Guantanamo Bay CubaGuantanamo Bay Cuba, the average American citizen may be aware of different instances of the country’s interaction with Cuba. Most likely, the average United States resident could tell a few details throughout the island’s history, involving such incidents as the Cuban American Treaty, and the difficulties that have arose afterward. In addition, most people are aware of such details as the issue of illegal immigration into the country and the issues surrounding Guantanamo Bay. However, there is much more to this section of the island than just the American Base or the American Prison. In fact, the history of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is quite interesting and rich in detail.
The History of Guantanamo Bay CubaBefore the United States had any part in the story of the Bay, it had a direct impact on future events. In fact, when Christopher Columbus began his explorations that would one day lead to the establishment of the Americas, he made a stop on the island of Cuba. Even the, the bay was known as Guantanamo by the indigenous people of the island. At that time, it became obvious quite quickly that the bay would be an excellent starting point for trades leaving America and coming into the country. It is no surprise that the Spanish soon occupied the island and took control of the bay. Though it was briefly renamed, it has always been called Guantanamo Bay Cuba, as it is in the present day. Throughout history, the ideal location of the bay has lead to it being a part of skirmishes from different battles, culminating in the Spanish American War. It was after this war that the United States took control and established the Guantanamo Bay Cuba Naval Base in 1898. Following the Spanish-American War, the United States liberated the island and signed a treaty with the new republic. This treaty, made official in 1903, outlined many things to do with Cuban independence and America’s role. In addition, it established that the United States would be allowed to lease the Guantanamo Bay Cuba for use as a naval base as well as a location for importing and exporting to the country.
Gitmo CubaThe Naval base, which belongs to the United States, is located along the bay and is often referred to as GITMO. The base has served two roles. One has to been to provide a military presence on the island. Originally, this military presence was welcomed as a way to protect the independence of the Cuban people. However, over the years, a resentment has built up especially when the dictator Fidel Castro took control of the island government. The second role of the naval base has been as a prison for terrorists or suspected terrorists of the United States. I modern times, the prison has come under fire from humanitarian groups who have sited it as inhumane. However, the prison had not yet been closed.
The Wildlife in Guantanamo Bay CubaThe Cuban economy has continued to spiral downwards, leading to poverty among the residents, due largely to the complete control over rationing, status, class and employment by the Cuban Government. Another way this spiral downward has affected the island can be found in the indigenous animal life of the island. In fact, the Guantanamo Bay Cuba, Naval Base has actually become a sanctuary of sorts, protected animals who have escaped the ravages of a poor economy. Two of the most commonly known species of animals that have taken shelter at the Bay include the Rock Iguanas and the Boa Constrictors. Both of these animals have been used as food by Cuban residents who have felt the most severe impact of poverty. Because of this, the animal life has grown more and more sparse. However, the animals living within the naval base have thrived under American protection. The Hutias, a large rodent like creature, have become so prolific on the bay that they are actually destroying much needed plant life. This is important news since the Hutias have faced near extinction in past years. In the waters surrounding the bay, coral continues to grow in large amounts, which again has a positive impact on the ecosystem. The natural world and the wildlife of Guantanamo Bay Cuba have found refuge within barbed wire fence. Because the GITMO naval base is separated by fencing and forces, the animal life has been able to multiply there when it has dwindled elsewhere on the island. While many people may only associate the Bay with the American impact through the naval base and the prison, the history of it actually has a direct impact on America, which is the exact opposite of current history and issues. First discovered by Columbus all those years ago, Guantanamo Bay Cuba has continued to play a large part in United States history through trades, wars, bases, and skirmishes. Once a welcome mainstay on the island, Guantanamo Bay and the naval base are very much considered unwelcome and even enemies of the current Cuban government. Search for more detailed info in HAVANA-GUIDE 
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