Cuba: Technology As an Engine Of

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Cuba: Technology As an Engine Of Title: Cuba: Technology as an Engine of Economic Development Date: March 18, 2016 Time: 2:15 PM to 3:30 PM Moderator Barbara P. Alonso, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs Panelists Lauren Valiente, Senior Counsel Foley Lardner Aymee Valdivia, Associate Holland & Knight Tab 1 – Biographies or CVs Barbara P. Alonso Partner, Miami, Florida; New York, NY T +1 305 577 7040; + 1 212 872 9827 [email protected] Barbara Alonso’s practice focuses on international and domestic Practice Focus Financial Services corporate matters, including corporate and project finance, and debt Project and Corporate Finance and equity capital markets. Barbara regularly advises clients on Institutional Investors cross-border transactions across a wide range of sectors and has Latin America and Caribbean represented institutional investors in connection with their equity and debt investments in Florida based companies. Education Barbara served as assistant general counsel for Chase Manhattan Columbia University, J.D., 1992 Harvard University, M.P.P., 1988 Bank in New York from 1997 to 2000. In that role, she supported Cornell University, B.A., 1986 Chase’s Latin America capital markets business in connection with bond issuances and liability management transactions by sovereign and corporate issuers in Latin America. Barbara also served as in- Admissions Florida, 2002 house counsel for Nortel Networks (Caribbean and Latin America New York, 1993 region), where she handled telecommunications transactions in the Caribbean and Latin America. Languages English Barbara has represented clients on their transactions in Cuba— Spanish including a European telecommunications company in its sale of its shares of joint venture company in Cuba. She has also advised clients on compliance issues relating to doing business in Cuba. A native of Cienfuegos, Cuba, Barbara has recently participated in various seminars in Cuba, including a conference co-sponsored by CUPET (Cuba’s Petroleum Company) in October, 2015. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/CIVIC ACTIVITIES Hispanic Lawyers Society of New York, Steering Committee Co-founder, SEED, a not-for-profit education foundation supporting international public education in South Florida. Florida Bar, International Law Section and Business law Sections AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Selected by leading publication Latinvex as one of Latin America’s Top 50 Female Lawyers, 2014. Selected “Dealmaker of the Year – Corporate Finance,” ALM’s Daily Business Review, 2012. Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Latin American Investments, 2009 – 2010. Member of the team that won the “Chambers Award for Latin squirepattonboggs.com 1 C:\Users\balonso\Documents\Alonso Barbara HNBA Accreditation Feb 2016.docx American Investments (US-based firms),” 2009. Finalist, “Dealmaker of the Year – International Finance,” ALM’s Daily Business Review, 2008. Member of the Winning Team, Euromoney’s Project Finance “African Telecom Deal of the Year,” 2007. Selected, “Dealmaker of the Year – International Corporate,” ALM’s Daily Business Review, 2007 for SEACOM (East Africa Underwater Fiber Optic Cable) squirepattonboggs.com 2 C:\Users\balonso\Documents\Alonso Barbara HNBA Accreditation Feb 2016.docx Lauren L. Valiente Lauren Valiente is a senior counsel and litigation lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. Her practice focuses on counseling and defending individual and corporate clients in a variety of government enforcement and complex business litigation matters including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) investigations, white collar criminal matters, SEC enforcement matters, securities class actions, shareholder derivative actions, and other complex business litigation matters. She is a member of the firm’s Government Enforcement, Compliance & White Collar Defense Practice, Health Care Litigation Group, and Latin America Industry Team. Ms. Valiente also serves on the firm’s Diversity SENIOR COUNSEL Committee. [email protected] Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement In connection with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 813.225.5443 (“FCPA”), Ms. Valiente provides compliance advice, 100 NORTH TAMPA STREET conducts internal investigations, and defends SUITE 2700 individual and corporate clients against government TAMPA, FL 33602-5810 enforcement actions. She has conducted FCPA investigations, in both English and Spanish, in Latin 305.482.8442 America, as well as in China. ONE BISCAYNE TOWER 2 SOUTH BISCAYNE BOULEVARD Cuba Regulations SUITE 1900 Ms. Valiente counsels clients on compliance issues MIAMI, FL 33131 relating to U.S. laws and regulations on doing business in Cuba. Health Care Enforcement and Litigation As a member of the firm’s Health Care Litigation Group, Ms. Valiente has represented individual and corporate clients in various aspects of the healthcare industry, including