Bishop urges Bush to allow help for Cuba
-22/9/04
Episcopal Bishop Leo Frade of South East Florida, who is Cuban by birth, has urged US President George W. Bush to lift restrictions on Americans visiting Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.
On 30 June 2004 the US Congress limited visits to Cuba by US citizens to one every three years, by immediate family only. Violation of this law incurs fines and possible imprisonment. Faith groups have argued that it is a violation of human rights.
These restrictions should now be lifted so that Cuban-Americans can help their families, says Bishop Frade.
ìThe churches and other religious and community organisations [should] be able to assist the needy people of Cubaî, he declared.
ìThis is the time to set aside political constraints that severely limit our ability to respond to this great need."
The Episcopal Relief and Development organisation is already responding to Hurricane Ivan with assistance to communities, in spite of the financial and aid embargo.
Says Bishop Frade to the US President in a letter just released to the media: ì"Due to the restrictions recently imposed by your administration, Cuban-Americans are not permitted to help, visit or care for loved ones in Cuba who are now suffering severe deprivation after being hit by two hurricanes in less than a month. I appeal to your compassion and generosity, which has already been demonstrated in your quick response to the needs of Floridians in this disaster."
Nearly 1.5 million Cubans had to be evacuated in the wake of the hurricane. Churches played a significant role in assisting the process.
The World Council of Churches is also organising a team visit to Cuba in October to support local Christians and continue exchanges with the Castro government.
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