In December
2014, the US and Cuba agreed to restore diplomatic relations. Under the measures, the US opened an embassy
in Havana, Cuba, and is also undertaking efforts to lift its 54-year trade
embargo against Cuba, a move urged by Cuban president Raul Castro, but can only
happen with the vote of the US Congress.
Cuban Rum still can’t be sold here in the United States even though
there has been loosening of the regulations for tourists bringing back from
their vacations. US citizens travelling
to Cuba can now bring up to US$100 worth combined of tobacco and rum back home
with them.
I feel that it is time for Congress vote to lift the embargo
entirely. There will still be legal
tensions between Pernod Ricard and its partnership with the Cuban government
and Bacardi over the Havana Club trademark, with the granting of the trademark
to Pernod Ricard this week has already intensified.
“Bacardi is shocked and very concerned by this unprecedented action
taken by the United States government,” a statement from Bacardi read. “In essence, this administration has
reversed long-standing US and international public policy and law that protects
against the recognition or acceptance of confiscatory actions of foreign
governments”.
“Bacardi has and will continue to
pursue all the necessary legal actions to defend its position surrounding the
legitimacy of Bacardi’s rights and ownership of Havana Club rum,” the group
said.
With or without these issued, it is really time to start trading with
the Island of Cuba again, we trade with Russia, Vietnam, and other countries
that cost more American lives, so what is the hang up?
