COMMITTEES
(Contact Rafael Sixto, VP CANCC at rvisxton@gmail.com)
Chicago architect and urban planner Daniel H. Burnham behind the 1909 plan of Chicago: “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty.”
As of September 15, 2026, there is no publicly available, comprehensive plan with the level of specificity that would be required to guide the economic reconstruction of Cuba during the critical first year of a democratic transition. While the United States has established policies supporting a democratic future for Cuba, policy is not the same as a detailed implementation plan for the reconstruction of the country's economy and institutions. Nor can it be assumed that the United States will undertake a nation-building effort on the scale of its involvement in Cuba from 1898 to 1902.
There is therefore a compelling need for Cuban-American organizations and other democratic institutions to begin developing detailed transition and reconstruction plans now. The absence of a future transitional government should not prevent this work. Planning does not require that every element of the future political transition be known in advance. To the contrary, planning can proceed on the basis of broadly recognized principles and established constitutional references. In particular, the Cuban Constitution of 1940 provides an important historical and legal framework for considering the restoration of constitutional government and the protection of private property, individual rights, and economic freedom. Whether ultimately restored, amended, or used as a foundational reference, the 1940 Constitution provides a reasonable basis upon which to begin developing economic reconstruction plans.
CANCC therefore believes that detailed economic planning should begin now, rather than await the formation of a transitional government. The objective is not to predetermine the decisions of a future Cuban government, but to ensure that credible economic plans, institutional relationships, and practical recommendations are available when the opportunity for democratic transition arises.
The Cuban-American National Chamber of Commerce (CANCC) will establish a series of specialized committees dedicated to developing practical recommendations, institutional relationships, and strategic initiatives to support the eventual economic reconstruction and development of a free, democratic, and market-oriented Cuba.
The committees will draw upon the expertise of Cuban-American business leaders, financial institutions, corporations, professional organizations, academics, and international development institutions.
The objective is to develop credible, actionable plans that can be implemented when the legal and institutional conditions for a free-market economy have been established in Cuba.
Committee members outside of Cuba should identify each committee's principal objectives now and develop a detailed plan of action for consideration by CANCC leadership, which may in turn present it to the Transitional Planning Council. At the appropriate time, when political conditions inside Cuba permit, the committees should develop relationships with relevant Cuban nationals and organizations, as well as international organizations, and produce refined recommendations and other tangible deliverables for consideration by CANCC leadership and, as appropriate, for presentation to the Transitional Planning Council and appropriate governmental and other institutions in a democratic Cuba.
I. FINANCIAL MARKETS & CAPITAL FORMATION
1. Stock Exchange & Capital Markets Committee
Mission
Develop a framework for the creation of modern, transparent, and properly regulated Cuban capital markets capable of attracting domestic and international investment during Cuba's economic transition.
Key Responsibilities
Study the legal, regulatory, technological, and institutional requirements for establishing a Cuban stock exchange.
Develop recommendations concerning securities laws, investor protections, accounting standards, corporate governance, and market transparency.
Evaluate the infrastructure required for securities trading, clearing, settlement, custody, and reporting.
Explore potential technical relationships with established international exchanges and financial-market institutions.
Identify the types of Cuban companies and industries that could eventually access public capital markets.
Potential Institutional Partners
NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, international securities exchanges, investment banks, securities regulators, accounting firms, and financial-technology companies.
Committee Members
Joseph Hernandez
Michael Fux
TBD (To Be Determined)
2. Capital Sources & Investment Committee
Mission
Identify and develop relationships with international sources of capital capable of supporting Cuba's economic reconstruction and private-sector development following the establishment of appropriate legal guarantees.
Key Responsibilities
Identify multilateral development institutions, commercial banks, private equity funds, infrastructure funds, venture capital firms, family offices, pension funds, and other institutional investors.
Develop institutional relationships with potential sources of capital.
Present the long-term investment opportunities associated with Cuba's reconstruction and economic development.
Identify potential financing mechanisms for infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, energy, technology, and other strategic sectors.
Where legally and institutionally appropriate, seek preliminary expressions of interest or Letters of Interest from prospective capital providers.
Committee Members
Federico Ramirez Perete
Alvaro A. Naranjo
Lombardo Perez
3. Banking & Financial Services Committee
Mission
Develop recommendations for rebuilding a modern banking and financial-services sector capable of supporting individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors in a market-oriented Cuban economy.
Key Responsibilities
Study the requirements for a modern commercial banking system.
Examine banking regulation, credit markets, payment systems, insurance, and financial inclusion.
Identify mechanisms for providing credit to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Examine opportunities for international banking relationships and correspondent banking.
Recommend measures to encourage responsible domestic savings, investment, and entrepreneurship.
