by Michelle Tejada, staff reporter
Obama gives a cordial and warm handshake as he greets revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro in Havana, Cuba. The complications between Cuba and the U.S, which had been occurring since 1959, looks like it’s finally fleeting.
Obama’s commitment displayed on Cuban soil, could be the start of a whole new friendship. During Obama’s three day visit, from March 20 to the 23, he speaks about making progress on human rights and democracy. Many Cuban-Americans believe in these rights and the goal is to have Castro believe in them as well. He states that he hopes for reconciliation and that both countries can learn from one another and accept criticism.
“I think that Obama’s visit is a good thing for both countries because it can build a new relationship. It can help with poverty in Cuba and can also lead to more immigrants in the U.S who can have a more successful life with greater opportunity,” senior Alex Leto said.
Castro took the opportunity to discuss and reaffirm previous belief of “civilized coexistence” which is achieved by accepting and respecting differences.
“This visit is a positive thing because having an ally is good for the country. If they need someone to help fight for them then we can step in and if we need their help they would step in,” junior Mikey Riera said.
Obama shares the progress of normalizing relations that has taken place such as: more travel to Cuba for interactions, lift on trade embargo, Cuba has more access to the dollar, Cuba ends the 10% fee on U.S dollars transaction, educational exchanges such as studying abroad and other infinite amounts of change.
“In order to create peace the two parties have to be invested and willing to want to do that. The unfortunate part in terms of Cuba is that the Cuban government hasn’t really establish the fact that that’s what they want to do. The U.S wants to read the benefits of having some type of relationship with Cuba but on their own term and that’s what makes it difficult,” Assistant Principal Ms.Cuesta said.
After Obama’s departure Castro wrote a letter in response to Obama. This Letter insinuates that Cuba does not need aid from the United States or any other country.
