GITMO (GUANTANAMO)

In 1902 after the Spanish American War the U.S., by way of the Platt Amendment, entered into a lease agreement with Cuba for the Naval base at Guantanamo. It can only be broken if both parties agree. The U.S. pays Cuba $4,085 annually for the lease. Fidel keeps the un-cashed checks in a drawer and is willing to show them off for a photo op with the press.  Over the years Cuban citizens have commuted into the base to work. When they retired they were due government pensions for their service however the Trading with the Enemy Act forbids paying them their due unless they leave home and renounce their Cuban citizenship. We buy oil from Iran and borrow money from China but paying a guajiro (country person)  his earned retirement benefits is trading with the enemy.