What has TRUMP got against this tiny Island nation with the big big heart that sends doctors around the world, has eradicated illiteracy and homelessness, believes in the principles of Jose Marti and dares to be socialist? Consider the following:

#1. In 1998, Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts engaged a consulting firm for a business trip to Cuba on its behalf

#2 In 2008, Trump applied to register his Trump trademark in Cuba for a commercial activities including investing in real estate, hotels, casinos and golf courses , beauty contests, television programs, and hotel services

#3 In 2013, executives from the Trump Organization visited Cuba to explore investing in a golf course east of Havana

#4 In 2016, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump expressed openness to expanding his self-branded line of hotels into Cuba: “I would, I would,” the real estate developer said during an interview on CNN’s “Situation Room,” adding, “at the right time, when we’re allowed to do it. Right now, we’re not.” The Hill, March 2016

#5. in January 2017, former presidential campaign manager Paul Manafort traveled to Cuba.

Cuba controls foreign investment very carefully and maintains 51% ownership of – for example – international hotels. Cuba did not change its policy to open its doors to Trump Enterprises. Therefore, in Trump’s mind, Cuba must be punished.

Time for Canada to step up and embrace Cuba in a robust economic hug. Canadians are Cuba’s most important tourist. Sherritt has been working alongside Cuban engineers to help develop their resource base for decades. Canada and Cuba have a trading relationship that goes back centuries. Fidel was Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s honourary pall bearer. We have had an embassy in Havana since 1946. Cuba has an educated workforce and excels in pharmaceuticals and technology. As Ottawa is seeking to strengthen our economic ties with other nations, IT IS TIME 4 CANADA 2 EMBRACE CUBA IN A ECONOMIC BEAR-HUG. Good for both of us!