managed care and pharmaceuticals. She has defended health care clients in connection with government investigations and enforcement actions involving allegations of health care fraud and financial fraud. Securities Litigation Ms. Valiente also has experience in securities litigation, defending corporations, officers, and directors in 1 Lauren L. Valiente securities class actions and shareholder derivative international business people to one another and to actions, as well as SEC enforcement matters. the Chamber. She also serves on The University of South Florida’s (USF) Latin Community Advisory Committee, which Complex Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution advises the University’s president on issues affecting Ms. Valiente has significant experience in both court- Hispanic students and raises money for scholarships based litigation and AAA arbitration under the for Hispanic students. Ms. Valiente actively mentors Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, as well as in undergraduate students in connection with this group. the defense of claims for fraud, breach of contract, interference with contract, and many other areas of Ms. Valiente is also a member of the Federal Bar commercial disputes. Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Harvard Club of New York and the Harvard Club of the Ms. Valiente is experienced in a wide range of West Coast of Florida. appellate matters, in both the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and Florida’s appellate courts. She also has In 2013, Ms. Valiente contributed more than 100 pro experience in bankruptcy matters, having represented bono hours to the Bay Area Legal Services Volunteer debtors in chapter 11 proceedings, and creditors in Lawyers Program and was recognized by the Thirteenth litigating claims against bankruptcy estates. Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee with a Gold Award. Education In 2010, Ms. Valiente graduated from the Tampa Ms. Valiente received her bachelor’s degree from Connection program, a selective program for up-and- Harvard University in 2000, with honors, and received coming leaders in the Tampa Bay business community. her law degree from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2006), where From 2010 – 2012, Ms. Valiente helped coach the USF she was managing editor for the Journal of Law and Mock Trial Team. Public Policy and elected to the Order of the Coif. Selected Publications, Presentations, and Media Recognition » Panelist, “Facing a Changing Cuba – Opportunities Ms. Valiente was selected for inclusion on the Florida and Obstacles,” Greater Miami Chamber of Super Lawyers – Rising Stars® lists in 2012 - 2015. In Commerce Goals Conference (June 5, 2015) 2007, she received the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s » Presenter, “The Changing U.S. Cuba Landscape: "30 Under 30" award which recognizes the top 30 Managing Risks and Opportunities” (February 26, young professionals in the Tampa Bay business 2015) community. » Author, “Easing the Cuban Embargo: Automotive Community Involvement, Pro Bono and Professional Industry Unlikely to Realize Any Immediate Benefit,” Memberships www.autoindustrylawblog.com (January 2015) Ms. Valiente serves on the International Business Committee of the Greater Tampa Chamber of » Co-Author, “Analysis: Easing the Cuban Embargo: Commerce, which works to support and increase U.S. Businesses Should Engage in Cuba with Three international commerce in Tampa and to connect Caveats in Mind,” Cuba Standard (January 2015) 2 Lauren L. Valiente » Panelist, “Unlock India,” Tampa, FL (March 19, 2014) » Panelist, “Custom-Made Counseling for the Fashion Industry,” Miami, FL (March 6, 2014) » Panelist, “What’s Your Story: Defending a White Collar Client,” National Academy of Continuing Legal Education (December 2013) » Quoted, “Guidance Available for Anti-Bribery Law,” Tampa Bay Business Journal (January 11, 2013) » Co-Author, “FCPA Internal Investigations in Latin America,” The Review of Securities & Commodities Regulation (September 2012) Admissions Ms. Valiente is admitted to practice in Florida and before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida and the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Languages Ms. Valiente is fluent in spoken and written Spanish. 3 Aymee D. Valdivia Granda Associate Miami T 305.329.2302 [email protected] Related Practices: International and Cross Border Transactions International Practices Latin America Practice U.S. Export Control and Sanctions Laws Cuba Action Team Aymee Doris Valdivia is an attorney in the International and Cross-Border Transactions Team of Holland & Knight's Business Group and a member
Recommended publications
  • Bjarkman Bibliography| March 2014 1
