– PAST CONFERENCE –
Cuban Law and Legal Reforms in a New Period of US-Cuba Relations
Havana, Cuba
February 15-19, 2024
Up to 6 General CLE Credits
Exploring the people of Cuba.
WHERE:
Private Bed & Breakfast (Casa Particular)
Havana, Cuba
WHEN:
February 15-19, 2024
CLEs take place on Fri-Sat-Sun
GET THE DETAILS
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
We offer CLE sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
THURSDAY – FEBRUARY 15, 2024 (Havana)
Arrival
Upon arrival at Havana International Airport (HAV):
Clear immigration, customs, and baggage, a process that takes about 30-60 minutes. You will be greeted and escorted to your ground transportation.
Check-in at your Casa Particular, private bed and breakfast
Private musical performance at a rooftop bar in Vedado
Evening
Welcome Dinner at the famous La Guarida
FRIDAY – FEBRUARY 16, 2024 (Havana Vieja)
Morning
Complimentary Breakfast
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
“Introduction to the Cuban Legal System and Principles”
Presentation by Ileana Saria
Cuban Attorney Ileana Saria provides a historical background of the Cuban legal system beginning with its colonial heritage and significant reforms to the Cuban Constitution from 1940 to today. The Cuban Civil Codes, Judiciary, Migration Law, and Foreign Investment Acts will also be introduced, highlighting a number of legal curiosities. This meeting will take place at La Mansion Castillo, Calle 11 #761 esquina 2, Vedado.
After our lecture, we’ll have a private performance with Flamenco Spell.
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“Cuba in Transition: The Rule of Law as Part of Cuban Reforms”
Lecture by Rafael M. Hernandez
Walking Tour in Havana Vieja
Plaza De Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, and Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco dating back to 1719.
Afternoon
Group Lunch at 5 Sentidos in Old Havana
Evening
Group Dinner at El Cocinero
After dinner, a suggested visit next-door to the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC).
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 17, 2024 (Cojimar & Playas del Este or Las Terrazas)
Morning
Complimentary Breakfast
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
“The New Cuban Economy, Private Sector Regulation, and Socio-Economic Reform”
Lecture by Juan Triana of the University of Havana
In his lecture, Mr. Triana will discuss Cuba’s recent economic reforms including the evolution of private property rights in Cuba, the relaxation of state intervention, and Cuba’s integration into the global economy.
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“US-Cuba Relations: Legal and Diplomatic Perspectives”
Presentation by former diplomat and University of Havana Professor, Camilo Garcia Lopez Trigo
Professor Trigo will address the most current status of the US-Cuba relations and give a new interpretation of the existing legal and political framework. There will be a highlight of the contradictions surrounding certain aspects related to Cuba, specifically the isolation and punishment of the Cuban state, the advancement of national interests, the nature of executive authority, and the Guantanamo Naval Base. Tough questions are encouraged for a free and open dialogue.
Afternoon
Our Group Divides into Two (2) Tracks (pre-selected by participants)
Option/Track 1: Ernest Hemingway Tour
We will travel to the picturesque fishing village of Cojímar. Ernest Hemingway loved this little seaside town. He kept his boat, El Pilar, in the harbor of Cojimar, and he used this village setting for his story The Old Man and the Sea, which won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954.
After enjoying a quick cocktail in Cojímar, we will continue to lunch at Paladar II Divino.
After lunch, we will travel to Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home in San Francisco de Paula. The home contains original furniture, artwork, personal memorabilia, & other objects collected by the author. Of special importance is the author’s library containing thousands of irreplaceable letters & telegrams, photographs, scrapbooks, manuscripts, & galley proofs.
Option/Track 2: Farm Visit/Las Terrazas
We will depart for Finca Villa Hortensia, a farm in the Artemisa province (approx. 50- minute drive) to learn about sustainable agriculture in Cuba. After our farm visit, we will travel to the pioneering eco-community of Las Terrazas in Sierra del Rosario. This biosphere came under UNESCO protection in 1984 due to the success of the reforestation project. It is now home to 117 bird species, including 12 that are endemic. During our visit to Las Terrazas, we see the ruins of a French Coffee Plantation built in 1801 by the French who escaped Haiti after the 1791 Haitian revolution.
