Georgetown Americas Institute

On April 7, 2016 the conversation with former U.S. secretary of commerce Carlos Gutierrez opened with a loaded question: why did the secretary change his stance from supporting to opposing the U.S. embargo on Cuba?

Secretary Gutierrez responded that while the embargo was put in place with the expectation that Cubans would rise up against their government, he later realized that the policy was actually hurting the Cuban people rather than the regime. It was unfair, and reconciliation was needed.

In his remarks and responses, Gutierrez addressed the symbolic significance of President Obama’s recent visit to Cuba, a trip he stated would “go down in history.” Despite his differing political views (the former secretary is a Republican, as he made a point to highlight), he praised President Obama for his accomplishments on the trip and the way he addressed even the most controversial issues in a very diplomatic way.

When asked about the biggest misconception Americans had of Cubans, Gutierrez was quick to answer: the widespread belief that Cubans hate Americans. While accompanying President Obama on his visit to Cuba, the secretary said that Cubans’ reception of the American president was very positive, which he interpreted as a reflection of their hope for a better future. Nonetheless, the secretary views the lifting of the embargo as a two-way street: the United States and Cuba have much to offer to each other culturally and economically, but both countries must open their ports to facilitate the flow of products and people.  

Secretary Gutierrez also raised a concern about whether Cuba will be ready when the embargo is lifted. There will be a growing interest among multinational firms to establish offices in Cuba to capitalize on the abundance of Cuban talent (very skilled workers), more travel between the countries, a growth in the tourism industry, more intense capital flows etc. As such, many adjustments will need to be made in the organization of Cuba’s economic system, red tape will need to be reduced, and the country’s infrastructure will need to be improved in order to accommodate these changes and guarantee foreign interest. 

Regarding the polemic issue of human rights, the secretary opined that disagreement over this issue should not prevent the United States from seeking to normalize relations with Cuba. He noted that the new possibilities for Cuban citizens to make a living that lifting the embargo would facilitate would bring human rights gains themselves, and that that possibility should not be blocked. In addition, he stated that while the American government may disagree with Cuba’s policies, ultimately Cuban policy will be made in Cuba, not in the United States This comment reflected an important change in attitude, away from one that historically complicated U.S.-Cuban relations. 

While the secretary was less certain about Cuba’s political situation in the short run, the country’s longer-term future looks prosperous in his eyes, with the flourishing of new private businesses and increasing trade flows. The country will need to adopt many changes as it adapts to a new reality, continuously reforming and growing.