Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Nevada politicians, advocate react to shift in Cuba policy

Nevada’s reaction to President Obama’s announcement on re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba has been mixed.

Some expressed concern over Obama’s efforts to weaken the country’s embargo against Cuba, while others responded with elation over the release of American Alan Gross, who was imprisoned in Cuba for five years.

Here’s a sampling of what people had to say:

Shelley Berkley

Shelley Berkley

• Former Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley, who sat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee when she represented the Las Vegas area for seven terms through 2012, said: “The Jewish community has been working on freeing Alan Gross for as long as I can remember. I am delighted that after all of this time, the Cuban government is allowing Alan Gross to come home to his loved ones.”

Joe Heck

Joe Heck

• Rep. Joe Heck, a Republican representing Boulder City and Henderson who sits on the House Intelligence Committee — which deals in part with Cuba — has lobbied with Berkley to free Gross.

But he said Wednesday he has concerns about the message Obama’s deal with Cuba sends to the world. “Would other American diplomats be used as bargaining chips in the future?” Heck asked in a prepared statement.

He also said he has concerns “Cuba’s dictatorial regime has done nothing to suggest they will move toward democracy and a more inclusive economy” and that increased trade with Cuba would benefit the regime rather than Cuban citizens.

• Maria Caminero, president of the Las Vegas Cuban Heritage Foundation, called this “the worst possible time” to loosen America’s embargo on Cuban travel.

She said the U.S. should send a message to Cuban leaders by severing all ties.

“I think if we would have taken it in the reverse direction, it would have taken a max of six months before the government there would crumble,” said Caminero, an immigrant whose family fled Cuba after her father was imprisoned for 17 years for expressing opposition to Cuba’s leadership.

“While Obama was speaking, Raul Castro was talking about repression here in America against blacks,” Caminero said. “He was using this for his own gain and propaganda. Americans do not understand who they’re dealing with.” ​

Harry Reid

Harry Reid

• Sen. Harry Reid, the Democrats’ leader, appeared ambivalent in a statement: “I remain concerned about human rights and political freedom inside Cuba, but I support moving forward toward a new path with Cuba.”

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy