INTRODUCTION
As we went to press for our first edition, or
whatever the on line equivalent of going
to press is, a momentous announcement
was made in Havana and Washington that
the two governments planned talks on the
“Normalisation of Relations”. This meant
some initial changes in the way the two
countries worked together among which
was allowing visitors to return with up to
$100 worth of Cuban cigars or other Cuban
products.
Having visited Cuba on seven occasions I have
to say that my main hope is that a change in the
Cuban relationship with their giant neighbour
brings some relief for their wonderful people,
the majority of the population have lived with
rationing since soon after the revolution and have
born their hardship with huge fortitude and a joy
of life which belies their circumstances.
In this issue we will review the potential changes
and their impact for those who love Cuban Cigars
in the UK. We recorded our interview with Simon
Chase some weeks before the announcement but
luckily we did ask his views on the potential issue
arising from a future ending of the embargo. His
experience from many years of dealing with Cuba
reveals that change may be expected to be slow
and unpredictable.
UK Cigar Scene is starting to generate some
momentum now as we move into our second
edition. We have had to stretch the diary out to
three pages just to fit in all the event and we have
some great features and interviews for you in
coming months so light up and read on.
I am also delighted to have an interview with
Californian Humidor ‘dude’ Daniel Marshall and
Pedro Mendes’s views on the potential demise of
the thin cigars which some of us enjoy so much.
Nic Wing
Proprietor and Editor
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