    Bjarkman Bibliography| March 2014 1 PETER C. BJARKMAN www.bjarkman.com Cuban Baseball Historian Author and Internet Journalist Post Office Box 2199 West Lafayette, IN 47996-2199 USA IPhone Cellular 1.765.491.8351 Email [email protected] Business phone 1.765.449.4221 Appeared in “No Reservations Cuba” (Travel Channel, first aired July 11, 2011) with celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain Featured in WALL STREET JOURNAL (11-09-2010) front page story “This Yanqui is Welcome in Cuba’s Locker Room” PERSONAL/BIOGRAPHICAL DATA Born: May 19, 1941 (72 years old), Hartford, Connecticut USA Terminal Degree: Ph.D. (University of Florida, 1976, Linguistics) Graduate Degrees: M.A. (Trinity College, 1972, English); M.Ed. (University of Hartford, 1970, Education) Undergraduate Degree: B.S.Ed. (University of Hartford, 1963, Education) Languages: English and Spanish (Bilingual), some basic Italian, study of Japanese Extensive International Travel: Cuba (more than 40 visits), Croatia /Yugoslavia (20-plus visits), Netherlands, Italy, Panama, Spain, Austria, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, Canada, Japan. Married: Ronnie B. Wilbur, Professor of Linguistics, Purdue University (1985) BIBLIOGRAPHY March 2014 MAJOR WRITING AWARDS 2008 Winner – SABR Latino Committee Eduardo Valero Memorial Award (for “Best Article of 2008” in La Prensa, newsletter of the SABR Latino Baseball Research Committee) 2007 Recipient – Robert Peterson Recognition Award by SABR’s Negro Leagues Committee, for advancing public awareness
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Senators Meet with Alan Gross
    U.S. Senators Meet with Alan Gross Havana, November 13 (RHC) –- Two U.S. Senators met on Tuesday morning with Alan Gross, a U.S. contractor held in Cuba for five years on charges of subversive actions against the government in Havana. According to CBS News, Senator Jeff Flake and Tom Udall met with Gross for two hours. They said the meeting was just one reason for their visit and they declined to mention what they had talked about. The senators said they have no information on Gross’ possible release. He has been held in a Cuban prison for five years already and still has ten years remaining on his sentence. In 2009, Gross went to Cuba posing as a tourist. But that was a front for fulfilling a $600,000 contract to smuggle communications equipment into the island. The plan was to set up Internet hot spots as part of a U.S. government-funded program. Cuba has offered to exchange him for the three members of the Cuban Five that remain imprisoned in the U.S., but so far, Washington has shown no interest in the deal. The possibility of a swap deal was also mentioned by a recent editorial in The New York Times, while other individuals have stressed the positiveness of such a move. Among them is Judy Gross, wife of Alan Gross, who said she is heartened by the U.S. government’s exchange of Taliban prisoners for U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl not so long ago. She said: “My thought is if they can do that, if they can follow through with something that complicated, surely they can figure out something they can do to get Alan home.” https://www.radiohc.cu/index.php/en/noticias/nacionales/39138-us-senators-meet-with-alan-gross Radio Habana Cuba.
    [Show full text]
  • Júlio De Mesquita Filho” Universidade Estadual De Campinas Pontifícia Universidade Católica De São Paulo
    0 UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL PAULISTA “JÚLIO DE MESQUITA FILHO” UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE CAMPINAS PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DE SÃO PAULO PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS SAN TIAGO DANTAS – UNESP, UNICAMP E PUC-SP ALFREDO JUAN GUEVARA MARTINEZ The Dynamic of The United States Decision-Making Process of Foreign Policy to Cuba: An Analysis of the Normalization of 2014 São Paulo 2019 1 ALFREDO JUAN GUEVARA MARTINEZ The Dynamic of The United States Decision-Making Process of Foreign Policy to Cuba: An Analysis of the Normalization of 2014 Tese apresentada ao Programa de Pós- graduação em Relações Internacionais San Tiago Dantas da Universidade Esta- dual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (Unesp), da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) e da Pontifícia Uni- versidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC- SP), como exigência para obtenção do tí- tulo de Doutor em Relações Internacio- nais, na área de concentração “Institui- ções, Processos E Atores”, na linha de pesquisa “Relações Exteriores dos Esta- dos Unidos”. Orientador: Luis Fernando Ayerbe. Co-orientador: Harry Edwin Vanden São Paulo 2019 1 2 ALFREDO JUAN GUEVARA MARTINEZ The Dynamic of The United States Decision-Making Process of Foreign Policy to Cuba: An Analysis of the Normalization of 2014 Tese apresentada ao Programa de Pós- graduação em Relações Internacionais San Tiago Dantas da Universidade Esta- dual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (Unesp), da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) e da Pontifícia Uni- versidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC- SP), como exigência para obtenção do tí- tulo de Doutor em Relações Internacio- nais, na área de concentração “Institui- ções, Processos E Atores”, na linha de pesquisa “Relações Exteriores dos Esta- dos Unidos”.
