$30,000 and months later, Canadian able to leave Cuba

Toronto Sun
By Liam Casey and Peter Edwards
July 30, 2010

Canadian tourists should think twice before getting behind the wheel during trips in Mexico, China, Guatemala and Cuba, the Foreign Affairs Department warns.

“Canadians involved in traffic accidents may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment,” the department website says.

The caution comes as 19-year-old Cody LeCompte prepares to leave Cuba after being detained since April 29. He is expected to return Tuesday to a welcoming party planned by family and friends.

Freedom To Travel

U.S. Travel Ban on Cuba

For more than four decades, the United States has tried to isolate Cuba, economically and diplomatically.

When we look at Cuba news, we see an increasingly public and vigorous debate about the economy. We see the nations of the region conducting ordinary and even extraordinary relations with Cuba. What we don't see is a story line involving the United States, the effectiveness of U.S. policy, or even much of a presence or a role as the possibilities of change unfold.

Top 10 List

"This top ten list is a powerful reminder to Congress and all Americans that sanctions against Cuba do nothing but violate American values, cost American jobs, stain our image overseas, and breach our basic rights," said Sarah Stephens of the Center for Democracy in the Americas. "As Cuba enters a new era, so should America, and replace our policy of isolating Cuba with one favoring engagement, travel and trade."