US companies may hire Cubans on the island
Cubans, including athletes and artists can work and earn a salary in the United States if they hire companies
Individual travelers will not need authorization to go to Cuba on trips "people to people contact"
Cuba to use the US dollar in some international transactions
Individual travelers will not need authorization to go to Cuba on trips "people to people contact"
Cuba to use the US dollar in some international transactions
A photographer "minute" portrays a couple of tourists with an old box camera on Monday , March 14, 2016, in Havana. A
delegation of 23 members of Congress, among which the Democratic leader
Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Jeff Flake, President Obama will join his visit
to the island, between 21 and 22 March. Alejandro Ernesto EFE
US companies may contract directly to Cuban citizens, including
athletes and artists, sponsor their visas and pay them a salary, as
announced Tuesday the Departments of Treasury and Commerce in its fifth round of regulatory changes since December 17, 2014.
The measure would have an immediate impact on negotiations between Major League Baseball and the Cuban government for direct recruitment of players.
Although the national security adviser Ben Rhodes said in a conference
call that the new regulation was not addressed to a particular
profession "but covers all Cuban citizens, this is one of the issues
that Major League Baseball is discussing with Cuba in ongoing
negotiations ".
Under the new arrangement, companies could sponsor Cuban citizens to obtain a visa and work in the United States, following the general requirements for these cases, "as long as the receiver is not subject to any special tax valuation in Cuba" and " additional payments are made to the Cuban government in connection with such sponsorship or contracting, "according to a statement.
This requirement may not be an incentive for the Cuban government, which charges some of the contracts of athletes, artists and doctors, for example, sent to work abroad. But in theory, nothing would prevent, however, that the Cubans are hired independently, without using the government as an intermediary.
Another important measure was announced on Monday the expected general license authorizing travel "people to people" with educational "individuals", which further facilitates travel to Cuba.
Citizens and US residents who want to travel to the island in this category, no longer require an entity to organize the trip or special permit, but must keep documents showing that they have "a time schedule full of activities educational exchange to improve contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba or promote the independence of the Cuban people of the country's authorities ".
The measure seeks educational trips that are less expensive and more "accessible" and increase the flow of visitors to the island. According to Rhodes, Americans will thus become the best "ambassadors" of the values defended his government, in addition to increasing the flow of information coming to the island and "Cubans connect to the outside world".
Andrea Gacki, acting deputy director of the Office for Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), reiterated to the press that tourism in Cuba continues banned for Americans but said he had "very confident" that they comply with the requirements of expansion travel licenses.
In addition, the US government responded to the demands of Cuba and facilitated the use of the dollar in some transactions involving Cuban citizens or entities. Specifically, US banking institutions will be allowed to "dollarized" transactions to and from outside the United States, in which Cuba has an interest or a Cuban citizen, explained Gacki.
It will also allow US banks to process "monetary instruments in US dollars including cash and travelers checks, indirectly presented by Cuban financial institutions" through "correspondent accounts in financial institutions in third countries". Cuban citizens can also open accounts in the US to receive payments for unauthorized transactions and even forward them to Cuba.
the definition of "physical presence" (office or warehouse) is further expanded to include authorized entities involved in humanitarian projects, non-commercial activities "designed to provide support for the Cuban people" and private foundations or research or educational institutes.
OFAC also will expand the existing authorization for "commercial presence" (eg through a joint venture with the Cuban state) to include authorized export companies, entities that provide mail, parcel, freight transportation, and travel. assembly of goods in Cuba, for those exporting companies are also authorized allowed.
The conveyors can carry cargo to Cuba and then continue with the rest of the goods to another country. a policy review of individual cases will also be implemented to facilitate exports "from Cuba or Cuban goods produced by the private sector."
Another provision is designed to support cuentapropistas: software allow the import of Cuban origin (and import mobile application is allowed). Finally, OFAC will authorize scholarships and educational grants to Cubans.
The changes, which take effect on Wednesday, are designed to continue "empowering the Cuban people and build bridges between the two countries and respond directly to the interests of the United States," said Rhodes. The official admitted that "it would be easier if the embargo were eliminated" but that measures, for example the use of the dollar, trying to eliminate "limitations on the Cuban economy for international trade, and serve as an incentive for the Cuban government to continue opening to the global economy. "
The adviser said he hoped the Cuban government "to do more to increase the impact" of the measures announced, for example, eliminate 10% tax on the conversion of the US dollar and allow direct hiring of Cuban workers by companies seeking invest in the island.
The new measures have been the prelude to the president's trip to Cuba Barack Obama, the next day 20 March. Spokesman Josh Earnest White House said the Obama Administration and trusted "broadly that this commitment will lead to a better future for both the people of the United States and Cuba".
Several lawmakers think otherwise.
Congresswoman from Florida Ileana Ros-Lehtinen expressed his discontent over the new measures to "encourage more funds go into the pockets of the regime", in a context in which "in recent days in Cuba, there has been an increase repression on the island and more arrests are being made in anticipation of the visit of the President wrong. "
Similarly, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the House, Representative Ed Royce, said he was concerned about the risks that the changes could mean for "integrity" of the financial system of the United States, companies doing business in the island and certified claims of US citizens.
Congressman called the Cuban state as "opaque and unregulated" financial system, adding that corruption was "endemic" in government.
