Hialeah: Don't alter Cuba embargo

Posted on Friday, 05.01.09
Hialeah: Don't alter Cuba embargo
Hialeah officials approved a measure urging the Obama administration to
refrain from altering the trade embargo until the Cuban government
agrees to make changes.
BY YUDY PINEIRO
ypineiro@MiamiHerald.com

The Hialeah City Council unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that
lightly scolds the Congressional Black Caucus for failing to focus on
Cuba's history of human rights abuses during a recent visit to Cuba by
some of the group's members.

The resolution also urges President Barack Obama's administration to
refrain from altering the trade embargo until the Cuban government
releases political prisoners, ``shows greater respect for freedom of
religion, speech, press and assembly and holds free and fair elections.''

Members of the Black Caucus met with Raúl and Fidel Castro in early April.

''I wanted to bring to their attention the issues they failed to look at
when they met with Raúl Castro,'' said Council President Carlos
Hernandez, who sponsored the resolution. ``As Cuban Americans, I think
it is our responsibility to help others understand the issues affecting
Cuba. It is our responsibility to tell the world.''

Also Tuesday, the council unanimously voted to revoke the licenses of El
Niagara Cafe after police testified the business had been operating as a
front for drug sales. Among the licenses revoked: restaurant, alcohol
sales, food for takeout and delivery and adult machines.

According to city officials, the restaurant at 4229 E. Fourth Ave. was
not selling food, but illegally operating as a bar or lounge with
scantily dressed barmaids selling narcotics. ''We will not tolerate
that. We will not accept that,'' said Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina.

``This sends a message that we will continue to be very aggressive to
enforce our laws and the laws of this country.''

Hialeah police initially received a complaint in December that there
were numerous provocatively dressed barmaids who approached patrons at
tables and solicited drinks. No meals were served.

So they initiated an undercover investigation that lasted two months.
During that time, they purchased cocaine on 15 separate occasions and
witnessed women fondled with at least one taking off her top.

On March 20, they raided the establishment, making three arrests, police
said Additional details were not immediately available.

Hialeah: Don't alter Cuba embargo - Northwest Miami-Dade -
MiamiHerald.com (2 May 2009)

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/northwest/story/1026823.html