In Cuba and U.S., Expectations Are Mixed on Obama's Historic Trip
In Cuba and U.S., Expectations Are Mixed on Obama's Historic Trip
It may seem things aren't happening that fast on US-Cuba engagement, but "you have to take a step back — it's been only 14 months," comments AS/COA’s Alana Tummino.
The 90 miles separating the island of Cuba from the United States seem just a little closer as Havana hosts an American president for the first time in almost 90 years.
President Barack Obama arrived Sunday afternoon with his family and a delegation of government officials and business and civic groups….
… Alana Tummino, director of policy and head of the Cuba Working Group at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas (AS/COA), said it may seem things aren't happening that fast, but "you have to take a step back — it's been only 14 months." Like Arnavat, Tummino will be there during the president's visit.
She points to the marked increase in travel among Americans and subsequent economic and social interactions with the Cuban people, as well as to the recent news about Airbnb as examples of a marked difference from a year ago. As to American business dealings with Cuba, "they're not going to happen right away, but they are making relationships," she said….
