In a luxurious setting overlooking Biscayne Bay, prominent Cuban-American families congregated at the home of one of Miami’s leading plastic surgeons. This gathering marked the fourth meeting of the Cuban-American National Chamber of Commerce (CANCC), aiming to discuss the prospective future of Cuba.
The event drew attendees with notable Cuban-American surnames such as Bacardi and Babun. They exchanged views about Cuba’s failing economy and the current political situation. CANCC President, Juan Omar Sixto, stated the meeting’s goal was to unite Miami-Dade County’s eminent Cuban-American business figures under one vision for Cuba “once the regime falls”. Many guests believe such change is on the horizon.
Historical Tensions and Future Plans
Cuban exiles have historically opposed Cuba’s Communist government, especially after Fidel Castro’s expropriation of their lands and the nationalisation of family businesses post-1959. Over the decades, they have leveraged substantial political and economic influence in Florida to shape U.S. policies toward Cuba.
In his 80s, Sixto reminisces about leaving Cuba as a teenager before becoming a real estate developer. Under his leadership, the CANCC has devised a proposal for a Cuban Stock Exchange and has formed several committees focusing on diverse sectors such as energy and food security. He indicates that the CANCC is poised to make its influence felt significantly, especially since the Trump administration’s efforts towards enforcing a regime change in Cuba continue to gain momentum.
Scepticism and Economic Hurdles
The CANCC’s plans are met with scepticism from within Cuba, where there have been recent announcements of 176 economic liberalisation measures by President Miguel Díaz-Canel. His efforts are geared towards preserving socialism and extending social justice but appear to many as capitalist moves, allowing more leeway for private businesses and even enabling ownership by Cuban Americans.
However, CANCC participants deemed these reforms superficial, without offering genuine assurances to investors. They affirmed they would withhold investments until the current regime fell. Some experts argue such discussions are premature, with the future direction of Cuba still uncertain.
Challenges Amidst Ambitions
Mike Bustamante from the University of Miami noted expectations for a swift significant change have lessened, especially with the U.S. administration’s current preoccupations. He explained that while sanctions are escalating tensions in Cuba, they haven’t yet led to political upheaval. The island’s power shortages are already a pressing issue, exacerbated by an oil supply cut-off since January.
Historically, proposals for land restitution by Cuban-American exiles have been contentious, as the Cuban leadership sees them as attempts by a wealthy elite to reclaim lands that were redistributed during the revolution. Nicolás Gutiérrez, leading an organisation of exiled Cuban sugar mill owners, expressed a desire to innovate in how these lands might be utilised, potentially in areas like ethanol or solar power, but acknowledges the challenges in reviving Cuba’s productivity and economy.
Despite ambitious plans and Miami’s support network, the reality of Cuba’s infrastructural deficits remains harsh. The island recently plunged into its sixth blackout this year, underlining the immense challenges ahead. As Miami’s Cuban community dreams of bringing change, everyday Cubans await relief from the ongoing hardships they encounter daily.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.