Wealthy Cuban‑American entrepreneurs convened at a lavish Miami residence to discuss a coordinated response to a possible change in Havana’s government. The fourth meeting of the Cuban‑American National Chamber of Commerce (CANCC) brought together prominent families—many bearing historic surnames such as Bacardi and Babun—to draft a “day after” strategy that would activate their capital and expertise if the current regime were to fall.
What the CANCC Is Planning
CANCC president Juan Omar Sixto announced several concrete initiatives:
- Cuban Stock Exchange: a proposal to create a public market that would allow Cuban‑American investors to list and trade shares.
- Sector Committees: working groups on energy infrastructure, food security, and other critical industries.
- Land Restitution: a demand for compensation or return of properties nationalised after the 1959 revolution, with Sixto citing personal loss of a farm in Pinar del Río.
Participants emphasized that any investment would be contingent on the regime’s removal, stating they would “not put a foot into Cuba” while the current government remains in power.
Context of Cuban Reforms
In recent weeks, the Cuban government announced 176 economic liberalisation measures, including loosening restrictions on private businesses and allowing multiple enterprise ownership. While officials framed these steps as “advancing socialism,” CANCC members dismissed them as superficial, arguing that they offer no reliable guarantees for foreign investors.
Analysts’ View on Timing and Feasibility
University of Miami associate professor Mike Bustamante cautioned that expectations of an imminent “day after” are premature. He noted that U.S. policy has focused on “maximum pressure” sanctions rather than a decisive intervention, and that domestic political concerns—such as upcoming U.S. mid‑term elections—reduce the likelihood of a rapid escalation.
Furthermore, the island’s ongoing energy crisis, highlighted by a recent nationwide blackout, underscores the massive logistical challenges ahead. Estimates suggest that simply restoring Cuba’s electrical grid could cost between $8 billion and $10 billion, a figure that dwarfs the immediate investment capacity of even the most affluent diaspora groups.
Potential Humanitarian Implications
Even if political change were to occur, the article notes that ordinary Cubans continue to face acute shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicines. The CANCC’s ambitious reconstruction plans would need to address these humanitarian gaps before any sustainable economic revival could be realized.
Uncertainty Remains
While the gathering reflects a strong desire among Miami’s old‑money Cuban‑American community to shape Cuba’s future, the timing and nature of any regime change remain unclear. As one attendee admitted, “Cuba is like a black hole; we don’t know what is happening over there,” highlighting the speculative nature of the proposals and the gap between diaspora expectations and on‑the‑ground realities.
