingers are crossed that president-elect Biden moves forward with Cuba issues.

18:27:13 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : yes, using these food and parcel delivery systems are very expensive

18:27:42 From  JUAN MONTENEGRO  to  All panelists : This is great!  Let's get together again next month to measure our progress..... no?

18:27:58 From  Bennett Melzak  to  All panelists : Thank you for a most informative presentation.

18:28:01 From  Daniel Zim  to  All panelists : Thank you John for organizing this very insightful webinar. Thanks to all the panelists.

18:28:02 From  TK Hernández  to  Everyone : Cuba Business Report will have an interview coming up a leading researcher from the Cuban Academy of Science on exactly this issue - the Havana Syndrome.

18:28:10 From  sarah arizaga  to  All panelists : Totally agree with Bill re: re-staffing embassy

18:28:15 From  Kathleen McCloskey  to  All panelists : Not seeing the link to the conference you keep mentioning

18:28:30 From  Ken Foster  to  Everyone : The embassy posted a “we’re hiring” announcement on Facebook recently

18:28:40 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : the Cubans all thought that it was crickets in the US Embassy. It’s like the CIA telling my parents that we would be sent to Russia Defoe indoctrination if we didn’t leave Cuba in the 60’s

18:29:30 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : Thanks John for putting this excellent forum together. Thanks Collin, Rita, and Bill for marvelous contributions. And hi to all my many friends and fellow cubaphiles whose names I recognize in the chat. Happy Holidays everyone!

18:31:10 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Actually, no BIll. Clinton actually questioned the authority of Congress and so did Nixon and Kissinger.

18:31:37 From  INDIRA RAMPERSAD  to  All panelists : Will this recording be available?

18:31:38 From  A L  to  All panelists : Ken Foster…more info on hiring announcement?

18:31:39 From  Gay Myers  to  All panelists : when will this panel session be available and how do we find it?

18:32:16 From  Kate Simpson  to  All panelists : I echo Christopher Baker's gratitude to the organizers and wish him and everyone--here and in Cuba--much peace this holiday season.

18:32:35 From  Rena Kraut  to  All panelists : Thanks John, Collin, Rita and Bill. Great to have a community around these topics moving forward.

18:32:56 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : Thank go this interesting panel of speakers

18:33:08 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : Thank you for...

18:33:27 From  Arturo Lopez- Levy  to  All panelists : Is Biden interested in changing the President-Congress balance in Foreign policy? Would he like to get involved in a fight about Cuba in the SCOTUS? If your answer is no to the previous questions, you have to focus on the licensing the embargo route.

18:33:33 From  Liliana Marino-Rhoades  to  All panelists : Thank you all for your time.

18:33:44 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : The president has to sign every year, in September the Trading with the Enemy act (just for Cuba) If Biden do not sign it it will create a whole new dynamic

18:34:04 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Great point Colin. IN my view the whole thing is a Trump disinformation strategy to justify shutting the door. There will be an easy fix to this is the will is there.

18:34:08 From  JUAN MONTENEGRO  to  All panelists : Thank you.

18:34:36 From  Nancy Nichols  to  All panelists : will this webinar be available to watch after tonight?

18:35:35 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : The great paradox. US must stay out of supporting the internal opposition in order to support it!!!

18:35:56 From  Arturo Lopez- Levy  to  Everyone : https://www.esglobal.org/pensando-la-politica-de-biden-y-harris-hacia-cuba/

18:35:56 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : well said Collin!

18:36:09 From  Marilyn McKenna  to  All panelists : can the links in chat be saved and circulated?

18:36:23 From  Zita Arocha  to  Everyone : It will be near impossible for Biden to get Congress to rescind the embargo with Marco Rubio in such an important Foreign Affairs Committee post.

18:37:32 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  Everyone : There pressing issues within Cuban civil society but the US must step aside. Great points, Collin.

18:37:39 From  Joe Moreno  to  All panelists : I'd like to thank you all for this webinar. I belong to the Cuban private sector and this webinar has been a great way to prepare for a potential improvement of relationships with the Biden administration. THANK YOU

18:38:16 From  Zita Arocha  to  Everyone : The latest research is pretty clear the weapon was microwave technology.

18:38:26 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  Everyone : *must -

18:38:43 From  Zita Arocha  to  Everyone : The latest study also said likely it was Russia.

