BATON ROUGE, LA – As Louisiana’s legislative session begins this week, State Senator Rick Edmonds announced he is willing to personally travel to Havana to inspect Cuban cigars as part of what he described as a potential “Louisiana economic partnership” with a post-communist Cuba.
The proposal comes after comments from Donald Trump suggesting the Cuban government may soon collapse, prompting Edmonds to say Louisiana should be prepared to help rebuild key sectors of the island’s economy.
“One of the fastest ways to help a country recover is to get its major industries moving again,” Edmonds said. “And if that means Louisiana stepping in to help sell Cuban cigars right here in Cajun Country, we’re happy to assist.”
Edmonds explained that before any partnership could begin, Louisiana officials would need to travel to Havana to carefully evaluate cigar quality and production capacity. He quickly volunteered to lead the effort.
“These inspections can’t be rushed,” Edmonds said. “You have to spend time with the product, understand the craftsmanship, and make sure it meets Louisiana standards.”
Supporters say the proposal shows that Edmonds, who is currently running for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat, is willing to take a hands-on approach to international economic development.
Edmonds said the inspection trip, which could take up to a week, would be necessary to fully understand the product. “Cuban cigars have a very… distinctive quality,” he said, before pausing briefly. “Or at least that’s what I’ve heard.”