Meanwhile, during a hearing before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade of the House, several experts highlighted the potential of trade with the island. Jason Marczak, director of the economic development initiative for Latin America of the Atlantic Council, highlighted the geopolitical importance of trade liberalization with Cuba, which would weaken the influence of Venezuela on the island and prevent this re-align itself with Russia in a time of economic crisis.
Other dissonant voices were Mauricio Claver-Carone, director of the US-Cuba Democracy PAC, which referred to the decline in agricultural exports in the last 15 months, and Wisconsin Congressman, Reid Ribble, who accused those who advocate increased trade with Cuba of trying to "dance with the devil to earn a few dollars."
The measure would have an immediate impact on negotiations between Major League Baseball and the Cuban government for direct recruitment of players.
Under the new arrangement, companies could sponsor Cuban citizens to obtain a visa and work in the United States, following the general requirements for these cases, "as long as the receiver is not subject to any special tax valuation in Cuba" and " additional payments are made to the Cuban government in connection with such sponsorship or contracting, "according to a statement.
This requirement may not be an incentive for the Cuban government, which charges some of the contracts of athletes, artists and doctors, for example, sent to work abroad. But in theory, nothing would prevent, however, that the Cubans are hired independently, without using the government as an intermediary.
Another important measure was announced on Monday the expected general license authorizing travel "people to people" with educational "individuals", which further facilitates travel to Cuba.
Citizens and US residents who want to travel to the island in this category, no longer require an entity to organize the trip or special permit, but must keep documents showing that they have "a time schedule full of activities educational exchange to improve contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba or promote the independence of the Cuban people of the country's authorities ".
The measure seeks educational trips that are less expensive and more "accessible" and increase the flow of visitors to the island. According to Rhodes, Americans will thus become the best "ambassadors" of the values defended his government, in addition to increasing the flow of information coming to the island and "Cubans connect to the outside world".
Andrea Gacki, acting deputy director of the Office for Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), reiterated to the press that tourism in Cuba continues banned for Americans but said he had "very confident" that they comply with the requirements of expansion travel licenses.
In addition, the US government responded to the demands of Cuba and facilitated the use of the dollar in some transactions involving Cuban citizens or entities. Specifically, US banking institutions will be allowed to "dollarized" transactions to and from outside the United States, in which Cuba has an interest or a Cuban citizen, explained Gacki.
It will also allow US banks to process "monetary instruments in US dollars including cash and travelers checks, indirectly presented by Cuban financial institutions" through "correspondent accounts in financial institutions in third countries". Cuban citizens can also open accounts in the US to receive payments for unauthorized transactions and even forward them to Cuba.
the definition of "physical presence" (office or warehouse) is further expanded to include authorized entities involved in humanitarian projects, non-commercial activities "designed to provide support for the Cuban people" and private foundations or research or educational institutes.
OFAC also will expand the existing authorization for "commercial presence" (eg through a joint venture with the Cuban state) to include authorized export companies, entities that provide mail, parcel, freight transportation, and travel. assembly of goods in Cuba, for those exporting companies are also authorized allowed.
The conveyors can carry cargo to Cuba and then continue with the rest of the goods to another country. a policy review of individual cases will also be implemented to facilitate exports "from Cuba or Cuban goods produced by the private sector."
Another provision is designed to support cuentapropistas: software allow the import of Cuban origin (and import mobile application is allowed). Finally, OFAC will authorize scholarships and educational grants to Cubans.
The changes, which take effect on Wednesday, are designed to continue "empowering the Cuban people and build bridges between the two countries and respond directly to the interests of the United States," said Rhodes. The official admitted that "it would be easier if the embargo were eliminated" but that measures, for example the use of the dollar, trying to eliminate "limitations on the Cuban economy for international trade, and serve as an incentive for the Cuban government to continue opening to the global economy. "
The adviser said he hoped the Cuban government "to do more to increase the impact" of the measures announced, for example, eliminate 10% tax on the conversion of the US dollar and allow direct hiring of Cuban workers by companies seeking invest in the island.
The new measures have been the prelude to the president's trip to Cuba Barack Obama, the next day 20 March. Spokesman Josh Earnest White House said the Obama Administration and trusted "broadly that this commitment will lead to a better future for both the people of the United States and Cuba".
Several lawmakers think otherwise.
Congresswoman from Florida Ileana Ros-Lehtinen expressed his discontent over the new measures to "encourage more funds go into the pockets of the regime", in a context in which "in recent days in Cuba, there has been an increase repression on the island and more arrests are being made in anticipation of the visit of the President wrong. "
Similarly, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the House, Representative Ed Royce, said he was concerned about the risks that the changes could mean for "integrity" of the financial system of the United States, companies doing business in the island and certified claims of US citizens.
Congressman called the Cuban state as "opaque and unregulated" financial system, adding that corruption was "endemic" in government.
Meanwhile, during a hearing before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade of the House, several experts highlighted the potential of trade with the island. Jason Marczak, director of the economic development initiative for Latin America of the Atlantic Council, highlighted the geopolitical importance of trade liberalization with Cuba, which would weaken the influence of Venezuela on the island and prevent this re-align itself with Russia in a time of economic crisis.
Other dissonant voices were Mauricio Claver-Carone, director of the US-Cuba Democracy PAC, which referred to the decline in agricultural exports in the last 15 months, and Wisconsin Congressman, Reid Ribble, who accused those who advocate increased trade with Cuba of trying to "dance with the devil to earn a few dollars."
Nora Gámez Torres: @ngameztorres
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