In a letter sent on Tuesday 14 September to President George W Bush, the Rt Revd Leo Frade, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, asked that restrictions on family travel and gifts to Cuba be temporarily lifted to allow humanitarian aid, following the devastating passage of Hurricanes Charley and Ivan through the island nation.
The restrictions, which went into effect June 30, limit visits to one every three years, by immediate family members only. Limits have also been placed on cash transfers and gift packages.
"Due to the restrictions recently imposed by your administration, Cuban-Americans are not permitted to help, visit or care for their loved ones in Cuba who are now suffering severe deprivation after being hit by two hurricanes in less than a month," Frade's letter says.
"I appeal to your compassion and generosity, which has already been demonstrated in your quick response to the needs of Floridians in this disaster," he continues.
"I urge you to extend this compassionate concern to the people of Cuba and their family members in this country by temporarily lifting the existing restrictions, so that Cuban-American families may be able to help their loved ones, and that the churches and other religious and community organisations may also be able to assist the needy people of Cuba. I understand that there are political complexities involved in this situation, but I believe that our overriding concern must be to help alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people. This is the time to set aside political considerations and lift the restrictions that severely limit our ability to respond to this great need."
Frade, a native of Cuba, came to this country as a student in 1960. Four years ago he became Bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida, which includes 82 Episcopal congregations from Jensen Beach to Key West.
The complete text of Bishop Frade's letter follows.
September 14, 2004
President George W Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush,
In the wake of the series of hurricanes that have battered the Caribbean islands and Florida and still threaten the Gulf Coast states, we are seeing not only tragic loss of life, but also massive destruction of property, with many who already lived in poverty left completely destitute.
As a bishop in the Church I have been able, along with the leaders and people of my diocese, to organize and contribute toward efforts to assist the people, as well as the churches, that have been so devastated by the forces of nature. There are currently many community initiatives that allow those who are hurting, both in this country and in the Caribbean, to receive aid from their families, friends and other caring persons.
Churches of various denominations are actively working to assist the hurricane victims in Florida and all the Caribbean nations affected, except one-Cuba. Due to the restrictions recently imposed by your administration, Cuban-Americans are not permitted to help, visit or care for their loved ones in Cuba who are now suffering severe deprivation after being hit by two hurricanes in less than a month.
I appeal to your compassion and generosity, which has already been demonstrated in your quick response to the needs of Floridians in this disaster. I urge you to extend this compassionate concern to the people of Cuba and their family members in this country by temporarily lifting the existing restrictions, so that Cuban-American families may be able to help their loved ones, and that the churches and other religious and community organizations may also be able to assist the needy people of Cuba. I understand that there are political complexities involved in this situation, but I believe that our overriding concern must be to help alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people. This is the time to set aside political considerations and lift the restrictions that severely limit our ability to respond to this great need.
American citizens of Cuban birth or heritage are waiting to respond to the call for help from their families and friends in Cuba. As a Cuban-born American, I ask that you help us to help our loved ones.
May God richly bless and care for you as you respond to his call to look with pity upon the sorrows of those in need-those who cannot, without your intervention, receive our assistance.
Respectfully,
The Rt Revd Leo Frade
Bishop of Southeast Florida
The Episcopal Church