International News: U.S. removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism, easing decades-long sanctions; CARICOM says embargo must go next

Posted: Saturday, January 18, 2025. 10:49 am CST.

By Aaron Humes: In a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations, the Government of the United States announced on January 14 that it has rescinded Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This move has been met with widespread approval from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has long advocated for improved relations with the island nation.

Cuba has never been a member of CARICOM but in recent years has established bilateral ties in trade and economic cooperation, in addition to individual relations with CARICOM member states including Belize.

The decision comes after years of pressure on the U.S. government to reconsider its stance on Cuba, which many argue has been counterproductive and harmful to ordinary Cubans. By removing Cuba from the list, the U.S. aims to lift restrictions that have imposed severe economic and social hardships on its citizens.

CARICOM expressed its satisfaction with the decision, calling it a necessary step towards correcting what they described as a wrongfully imposed designation. The organization emphasized that the removal would help alleviate the economic struggles that have plagued the Cuban people for decades.

“This important decision serves as a beacon of hope for progress in U.S.-Cuba relations, marking the beginning of a new chapter that could foster mutual understanding and cooperation,” a CARICOM statement related.

In its continued advocacy for Cuba, CARICOM reiterated calls for the lifting of the financial, economic, and trade embargo that has long restricted the nation’s growth and development. The group has labelled these measures as outdated and discriminatory.

As the U.S. takes this monumental step, all eyes are now on the potential ramifications for Cuba’s economy and its relations with the wider Caribbean community and beyond. Observers are hopeful that this decision may pave the way for increased dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as a broader engagement with the Caribbean region as a whole.

The move is seen as a hopeful sign for many Cubans striving for a better future, and CARICOM’s support adds weight to the call for further changes in U.S. policy toward the island. The road ahead remains uncertain, but the recent developments have reignited discussions around normalization and partnership in the Americas.

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The post International News: U.S. removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism, easing decades-long sanctions; CARICOM says embargo must go next appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Saturday, January 18, 2025. 10:49 am CST. By Aaron Humes: In a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations, the Government of the United States announced on
The post International News: U.S. removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism, easing decades-long sanctions; CARICOM says embargo must go next appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.