18:39:56 From  Kathleen McCloskey  to  All panelists : Kathleen McCloskey:  I'm not part of the tourism industry, I participate with a Religious Affiliation Visa and our groups will plan on returning as soon as it's possible.  We stay at Presbyterian Church facilities assuring that they receive the money we would pay for a hotel.  

18:40:05 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Any update on Cuba getting the vaccine?

18:40:16 From  JAMES LEWIS  to  All panelists : Americans can visit now legally under SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE. Trump’s group was too stupid to eliminate it! I am going in late January. Thank you everybody!

18:40:19 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : this sounds like the story that Cuban children were going to be sent to Russia and placed into indoctrination amps or be made into dog food to promote the Peter Pan flights supported by the Catholic Church in the 60’s

18:40:19 From  Cheryl Sennett  to  Everyone : Thank you so much!

18:40:30 From  Zita Arocha  to  Everyone : This discussion has been so helpful and hopeful for a new dawn in U.S.-Cuba relations.

18:40:45 From  Vanessa Harper  to  All panelists : This was excellent! Thank you all.

18:41:03 From  Zita Arocha  to  Everyone : Gracias a todos!

18:41:04 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : thank to all of you for a great discussion

18:41:14 From  Jeanette Braxton Secret  to  Everyone : Thank you!  Jeanette

18:41:24 From  Guillermo Grenier  to  All panelists : Thank you all. Very interesting..

18:41:26 From  Roxanne Hughes-Wheatland  to  All panelists : Thank you for a wonderful webinar.

18:41:32 From  Edward Russo  to  All panelists : Thank you all!!

18:41:33 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  Everyone : gracias !!!!

18:41:51 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : See you all in Havana! Thanks all! https://www.jstor.org/journal/intejcubastud

18:42:28 From  Elena Espinosa  to  All panelists : that’s great news to hear about the travel industry opening up a bit

18:42:39 From  Nancy Nichols  to  All panelists : Thank you all. lots of positive possibilities coming!

18:42:55 From  Tom Penichter  to  All panelists : I run a software development center in Havana.  travel was essential for me for five years.  as important as tourism is there other important needs and benefits for traveling to Cuba.  just another way to nudge our political leaders.  thanks for your insights and exceptional work.

18:42:57 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : yes lots of freelance Cubans in the industry

18:44:21 From  Tom Penichter  to  All panelists : well said Colin!

18:44:38 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : There were never any 'good old days' John!!! In the 90s the Cubans were nostalgic for the 80s. Cuba was the only place in the Soviet sphere that liked it!

18:45:23 From  Bennett Melzak  to  All panelists : Opening will be able to share the achievements of the Cuban revolution to Americans who are suffering from the extremes of vulture capitalism!

18:45:27 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : very true Stephen

18:46:49 From  Vivian Menendez  to  All panelists : Thanks you all for the organization of the Webinar. Hope to have US travelers in the next future in Havana.

18:46:49 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : Ita, it’s good to see that you can connect on zoom while in Cuba!

18:47:27 From  Joe Moreno  to  All panelists : Thanks for the support Rita and all of you. It means a lot to many of us on the Cuban side.

18:48:50 From  Tom Penichter  to  All panelists : yes my personal trip is to meet my software development team

18:48:56 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : I had been very disenchanted during Obama’s first presidency and the. he came through during his second term in a big way. I’m just hoping we can do even more with the Biden team.

18:49:01 From  Norman Savitt  to  Everyone : Thanks again! Fingers crossed!

18:49:13 From  Elena Espinosa  to  Everyone : Thank you!

18:49:17 From  carlos lazo  to  Everyone : Thanks!

18:49:18 From  Christopher Baker  to  Everyone : See you all in Cuba... www.christopherpbaker.com

18:49:19 From  CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO  to  All panelists : Thank you, John, and to all the panelists!!!

18:49:19 From  Michael Groth  to  Everyone : Thanks everyone this was very informative!

18:49:19 From  TK Hernández  to  Everyone : Thanks John!

18:49:24 From  Liliana Marino-Rhoades  to  All panelists : thank you

18:49:26 From  Linda Wiggins  to  All panelists : Thank you I really learn a lot

18:49:29 From  Kate Simpson  to  All panelists : Thank you!

