THE ST. AUGUSTINE - BARACOA
FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

DELEGATIONS TO CUBA - Sensitivity Issues

The objectives of the Friendship Association are "to establish and promote and foster a spirit of friendship and closer ties between the citizens of St. Augustine and the citizens of Baracoa .... " As a member you are asked to abide by the principles of the Friendship Association and to help us build bridges of friendship, and to be respectful of the laws as set forth both by the U.S. and the Cuban authorities.

As members of the Friendship Association you may be asked to address questions about the organization and its goals. A good tool to help you familiarize yourself with our initiatives is our website:

Travel to Cuba with a Friendship Association Delegation

With a Letter of Authorization from the Friendship Association and a copy of our Travel License, your travel to Cuba with a Friendship Association delegation is legal. The Friendship Association has been authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department to issue licenses for travel to Cuba to participate in our humanitarian projects. The Letter of Authorization will state the period of travel and the specific missions to be accomplished. You should photocopy both documents. The U.S. customs authorities may ask for them on your return to the United States. You must be a member of the Friendship Association to be considered for a delegation.

There has been an antagonistic relationship between the governments of the United States and Cuba for over 40 years. The U.S. is offended that Cuba remains a Communist regime. Cuba is offended by the economic embargo it considers responsible for impoverishing their economy.

Until about 15 years ago the Cuban economy was, practically speaking, guaranteed by the Soviet Union. More than 80% of Cuba's agricultural production was absorbed by the Soviet block in exchange for Soviet technology and oil.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, the consequences were disastrous: from one day to the next there was no market for Cuban products and no fuel. The entire infrastructure of Cuba began to crumble. Anywhere else in the world there would have been a social collapse, but Cuba already had a contingency plan, based on the possibility of a United States military blockade. The plan was put into immediate effect in what the Cubans refer to as "the special period in a time of peace".

Bullocks replaced tractors; bicycles and horse-drawn carriages replaced automobiles and buses. Families were reduced from a middle class standard of living to virtual poverty. The last 15 years have demanded major political and social adjustments. Lifestyles changed. Eating habits changed.

Funds that ordinarily would have been channeled to social services were diverted to build an impressive tourist infrastructure. Today the Cuban economy is pulling ahead again - thanks in great part to the development of the tourist industry.

The Cuban people have learned to live with two parallel economies: one designed for the tourists and the other for Cubans. Strict laws have been introduced to curb corruption, the black market and prostitution. Most Cubans understand and accept these economic measures.

Today's Realities

Many visitors are shocked by the apparent disparity of this economic divide, while others have capitalized on their own relative "wealth" to engage in exploitive social and economic relationships. We do not want to be part of these unfortunate consequences. Independently of our individual political beliefs, we want to join efforts with the Cuban people to build friendships of mutual respect and pride.

You will find the Cubans gracious hosts. If you don't speak Spanish, you might try to learn a few Spanish phrases to be able to express your appreciation.

Please avoid making promises or building expectations that you may not be able to keep. Do not think that a few handouts can resolve a situation of poverty. From a visitor's perspective, what might seem like a gesture of kindness and generosity may feel humiliating to the recipient, or create a sense of dependency on begging from tourists. Please do not give gifts to children in the streets.

Please be sensitive to the political situation in Cuba. Cuba is a Communist country. As visitors we are expected to abide by Cuban laws. We encourage you to speak to as many people as possible and exchange ideas with them. You may, of course, engage in political discussions, but it is considered rude to criticize the government or its leaders.

If any concern arises that you feel might affect the overall Friendship Association program, please advise the delegation coordinators as soon as possible and let them deal with it. Prevention is a lot easier than damage control.

On your return home you may be confronted with questions from friends - and from the press. One week in Cuba does not make you an expert on Cuban affairs. Remember, our Cuban hosts have opened their homes and their hearts to us. They have shown us their best - and their worst! Honor their candor and honesty. Don't abuse it by making some silly comment to a journalist who might publish what you say out of context.

The Friendship Association Board of Directors
Updated August, 2009