The Heat: Cuba in transition

Cuba

The Heat: Cuba in transitionFILE – In this Dec. 19, 2014 file photo, Javier Yanez stands on his balcony decorated with U.S. and Cuban flags in Old Havana, Cuba. On Friday, June 16, 2017, President Donald Trump is expected to turn America’s Cuba policy on its second 180-degree spin in three years. Ordinary Cubans are bracing for the worst. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)

It was nearly two years ago when U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro agreed to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals — officially restoring diplomatic relations for the first time since 1961. But that was then, and this is now.

In a speech before a partisan crowd in Miami, Mr. Trump said he was canceling the agreement between his predecessor and Cuban President Raul Castro, while leaving certain aspects of it in place.

The speech comes on the same day the Cuban leader announced plans to retire next year, ending nearly 60 years of Castro brothers rule.

For more on the U.S. President’s speech, CGTN’s Sean Callebs reports.

For more about the planned retirement of Raul Castro next year and changes to U.S. policy towards announced today by President Donald Trump.

  • Dan Perkins, author and commentator.
  • James Early, an activist for U.S.–Cuban relations, he served as the Director for Cultural Heritage Policy at the Smithsonian.
  • Arian Castaneda, president and owner of the family business – A fourth generation cigar maker, he immigrated to the United States from Cuba six years ago.
  • Cristina Escobar, Cuban journalist and commentator.