Originally a camp post for Americans helping fight in the
Spanish-American War, Guantanamo Bay
has developed into a prison for alleged terrorists held for questioning by the American
military. Through the Platt Amendment, America
was granted the right to lease an area in southeastern Cuba
called Guantanamo Bay. About 2/3 of the inhabitants of this tiny
island are military personnel and their families. Their quarters are often described as
suburban and comfortable. They are not
permitted access to the main island, just like any other American. It is not only the U.S. Government wishing to
isolate Guantanamo; for 20 miles on
the Cuban controlled side is military and a ring of cactus plants discouraging
any refugees.
In addition to serving as a detainee camp for suspected
terrorists, Guantanamo has served
as an important port for ships needing to refuel or requiring maintenance. It has also provided support for the war on
drugs in the Caribbean.
Every year the United States
pays Cuba
$2,000 to formally lease the area but Fidel Castro has never cashed a check.
Regardless of your opinion of actions taken by leaders of the
two nations over the last 50 years or so, and regardless of your belief in what
American freedom entails, the undisputed fact is that traveling to Cuba
is against the law if you are not granted a special license. Many people are unclear as to the historical
reasons as to why this law is in place but I hope this article provided a brief
understanding. For more in-depth
information please check with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Foreign
Affairs Assets Control.