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Team USA returns to Havana

Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 2:22 PM
Filed Under:

By Mary Murray, NBC News Havana Bureau Chief

HAVANA – Washington and Havana must travel a long road in order to re-establish relations broken almost 50 years ago, but both governments seem ready to take the first cautious steps.

At the suggestion of the Obama White House, the two sides plan to sit down to talk about immigration issues and restoring direct mail service.

The Cuban government not only agreed to the talks, but also suggested taking further steps. Havana believes the two adversaries could cooperate in fighting terrorism, drug trafficking and hurricane disasters.

While just the tip of the iceberg in the U.S.-Cuba cold war, this warming trend helped a group of American athletes to travel to the island this past weekend for the first time in 12 years.  

Team USA came here to compete with 240 athletes from 15 countries in a two-day track and field meet for the America’s Cup in combined events. 

Chris Boyles, who has been ranked as a U.S. top 10 decathlon champion on three occasions, wasn’t sure how the logistics were worked out. "But I got the call about the trip and I couldn’t turn down this opportunity," he said.

Watch this video of the U.S. track and field team's returns to Cuba. 

Ashley Wilhelm Andres saw the trip as an opportunity to pit herself against Cuban athletes as part of her preparation for the June 25 USA Track and Field meet in Eugene, Ore. "The Cubans are tough competitors," she said.

Doug Logan, the Chief Executive Officer of USA Track & Field, the national governing body for the sport, is in talks with Cuban sports officials to increase track and field events between the two countries.

"As an organization, we had an obligation to re-establish friendships in the Caribbean and re-establish the people-to-people tradition we had with the Cuban people," Logan said.

Cuban national sports commissioner Esteban Brice welcomed the American participation while U.S. team manager John Turk stressed the sportsmanship of the event. "It always seems like sports transcends political boundaries," Turk said. "We are not here to play politics. We just want to compete."

And at the end of the day, both Cuba and the Team USA walked away with one gold medal from the tournament – but Cuba won more medals overall: four to two for the U.S.

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Comments

This is great. I can only hope that all restrictions against Cuba will soon be lifted. The embargo is a stale leftover from the cold war era and long past its time. We should help our neighbors to the south in every way we can. The Cuban people are a good people and deserve our help. Also I would like to point out that it was the US who left Cuba, not the other way around. So it is up to us to put the first foot forward in normalizing relations with them. We must go to Cuba and say, "We are your neighbors who want to work with you and you with us.  We want to trade with you and normalize our relations with you."  When we come around they will also.  Maybe Cube has a bad human rights record. Well, so do we ie. Gitmo.  We are trying to clean up our black eye, maybe with our example and normalization of relations Cuba would have an incentive to do the same.

James Roberson, Cookeville, TN (Sent Tuesday, June 02, 2009 10:43 PM)

This is the way to re-establish relations.

Dathias, Newport News (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 12:38 AM)

any problems in the world would be  & can be solved by communication efferts from both sides . Competetion an even [sprot]  by its self way of communicateing and competing at the same time . We all witness when its come to compete in a event One piont we are focuse and that is to give our best effert . Thank you poor English

samey noori Dunedin Florida (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 1:23 AM)

A point of contention: "this warming trend helped a group of American athletes to travel to the island this past weekend for the first time in 12 years."

This is untrue.  Unless you're specifically talking about Track and Field Athletes (which, in this statement, isn't clear), I feel compelled to tell your readers that the US Men's National Team (Soccer) traveled to Havana several months ago for the first time in nearly five decades to compete in regional World Cup qualifying.

Tommy M (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 3:17 AM)

It is good to see our relations with Cuba improving.  It is unfortunate that innocent human beings suffer due to political posturing.  I believe that more light needs to be shed on the history of Castro's Cuba.  I have met many Cuban's and my take is that they want what we all want, a decent standard of living.  They have incredible athletes. They have much to offer the world if we can get by the political nonsense going on for over 50 years.  As far as the U.S. is concerned, our position is on human rights, etc., same old rhetoric, is truly lame.  If any American could witness the true damage done by our country to the Cubans over the past 50 years, it would be our human rights position in question.  Let's hope a resolve can be accomplished in the near future so Cuba's beautiful people and country can be shared with America.

timothy james, Dover Foxcroft, Me. (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 7:56 AM)

Excellent. Roll back all the US restrictions and let the people of the US show the politicians how to negotiate peace. This is just another example of why the Obama administration should continue to move forward in US-Cuba policy and abandon all the cold war rhetoric which has done nothing for either Country.

El Chino,Tampa,Florida (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 8:07 AM)

This “warming trend” started well before any suggestion of the Obama White House.  It is not true to say that “this warming trend helped a group of American athletes to travel to the island this past weekend for the first time in 12 years.”  The US Men’s National Soccer Team played in Havana in September 2008 against the national team of Cuba, clearly before the Obama Administration had any involvement.  
From the US Soccer website:
HAVANA, Cuba (September 6, 2008) - In their first trip to Havana in 61 years, the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Cuba, 1-0, to move into first place in Group 1 in the Semifinal Round of FIFA World Cup qualifying. Clint Dempsey provided the game-winner with an opportunistic strike in the 40th minute to give the U.S. the three valuable points.

