Many Cubans nervous over impact of Trump’s victory

Cuba

Cuba is nervously waiting to see what impact Donald Trump’s election victory will have on the island nation.

U.S. President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations and eased trade and travel restrictions.

That move reversed more than half a century of hostilities toward communist Cuba.

As CCTV America’s Michael Voss reports from Havana, no one there is quite sure what to expect.

Most Cubans had hoped that restored relations with the United States would lead to a brighter, more prosperous future. Now they’re worried these advances could be short-lived with Donald Trump in the White House.

Others, though, hope that as a businessman, Trump, will see Cuba as an opportunity not a threat.

Donald Trump initially said that he supported improved relations with Cuba but would have negotiated a better deal. That later hardened as he threatened to close the U.S. embassy and end detente unless there were political and other reforms in Cuba. Cuba’s reaction in the official newspaper was to place his victory at the bottom of the page with the main headline announcing nationwide military exercises.

No one expects a U.S. invasion. The exercises were planned months ago, but the timing of the announcement sends a message that Cuba intends to resist any outside pressure.

Cuba’s President Raul Castro has sent a message of congratulations to Donald Trump, but the island’s political system is not open to negotiation.

There are already U.S. business interests at stake. American Airlines has just opened an office; it’s across the road from the Sheraton Hotel.

Tens of thousands of Americans and other tourists are now visiting Cuba, many hoping to see it before it changes; could those changes be about to end.


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