NOT JUST TOURISTS TORONTO TO CLOSE DOWN

With a great deal of sadness and regret, the Steering Committee of Not Just Tourists Toronto has decided to close down the project.

Our decision came after some Cuban officials reinterpreted the import regulation under which we were operating.  At that point many of our travellers began to be interrogated at length and had their NJTT suitcases confiscated at Cuban Customs.

Faced with this impossible situation, we made every effort to resolve the situation – including discussions and meetings with the Cuban Consul and a letter of appeal to the Cuban Ambassador. The latter didn’t respond to our request.

The Cuban government would prefer that we send donations in bulk – with NJTT doing the fund-raising to pay for shipping after getting approval from them for the donations. This would, of course, radically change the nature of the project and the Steering Committee is unwilling to work under those circumstances.

In March we solicited our volunteers for individuals who were willing to take on a leadership role in the project. Unfortunately, only a couple of volunteers came forward – clearly not enough to carry on the project.

We are offering our medical supplies to NJT projects in other cities, some of whom may plan to somehow carry on. We’ll liquidate our few assets and all funds will be donated to a project in Cuba which feeds the poor.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have served as volunteers and donors, as well as those who have taken donations in the past, and wish you all peace and good fortune.