18:49:34 From  Isabel Alfonso  to  All panelists : thanks John

18:49:35 From  Albert Decall  to  All panelists : Thanks John and all!

18:49:41 From  Gina Faustin  to  Everyone : Thanks Everyone!

18:49:43 From  Merriam Ansara  to  All panelists : Thank you all

18:49:43 From  Stephen Wilkinson  to  Everyone : Thanks John https://www.jstor.org/journal/intejcubastud

Q & A

1 Will this be recorded for others to watch later? JAMES LEWIS Yes! It will be posted to youtube by tomorrow. Excellent. Can you send an email to participants with that video?I live in Key West and am a US citizen and I want to know why there are any restrictions regarding travel or the freedom to business in Cuba. Human rights issues? Really? As compared to who? What is so unique about Cuba that warrants these restrictions???? I have traveled there for environmental research dozens of times and love the country and its people. If OFAC wants to set standards that all countries must follow, fine. But singling out Cuba is wrong.

2 What year was it filmed? Erin Feely-Nahem The Dr. Jill video? It was filmed in 2016. The current expected changes might not be set in stone in the US.  If policies can be changed depending on the political party in control in the US, how can we or the Cubans trust policy changes and react accordingly.

3 In advance of expected Biden amendments to the OFAC/BIS regulations, does the panel anticipate OFAC to strictly enforce the currently in place regulations implemented by the Trump administration? How long before turnover would normally occur at OFAC? Daniel Per

4 How is the move toward one currency going and what effect will it have on U.S. travel to Cuba? Scott Schwar Does anyone know if hotels booked previously can still be rescheduled. We had a bunch of reservations paid and canceled due to covid and are not sure if the new rule is retroactive to include reservations already made thanks! My team has the same issue here. From what I could tell the latest regulations included no grandfathering like prior amendments, but I defer to the panelists I just made reservations for an apartments on AirBnB.  If I were you I would contact the hotels directly to get clarification. Let me know if you need help. I have a cousin who works for MinTur Scott, it’s been a total headache for me dealing with CUC and peso and changing my money before leaving the US when I go live in Cuba. Many years ago when I could use USD and there was no CUC it was easy. I’m looking very much forward to taking USD with me in my trip in January. Thanks Elena feel free to contact me info@traveltocubalegally.com

5 Do you expect the restrictions for Americans to stay in hotels in Havana to be lifted early on? Wendy Luers

6 I’ve asked Cuban friends this question. What can be done in Cuba and in USA to avoid the abuses, exploitation that tourism can bring to Cuba? Kent Newton As a part time Cuban on the island, there is already a lot of tourism on the island with Europeans and Canadians in particular. Adding Americans into the mix just helps the Cubans with private income streams. I saw the influx of Americans after the Obama Castro talk. It was a pleasant change and the Cubans were elated that there was more possibility to make money in the private sector. Also it was a lot easier for me to buy food without having to go long distances to buy oatmeal and good fruit/vegetables.

7 An incremental approach clearly has not worked and the last two administrations clearly demonstrated that what one president can do, another can undo. There is a thoughtful and exceptionally well-researched article by our colleague and leading expert on law relating to US and Cuba relations, Robert Muse. The article demonstrates that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the president can UNILATERALLY terminate the embargo on Cuba. This could permanently end the embargo immediately. Shouldn't our efforts focus there? The recently-published article can be found here: https://theglobalamericans.org/2020/10/the-president-has-the-constitutional-power-to-unilaterally-terminate-the-embargo-on-cuba/ David Guggenheim I can't copy and paste the link. Can you please email it to me? daniel@zimtravellaw.com I emailed you the link, Daniel.

8 Would it be effective to limit the budget of OFAC that restricts travel to and exchange with Cuba?  If so, how can we accomplish that? Kent Newton

9 Does tourism support the people considering, when we were there just prior to Obama's visit, we were told that 60% of business income is paid to the government? Are we then supporting the government that has dissidents due to human rights abuses? Richard Harrison The percentage tax paid to the gov really depends upon the type of job or business one has. Many pay much less than 60% actually.  And yes, tourism absolutely supports the Cuban people, tremendously so! What ever else the government does, it is providing health, education, and other basic necessities for all Cubans.

