THE FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION
(Saint Augustine - Baracoa)
DELEGATIONS TO CUBA
Next delegations:
For information, contact Sole at solesole@bellsouth.net |
 |
Until recently, the Friendship Association delegations have focused on humanitarian projects. Because of new changes in the U.S. Treasury Department regulations regarding travel restrictions to Cuba, the Friendship Association has a new license for trips to Cuba.
The Friendship Association will sponsor four trips annually with the purpose of meeting with members of civil society, individuals and small,
independent groups and associations in Baracoa and Guantanamo province; in particular artists, environmentalists, professionals, people with disabilities
and individuals in urban and rural settings. There will be meaningful exchanges that will benefit both sides through better understanding of each other's
culture and customs.
- Delegation of experts to meet with Cuban biologists and environmentalists in Eastern Cuba to study migratory birds that fly over and/or nest in Cuba and/or the U.S. Time will dedicated to meaningful exchanges with biologists and ornithologists. The delegation will visit internationally recognized Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean in the eastern part of Cuba; share bird counting techniques and discuss strategies for protecting migratory birds.
- Delegation of artists to meet with Cuban artists in Eastern Cuba to study traditional painting: the use of afro-Cuban symbolism, the influence of Santeria landscape painting. There will be walking tours of the leading artists' studios in Baracoa. Since most of the artists live on the premises of their studios, this will give the delegation the opportunity to meet the families of the artists and observe the classes held for children in their studios.
- Delegation of professionals to meet with architects and preservationists to study the architecture of Eastern Cuba and to have meaningful dialogue about historic preservation. The delegation will take a walking tour of Baracoa led by a local architect who will explain the history of Baracoa through its architecture. They will focus on the influence of indigenous dwellings on the early colonial homes to the present day. It will include the colonial defensive system - forts and outposts, eclectic, art deco' and modernist architecture. Finally it will emphasize the efforts at historic preservation in the historic center and the devastation from natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis and economic neglect.
- Delegation of professionals to meet with arqueologists and anthropologists to share experiences about the rich autochthonous heritage in eastern Cuba and to exchange techniques for field studies. This will include visits to the archeological museums of Baracoa and Banes, visits to archeological sites and "digs" with a prominent local archeologist and his team to see Taino burial sites and caves where Taino rituals were held.
Use of either license will be authorized by the Board of Directors of the Friendship Association only to members of the Friendship Association in function
of activities that are deemed congruous to the conditions established by the authorities.
Become a member of the Friendship Association
Application to be part of a delegation to Cuba
"Release from Liability" form
(Our PDF files are best viewed with the latest, free Adobe Acrobat Reader. )
For delegation members:Frequently asked questions
Sensitivity issues/concerns
My Impressions of Cuba - by Bonnie Devine
Humanitarian Aid
