Cuban Program Brings Anglers Together

The 65th Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament was recently held in Cuba, marking the first time since 2003 that the U.S. government allowed its citizens to sail boats in from American waters. Phil Thompson, a competitor in the tournament, also organized the “Support the Cuban People Fishing Program,” where American anglers shared their knowledge of fly fishing techniques and equipment with Cubans interested in the charter fishing industry. “Mr. Thompson’s program is providing and empowering the Cuban society in a non-governmental way by providing resources and expertise that can benefit the local Cuban economy,” says Jeffrey Boutwell, board member with the Latin America Working Group Education Fund in Washington, D.C. Via The Tampa Tribune.