U.S Continues Bullying Cuba
Byrnzie
Posts: 21,037
Bank ditches UK firms trading with Cuba
The Guardian
Monday June 16 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/16/lloydstsbgroup.banking
'A Somerset health shop selling Cuban sugar and a London tobacconist dealing in Habanos cigars are among British businesses told by a bank to cut their ties with the island or move their accounts.
Lloyds TSB has written to customers who have dealings with Cuba saying they will have take their accounts elsewhere, apparently in the wake of threats by the US government, which operates an embargo against Cuba.
The US has said it will prosecute any businesses that have any dealings with Cuba and also have a branch in the US.
The Queenswood Natural Foods company, of Bridgwater in Somerset, started buying sugar from Cuba last year and has found it to be a popular line.
Last month, the company received a letter from Lloyds TSB saying that the bank had "recently reviewed its approach to dealing with countries and entities that are subject to government and international sanctions across the globe in order to best protect its customers, its businesses, its people and its reputation". It was no longer prepared to authorise payments from the company to buy sugar from Cuba.
Lloyds TSB has told a tobacco importer trading with the island for more than a century, dealing in the famous Habanos cigars, that it must also make alternative arrangements.
Spelling out the new policy, Phil Markey, relationship director at Lloyds TSB, is apologetic. "I would like to find a way to continue to make these payments for you - the decision however is down to a full risk assessment process within Lloyds TSB," he wrote in a letter at the end of May. "I must advise you to find alternative ways of making payments to your suppliers with Cuban connections."
The Cuban embassy was critical of the bank's move, saying the Bush administration, in continuing the US's "illegal, worldwide economic warfare against Cuba", had been increasingly resorting to pressure through business and finance.
Businesses affected are angered by the decision, but some are reluctant to go public as they try and find other banks. "It is mystifying," said one businessman. "We are able to trade with China and Vietnam but apparently not Cuba. It seems a nonsense."
Lloyds TSB declined to answer questions on its policy over Cuba and whether it had been subjected to threats of legal action in the US. "We would not disclose details of our relationships or discussions with individual customers," said a spokesman.
The Labour MP Ian Gibson, chairman of the all-party Cuba group, condemned Lloyds TSB's action. "We will be taking action against this vindictive political campaign," he said yesterday.
The Guardian
Monday June 16 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/16/lloydstsbgroup.banking
'A Somerset health shop selling Cuban sugar and a London tobacconist dealing in Habanos cigars are among British businesses told by a bank to cut their ties with the island or move their accounts.
Lloyds TSB has written to customers who have dealings with Cuba saying they will have take their accounts elsewhere, apparently in the wake of threats by the US government, which operates an embargo against Cuba.
The US has said it will prosecute any businesses that have any dealings with Cuba and also have a branch in the US.
The Queenswood Natural Foods company, of Bridgwater in Somerset, started buying sugar from Cuba last year and has found it to be a popular line.
Last month, the company received a letter from Lloyds TSB saying that the bank had "recently reviewed its approach to dealing with countries and entities that are subject to government and international sanctions across the globe in order to best protect its customers, its businesses, its people and its reputation". It was no longer prepared to authorise payments from the company to buy sugar from Cuba.
Lloyds TSB has told a tobacco importer trading with the island for more than a century, dealing in the famous Habanos cigars, that it must also make alternative arrangements.
Spelling out the new policy, Phil Markey, relationship director at Lloyds TSB, is apologetic. "I would like to find a way to continue to make these payments for you - the decision however is down to a full risk assessment process within Lloyds TSB," he wrote in a letter at the end of May. "I must advise you to find alternative ways of making payments to your suppliers with Cuban connections."
The Cuban embassy was critical of the bank's move, saying the Bush administration, in continuing the US's "illegal, worldwide economic warfare against Cuba", had been increasingly resorting to pressure through business and finance.
Businesses affected are angered by the decision, but some are reluctant to go public as they try and find other banks. "It is mystifying," said one businessman. "We are able to trade with China and Vietnam but apparently not Cuba. It seems a nonsense."
Lloyds TSB declined to answer questions on its policy over Cuba and whether it had been subjected to threats of legal action in the US. "We would not disclose details of our relationships or discussions with individual customers," said a spokesman.
The Labour MP Ian Gibson, chairman of the all-party Cuba group, condemned Lloyds TSB's action. "We will be taking action against this vindictive political campaign," he said yesterday.
