by Adrian Gibson
In my opinion, the recall of the Cuban ambassador (Felix Wilson Hernandez), likely due to the FNM government’s requests, is one of the first major blunders of this new administration.
To close our embassy in Cuba and/or withdraw from relations with Cuba is a nonsensical move, particularly since so many droves of Bahamians travel there for leisure, attend universities there and are imprisoned on that island state.
What are they thinking with these high-handed irrational moves?
The way I see it, over the past five years, the Bahamas has had its best relations with Cuba in recent history.
So, was this one of the first signs of the new government acceding to the demands of Uncle Sam? Shouldn’t a country be allowed to maintain an embassy where it wishes, particularly in the best interests of its people?
And, when are we going to smarten up and open an embassy in Brussels, Belgium, that is essentially the capital of the European Union?
Best relations in five years? What about the dentist fiasco?
Are you sure the Bahamas Government asked for his recall and they are closing the embassy? Or is it just a normal change of Ambassador?
I am presently preparing a blog about this issue so I won’t comment just yet on the usefulness of the Bahamas Embassy in Cuba.
Well Rick, I anticipated you would blog on this situation.
From what I have gotten, from very reliable sources, it appears that the FNM is following through with their pledge to downgrade from an embassy in Cuba to possibly a Consulate or some Diplomatic outpost. Based on the way things are going, its fair to assume that indeed this process is in its initial stages.
I think that Hernandez represented the interest of Cuba well while he was here.
And yes, I do think that we repaired our relationship with Cuba over the past five years. The Cuban dentist issue was one where the Bahamas was merely caught in between the jostling of Cuba and the US. And, as I have stated before, after weighing several factors I thought the doctors should have rightfully been returned to Cuba.
I wait to hear what you have to say about the usefulness of a Bahamas embassy in Cuba……I anticipate that it will generate much debate.
Adrian:
I am not sure how quite true that is, but, if it is it is a very troubling turn of events. We need to have our foot on the ground, for the time when Cuba truly opens up. Closing the door, will only make sure we do not have a good foot in, when the market forces, heehhehee, decide to take over in Cuba. Then again, it may just be a ambassador recall, as it tends to happen sometimes. But, the recall of an ambassador from the Bahamas, does not signify that they will close relations with the Bahamas, and not send another one, and/or, we will be closing our embassy in Cuba.
Rick:
The dentist fiasco was an AMERICAN issue. Not a Cuban issue primarily. Second, the FIASCO, was brought on by political power hungry U.S. congressmen, who wanted to pander to the votes in South Fla. They don’t give a rats tail end about any dentist. Third, we have the BEST relations with Cuba in the last 5 years, than what we had at any time…the Bahamas actually made an effort. Lastly, the amount of Bahamian tourists, for pleasure or medical, the amount of students and any possible trade relations, we should have a consulate or embassy in every Caribbean country; this is what regional integration brings about. But, we are not interested, so your premise is right that we may not need embassies in said countries. However, do not expect any regional support or integration after we take that stand. The Bahamas is not well thought of by the other countries, IF, they think of us at all. We should stop being stuck up, and act like we are a Caribbean country sometimes….JMO!
Thanks Bill.
I won’t respond here. You’ll see my answer in the blog I am preparing to post later this week.
Bill, I could not agree with you more.
I just hope that Ingraham does not follow through with his plans to curb relations with Cuba beginning with the downgrade of our embassy there.
You make a lot of sense Bill!
Say, what’s your thoughts on the separation of church and state, particularly following BCC president John Humes’ controversial comments?
I really hope that the short-sighted decision to close the Cuban embassy is being actively reconsidered behind closed doors.