Cuban ambassador tours Key West to celebrate common culture

Key West welcomed a Cuban diplomat this week with an official proclamation that deems Cuba and Key West “sister islands.”

José Ramón Cabañas, Cuba’s ambassador to the United States, toured the Southernmost City and met with locals in what Mayor Teri Johnston called a cultural visit, not a political statement.

“It was a cultural and historical exchange,” Johnston said. “It’s been a wonderful visit. We just exchanged ideas and history. We’ve been sister islands for many, many years.”

He had his picture snapped at the famous tourist spot, the giant Southernmost buoy, and was taken to historic spots including where champion swimmer Diana Nyad came ashore after her swim from Cuba to Key West in 2013. He also visited the memorial for Cuban independence leader José Martí.

He also got tours of a local rum distillery and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in a city that was once fueled economically by cigar factories.

“We talked about cigars and ‘One Human Family,’” said David Sloan, a writer and Key West historian, referring to Key West’s official motto. “He’s a true Cuban gentleman and he loves the island.”

And on Wednesday evening, locals toasted Cabañas at a cocktail party at the Southernmost House mansion, 1400 Duval St.

Cabañas said he was proud to accept the proclamation on behalf of all Cubans.