FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2015

Statement from Engage Cuba on Its Role in Cuban Interests Section
Banking Announcement
WASHINGTON James Williams, President of Engage Cuba, released the
following statement on the announcement that Stonegate Bank has agreed
to offer consular banking services to the Cuban Interests Section in
Washington, DC:
As an advocacy organization dedicated to removing barriers to American
travel and trade that prevent us from better helping the Cuban people and
advancing American interests, Engage Cuba was pleased to have played a
role in facilitating this historic partnership between Florida-based Stonegate
Bank and the future Cuban embassy in Washington, DC. This is a
significant step not only toward normalizing relations between the U.S. and
Cuba, but to ensure that Cuban-Americans -- and indeed all Americans -who want to play a part in Cuba's evolution are able to rely on the consular
services and financial transaction infrastructure that it demands. The failed
54-year-old embargo on U.S. investment and banking has limited CubanAmericans from visiting and supporting their families and loved ones;
moreover, it has hampered opportunities for Cubas rising class of
entrepreneurs. Engage Cuba firmly believes that significant steps like
todays banking agreement are essential to developing fruitful bilateral
relationships that will bolster economic opportunity and personal liberty for
the Cuban people. Now Congress should follow suit and lift outdated travel
and trade bans on the American people.