BAHAMAS: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000721

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN PASS TO AMEMBASSY GRENADA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/20
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL BF
SUBJECT: BAHAMAS: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD
ACT

REF: STATE 115416

DERIVED FROM: DSCG 05-1 B, D

1 (C) Response to reftel inquiries as follows:



-- Has the host country, in Post's opinion, worked to promote the
advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba?



The Bahamas has worked to promote the advancement of democracy and
human rights in Cuba in the past, though much more could be done.
Preliminary voting in the 2009 General Assembly indicates that
traditional GCOB support for human rights in international fora has
changed. The Bahamas has in the past typically voted with CARICOM
and the Non-Aligned Movement in international fora and continues to
oppose the U.S. embargo of Cuba.



--Has the host country made public statements or undertaken other
governmental actions, such as resolutions in national assemblies
condemning human rights abuses in Cuba; or actions in support of
civil society in Cuba through the host country's diplomatic
missions or other fora?



No. The Bahamas has not made recent public statements condemning
human rights abuses in Cuba. The Bahamas justifies its relations
with Cuba by citing the need to provide consular services, to
address bilateral migration issues, and to promote trade and
travel. The Bahamian government has also noted the need for close
relations to avoid repetition of incidents such as the 1980 sinking
by Cuban forces of a Bahamian Defense Force vessel resulting in the
deaths of several Bahamian sailors. Like the U.S., the Bahamian
government works with Cuba to combat drug and migrant trafficking.
The GCOB sees a pragmatic need to maintain a relationship with Cuba
to manage repatriation and any concomitant international
complications.



-- Have there been any high-level diplomatic visits between Cuba
and the host country in the past six months?



In July a delegation of technical experts from various GCOB
ministries met in Cuba to discuss maritime boundaries. Other areas
discussed included cooperation in search and rescue, combating
illegal migrant and drug trafficking, maritime scientific research,
and management of trans-boundary resources. In November, the
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce traveled to Cuba for their 27th Annual
Trade Fair. Representatives from both countries discussed
investment opportunities and ways to steel their economies against
the global recession. The Bahamas expressed optimism that trade
opportunities with Cuba would be more available as the Cuban
economy liberalizes.

-- What is the nature of investments (and names, if known) that
host country businesses have in Cuba?



Direct Bahamian investment in Cuba is minimal given The Bahamas'
exchange controls, limited scope for international investment among
Bahamian businesses, and the country's economic dependence on the
United States. Third country investment in Cuba via Bahamian
financial institutions is likely, but unknown. However, there is a
general feeling among the private sector that the U.S. will relax
its trade and investment policies toward Cuba. In anticipation of
this and in an effort to link tourism markets, the Cuban and
Bahamas Chambers of Commerce have conducted trade missions into The
Bahamas and Cuba, respectively.

-- Are there any bilateral trade agreements or other cooperative
agreements between host country and Cuba?



Yes. The Bahamas and Cuba have an Economic and Technical Agreement
that promotes trade and investment, advocates for technical
information exchanges and establishes joint cooperation programs.
It established a Cuba-Bahamas Joint Commission for technical


cooperation to implement a Framework Agreement on health and
education projects. Pending agreements include: Collaborate in the
field of Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection with the Ministry of
Agriculture; and Animal Quarantine Collaboration and
Control/Eradication of Animal Diseases


-- 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 the host country?



In June the Cuban government granted 24 scholarships for Bahamian
high school students to pursue careers as doctors, engineers and
teachers. Approximately 70 students applied for the scholarships
through the Embassy of Cuba in The Bahamas. In September 2006, an
Agreement of Specialty Teachers between the Ministry of Education,
the Latin American and Caribbean Pedagogical Institute and the
Republic of Cuba was signed. This agreement allows for the
recruitment of Cuban teachers in the public school system in The
Bahamas. From 2005-2006 and From 2007-2009, The Bahamas and Cuba
entered into a verbal agreement known as "Operation Miracle-Eye
Programme" that allowed individuals with visual disorders and
impairments to seek free medical assistance from Cuba. Informally,
Cuban doctors are actively recruited to practice medicine in The
Bahamas. According to the GCOB, approximately 20,000 Bahamians
visit Cuba each year and approximately 150 Bahamian students study
in Cuba on scholarship.
ZUNIGA-BROWN