They still believe they are going to see Hemingway having a drink over there at La Bodeguita. So how do you see that taking place? What do you see happening there as tourist keeps increasing and individuals do not go to the other destinations? Yes (What is a consumer finance company). Mr. Bernal. The return of Cuba to as a location for American tourists has both unfavorable and favorable results. In the short run it is a brand-new location. It is going to attract a great deal of financial investment and tourists there, which could divert, particularly, tourists from the nearest islands to Cuba such as the Bahamas and Dominican Republic, but it might impact the whole Caribbean.
What is very important for the Caribbean is to do the following: One, to keep the freshness of the tourist product and its worldwide competitiveness in cost and quality; and second of all, to look for the possibility of multiple location tourism. That is, some time in Cuba, some time in the remainder of the Caribbean, find collective ways. Last but not least, the Caribbean has remarkable tourism expertise and management which it can provide to Cuba in building Cuban tourism. Among the necessary things is to guarantee that as airlift originates from brand-new markets like China that the Caribbean likewise makes sure that it is competitive with the new locations.
So the Caribbean faces competition, but it is a market in the Caribbean which has revealed a capability to stay internationally competitive and appealing. I believe that the industry will continue to grow, however it needs to up its game because of the new competitors. Ms. Yearwood. I do not have a lot to add to Ambassador Bernal's point. International tourism grew by 4 percent in 2015; global trade grew by 2. 8 percent. So what we do understand it that the tourism market continues to expand and the Caribbean's development has actually been favorable for awhile now. So I believe on the whole, the Caribbean is succeeding.
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism did do a research study on the interruption that Cuba might trigger. However one of the points that there is, is that the U.S. is the only country that has the embargo on Cuba and other countries have actually been traveling to Cuba without any interference forever, I think, therefore that market is safe. You have the Canadians, the Europeans. To Ambassador Bernal's point the emerging Chinese and Asian market coming into the Caribbean, so I think it is both a challenge and a chance. However I believe as long the Caribbean does work on its competitive problems and does remain able to take on Cuba on cost and quality they ought to be alright.
Sires. Thank you. Mr. Duncan. Well, as you can see, on a day when sessions end and individuals are leaving town we have the committee members come even unforeseen to the chairman, which shows the significance that the Caribbean region is to our subcommittee, to Congress as an entire, and I believe to the federal government. We are going to continue diving into these problems and the wesley company determining ways that we can engage more, particularly due to Venezuela as we have discussed, and what may or might not take place with Petrocaribe. I think there is excellent chance. I discuss tasks, energy, and the founding fathers all the time.
So witnesses are advised there may be other concerns that are submitted and we ask you to react to those. We will leave the record open for 10 days. And we wish to thank you Eric, Sally, and Ambassador. What does etf stand for in finance. Thanks for coming and I anticipate continuing the discussion. Yes, thank you. Yes, sir. Mr. Bernal. It would be remiss of us if we didn't place on record our gratitude to you for your leadership and chairing of the committee and for convening this session to offer us an opportunity to share some views with you, and we position on record our gratitude.
Mr. Duncan. Well, let's put the attention where it is directed. My ranking member desired to concentrate on this concern and I am delighted he did. We were welcome to, delighted to accommodate him and I appreciate that. It type of directed my focus towards the area and I am incredibly happy that he did. So we will look forward to seeing you in September after this break and I hope everybody has an excellent break also. And with that the committee will stand adjourned. [Whereupon, at 3:39 p. m., the subcommittee was adjourned.] A P P E N D I X ---------- Product Submitted for the Record < [GRAPHIC( S) NOT READILY AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] [all].
Caribbean Area: Concerns in U.S. Relations On October 4, 2006, the President signed into law the FY2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (P.L. 109-295, H.R. 5441), which has an arrangement (Area 546) best timeshare companies 2021 extending the deadline needing U.S. people traveling by land or sea in between the United States and the Caribbean (in addition to Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America) to have passports or other files denoting identity and citizenship. The due date was extended from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2009, or earlier if the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security collectively license specific criteria concerning the brand-new file or passport card being developed.
people to have passports for travel by air between the United States and the Caribbean (along with Canada and Mexico.) On August 28, 2006, Guyana held national elections in which President Baharrat Jagdeo was re-elected with almost 55% of the vote. Some observers had actually anticipated political violence, however the elections were the most tranquil and organized in recent history, according to the Carter Center, which observed the elections. On July 3, 2006, Haiti's involvement in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was formally renewed at the organization's summit in St. Kitts and Nevis. Haiti's involvement had actually been suspended after the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide from power in February 2004.
792 (Meeks) by voice vote, acknowledging the 40th anniversary of Guyana's independence and extending best desires to Guyana for peace and additional advancement, progress, and success. On April 22, 2006, Guyana's Agriculture minister, in addition to his 2 siblings and a security guard, were shot and eliminated in an apparent robbery. On April 12, 2006, U.S. and CARICOM trade officials fulfilling in Washington began preliminary expedition of a possible complimentary trade contract. The officials likewise consented to revitalize an inactive U.S.-CARICOM Trade and Financial Investment Council that had initially established in the early 1990s. On March 30, 2006, Portia Simpson Miller was sworn in as Jamaica's first female Prime Minister.