    [Show full text]
  • Cuba Releases Pro-Life Activist, but Sentences U.S. Contractor to Prison
    Cuba releases pro-life activist, but sentences U.S. contractor to prison WASHINGTON – Cuba released a renowned pro-life activist and political dissident, but sent mixed signals the next day when courts sentenced an American contractor to 15 years in prison for taking telecommunications equipment into the country. Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, 49, an activist first jailed in 1999 for denouncing Fidel Castro’s abortion policies, was released from prison March 11, as announced by the Archdiocese of Havana, which has negotiated the release of 52 political prisoners since last summer. He was also among a group of 75 activists jailed in anti- government protests in 2003. Upon his release, he told EFE, the Spanish news agency, that he intends to stay in Cuba. “I’ve always lived in Cuba and I am of Cuba,” he said. “I haven’t ever harmed anybody, just given love, much love, and because of that I was harmed by the government.” In a teleconference from Havana March 14, Biscet signaled his intention to remain critical of the government, calling the Castro regime a “total dictatorship” that fears informed citizens. He called on fellow Cubans to “act moderately, impartially, and with firmness in the defense of our principles without falling into sectarian extremism, but always intransigent in regards to liberty, justice, and democracy for Cuba.” Political analyst and blogger Alberto de la Cruz told Catholic News Service, “Oscar Biscet is Cuba’s Nelson Mandela. He has the charisma to lead a democracy movement.” De la Cruz, who helped organize the teleconference, described Biscet as “exhausted but in good spirits.
    [Show full text]
  • Cuba: US Policy and Issues for the 113Th Congress
    Cuba: U.S. Policy and Issues for the 113th Congress -name redacted- Specialist in Latin American Affairs December 29, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-.... www.crs.gov R43024 Cuba: U.S. Policy and Issues for Congress Summary Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country’s political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. In February 2013, Castro was reappointed to a second five-year term as President (until 2018, when he would be 86 years old), and selected 52- year old former Education Minister Miguel Díaz-Canel as his First Vice President, making him the official successor in the event that Castro cannot serve out his term. Raúl Castro has implemented a number of gradual economic policy changes over the past several years, including an expansion of self-employment. A party congress held in April 2011 laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba’s state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. While the government reduced the number of political prisoners in 2010-2011, the number increased in 2012; moreover, short-term detentions and harassment have increased significantly over the past several years. U.S. Policy Congress has played an active role in shaping policy toward Cuba, including the enactment of legislation strengthening and at times easing various U.S. economic sanctions. While U.S. policy has consisted largely of isolating Cuba through economic sanctions, a second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • A's News Clips, Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Oakland A's Sign Cuban
    A’s News Clips, Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Oakland A's sign Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes By Joe Stiglich, Oakland Tribune The A's added another twist to their curious offseason Monday, agreeing to a four-year, $36 million contract with Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Cespedes -- hyped as having excellent power, good speed and a strong arm -- was considered the top hitter on the international market this winter. But he couldn't be signed until he established residency in the Dominican Republic after defecting from Cuba. Cespedes, 26, still needs to obtain a worker's visa and pass a physical before his deal is completed. His agent, Adam Katz, would not speculate on whether Cespedes will be in training camp when A's position players report Feb. 24. Pitchers and catchers report Saturday. The A's hope they finally have filled a need for a young power-hitting outfielder. The right-handed Cespedes hit 33 homers in 90 games last season in the Cuban National Series, Cuba's premier league. He hit .458 in six games during the 2009 World Baseball Classic. "This kid is a physical presence," A's player personnel director Billy Owens told MLB Network Radio. "We've actually scouted him the last four or five years in international competition, and he blows you away with sheer physicality, running speed, the power potential." A's general manager Billy Beane declined to comment on Cespedes. It is unknown whether the A's will thrust him into the opening day lineup or give him time in the minors. Their projected outfield, left to right, is Seth Smith, Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick.