Committee Members
TBD
TBD
TBD
II. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC SECTORS
4. Agriculture & Food Security Committee
Mission
Develop a comprehensive framework for rebuilding Cuba's agricultural sector, increasing food production, encouraging private enterprise, and creating efficient domestic and export-oriented agricultural supply chains.
Key Responsibilities
Identify best practices for agricultural production, processing, storage, and distribution.
Examine land tenure and agricultural property rights.
Evaluate agricultural financing and access to credit.
Promote modern farming technology, irrigation, equipment, seeds, and agricultural inputs.
Consider solutions for marabu.
Develop strategies for food processing, cold storage, transportation, and distribution.
Identify opportunities for agricultural exports and integration into international markets.
Committee Members (Names in italic pending confirmation)
Tony Costa
Christian Eiroa
Jorge de la Campa
Enmanuel Carrero
5. Infrastructure & Public-Private Partnerships Committee
Mission
Develop a strategic framework for rebuilding and modernizing Cuba's physical and digital infrastructure while maximizing economic growth and social benefit.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate transportation infrastructure, including roads, rail, ports, and airports.
Examine electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
Study water, sanitation, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.
Evaluate housing, commercial, and industrial infrastructure needs.
Establish priorities based on economic impact, feasibility, and social benefit.
Examine opportunities for public-private partnerships and international infrastructure investment.
Committee Members (Names in italic pending confirmation)
Rafael Sixto
Rafael Couret
Willy Bermello
Rod Rodgirugez
Lou Monico
6. Tourism & Hospitality Committee
Mission
Develop strategies for revitalizing Cuba's tourism and hospitality industries as major sources of employment, foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate opportunities for international hotel and tourism investment.
Develop strategies for rebuilding tourism infrastructure.
Encourage private-sector participation in hospitality, restaurants, transportation, entertainment, and related services.
Examine opportunities to diversify tourism beyond traditional destinations.
Identify potential international strategic partners.
Committee Members
TBD
TBD
TBD
III. LEGAL, PROPERTY & INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
7. Private Property & Property Rights Committee
Mission
Develop recommendations concerning the restoration of secure property rights and the legal resolution of claims arising from the confiscation of privately owned property beginning in 1959.
Key Responsibilities
Study claims involving property confiscated from U.S. Nationals and Cuban Nationals.
Examine potential restitution, compensation, and alternative claims-resolution mechanisms.
Study title verification, valuation methodologies, and claims procedures.
Examine the treatment of bona fide third-party interests and current occupants.
Develop recommendations for transparent, impartial, and legally enforceable property-claims institutions.
Consider the relationship between property rights and future domestic and foreign investment.
Committee Members
Nicolas Gutierrez
TBD
TBD
8. Legal & Regulatory Reform Committee
Mission
Develop recommendations for the legal and regulatory framework necessary to support a free, democratic, and market-oriented Cuban economy.
Key Responsibilities
Examine commercial and corporate law.
Study securities and financial regulation.
Develop recommendations concerning contract enforcement and commercial courts.
Examine competition and antitrust policy.
Study tax and customs systems.
Identify legal barriers that could discourage domestic and foreign investment.
Recommend transparent, predictable, and independent regulatory institutions.
Committee Members
Diego Suarez will suggest names
TBD
TBD
IV. HUMAN CAPITAL & CIVIC DEVELOPMENT
9. Education & Workforce Development Committee
Mission
Develop recommendations for an education system that prepares Cuban students and workers to participate successfully in a free, democratic, pluralistic, and market-oriented society.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate curricula for primary and secondary education.
Encourage instruction in economics, entrepreneurship, civics, ethics, technology, critical thinking, and financial literacy.
Strengthen STEM and vocational education.
Develop workforce-training programs aligned with emerging private-sector industries.
Encourage partnerships among schools, universities, businesses, and professional organizations.
Examine opportunities for Cuban students and professionals to benefit from international educational partnerships.
Committee Members
Juan Omar Sixto
TBD
TBD
10. Faith-Based Institutions & Civil Society Committee
Mission
Develop recommendations for the restoration and strengthening of independent faith-based institutions and civil-society organizations within a framework of religious freedom and constitutional protections.
Key Responsibilities
Study the restoration of independent religious institutions.
Examine opportunities for private religious schools and educational programs.
Identify ways religious and civic organizations can contribute to education, charitable activities, community development, and social services.
Encourage civic responsibility, ethical leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement.
Identify opportunities for partnerships between Cuban and international faith-based organizations.
Committee Members (Names in italic pending confirmation)
Teo Babun
Sonia Sixto
Karen Lopez
Charlie NeJaime
V. INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT & BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
11. World Congress of Multinationals & Investment Committee
Mission
Develop and organize a major international business and investment forum bringing together Cuban-American business leaders, multinational corporations, investment banks, financial institutions, multilateral development organizations, private equity firms, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders interested in Cuba's future economic development.
