BACARDI BLOCK

During the summer of 2000, the decision to ban the sale of Bacardi products from Union venues was made. This action was taken after information from NUS and NUSSL (NUS ServicesLtd.)

It was brought to the attention of NUS, and thus individual universities and colleges, that there are political and ethical problems with the Bacardi company.

The predominant problem lies with their backing of the Trade Embargo placed on Cuba. Until 1959, Cuba was ruled by an elected American backed government. Due to this, Cuba was heavily influenced by American ideals, companies and culture.

In 1959, however, a young Cuban Communist, Fidel Castro, staged as revolution and over threw the elected American government. This resulted in Cuba becoming a communist state and led to the nationalisation of all companies. Bacardi consequently pulled out of Cuba and ran their company from America in order to escape nationalisation.

The US government was opposed to Castro's communist ruling and the nationalisation of its companies. Therefore, they introduced sanctions against Cuba. Some of the sanctions of the Trade Embargo include restrictions on humanitarian and medical aid, and supplies from other countries and organisations. This obviously has had a devastating effect on the Cuban population.

The Bacardi Company supports the American sanctions placed on Cuba. It is commited to backing the return of an elected government.

The reason that the Students' Union has banned Bacardi is not based on political stance. Our reason is that the Trade Embargo is a violation of human rights for the Cuban people and therefore Bacardi'' backing of the Embargo is ethically unsound.