    [Show full text]
  • Case 1:12-Cv-01860-JEB Document 10-16 Filed 01/15/13 Page 1 of 42
    Case 1:12-cv-01860-JEB Document 10-16 Filed 01/15/13 Page 1 of 42 POPULAR PROVINCIAL COURT HAVANA • HEARING ROOM ON CRIMES AGAINST THE SECURITY OF THE STATE JUDGMENT NUMBER TWO OF TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN (2-2011) PRESIDING: In Havana, on March eleven, two ARMANDO TORRES AGUIRRE thousand eleven.-------------------------------------- JUDGES: Hearing on oral and public proceedings ELIZABETH RUIZ PEREZ before the Court on Crimes Against the Security ANGEL GARCIA LEYVA GIL AMADO PAYNE HERNANDEZ of the State of the Popular Provincial Court of PELAGIO CORTINA LESCALLES Havana, Case Number ONE OF TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN, filed on for a crime of ACTS AGAINST THE INDEPENDENCE OR TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF THE STATE, against defendant ALAN PHILLIP • GROSS, a citizen of the United States, native of New York, United States of America, passport number two, zero, eight, zero, two, one, two, four, nine, son of Fred and Evelyn, sixty-one years of age, married, college educated, graduate of a bachelor's degree in Sociological and Health Sciences, Executive Director and Principal Partner of "Joint Business Development Center, Limited Liability," known by its English acronym as JBDC, LLC, with legal domicile at fifty- five hundred thirty, Wisconsin A venue, Suite eleven hundred fifteen, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America, and legal residence at United States of America, held under the -cautionary measure of PROVISIONAL IMPRISONMENT for this Case and defended by appointed counselor Master of Science Armanda Nuris Pifiero Sierra. --------------------------------- Acting as Prosecutor is Specialist Humberto Gonzalez Figueroa.------------------------------ CERTIFIED to be a true and correct translation from its original, to the best of my knowledge and ability.¥ MARY JO SMITH-PARES, ~ CERTIFIED INTERPRETER, • ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES COURTS.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Baseball in the Normalization of Cuba-US Relations
    The Role of Baseball in the Normalization of Cuba-US Relations Daniel Añorve Añorve Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, México Abstract: The December, 2014 announcement by Raúl Castro and President Barack Obama regarding the "thaw" of the US-Cuba diplomatic relations opens up new possibilities. Sport, specifically baseball, represents an area of opportunity for the rapprochement of both countries. MLB baseball is increasingly dependent on the inflow of foreign talent, especially on Latin American players. The status of the Cuban player is peculiar and it could normalize as a result of the full normalization of the diplomatic relations. This paper analyzes the economic incentives as well as the existing legal challenges in the US-Cuba interdependent relationship. Finally, the argument suggests that baseball could pave the way for a constructivist approach of other specific US-Cuba relationships, partially replacing the high politics that has dominated the bilateral relationship for more than five decades. Keywods: U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations, Baseball Diplomacy, Constructivism Introduction Different interpretations can be made around the December 17, 2014 announcement made by President Barack Obama’s and Raúl Catro’s announcement, in which they communicated their intention to normalize and re-establish diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States of America. This paper begins with an attempt to explain, theoretically, the thawing of the bilateral US-Cuban relations. A second section discusses what is considered a wide range of bilateral relations between the two countries. It also explains the reason that leads the author to focus on baseball as "the" relationship of study. That relationship, as argued, requires an analysis of the different actors (and interests) involved in baseball.
