REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRIDGETOWN 000714 SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CCA - DMCFARLAND E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2018 TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU XL SUBJECT: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT: DOMINICA REF: STATE 126578 Classified By: DCM Brent Hardt for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Responses keyed to reftel questions: - Has the host country, in Post's opinion, worked to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba? No. Dominica has not taken steps to advance democracy and human rights in Cuba. Dominica regularly participates in annual CARICOM-Cuba Day events, traditionally held on December 8. - Has the host country made other public statements or undertaken other governmental actions, such as resolutions in the national assemblies condemning human rights abuses in Cuba; or actions in support of civil society in Cuba through host country's diplomatic missions or other fora? The Government of Dominica has not undertaken any such activities. On November 3, as part of its National Day activities, the Government of Dominica awarded Fidel Castro the Dominica Award for Honor, that country's highest honor, for his "significant contributions to Dominica's national development." - Have there been any high-level diplomatic visits between Cuba and host country in the past six months? Yes. A high-level delegation attended the annual CARICOM-Cuba Summit December 7-8 in Santiago de Cuba, headed by Prime Minister Skerrit. - Did the host country offer or deliver humanitarian or other assistance to the Cuban people in the wake of the major damage caused by Hurricanes Gustav (August 30) and Ike (September 8)? No. - What is the nature of investments (and names, if known) that host country businesses have in Cuba? What host country businesses participated in the Havana Trade Fair (November 3)? There are no Dominican businesses known to have investments in Cuba. Post can find no evidence of Dominican businesses participating in FIHAV 2008. - Are there any bilateral trade agreements between host country and Cuba? Yes. Dominica has an active bilateral trade treaty with Cuba. In addition, CARICOM has a trade agreement with Cuba that Dominica has ratified. - Are there any exchange programs between host country and Cuba, including but not limited to: scholarships for host country nationals to study in Cuba; Cuban-paid medical travel for host country nationals; and Cuban doctors working in host country? Yes. Dominica is the recipient of Cuban scholarships and benefits from Cuban doctors and nurses working in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Dominica State College. HARDT