VZCZCXYZ0016
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBH #0721/01 3242030
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 202029Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0047
INFO EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

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