    [Show full text]
  • 18680 Hon. Henry C. ''Hank'' Johnson, Jr. Hon. Theodore
    18680 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 157, Pt. 13 December 1, 2011 The Cuban government must act now and pendence’’ of Cuba. Mr. Gross, a non-Spanish The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is release Alan Gross immediately and uncondi- speaking man in his 60’s who has worked on ‘‘Getting to Zero.’’ After 30 years of the global tionally—for the sake of the relationship be- development projects in over 50 countries, fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the focus is tween the United States and Cuban people certainly was not trained or equipped to en- on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infec- and for the sake of the health of Alan Gross gage in subterfuge. tions. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related and his family. Alan Gross has been sentenced to 15 years deaths. f in jail. This preposterous sentence has caused The goal of ‘‘Zero AIDS Related Deaths’’ tremendous emotional pain and financial hard- signifies an increased access to available HONORING SUPERIOR CHEVROLET ship for his family, and devastated the Jewish treatments for all those infected. Currently, community. Alan’s daughter is currently under- only one third of the 15 million people living HON. HENRY C. ‘‘HANK’’ JOHNSON, JR. going treatment for cancer, and his 89-year- with HIV worldwide who are in need of lifelong OF GEORGIA old mother is in poor health and fears she will treatment are receiving it. Universal access to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES never see her son again. Alan’s wife, Judy, antiretroviral treatments for those living with has been caring for her ill daughter and moth- HIV will not only decrease the number of AIDS Thursday, December 1, 2011 er-in-law while working full time to support her related deaths, but will increase the quality of Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Extensions of Remarks E2155 HON. JOHN W. OLVER
    December 1, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2155 Thanks to The Dwelling Place, Ms. McQuain I commend the Care Center on these efforts day to honor and recognize Mr. Royal for an was able to provide her son with a happy and and am confident that this national recognition exemplary life which is an inspiration to all, stable life. Although their lives were brutally can be a catalyst that allows it to help hun- Now therefore, I, HENRY C. ‘‘HANK’’ JOHN- cut short, their resilience and ability to over- dreds more in years to come. SON, Jr. do hereby proclaim November 20, come hardship will never be forgotten, and f 2011 as Mr. Tony Royal Day in the 4th Con- they will continue to inspire the many families gressional District of Georgia. that face similar challenges. ALAN GROSS Proclaimed, this 20th day of November, My congressional district is fortunate to 2011. have The Dwelling Place providing support to HON. JAMES A. HIMES f our community, so that families in crisis can OF CONNECTICUT HONORING JOHNNY CHANDLER establish new lives without fear and with the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES potential and support for a bright future. Thursday, December 1, 2011 I ask my colleagues to join me in remem- HON. JEFF DENHAM bering Jane and William McQuain and in sa- Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, for the last two OF CALIFORNIA luting the mission of The Dwelling Place and years, Alan Gross, a 62-year old international IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES development specialist and social worker, has its dedication to assisting the homeless.
    [Show full text]
  • Cubanews.Com
    Vol. 18, No. 3 March 2010 www.cubanews.com In the News One year later, Obama’s Cuba initiatives Facebook for everyone yield mixed results; nothing new likely Obama loosens regs on instant messag- BY ANA RADELAT But Havana has had a real problem with ing, Web technology to Cuba .......Page 4 t’s been nearly a year since President Obama Obama’s effort to bring Cuba’s citizens into the turned his attention toward Cuba with a ser- information age. And the president’s much- ies of modest initiatives, but they have failed hyped effort to ease restrictions on U.S. tele- Going backwards? I communications firms hoping to do business in to thaw relations with Havana. And new policy Analyst argues U.S. policy is taking steps Cuba has also failed to interest that industry. changes from the Obama administration aren’t in the wrong direction ..................Page 6 In September, the White House issued a new expected anytime soon. general license that allowed representatives of State Department spokeswoman Gini Staab U.S. telecom companies to visit Cuba to negoti- Sweet dreams told CubaNews in late February “there are no ate deals. But Obama’s initiative largely restricts 2010 sugar harvest unlikely to reach re- other initiatives in the works that I know of.” those entities to making deals with non-Cuban One year ago, Secretary of State Hillary Clin- gime’s goal of 1.4 million tons .....Page 7 companies. It also leaves in place a regulation ton promised a review of Cuba. But that propos- that bans U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • The Obama Administration and the Next Congress
    Latin America Policy in the Next Two Years: The Obama Administration and the Next Congress March 7, 2011 William M. LeoGrande President Barack Obama came to office with a real opportunity to repair Washington’s tattered relationship with Latin America. He began with the advantage of not being George W. Bush, who was the least popular U.S. president in decades among Latin Americans. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, President Bush largely ignored Latin America, except for a handful of issues, including the war on drugs, a shouting match with Hugo Chávez, and renewed efforts to subvert Fidel Castro’s government in Cuba. None of these issues were priorities for Latin American leaders. Moreover, the unilateralism of Bush’s foreign policy reminded Latin America of the bad old days of Washington’s intervention in the Hemisphere. The invasion of Iraq was especially unpopular. President Obama, in contrast, promised a new partnership with Latin America based on equality and multilateralism. He declared that fifty years of U.S. policy toward Cuba had failed, and that it was time to try a policy of engagement rather than hostility and isolation. He acknowledged that the United States shared responsibility for narcotics trafficking because demand from U.S. consumers was driving supply production in Latin America. Of special concern to Mexico and Central America, he promised immigration reform, providing a path to citizenship for tens of thousands of undocumented Latino immigrants. President Obama’s first encounter with Latin America came early, at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in April 2009. He repeated the themes from his campaign, which were well- received, but he added little in terms of policy details.
    [Show full text]