House votes for end to Cuban embargo

Jan 04, 2013 News

By Abena Rockcliffe

Guyana yesterday stepped up the pressure for the United States to remove what it described as the “unjust” economic and financial embargo against Cuba. That blockade was instituted since 1960.
The National Assembly unanimously passed a motion titled “40th Anniversary since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Cuba.”

Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

The motion stood in the name of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who stated that yesterday marked the first time the National Assembly voted to continue support for the removal of the financial embargo against Cuba.
The United States embargo against Cuba is commercial, economic, and financial. It was partially imposed on Cuba in October 1960, almost two years after the Batista regime was deposed by the Cuban Revolution. It was fully enforced after Cuba nationalized the properties of United States citizens and corporations on February 7, 1962.
Titled the Cuban Democracy Act, the embargo was codified into law in 1992 with the stated purpose of maintaining sanctions on Cuba as long as the Cuban Government continues to refuse to move toward “democratization and greater respect for human rights.”
In 1996, the US Congress passed the Helms-Burton Act, which further restricted United States citizens from doing business in or with Cuba, and mandated restrictions on giving public or private assistance to any successor government in Havana unless and until certain claims against the Cuban government are met.
In 1999, U.S. President Bill Clinton expanded the trade embargo even further by ending the practice of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies trading with Cuba. In 2000, Clinton authorized the sale of certain “humanitarian” US products to Cuba.
Yesterday’s sitting saw representatives from each of the parliamentary parties making contributions. Those members of Parliament who would have benefitted first hand from the Cuba-Guyana relationship through scholarships shared their personal experiences.
The Cubana Air Disaster and victims of the unfortunate event were also acknowledged along with numerous other achievements of Cuba.
However, what seemed to be the most popular point of reference was that Cuba always stands in solidarity with the region. Both members of the opposition and the government agreed that should Guyana become a truly united nation, lots more can be achieved for its development.
The passed motion also called for the National Assembly extending its gratitude to the government and people of Cuba for the “valuable” assistance they have rendered to Guyanese while enduring great sacrifice. It also called for the National Assembly to convey congratulations to Cuba on it 40 year anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Cuba.
Further, the motion seeks to ensure that the National Assembly reaffirms commitment to strengthening and deepening relations between the two countries to realize the legitimate aspirations of their peoples.