Post edited by Unknown User on
0
Comments
-
youd think after nearly 50 years theyd give it up. dumbarses. :rolleyes:hear my name
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say0 -
Byrnzie wrote:Bank ditches UK firms trading with Cuba
The Guardian
Monday June 16 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/16/lloydstsbgroup.banking
'A Somerset health shop selling Cuban sugar and a London tobacconist dealing in Habanos cigars are among British businesses told by a bank to cut their ties with the island or move their accounts.
Lloyds TSB has written to customers who have dealings with Cuba saying they will have take their accounts elsewhere, apparently in the wake of threats by the US government, which operates an embargo against Cuba.
The US has said it will prosecute any businesses that have any dealings with Cuba and also have a branch in the US.
The Queenswood Natural Foods company, of Bridgwater in Somerset, started buying sugar from Cuba last year and has found it to be a popular line.
Last month, the company received a letter from Lloyds TSB saying that the bank had "recently reviewed its approach to dealing with countries and entities that are subject to government and international sanctions across the globe in order to best protect its customers, its businesses, its people and its reputation". It was no longer prepared to authorise payments from the company to buy sugar from Cuba.
Lloyds TSB has told a tobacco importer trading with the island for more than a century, dealing in the famous Habanos cigars, that it must also make alternative arrangements.
Spelling out the new policy, Phil Markey, relationship director at Lloyds TSB, is apologetic. "I would like to find a way to continue to make these payments for you - the decision however is down to a full risk assessment process within Lloyds TSB," he wrote in a letter at the end of May. "I must advise you to find alternative ways of making payments to your suppliers with Cuban connections."
The Cuban embassy was critical of the bank's move, saying the Bush administration, in continuing the US's "illegal, worldwide economic warfare against Cuba", had been increasingly resorting to pressure through business and finance.
Businesses affected are angered by the decision, but some are reluctant to go public as they try and find other banks. "It is mystifying," said one businessman. "We are able to trade with China and Vietnam but apparently not Cuba. It seems a nonsense."
Lloyds TSB declined to answer questions on its policy over Cuba and whether it had been subjected to threats of legal action in the US. "We would not disclose details of our relationships or discussions with individual customers," said a spokesman.
The Labour MP Ian Gibson, chairman of the all-party Cuba group, condemned Lloyds TSB's action. "We will be taking action against this vindictive political campaign," he said yesterday.
The US's actions against Cuba are simply pathetic. I can't honestly believe that in this day and age our government still refuses to deal with Cuba simply because 40+ years ago they stood up to US hegemony."When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
Sugar Lobby.... Tobacco Lobby.... and the respective senators and congressmen from those states....
Honestly... at this point. The next president needs to take a stand to end this ridiculousness... The cold war is freaking over. This is just assinine.
US Sugar and Tobacco like a lot of other US companies who don't like the idea of actually having to compete in thier business... like using the government to thier advantage.... this is where I find it laughable when our US officials espouse the free market... really? Where is there free competition?My Girlfriend said to me..."How many guitars do you need?" and I replied...."How many pairs of shoes do you need?" She got really quiet.0 -
blah blah blah... stupid men tugging on their tools not wanting to show any progress for fear it be misinterpretted as weakness. men in power are pathetic.
hear my name
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say0 -
This is definitely well past the point of stupidity now ... Like someone else said, the Cold War is over. The U.S. deals with China, Vietnam ... The Cuba thing is just arbitrary now.0
-
mammasan wrote:I can't honestly believe that in this day and age our government still refuses to deal with Cuba simply because 40+ years ago they stood up to US hegemony.
Cuba was on the other side in the Cold War ... It wasn't really about U.S. hegemony at that time, although it certainly bothered people to have a Communist state right at the doorstep. One with enough protection that the U.S. couldn't stamp it out.0 -
We'll take their baseball players though.6-27-98 Alpine Valley
10-8-00 Alpine Valley
10-9-00 All State Arena, Chicago
4-23-03 Assembly Hall, Champaign
5-16-06 United Center, Chicago
6-30-06 Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee
8-05-07 Grant Park, Chicago
8-21-08 EV, Auditorium Theater, Chicago
8-22-08 EV, Auditorium Theater, Chicago0 -
reborncareerist wrote:Cuba was on the other side in the Cold War ... It wasn't really about U.S. hegemony at that time, although it certainly bothered people to have a Communist state right at the doorstep. One with enough protection that the U.S. couldn't stamp it out.
The Castro government turned to the Soviets for aid after the US started carrying out acts of aggression towards Cuba. Originally the Eisenhower administration welcomed Castro's take over of Cuba and even helped his revolution by refusing to provide Batista with more military aid to combat Castro's growing army."When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
I like vacationing there very much.