Coach Ken, Roxbury NJ (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 8:55 AM)

I have to disagree with the the following comments left by previous readers. I believe, as a Cuban-American, that you need to take account the violations of the Cuban government today like the violations of human rights and the many freedoms that billions of people in this world have. If you ask many in the Cuban-American community, they don't support the embargo because of "Cold War" problems but because the of the wrongdoings of the Cuban government today. We just want our family in the island to have the same opportunities that we have and I don't believe that will happen if we legitimize the Cuban regime by opening relations with them without anything in return. All we want is the release of all political prisoners and basic freedoms promised to the Cuban people!

El Pingu, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 10:04 AM)

This is a good sign. Hopefully one day soon it can work the other direction as well. The Cuban soccer team pulled out of this summer's Gold Cup because they've lost so many players to defection. I hope it can one day extend to Cuban defectees. The Cuban team would be so much better with all those players that defected to the US. A good Cuban soccer team would be a great boost to soccer in CONCACAF.

Eric Vormelker (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 10:59 AM)

Several years back National Georgraphic did a marvelous article on CUBA. I was in a small restaurant in Pacific Grove, CA. I started up a conversations with a gentleman who told me his story. His dad was the Chief of Police in CUBA. The times were so tough that they left everything to come to the USA. They arrived in the 50's and left behind a life of wealth and beauty. Today everything they have they earned. We met several more times as I have always had a fascintation of going to CUBA. He spoke of how I could get their but it sounded wasy to risky. I pray that God Blesses us with the opportunity to as least travel there. I thought this was a democracy. Some how I cannot believe we can go to Jerusalem but not CUBA. (Because of KENNEDY.) I am so tired of the "GOOD OLE BOY NETWORK" that I am glad to see it all crashing. I think things may begin to change for the better. All Aboard for CUBA by 9-09 I think. smile...To all good yolks from A Good Egg.smile

A Good Egg Round Rock, Texas (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 11:01 AM)

The embargo was not placed against the cuban people . Unfortunately , the government of cuba caused this action . now the people suffer . Of course the people want the embargo lifted . When the cuban government complies with U.S. demands , it will be lifted . But for some reason U.S. demands seem too harsh ? Liberalism is "standing on your head and telling the rest of trhe world they are upside down".

joe lunchbox, Pittsburgh , Pa. (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 11:53 AM)

This is to Tommy M. and Coach Ken:
The point is that things are changing and being followed up by the Obama Administration. Who gives a flying hoot about who was there before, soccer and worthless scores. Go watch ESPN.

Freedom Man (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 12:33 PM)

I disagree with those who claim the Embargo was the fault of the uSA.
The real Embargo is within Cuba itself and it is not imposed, implemented bye the USA but rather by Kastro's regime itself.
Or let's  put it this way:
WHO PROHIBIT THE CUBANS TO FISH in their own coastal lines or shores ? ANSWER : KASTRO'S REGIME.
WHO HAS CONFISCATED 90% OF IT AND LET THE FARM LAND COVERED BY MARABU AND OTHER WEEDS ?
tHAT  GANGSTER  ,kASTRO, NEVER  WAS  SINCERE OR HONEST WHEN HE CAME TO THE usa AFTER TAKING OVER IN CUBA.
He even ordered to his accompaning  team not to aks for any asssitance  to  any of the representatives of the USA, his  agenda or plan was already well thought  from way before that day. he was palanning the rupture of the Relations between both nations.!
The way or  tactic to get to that  point was to nationalize , confiscate or steal all private properties in Cuba, BOTH FOREIGNERS AND CUBANA companies and properties or business!
No mater what  type or size the private business were
he ordered to nationalize  everyting. By this the dictator  meant to criple any possible reaction or  resistance in the future to his  power.All of thi was an orientation or guided by the Communist party    of Cuba.
So the blame for the rupture lies in kastro camp...not in the USA, which prior to that offered three times  ,in three consecutive Diplomatic Notes, sent to kastro, the willingness to assist   Economically the island of Cuba.

Peter Martori (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 3:12 PM)

The cold war is over. Cuba doesn't have the Soviet Union to back them up any more. The Castros are getting old and will shortly be replaced by someone else. If we can get good relations going with Cuba that new government may be less hostile toward us and may actually be able to be brought to our way of thinking rather than the Communism they have had since the revolution way back before most Americans were born.

