Cubans React to President Obama's Visit

Alan Taylor
April 6, 2016
15 Photos
In Focus

Following President Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba in March, Reuters photographer Ueslei Marcelino set up his camera on the streets of Havana, in front of a Cuban and American flag, and asked passing residents what they thought of Obama’s visit to Cuba. He found that most people appeared optimistic, and hoped the thaw in the U.S.-Cuba relationship would bring material improvements to their lives.

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Zamora, 55, self-employed, poses for a photograph in front of the Cuban and U.S. flags after buying a pineapple in Havana, on March 25, 2016. Regarding Obama's historic visit to the island, Zamora said, “it's good for the Cubans that he came and re-established relationships between the two countries.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Manuel, 52, a bricklayer: “I hope with this visit there will be a little more survival.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Yaneisy, 28, between jobs, poses in Havana on March 25, 2016. Regarding Obama's historic visit to the island, Yaneisy said, “I don't care.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Paloma Duarte, 18, a dancer, said the visit “developed the communication between us. We have family here and there (in the U.S.) and an urgent need to be able to go.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Yoendry Gainsa, 35, a bricklayer: “I hope everything gets better and that there will be better work and development for our children. Long live Obama.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Jurangel, 25, a dancer, poses in Havana n March 25, 2016. Regarding Obama's visit, Jurangel said, “Spectacular.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Concha gestures while posing for a photograph on March 25, 2016. Regarding the visit, Concha said, “A life struggle.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Lazaro Roger, age 56: “This is grand, historical, and very positive that the USA have realized after all these years that the embargo is not worth it.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Sarah Maria, 50, a transgender woman: “I believe this could be very important for my country.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Carlos Alvarez, 54, poses with his pet parrot in Havana. Regarding Obama's visit, Alvarez said, “New changes, it was a blessing that he came and God willing the new U.S. president will do the same. Obama is an example.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Guillermo Manzano, 54, a welder, eats cake while posing on March 23, 2016. Regarding Obama's visit to the island, Manzano said, “The best, the greatest thing that has entered this country.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Raciel Cardoso, 30, a musician: “This is very good, the perfect union between two countries, and that everything changes now for the better.” #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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Eric, 3, gestures while posing for a photograph in front of the Cuban and U.S. flags in Havana on March 25, 2016. #

Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters

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