10 What officials have actually been named or suggested to occupy 2nd and 3rd level posts in Admin related to Cuba? RAFAEL BETANCOURT

11 Bill, what is your view of the S Florida vote? Why do you say Biden did not lose it because of Florida? Stephen Wilkinson

12 I mean Cuba of course! Stephen Wilkinson

13 Today, the head of the U.S. desk at Cuba’s foreign ministry said Cuba won’t accept any “quid pro quo” or negotiations over retracting the Trump sanctions. Possible the Biden administration will first want Cuba to cut ties with Venezuela? Johannes Werner

14 Any ideas about who will be named to State and other offices to carry out Latin America policy? Myrna Santiago

15 In addition to the open solidarity expressed between Cuba and Venezuela, recent news reports have also provided a final assessment of the "sonic attacks", thus not blaming them on chirping crickets or something more innocuous. Will thus further complicate re-engagement? K M

16 Is there a link to the briefing document Bill mentioned? Michael Ennis-McMillan

17 I want to be able to send vitamins, over-the-counter meds and the like to friends there. At this point, no carriers are taking anything to Cuba? Any idea if or when that might change? Thank you. Jay Berman Two freight forwarders were recently denied licenses to send humanitarian shipments to Cuba. This is low-hanging fruit and will probably change quickly. Jay, you can send things in small 3.3lb packages through a variety of agencies, namely in Miami. The cost is around $20 per package and they take a couple of months to arrive to the recipient Great. Do you have a name or website for one? Thanks. Bello Caribe Travel has worked well for me. (786) 587-0859

18 Is it unreasonable to push for ending all travel restrictions? Kent Newton I think it definitely is. I think it’s necessary to totally normalize travel. It’s a very safe country.

19 Liliana Marino-Rhoades (You): The current expected changes might not be set in stone in the US.  If policies can be changed depending on the political party in control in the US, how can we or the Cubans trust policy changes and react accordingly. Liliana Marino-Rhoades

20 Is Grand Circle Travel still doing their travel to Cuba which we did in 2011. Harvey Newma

21 We have always known that the President has the constitutional power to unilaterally lift the embargo but the problem has always been the political cost of doing so. It would create a furor that would require defending and in terms of PR cost the price of doing it is too high for what? Cuba is small and economically not important enough. But the political and economic situation has changed since Trump and Covid- it is high time to try and bury Trumpism! Engaging with Cuba could be a great move! Stephen Wilkinson Hi Stephen, from my conversations with Robert and others I think there are other ways to keep pressure on Cuba and provide political cover. A worthy discussion anyway... The furor would die down quickly because Cuba is relatively unimportant as a foreign policy concern. As an electoral issue, Cuban Americans are Republicans mostly. They vote like Republicans. If the Democratic Party wants to change that, it has to make a commitment, boots on the ground and organize. I don’t see that happening so policy decisions should not be hinged on how the Cuban Americans are going to vote.

22 I thought that under Obama period there were still restrictions on some of the hotels that were owned or benefited the military.  I understood it wasn't 100% open to all hotels. Ramon Vallejo Yes on some but now it’s every hotel that is off limits.

23 Do we have an idea on whether the Biden Administration will influence State Department language on travel advisories to Cuba? Currently, the State Department has a Travel Advisory Level 4 Do not Travel for Cuba, citing COVID concerns but also “safety concerns” for US diplomats. Caitlin Beasley Interesting since you are required to take a PCT test at the airport in Cuba and the. Quarantine for 5 days and then be retested before you can officially travel on the island. I’ve also been told by family members on the island there is a stiff fine for being out or socializing without a mask or during your official quarantine. PCR test Tourists are not required to take a second PCR. They are also allowed to end their quarantine once they have a negative result from the PCR test that they receive at the airport. That result you should receive in 24-48 hours.