Few people remember that it was the US who, in a small way, helped Castro get into power over Bautista who was a dictator we didn't like. Castro wanted certain things besides support and he got those things not from us but from the USSR. So we had an enemy 90 miles off our coast. Times have, however, changed and so has the world. It is now time for Cuba and the US to make nice and look for common ground where both countries can benefit from a good relationship between them.

eagle1776 (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 3:15 PM)

I love Fidel and I love Communist Cuba...please don't say the abvious. Lets celebrate being inclusive and our diversity. Lets relax. Thank you.

Mario Rios Pinot NYC (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 3:42 PM)

So the Obama administration means reconciliation and friendship. This could lead better economy and trust.

lance - Outsourcing services (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 9:46 PM)

Dont ever forget that Fidel Castro wanted to push the button and start a nuclear war that would have resulted in the destruction of the entire world!! He also made arraingments to have President Kennedy assasinated! Kennedy saved the world and gave his life to the people of the world! After the Cuban missile crisis, Fidel Castro and his henchmen had him killed! The Mafia is better than these idiots and we will get our properties back come hell or high water! The embargo continues until the seized properties are returned to the rightful owners and thats it thats all folks! Kevin Corcoran.

Kevin Corcoran, Kingston, On. CANADA. (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 11:16 PM)

The best thing that can happen now for the US interests in the region is to lift the useless embargo that only kept Castro in power for 50 plus years. Why the past US administrations did not treat China, North Korea, Chile and many others with worst human rigths failure, the same way?

Edwin Gonzalez, San Juan, Puerto Rico (Sent Thursday, June 04, 2009 10:44 AM)

Sports should have never been part of the embargo or sanctions to Cuba but we need to be careful on how to help the cuban people and not approve the way the cuban goverment has acted during all these years.
The lack of democracy for 50 years is a shame!!!

Concerned, El Paso, TX (Sent Thursday, June 04, 2009 11:59 AM)

As a Cuban-American who suffered in Castro's political prisoner camp for three years in complete darkness with food only given 3 times per week, please do not dare to compare Gitmo to Castro's human rights treatment.  Please get informed prior to making such ridiculous accusations/statements.  There is absolutely no comparison.    
The embargo must continue until the regime realizes what they have created.  The state of Cuba is due to Cuban policies, and NOT the embargo.
Respectfully submitted.
An aging Cuban American who knows and truely appreciates all that America has given me.      

rc (Sent Thursday, June 04, 2009 3:01 PM)

Ok Pingu .I'm Cuban, Born there and Just because You live well off in Chicago doesnt mean the Regular people (which at one point I was) Have to suffer. I'm tired of all this Cuban that are against Opening Relations based on "Human Rights"

Yes tue but at the same time the people of Cuba dont have to live in poverty because of the Embargo. We all know the the Castros are not going to starve but the people will.

Enrique, Miami Fl (Sent Thursday, June 04, 2009 6:44 PM)

Funny how none of the Cuban mafia down in Miami ever talks about what Cuba was like under Batista.Health care?Education?HAHAHAHA.Yea,right.Most of the population was starving while the few owned and controlled everything just like most of Latin America.Maybe Castro isn't perfect,but he sure cares more about his people than that murderous mafioso Batista.

Dimitri (Sent Friday, June 05, 2009 10:15 AM)

cuban are good people and neighbor in a simple way. we shares a lot of their cultures and heritages, please let forget and forgive the time frame brought by a different ideology which is like any other country basically believing to protect the interest of their own people. they did not do any physical damage to our country confared to the two nations germany and japan who brought destructions to the world. after the war we help and rebuild their country. 50 years is a long time that made the people sufferd and isolated becuase of what they believe and struggles , it is about time to think what we can do for them now as humans, let's think as a human rule by god's will, because i know we pray the same way.....

sonny galang, highlands, new jersey (Sent Saturday, June 06, 2009 9:49 AM)

God Bless the U. S. and Cuba!

t,montgomery (Sent Saturday, June 06, 2009 5:52 PM)

Cuba stole property owned by Americans.  This is why we stopped talking to them in the first place.  So, apparently, other countries can start nationalizing the property of Americans, and steal from us at gunpoint?  You know, just as long as they wait 50 years for us to forget about it?

Casual Observer (Sent Sunday, June 07, 2009 2:23 AM)

el pingu (june 03) is completely out of tone in this conversation and out of touch in the reality of cuba-usa relations history...
shut the f.... off...

gdscks, tampa, FL (Sent Sunday, June 07, 2009 9:06 AM)

It looks like the embargo it is not working at least vs the cuban goverment, unfortunately the people in the isle is suffering but not the regimen. It seems there is a time for a change. In South Africa most countries support to finish the apartheid unfortunately in Cuba there has been a similar kind of system for almost 50 years and many countries do not support the ending of that system. I hope this step is to help the Cuban people and stablish democracy and not for business people in america go to get cheaper labor or cheaper prostitutes. Cuban people needs desesperately the support of the international community

Ric, Miami, FL (Sent Sunday, June 07, 2009 9:05 PM)



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