Key Responsibilities
Explore grants, sponsorships, and institutional support for the event.
Establish relationships with major international corporations and financial institutions.
Present investment opportunities associated with Cuba's future reconstruction.
Facilitate dialogue among Cuban-American business leaders and international investors.
Develop a pipeline of potential investment and strategic-partnership opportunities.
Use the Congress as a platform to present CANCC's broader economic-transition recommendations.
Proposed Event
CANCC World Congress on Cuba's Economic Reconstruction & Investment
A three-day international conference focused on investment, finance, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, tourism, technology, human capital, and private-sector development.
Committee Members (Names in black print confirmed, in green pending)
Juan Omar Sixto
Julio Sixto
Christian Eiroa
VI. TECHNOLOGY & EMERGING INDUSTRIES
12. Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Mission
Develop recommendations for rebuilding Cuba's telecommunications and digital economy and creating an environment conducive to technology entrepreneurship and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Study telecommunications infrastructure requirements.
Examine broadband and mobile connectivity.
Identify opportunities for technology investment.
Encourage entrepreneurship and technology startups.
Examine digital-payment systems and digital commerce.
Explore international technology partnerships and investment.
Committee Members
TBD
TBD
TBD
VII. HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
13. Healthcare & Life Sciences Committee
Mission
Develop strategies for rebuilding Cuba's healthcare infrastructure while encouraging investment, innovation, professional development, and access to modern medical technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Assess hospital and medical infrastructure requirements.
Identify opportunities for pharmaceutical and medical-device investment.
Examine healthcare technology and telemedicine.
Explore partnerships with international healthcare institutions.
Identify opportunities for Cuban medical professionals to participate in international training and knowledge exchange.
Committee Members (Names in italic pending confirmation)
Dr. Jorge Suarez Menendez
Dr. Hector Lans
VIII. TRADE & LOGISTICS
14. International Trade & Logistics Committee
Mission
Develop a framework for integrating a future Cuban economy into regional and global trade networks.
Key Responsibilities
Examine port, shipping, customs, warehousing, and transportation requirements.
Identify potential export industries.
Study customs modernization and trade facilitation.
Develop recommendations for efficient import and export procedures.
Identify potential international trading partners and logistics companies.
Committee Members
TBD
TBD
TBD
IX. TRANSITIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
Purpose
The Transitional Planning Council would be a diaspora-led strategic body comprised of representatives of Cuban democratic political organizations and other appropriate diaspora institutions, focused on Cuba's democratic transition, with CANCC participating as a source of information regarding the recommendations made by its committees.
CANCC would not establish, control, or administer the Council.
Instead, CANCC would designate one or two senior representatives to inform the Council and coordinate closely with the Council's leadership.
The two CANCC senior representatives should serve as the principal liaison between CANCC and the Council. They should also identify areas of overlap among the committees and coordinate common priorities, timelines, and deliverables with the Council.
The political organizations would bring:
Their existing transition concepts and political relationships
Knowledge of Cuban political and civic conditions
Relationships with democratic forces inside Cuba
Constitutional and governmental transition expertise
The broader political vision for the transition
CANCC would bring:
Business leadership
International financial relationships
Investment expertise
Private-sector development
Infrastructure expertise
Agricultural and industrial expertise
International corporate relationships
Knowledge of capital markets
A network of Cuban-American business leaders
Principal CANCC Deliverable
The principal deliverable of the CANCC committee structure should be:
The Framework for the Economic Reconstruction and Development of a Free Cuba
This comprehensive document could address:
Property rights and rule of law
Banking and financial markets
Capital formation
Agriculture and food security
Infrastructure
Tourism
Manufacturing and private enterprise
Technology and telecommunications
Education and workforce development
Healthcare
International trade
Foreign investment
Economic institutions and governance
The Framework would provide CANCC's comprehensive economic and business recommendations for Cuba's reconstruction. It could be presented to the Transitional Planning Council as CANCC's principal contribution to the broader transition effort.
The Framework could also serve as CANCC's principal economic-policy and business-development document and provide a foundation for engagement with U.S. and international businesses, financial institutions, multilateral organizations, policymakers, universities, and Cuban-American business leaders.
Guiding Principles
All CANCC committees should operate around several fundamental principles:
Private property and rule of law
Free and competitive markets with constitutional guarantees
Transparency and accountability
Protection and equal treatment of domestic and foreign investment
Independent and predictable institutions
Economic opportunity and entrepreneurship
Integration into the global economy
Respect for individual liberty and religious freedom
Sustainable economic and social development
The purpose of the CANCC committee structure is not to predetermine every aspect of Cuba's future economic system, but to prepare the expertise, relationships, institutional knowledge, and practical recommendations necessary to support a successful economic transition when conditions permit.