Duval Times

In 2017, the U.S. Department of State published the List of Restricted Entities in Cuba to prohibit transactions with entities affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and/or the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). Both MININT and MINFAR are responsible for countless human rights abuses against the Cuban people. The list has not been updated since 2021, and both dictator Díaz-Canel and members of the Cuban military have taken advantage of this situation to create new entities to illegally evade existing sanctions and engage in transactions with private industries in the United States.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to update and add new entities affiliated with MININT and MINFAR to the list. Rubio stated, "There is no reason for Americans to be complicit in the ongoing human rights violations against the Cuban people. I urge you to immediately update the List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba to account for the new hotels and facilities that have opened since January 2021 and to close this evident loophole in U.S. sanctions policy towards the communist regime in Cuba."

In the near future, in February 2024, singer Norah Jones plans to make an "educational visit" to Cuba and will bring a group of fellow Americans to Havana. They will be staying at the Grand Aston Hotel, which is owned by the Cuban regime and bypasses the Restricted Entities List as it opened in 2022.

The letter from Senator Rubio highlights the need for an update to the Restricted Entities List in Cuba to prevent Americans from inadvertently supporting entities tied to human rights abuses. By adding new entities affiliated with MININT and MINFAR, the United States can effectively hold the Cuban regime accountable and ensure that American citizens are not complicit in violations against the Cuban people.

As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen if Secretary Blinken will heed Senator Rubio's call and take action to update the list. The letter serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Cuba and the importance of robust sanctions policies to address the actions of oppressive regimes.

The visit planned by Norah Jones also highlights the need for vigilance in ensuring that entities owned by the Cuban regime do not evade sanctions and continue to profit from American travelers. The Grand Aston Hotel's inclusion in the itinerary emphasizes the urgency of updating the Restricted Entities List to prevent such circumvention.

As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Cuba, the pressure to update the Restricted Entities List will likely intensify. It is crucial for the United States to stay vigilant and take decisive action to address human rights violations and hold the Cuban regime accountable for its actions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-presiona-a-blinken-para-actualizar-lista-de-entidades-restringidas-del-regimen-cubano/