Lunch at Cafetal Buenavista or El Campesino at Las Terrazas.
After lunch, we will continue for a guided tour of the Village of Las Terrazas including a visit to the famous Café Maria for delightfully rich Cuban coffee. Here you may also have the opportunity to purchase locally grown/roasted Cuban coffee.
Evening
Return to Havana. The remainder of the evening is free.
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 18, 2024
Morning
Complimentary Breakfast
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
“Gender & Sex Equality in Cuba”
Presentation by Alberto Roque, MD.
This presentation will cover gender and sexual rights in Cuba with an emphasis on the heavily debated amendments to the Cuban Constitution, civil and family codes which have opened the door for same-sex marriage in Cuba.
Afternoon
Our Group Divides into Two (2) Tracks (pre-selected by participants)
Option/Track 1: Cuban Art & Art Studio Tour
Visit the Museum of Cuban Art with the art historian. The museum is dedicated exclusively to Cuban Art from the earliest days of colonialism to the latest generation of Cuban artists.
Lunch at the nearby Al Carbon by Chefs Ivan & Justo.
Following our lunch, we continue our Art Tour with one additional curated visit to a private art studio(s).
Option/Track 2: “Under the Hood” Tour of Cuba’s Classic Cars
Visit the workshop of a family-owned and operated business dedicated to the restoration of 1950’s American luxury automobiles. See the workshop, meet the mechanics, check out the vehicles, and depart for the next destination in one of these beauties.
Lunch at Costa Vino in the upscale Havana suburb of Miramar.
Remainder of the afternoon is free.
Evening
Farewell Dinner and Entertainment at Oscar’s.
MONDAY – FEBRUARY 19, 2024
Morning
Complimentary Breakfast
Airport transfers for departure.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Juan Alejandro Triana Barros
Juan is a Cuban economist specializing in international economics and trade. Juan’s academic journey began in September 2006 when he pursued a degree in Economics at the Faculty of Economics, University of Havana. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted a thesis titled “Microfinance in Cuba: an urgent need.” This research showcased his early interest in economic development and the importance of financial inclusion.
Currently, Juan is pursuing a PhD in Economics at the Faculty of Economics – Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy, University of Havana. As part of the 10th edition of the program, he is engaged in a research period, focusing on his academic interests in economics. Additionally, he is affiliated with the Center for the Studies of International Policy (CeSPI-Rome), which adds an international perspective to his studies.
Alberto Roque Guerra, MD
Alberto is a Doctor in Medicine who specializes in Internal Medicine and has a Diploma in Intensive Care, practicing at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. He is an educator in Human Rights at the International Centre for Human Rights; Education Equitas, Canada, 2008.
Alberto holds a Master’s degree in Bioethics and is an Assistant Professor and Associate Researcher. He was the Coordinator of the medical team of the National Commission for Comprehensive Care for Transgender People at the National Center for Sexual Education, from 2005-2013. Guerra Consults for the Health Care Strategy for Transgender People in Guatemala (2011). A member of the Cuban Multidisciplinary Society for the Study of Sexuality (SOCUMES), the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (2007-2013), and the Latin American Studies Association (LASA). Research areas: sexualities, genders, sexual citizenship, sexual rights, vulnerability, and bioethics.
Alberto is an activist for sexual rights and a member (2003-2013) of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA).
