Cuba could soon become a favored tourist destination for Americans

#Havana #Cuba #RaulCastro #BarackObama #tourists With the thaw in relationship between the old Cold War foes US and Cuba, progress is visible following a second round of discussions to end a half-century diplomatic freeze as reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 1 March 2015.
President Barack Obama and his counterpart Raul Castro have promised to restore embassies in each other’s capitals. Some hurdles still remain, including the one of Cuba’s place on the US blacklist of state sponsor of terrorism.
Anyway, the rural communities of Cuba could real benefits from an influx of American tourists because, the fresh relations between the two governments could provide a boost to allow the isolated communities to look for new economic opportunities once the US fully lifts its ban on trade and travel. Havana, the capital of Cuba, was seen as a party destination for Americans years ago due to its close proximity to Florida.
It is in the villages where visitors can experience a side of the Caribbean island that few holidaymakers bother to see. In the villages, the number of cars is less, the farm workers harvest tomatoes by hand, and the farmers sell their produce and meat at roadside stands. Goods are transported by horse and buggy or tractor.
Of course, life in 'the real Cuba' and talks between US and Cuban officials continue with an eye to restore full diplomatic relations and, ultimately, move towards opening trade.

Jamaica to go the US way and relax cannabis laws

#jamaica #marijuana #cannabis #ganja Jamaica plans to go the US way and relax laws relating to cannabis or ‘ganja’ as it is known locally. The Jamaican cabinet has approved a bill that would decriminalize possession of small quantities of cannabis and gradually pave the way for a legal medical marijuana industry.
The bill would create a cannabis licensing authority that would handle the regulations necessary to cultivate, sell and distribute the herb for medical, scientific and therapeutic purposes. Jamaica wants to position itself suitable to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities that is offered by this emerging industry.
Under the terms of the proposed bill, the possession of 2 ounces or less would be treated as an offence but, it would not result in a criminal record. Permission would be given to cultivate maximum of five plants on any premises.
Rastafarians, who use marijuana as a sacrament, could also legally use it for religious purposes for the first time in Jamaica - the spiritual movement was founded in the 1930s.
Incidentally, the debate has raged on the Caribbean island for a long time over laws that govern use of marijuana and, with several countries and US states relaxing their laws on the herb, Jamaica plans to follow suit.