U.S. - Cuba thaw: voices from the street

U.S. - Cuba thaw: voices from the street

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U.S. President Barack Obama's historic March visit to Cuba has not fixed all of the thorny issues between the two countries, but it did spark hope among Havana residents that closer ties with the United States will improve their lives.

"It's good for the Cubans that he came and reestablished relationships between the two countries," said 55-year-old Zamora, who is self-employed.

. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

"I hope everything gets better and that there will be better work and development for our children. Long live Obama," said bricklayer Yoendry Gainsa, 35, holding his daughter while posing in front of the Stars and Stripes and the Cuban flag.

Laboring under a half century-old U.S. trade embargo and cautiously emerging from a Soviet-style command economy that prohibited almost all private enterprise, many Cubans find it hard to make ends meet.

. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Obama's trip, the first by a sitting U.S. president in nearly 90 years, came after he and Raul Castro agreed in 2014 to normalize relations. Since then they have reopened embassies and the United States has relaxed travel and some trade restrictions.

During his trip Obama said the embargo was obsolete and did not serve U.S. interests. He cannot lift trade prohibitions without support from Congress, but Cubans were inspired by his rhetoric.

"This is grand, historical and very positive that the USA has realized after all these years that the embargo is not worth it," said smartly suited Lazaro Roger, 56.

. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

The Republican party, which controls the U.S. legislature, for the most part does not support Obama's policy. Critics of the visit have said it was not rewarded with improved human rights measures by the Cuban government, which stifles dissent.

Fidel Castro, who led the revolution that overthrew a pro-American government in 1959 and who stepped down as Cuba's president in 2008, was scornful of Obama's "honey coated" exhortations to Cubans to put the past behind them.

For others, like unemployed Yaneisy, sporting a punk hairstyle that is a sign of Cuba's growing tolerance for youthful diversity, Obama's presence meant little to their daily lives. "I don't care," said the 28-year-old, who declined to give her last name.

. Havana, Cuba. Reuters

But for others in Havana's colonial-era streets, Obama's visit inspired optimism.

"This is very good, the perfect union between two countries, and everything changes now for the better," said musician Raciel Cardoso, 30.

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Slideshow

Eric, 3, gestures as he poses for a photograph.
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Eric, 3, gestures as he poses for a photograph.

Sarah Maria, 50, a trans-woman said: "I believe this could be very important for my country."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Sarah Maria, 50, a trans-woman said: "I believe this could be very important for my country."

Manuel, 52, a bricklayer, said: "I hope with this visit there will be a little more survival."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Manuel, 52, a bricklayer, said: "I hope with this visit there will be a little more survival."

Jurangel, 25, a dancer, said: "Spectacular."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Jurangel, 25, a dancer, said: "Spectacular."

Carlos Alvarez, 54, said: "New changes, it was a blessing that he came and godwilling the new (U.S.) president will do the same. Obama is an example."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Carlos Alvarez, 54, said: "New changes, it was a blessing that he came and godwilling the new (U.S.) president will do the same. Obama is an example."

Jimmy Blanco, 9, holds a corncob.
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Jimmy Blanco, 9, holds a corncob.

Irma Diaz, 55, a housewife, said: "I am happy with the friendship between Raul (Castro) and Obama."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Irma Diaz, 55, a housewife, said: "I am happy with the friendship between Raul (Castro) and Obama."

Guillermo Manzano, 54, a welder, said: "The best, the greatest thing that has entered this country."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Guillermo Manzano, 54, a welder, said: "The best, the greatest thing that has entered this country."

Pascual Montero, 86, who collects plastic containers from restaurants and resells them, said: "It was perfect and I have hopes that some day a lot of problems can be resolved."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Pascual Montero, 86, who collects plastic containers from restaurants and resells them, said: "It was perfect and I have hopes that some day a lot of problems can be resolved."

Paloma Duarte, 18, a dancer, said: "(It) developed the communication between us. We have familiy here and there (in the U.S.) and an urgent need to be able to go."
. Havana, Cuba. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

Paloma Duarte, 18, a dancer, said: "(It) developed the communication between us. We have familiy here and there (in the U.S.) and an urgent need to be able to go."