Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator –  Tuesday January 12, 1999

Time for a new look at Cuba

It has taken almost 40 years, but the United States is finally beginning to realize that its hard line toward Cuba has failed. President Bill Clinton, better late than never, is recognizing that the trade embargo against Cuba is an ineffective way to promote democracy and human rights in Fidel Castro’s dictatorship. Sadly, however, prospects for a rapid thaw in the costly deep freeze between Cuba and the U.S. remain elusive.

Two obstacles — Clinton’s reluctance to take bold action to ease the embargo, and Castro’s hostility to even limited American overtures toward Cuba — keep Washington and Havana in a no-win stand-off. It doesn’t make sense. An end to American economic sanctions on Cuba can’t come a moment too soon. Lifting the embargo has the most potential to force Castro’s repressive regime to change.

Clinton took a helpful, if modest, step to break the ice last week. He announced a further loosening of sanctions against Cuba, such as expanding direct charter flights to the island, allowing direct mail service, and encouraging exchanges of athletes, scientists and other professionals. Building on an easing of the embargo last March, Clinton is making a tacit admission that American policy toward Cuba is failing. The Americans are heading down the road of dialogue and engagement toward Cuba, as Canada has done for decades. But Clinton is moving too slowly, evidently for fear of upsetting the anti-Castro lobby in Florida and hardline Republican congressmen.

A growing number of influential political and business voices want Clinton to take more dramatic action. A non-partisan commission, including Republican heavyweights such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, volunteered to study alternative policies toward Cuba. Clinton should take that opportunity. If the U.S. were to end the embargo,  Castro would be deprived of his most potent propaganda weapon, his litany of complaints about the U.S.

Castro is as much to blame for the paralysis as unsuccessful American policy. Apart from occasional public relations gestures, s uch as Pope John Paul’s visit last year,  Castro shows little interest in easing the harsh realities of his regime. He has long insisted that Cuba will not allow democratic elections. True to form,  Castro’s government denounced Clinton’s latest overtures. Castro would have reciprocated if he was truly interested in helping ordinary Cubans to survive the hardships of the embargo. The sanctions cost Cuba an estimated $800-million (U.S.) every year.

The aging dictator’s refusal to co-operate with the U.S. dampens hopes for an early transition to democracy. Perhaps he’ll listen to Canada, a big supplier of foreign investment and tourists. Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy last week urged Castro to release more political dissidents. Cuba freed several political prisoners after Prime Minister Jean Chretien visited last year. There was no immediate sign that Castro would budge this time.

Few leaders are as intractable and short-sighted as Castro. However, that doesn’t excuse the mistakes made by the U.S. in Cuban policy. As long as the American embargo remains,  Castro will continue a propaganda war that helps him — but doesn’t do anything for long-suffering Cubans. (Source: Hamilton Spectator editorial)

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Cuban Reflections: 25 Years After a Cartoon, A Glimpse Into Today

In 1999, I sketched an editorial cartoon for the Hamilton Spectator, capturing the poignant image of Lloyd Axworthy, Canada’s foreign affairs minister at the time, known then and thereafter as a champion for human rights, engaged in a bear hug diplomacy with Cuban President Fidel Castro. Little did I know that a quarter-century later, the relations between Canada and Cuba would remain relatively cordial, in stark contrast to the rocky path the United States has treaded in its dealings with the island nation.

Back then, my cartoon accompanied an editorial that lamented the ineffective nature of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, expressing hope for a thaw in the icy relations. President Bill Clinton took some steps to ease the embargo, acknowledging the need for dialogue, much like Canada had practiced for decades. However, the political standoff persisted, held back by reluctance on both sides.

Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has changed. Fidel Castro has passed away, succeeded by his brother Raul for a decade before a new, non-revolutionary leader assumed power. My personal encounter with Cuba in 2014 revealed a nation marked by its resilience, rich culture, and a deep appreciation for art despite economic hardships.

In 2014, the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists (ACEC) ventured to Havana for a convention, exposing us to a side of Cuba that goes beyond political rhetoric. Our visit included tours of UNESCO World Heritage towns, revealing a nation proud of its history. However, the possibility of repression loomed large, as press freedom in Cuba ranked disconcertingly low globally.

The economic and political freedoms in Cuba seemed trapped in a quagmire, exacerbated by the enduring American trade embargo. Yet, the Cuban people, in the face of adversity, embraced art fervently, their creativity spilling onto the streets like a beacon of hope.

Our interactions with local illustrators and cartoonists showcased a vibrant and diverse artistic community. They navigated the delicate balance of pushing creative boundaries while avoiding repercussions from the government. The cartoons often targeted the United States, revealing a population well-informed about global events and critical of the pitfalls of capitalism.

Ramses Morales Izquierdo, a Cuban illustrator, became our guide and friend, offering us a glimpse into the less-traveled parts of his town. His passion for his country and optimism about its future resonated deeply. Raul Castro’s tentative steps toward private investment and entrepreneurship were evident, albeit with challenges.

As I reflect on my visit to Cuba in 2014 and the subsequent years, it’s disheartening to see that the hope kindled during the days of Obama has dimmed. The island’s economic and political challenges persist, and the spectre of over-commercialization looms. The unique blend of Cuban culture and resilience may face a new wave of change, with the inevitable influx of global brands and franchises.

I find myself echoing the sentiments expressed in the 1999 editorial – a hope that Cuba can choose its destiny unencumbered by old grievances and external pressures. The journey of this Caribbean nation, from the days of my cartoon to the present, serves as a microcosm of the complexities and challenges inherent in international relations and the delicate dance between politics and art.

Canada, Cuba, Fidel Castro, Lloyd Axworthy, human rights, hugging, diplomacy, foreign, relations, hugs, Silver Reflection