I found heaven on earth one one particular isolated beach. Just as Hemingway described it, and said the exact same.Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
(\__/)
( o.O)
(")_(")0 -
RolandTD20Kdrummer wrote:I like vacationing there very much.
I found heaven on earth one one particular isolated beach. Just as Hemingway described it, and said the exact same.
Which beach?"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
(\__/)
( o.O)
(")_(")0 -
RolandTD20Kdrummer wrote:I'm not telling, It's starts with a P though.
Ever beach in Cuba starts with a P. Playa is spanish for beach. Did you go to Varadero?"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
mammasan wrote:Ever beach in Cuba starts with a P. Playa is spanish for beach. Did you go to Varadero?
Yes playa means beach...the name comes after playa. Not Varadero, too crowded. This is well off the beaten pathProgress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
(\__/)
( o.O)
(")_(")0 -
RolandTD20Kdrummer wrote:Yes playa means beach...the name comes after playa. Not Varadero, too crowded. This is well off the beaten path
Was is Pescador, Paraiso, or Pesquero?"When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
one of the things that has been consistent in US policy over the decades has been the need to stamp out any alternatives to capitalism. Even within US borders.
In Cuba's case its understandable why they still have the embargo-Cuba is succeeding.
It as poor as any country on the planet yet you see footage of Cubans constantly smiling. They have a strip of beach, maybe 10 miles or so, that is a constant party. Moral is very high, and they have a very strong sense of community, almost anywhere you go. Cuba, as poor as it is, is succeeding.0 -
Commy wrote:one of the things that has been consistent in US policy over the decades has been the need to stamp out any alternatives to capitalism. Even within US borders.
In Cuba's case its understandable why they still have the embargo-Cuba is succeeding.
It as poor as any country on the planet yet you see footage of Cubans constantly smiling. They have a strip of beach, maybe 10 miles or so, that is a constant party. Moral is very high, and they have a very strong sense of community, almost anywhere you go. Cuba, as poor as it is, is succeeding.
I have a lot of family that still lives there and I wouldn't say that they are succeeding or even smiling all the time. there is a lot of hardship there because their economy is basically in ruins. What our government fails to see, as well as many of the Cuban ex-pats living in this country, is that total isolation is not going to produce any results."When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
It seems one of the biggest obstacles Cuba is facing is US foreign policy.mammasan wrote:I have a lot of family that still lives there and I wouldn't say that they are succeeding or even smiling all the time. there is a lot of hardship there because their economy is basically in ruins. What our government fails to see, as well as many of the Cuban ex-pats living in this country, is that total isolation is not going to produce any results.
But why do you think the US gov't is failing to see the result of the policy they've chosen?0 -
Commy wrote:It seems one of the biggest obstacles Cuba is facing is US foreign policy.
But why do you think the US gov't is failing to see the result of the policy they've chosen?
Let me correct myself. I believe that Washington does know that their policy towards Cuba is a complete failure, but lobbying groups and the large and well organized Cuban-American constituents in what is usually a swing state, are absolutely blind to it's effectiveness. And you know both parties will bow to pressure from these groups because they need their support to get into office."When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0 -
good call. Can't wait for Florida to sink.mammasan wrote:Let me correct myself. I believe that Washington does know that their policy towards Cuba is a complete failure, but lobbying groups and the large and well organized Cuban-American constituents in what is usually a swing state, are absolutely blind to it's effectiveness. And you know both parties will bow to pressure from these groups because they need their support to get into office.0 -
Commy wrote:good call. Can't wait for Florida to sink.
Well as far as the Cuban_American constituents are conserned change is coming. My generation, the first American born, for the most part view the embargo and the US foreign policy towards Cuba as a complete and utter failure. As the older generation passes on and the younger generations mature and start voting you will see the stance change."When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul0
Categories
- All Categories
- 149K Pearl Jam's Music and Activism
- 110.2K The Porch
- 282 Vitalogy
- 35.1K Given To Fly (live)
- 3.5K Words and Music...Communication
- 39.3K Flea Market
- 39.3K Lost Dogs
- 58.7K Not Pearl Jam's Music
- 10.6K Musicians and Gearheads
- 29.1K Other Music
- 17.8K Poetry, Prose, Music & Art
- 1.1K The Art Wall
- 56.8K Non-Pearl Jam Discussion
- 22.2K A Moving Train
- 31.7K All Encompassing Trip
- 2.9K Technical Stuff and Help