RELATIONSHIP OF CUBA AND

THE US
Christian Jones and Jenna Gallagher

CUBA TAKES POSSIBLE STEPS TOWARD A NEW

LEADER NOT NAMED CASTRO
In April of 2011, Cuba appointed Jose Ramon Machado
as the second highest leader in the communist party.
This was the first time since 1959 that a leader was not
a Castro Brother.
Alan Gross was an American contractor that served a 15
year sentence in prison for selling satellite telephone
equipment. This case has made Obama hesitant to
improve the USs relationship with Cuba.

Alan Gross

CUBA TAKES POSSIBLE STEPS TOWARD A

NEW LEADER NOT NAMED CASTRO
A few months after Machado was promoted,
Raul Castro made decent advances toward his
citizens. For example, he allowed his people to
buy and sell cars, and also made laws
regarding the real estate within the borders of
Cuba. All the listings must be done through
Cuban banking for regulation purposes.

Jose Ramon Machado

POPE MAKES LONG-AWAITED VISIT

On March 26, 2012 Pope Benedict the XVI visited Cuba.
This was the first papal visit since Pope John Paul II did 14
years prior. The Pope had claimed that Cuba is making
progress into becoming a better nation.

POPE MAKES LONG-AWAITED VISIT

Over 200,000 people attended the mass. Some
attendees came all the way from Miami to hear what the
pope had to say.
Many of the citizens claimed that their attendance was
forced. It was said that these peoples employers, and
members of the Communist party made them attend.

EXIT VISA REQUIREMENT IS DROPPED

This new law was compromised by Raul Castro stating
that, if one needed to leave the country, they could do
so without a visa that gave them permission.
The new law let a person leave the country forever or
just on vacation. They were able to leave for up to 2
years without losing any benefits or citizenship.

EXIT VISA REQUIREMENT IS DROPPED

Although this law sounds revolutionary, there is
restrictions.

People are allowed to be stopped for defense and

National Security reasons. this suggested that as
long as a Castro or government leader answers to
this call, they can maintain control as tightly as they
want.

CUBA RESUMES DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

WITH THE US
Cuba released American contractor Alan Gross after being
held captive for 5 years. He was announced to serve 15
years in prison in 2011.
His effort to communicate outside Cubas government
was his crime. But, he was released on humanitarian
grounds.

CUBA RESUMES DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

WITH THE US
Because of Grosss release, President Obama declared that the US would resume full
diplomatic relations with Cuba. This includes starting an Embassy in Havana. These
relations havent been secure since 1961. the release of Gross was a section of a deal that
was argued over 18 months.

OUR OPINION
The US and Cubas relationship is changing for the better. For a long period of
time however, they faced situations that put this relationship in danger. Many
people are happy to hear of the current status, due to traveling in and out of Cuba
for family matters etc. Also, these changes will help the Cuban citizens in living
better lives in their country.