24 I also understood, correctly or not, that Trump's limits on remittances was not that restrictive in that the very large majority of historical remittances fell beneath the lower limit imposed. Is that incorrect? Ramon Vallejo No... Trump not only reduced the amount one can send (many sent more than that and would like to continue to do so), but also blacklisted the companies on the Cuban side that facilitate these remittances. Now the AIS card can’t be filled, and Western Union has stopped their business with Cuba due to these new regulations by the Trump Administration

25 Getting involved in the pushing for US policy changes I believe is important, suggestions, contacts, best practices for impact.  I’m Cuban born, working in travel. Liliana Marino-Rhoades

26 The restrictions on lodging discriminate against the elderly and people with disabilities because Cuban hotels offer accomodations such as ramps and elevators whereas Airbnb lodging could be a 5-story walk-up which is inaccessible to the disabled and elderly. How can this disability discrimination argument be leveraged to influence the Biden administration to rescind the lodging restrictions? Daniel Zim

27 Colin, Have you got a reference to evidence the Air BnB growth in Cuba? Very interesting Stephen Wilkinson I personally have stayed in many Airbnb homes in Havana since 2015... It was all over the press several years ago. It’s been explosive growth for AirBnB and Casa Particulares in the last 10 years Any stats/links that you can provide? just go to airbnb.com

28 Who are the one per cent who were not better off, Colin? Stephen Wilkinson

29 Rita, what is the website please Eduardo Busquet My website is currently down as we are updating it. Should be up again next week. Until then you can reach us at Rita@likeacuban.com From next week: www.likeacuban.com

30 If cruises to Cuba resume, usually the stop in Havana is only one day. A Cuban American born in Cuba before Jan 1, 1971, can only enter Cuba with an HE-11 visa (or Cuba passport). The form has a section where you need to put a person of reference in Cuba. How do Cubans get around this if they no longer have relatives in Cuba? Florina Chuy Find a Cuban friend😊 I’ve sponsored Cubans who have no family left on the island All my Cuban friends are in the US.

31 I'm in the same situation, I obtained a Cuban Passport via a miami travel agency Eduardo Busquet

32 Risk of contracting Covid?  Cuban vaccine?  For cubans? for visitors? for export? Susan Metz

33 Do you think there will be any chance of resuming direct VISA applications with Cubans trying to visit family in the US again? This has been devastating to my family meme era who live in Cuba and have children here who they haven’t been able to visit. Elena Espinosa

34 I live in Key West and am a US citizen and I want to know why there are any restrictions regarding travel or the freedom to business in Cuba. Human rights issues? Really? As compared to who? What is so unique about Cuba that warrants these restrictions???? I have traveled there for environmental research dozens of times and love the country and its people. If OFAC wants to set standards that all countries must follow, fine. But singling out Cuba is wrong. Edward Russo

35 What have you heard about the progress of the COVID-19 vaccine in Cuba and a timeframe for Cubans to receive the vaccination ? Marc Heft

36 How will the money unification in Cuba affect tourists who take U.S. dollars? Zita Arocha

37 Welcome to the choir Edward Eduardo Busquet

38 Will you send out opportunities for people to advocate for these recommended changes to attendees? Brad Nahill https://form.jotform.com/202874279219060 from the email

39 I've heard nothing about in migration to Cuba. I've worked with folks  who come to our hemisphere from Africa and the Middle East. Do many refugees come to Cuba and and if so, what is their reception? Kent Newton

40 I am interested in doing humanitarian work in Cuba. Can anyone suggest an organization that I can look into? Jayne Rynar

41 I plan to return to Cuba in late January after Biden is inaugurated. Even if nothing changes with regards to Trump’s policies, I wouldn’t expect any enforcement by OFAC. Should I be concerned? JAMES LEWIS

42 Please. Blockade not embargo Kent Newton

43 What’s the title of the youtube post? carole cloonan

44 Why don't we all ban together--speak with one voice--and strongly suggest President Biden on January 21, 2021 issue an "Executive Order" rescinding immediately all Trump Executive orders? That can be done in five minutes! If President Biden does not do that---that is a message which is not very good! Albert A. "Fox Afoxcuba@aol.com

45 Let's get rid of the "embargo" already... JUAN MONTENEGRO

46 More and more MLC stores are opening, but even if they restore remittances through Western Union the dollars you send are turned into CUC (well now CUP) do you think the Cuban government will allow Cubans to receive actual dollars at some point ? Marc Heft They already do. You can send to USD accounts specifically, that are used to purchase in MLC stores Shabnam, what method is used to do this? I haven’t personally sent cash but I know there are a variety of ways. Hopefully someone else will have more specific info. The AIS card was one of them... I believe VaCuba is now facilitating this process... and from other countries folks are sending directly to Cuban bank accounts. I believe there are also a few online services that can facilitate this service

