The changes announced this Tuesday by the Joe Biden Administration, which include, among other measures, granting access to the U.S. banking system to the private sector, have been met with criticism in many sectors of South Florida, enthusiasm in a few, and a third group remains skeptical.
Many consider that the announcement by the Biden administration will not have any positive impact on the lives of ordinary Cubans, nor on the path towards democracy on the island.
They also believe that it oxygenates the Cuban regime and opens a gap for it to continue governing.
"This shouldn't have to be explained again. This should be accumulated wisdom," lamented lawyer Nick Gutiérrez, president of the National Association of Cuban Ranchers, who pointed out that the Cuban government is finding ways to circumvent the embargo.
"They have opened some exceptions that the Cuban government is more than capable of exploiting," added the lawyer.
The Cuban-American congressman Carlos Giménez also expressed his opposition to the announcement.
As I said, now we are going to see more and more openness with the communist regime of Cuba. Now giving access to private companies in Cuba, to the US banking system to give them access to capital, etc., is crazy," said Giménez in statements collected by America Tevé.
There are no private companies in Cuba. Do you really believe that there are private companies in Cuba that have up to a hundred employees? It's crazy, it's an excuse to have more and more openness with this regime that has oppressed its own people for 60 years," added the legislator.
"We have reported dozens of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises that have public ties to the Cuban regime, which are operated by intelligence agents, former diplomats, retired military personnel," said Gelet Martínez, founder and director of the ADN Cuba portal, to Telemundo 51.
"These small businesses, in order to function, have to obey the State. You have to keep quiet, obey, and ignore the things that are happening in the country if you want to keep your business," Martinez added.
The lawyer Pedro A. Freyre does not think the same, as he believes that the measure is positive and does represent an opportunity for Cubans to access financial services without depending on the government.
"When you have a small business, you don't depend 100 percent on the government, and that is the most important thing about this announcement," said the Cuban-American lawyer representing several U.S. companies with interests on the island.
"This offers you freedom of operation, freedom of movement, and above all, freedom of thought," added; and emphasized that it exponentially increases "opportunities."
"If you are an entrepreneur, you can say: I have my bank account and from there, we can carry out transactions, from the purchase of raw materials to the export of the products," he pointed out.
Regarding the possibility of government insiders infiltrating small and medium enterprises, Freyre deemed the concern "legitimate," but stated that the vast majority of them "are ordinary Cubans."
It may be that with this, people who should not take advantage will do so, but we must analyze the benefits and risks, and in this case, I believe the benefit is greater. In a very profound way, small and medium-sized enterprises are changing many dynamics within the country," he added.
However, the measure regarding banks could encounter the refusal of some entities to accept the opening of those accounts.
"The banks are always weighing risks and benefits, and up until now, Cuba has been more of a risk than a benefit," admitted Freyre.
Economic opening for SMEs.
The amendments, which will come into effect after their publication in the Federal Register on May 29, 2024, include key measures such as the authorization of cloud-based services to facilitate internet communication and the expansion of services for the installation and repair of telecommunications equipment.
In addition, the export and re-export of Cuban-origin software and mobile applications from the United States to third countries will be allowed.
Another significant modification is the redefinition of the term "independent entrepreneurs in the private sector," which now excludes officials banned from the Government of Cuba and members of the Cuban Communist Party.
This new definition not only includes self-employed workers, but also cooperatives and other private companies with up to 100 employees. However, it has been demonstrated that several Cuban SMEs are comprised of family members of Castro's leaders, government officials, and even deputies of the regime.
Additionally, the authorization for "U-turn" transactions has been reinstated, allowing banking institutions to process fund transfers involving Cuba, as long as they originate and terminate outside of the U.S. and do not involve individuals subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
In other words, Cuban private sector entrepreneurs will be able to access accounts in US banks and carry out financial transactions from third countries (U-Turn transactions) to send remittances and other payments to individuals on the island. The reporting process for transactions related to telecommunications has also been updated, eliminating the need to send faxes and allowing reports to be sent via email.
The Cuban government described the new regulations from the United States aimed at increasing support for entrepreneurs in the private sector as "limited."
The measures have been criticized by the regime because they believe that "they do not touch the fundamental body of the blockade against Cuba or the additional sanctions." According to Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, the provisions do not reverse the "cruel impact" of the embargo on Cuban families or Cuba's inclusion in the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
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