Over the weekend, President Obama addressed the nation of his upcoming trip to Cuba and explained his extensive to-do list for his two-day visit.
“I’m focused on the future, and I’m confident that my visit will advance the goals that guide us —promoting American interests and values and a better future for the Cuban people, a future of more freedom and more opportunity,” said Obama at his weekly address.
“This week, we made it official—I’m going to Cuba.” —@POTUS
Watch his weekly address. #CubaVisit https://t.co/aXJhut5C1F— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 20, 2016
POTUS plans to speak on controversial topics that have yet to be resolved on the island, such as providing citizens with Internet access and easing the trade process in order to help the Cuban people progress. He also intends on meeting with current dictator Raúl Castro, along with his ailing brother Fidel, and assured us that he would engage in an open conversation about the underlying faults of the Cuban government, while discussing democracy and human rights.
The historical trip will mark the first time in 90 years since a sitting president of the United States has set foot in the communist country. Obama has been preparing to make the trip since he reinstated diplomatic relations with Cuba last year.
Since the announcement, the Obama Administration has faced brash slander from renowned GOP circles, unsurprisingly led by Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Marco Rubio (Fla.). “I will tell you the problem with the Cuban government,” said Rubio, a Cuban-American presidential candidate, during a CNN town hall. “It’s not just a communist dictatorship, it’s an anti-American communist dictatorship.”
Despite the controversy, Obama remains adamant on having a dialogue about helping the new generation of Cubans. “I’ve always said that change won’t come to Cuba overnight. But as Cuba opens up, it will mean more opportunity and resources for ordinary Cubans. And we’re starting to see some progress,” Obama added.
Expect Obama to touch down in Cuba next month, Mar. 21-22.