47 What will be the title of the youtube presentation ? carole cloonan

48 How will recent events (MSI, MinCult protest, monetary unification and all of its consequences, etc.) in the island influence the upcoming Cuba-U.S. relations? Thalia Baeza Milan

49 Is the outlook for being able to go and use of an American Credit card (e.g., VISA) while in Cuba just not feasible or too far away? Ramon Vallejo

50 Wonderful. Thanks again. Jay Berman

51 As long as Covid rates are so high in the US, is Cuba going to accept visitors from the US? Cliff DuRand

52 Do you  see any consequence for the travel industry from the lawsuits that happened under the opening of Chapter III (Helms-Burton) by the. Trump Admon? Arturo Lopez- Levy

53 Is it possible now to take a group of university study abroad students to CUBA ON THE support for the Cuban peple category? Zita Arocha

54 Are the people who own private businesses required to pay the government a "tax" of 60% of profits? Richard Harrison The Air BNB owners who I stayed with said they paid $100 per year per room (or per hotel, I don't remember now) was all they paid.  It was very equitable if this is true. "I have been running a private business in Cuba for a few years now. It usually goes like this:

1. 10% monthly income tax

2. 10% yearly income tax

3. A fixed monthly rate based on the activity is also paid. That ends up being close to 50 % some times.

*Note that this might change a bit after the currency change starting in Jan 1" My bad, there was the income tax. Not exactly. I can explain you in details. Is a pretty egalitarian law. It’s like here with cash based businesses. Do people really report what they make?

55 https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-and-cuba/ Rena Kraut

56 The Air BNB owners who I stayed with said they paid $100 per year per room (or per hotel, I don' remember now) was all they paid.  It was very equitable if this is true. Mike McClanahan

57 Great presentation. Muchas gracias Kent Newton

58 Is there any danger of the US reinstating the 10% penalty for taking dollars into Cuba? Steffi Domike

59 Do you think most tourism vendors (restaurants, taxis, etc) will want USD? Do you think that tourists will mostly pay in USD or will need to change to CUP sarah arizaga There's a bit of local consensus on that, at least off the record, private business will prefer USD. Some state owned places will still be only in pesos I think there are huge possibilities with cryptoassets to potentiate entrepreneurship, travels, normalization in general. They were already giving discounts for dollars at restaurants when I was there recently CUP is only legally allowed to be used by Cubans. As a tourist, you’re not supposed to use CUP

60 Who is taking the lead in forwarding the proposed actions on Cuba to the Biden administration? Thank you. Gonzalo Lopez

61 My bad, there was the income tax. Mike McClanahan

62 How is the situation of the anti-embargo position in Washington? Are the anti-embargo groups ready to put pressure on Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration? Arturo Lopez- Levy

63 Give your page please????? JUAN MONTENEGRO

64 Can we travel to Cuba in late January without worrying about existing Trump policies? JAMES LEWIS If you travel under Support for the Cuban People or one of the other permitted categories, it will not be an issue.

65 Will this program be available on YouTube or Facebook? Apologize if this has already been answered. carla riehle

66 What about the San Isidro Movement and related protests, could this cause a delay in reestablishing relations? Also, is it being overblown in the press? sarah arizaga

67 Can’t agree more Collin. Liliana Marino-Rhoades

68 Maybe Biden could dismantle TV/Radio Marti etc? Alex Halkin Why? Shouldn't there be freedom of speech, whether we agree with it or not?

69 How can we know who were todays participants? Albert A. "Fox Afoxcuba@aol.com

70 HI. Alison Coelho here from InsightCuba and Friendly Planet travel. I have used Mallhabana.com to send items to friends and family in Cuba. It is slow and expensive, but it works. alison coelho

71 And a more self sufficient society. Liliana Marino-Rhoades

72 I have a one-word recommendation to panelists regarding travels, entrepreneurship, normalization and so on: "cryptoassets". Thank you so much!!

73 Yes, the Cubans always insist it’s a blockade. Good to remind folks. Zita Arocha

74 I was reading earlier that there is a homeopathic 'vaccine' in Cuba that has been used with a measure of success. I'm interested in that. Desiree Passantino There is a homeopathic immuno booster that has been given out to the population here. It is not a vaccine. Though it is believed to boost your defenses should you contract the virus.