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'Like The Berlin Wall Coming Down': Group's Reaction To Cuba Breakthrough

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Calling their reaction "delighted surprise," one Boulder organization with ties to Cuba heartily welcomed the president's decision to normalize relations with the Communist island nation.

"It's kind of like the Berlin Wall coming down in Latin America," said Spence Havlick, the president of the Boulder-Cuba Sister City Organization.

President Barack Obama's declaration this week that the United State will resume a full diplomatic relationship with the isolated country fueled anger on some sides. But it also brought relief for others.

"Our first reaction was surprise -- delighted surprise -- that it happened in our time," Havlick said.

Among other efforts, his organization provides medical aid and disaster relief to Cuba.

"One thing that's desperately needed always is soap," the group's vice president, Kate Hennessey, said. "Things that are just really simple to us are very difficult for them to obtain."

Kate Hennessey
CBS4's Melissa Garcia interviews Kate Hennessey. (credit: CBS)

Soap, medical supplies and other necessities are headed from Boulder to Yateras in Cuba.

In January, Hennessey will help lead 18 people on a cultural exchange trip to Cuba. It's the sister city organization's 13th year of licensed travel to a long-embargoed country that to most Americans, was restricted.

Obama's recent efforts to improve relations may change that.

Havlick said he understands there are those still opposed to opening full relations with Cuba. But he said building a bridge of friendship will pay off in the long run.

"It's the beginning of a miracle. There's much work to be done in terms of improving the diplomatic relations, but it's a wonderful new beginning for this hemisphere," he said.

LINK: Boulder-Cuba Sister City Organization

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