Rafael M. Hernández
Rafael is the Chief Editor of Temas, Cuba’s leading magazine in the social sciences. He has been professor and researcher at the University of Havana and the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI); Director of U.S. studies at the Centro de Estudios sobre América for 18 years; and a Senior Research Fellow at the Instituto Cubano de Investigación Cultural “Juan Marinello” in Havana (1996–2008). He has taught as a visiting professor at Harvard, Columbia, the University of Texas, the University of Puerto Rico; CIDE and ITAM in Mexico, and served as visiting scholar at the Wilson Center (Washington DC) and other US and Latin American academic institutions. He has published widely on Cuban and U.S. policies, inter-American relations, international security, migration, and Cuban culture, civil society, and politics. He has been coordinator of the Cuba Exchange Program with the Latin American Studies Association (LASA). He coedited U.S.–Cuban Relations in the 1990s (1989) and Culturas Encontradas: Cuba y los Estados Unidos (2001). He authored Looking at Cuba. Essays on Culture and Civil Society (2001) and The Other War. Studies on Strategy and International Security (2001), coauthored The History of Havana (2006), and coedited Shall We Play Ball? Debating US-Cuban Relations (2012). He received the LASA Academic Excellency Award (2008) and the Illiteracy Campaign Medal.
Camilo García López-Trigo (Camagüey, 1968)
Camilo graduated in International Relations (1991), at the Higher Institute for International Relations of Havana, and professor of Political Sciences at the Center of Studies for Public Management of the University of Havana. Diplomatic official from 1994 to 2011 with official missions in USA, Canada, and Europe (Press and Cultural Attache). Head of Social Communications Department and Public Relations at the National Center for Sex Education CENESEX (2011-2012), webmaster of its Sexual Diversity website (since 2003), and coordinator of the Organizing Committee of the first five Cuban Celebrations of the International Day against Homophobia (2007-2012). Cultural promoter at the Association of Writers of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) and a reporter for Cuban cultural websites.
Ileana Saria
Ileana is a distinguished professional with a diverse range of experiences in the legal and educational sectors. Her career highlights include notable positions and accomplishments in Cuba and the United States.
Ileana has served as a Notary in La Republica of Cuba, demonstrating her expertise in legal documentation and formalities. Additionally, she has held the position of Professor at the Instituto Superior de Relaciones Internationales, where she has imparted her knowledge and expertise in the field of international relations.
Ileana’s career also includes a role in fraud detection at the U.S. Interests Section, where she utilized her legal acumen to identify and prevent fraudulent activities. Furthermore, she has worked as a Legal Advisor at the Universidad de Habana, providing valuable guidance and expertise in legal matters.
Bed and Breakfast
Choose Between Upscale or Standard Accommodations
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Bed and Breakfasts (or Casas Particulares) are private enterprises in Cuba affording Cuban homeowners and independent workers new employment opportunities, higher wages and incomes, increased independence from the state, as well as new ways to exchange with foreigners.
Not only is staying at a private home the most authentic way to visit Cuba, but your stay directly benefits the Cuban people. You will additionally find the quality of accommodations and services offered by our Cuban hosts are superior to the government run hotels in Cuba. All of our properties are vetted for safety, quality, and high levels of service.
All guests at Casas will have a private bathroom and breakfast served daily by our Cuban hosts, regardless of category.
Included
- Accommodations as selected (Upscale or Standard Bed and Breakfast)
Note: Under US law, hotel stay in Cuba for US citizens is not currently authorized - All ground transportation
- Full-time private tour escort and local specialized guides
- Daily breakfast in Cuba and meals as listed in itinerary (including tips)
- Entrance fees (if applicable)
- Gratuities for restaurants at all group meals
- Compliance with US Treasury Department
- Cuban Visa/Tourist Card
Not Included
- Round trip airfare to/from Cuba and associated fees
- Airline baggage fees
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Additional meals not listed in itinerary
- Incidentals/Individual B&B expenses
- Travel insurance
Upscale Bed & Breakfast
Upscale Bed & Breakfast homes have luxury finishes and exclusive use of the property (Cuban hosts live off-site). Many properties in this category have private outdoor terraces, gardens, and/or rooftops. Equivalent to a 4+ Star Hotel.
Standard Bed & Breakfast
Standard Bed & Breakfast homes include exclusive or non-exclusive use of the property (some Cuban host families will reside in the home with you). Standard Casas are equivalent to a 3 Star Cuban Hotel or better.
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