Politics

President Obama Meets with Cuban American Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama met today (March 16) with Cuban American leaders at the White House, including civil society advocates, faith leaders, and representatives from the private sector, in advance of his trip to Cuba.

From the beginning of his Administration, President Obama has consulted closely with the Cuban American community about his Cuba policy, and wanted to hear directly from community leaders about his upcoming trip to Cuba.

The President reviewed the Administration’s ongoing efforts to normalize relations with Cuba. The President highlighted the recent regulatory changes made by the Departments of the Treasury and Commerce, and the impact those changes would have on the ability of Americans to travel to Cuba and engage directly with the Cuban people. He also reiterated that while in Havana, he will meet with the Cuban government, Cuban entrepreneurs, and Cuban independent civil society.

He emphasized that improving the lives of the Cuban people is a central focus of our policy, including access to increased opportunity, connectivity, and our enduring support for human rights — including respect for the right to speak freely, peacefully assembly, and associate.

The President noted that he will continue to consult closely with the Cuban Americans, who represent our values and shared aspirations for a better future for the American and Cuban people.

 group of Cuban American business leaders, activists and artists, among others spoke to reporters after meeting with the President. Some will be going on the trip.
A group of Cuban American business leaders, activists and artists, among others spoke to reporters after meeting with the President. Some will be going on the trip.
The following Cuban American leaders attended the meeting:
  1. Emilio Estefan, Founder, Estefan Enterprises Inc.
  2. Mike Fernandez, Founder, MBF Healthcare Partners
  3. Angela Freyre, General Counsel, Export-Import Bank
  4. Felice Gorordo, Founder, Roots of Hope
  5. Carlos Gutierrez, Partner, Albright Stonebridge Group
  6. Father Fernando Heria, Miami Catholic Priest and Judge of the Tribunal to Consenso Cubano, St. Brendan Catholic Church
  7. Ric Herrero, Executive Director, #CubaNow
  8. Consuelo Isaacson, President, Friends of Caritas Cubana
  9. Jorge Mas, Chairman and Co-Founder, MasTec
  10. Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
  11. John McIntire, Chairman, Cuba Emprende Foundation
  12. Ralph Patino, Founder of Patino & Associates
  13. Ariel Pereda, Chair, Engage Cuba Business Council
  14. Carlos Saladrigas, Chairman, Cuba Study Group
  15. Micho Spring, Chair of Global Corporate Practice, Weber Shandwick
  16. Silvia Wilhelm, Executive Director, Puentos Cubanos

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

Related Articles

Back to top button