Havana Laugh: Obama Jokes With Cuban Comedian

US President Barack Obama

PRESIDENT Barack Obama has taken part in a comedy sketch with a famous Cuban comedian ahead of his historic visit to Havana.

In the three-and-a-half minute video sketch, released by the US embassy in Havana, the US President and comedian Panfilo act out a conversation about his upcoming landmark trip.

Obama bacame the first US President to visit Cuba in 88 years.

It is a landmark step towards burying the hatchet after decades of tensions between the two nations.
In the hours before his arrival, dozens of people protesting against the Cuban government were arrested in the capital Havana.

The demonstrators were from the Ladies in White group, which was formed by wives of former political prisoners.
Police bundled them into vehicles outside a church where they attempt to hold protests every Sunday.

The arrests are an almost weekly feature and the activists are quickly released.

But the latest incident was embarrassing ahead of Mr Obama’s three-day visit.

The White House says he will raise the issue of human rights in Cuba, while Havana insists that domestic politics are “off the table”.

The US leader was due to see old town Havana on Sunday, hold talks with Cuban President Raul Castro on Monday and attend a baseball game before leaving on Tuesday.

American company Starwood said it had signed three hotel deals in Cuba, a first for any US hospitality firm since the revolution of 1959.
Meanwhile, the comedian Panfilo opened the president skit saying he wants to call the Meteorological Institute in Casa Blanca to find out if it will rain during a Cuba vs. Tampa Bays baseball match.

The deadpan leader answers the phone and confirms that Panfila has in fact got through to the “real White House”.

“Oh my God I’m talking with Obama,” the star struck comedian says.

Panfilo then proceeds to give the President a series of travel tips for his upcoming visit.

He tells him not to pack too much luggage or he will get stuck at the airport.

He then offers to pick him up and even suggests that the President takes his bed if he can’t find anywhere to stay, though warns that Michelle would have to sleep on the side next to the chest of drawers.
“We are very hospitable,” Panfilo says.

Mr Obama will be accompanied on his three-day trip by the First Lady and their two daughters.

Tensions between the two neighbours date back to Fidel Castro overthrowing a US-backed government in 1959.

Panfilo is a character embodied by the actor Luis Silva, whose weekly programme on Cubavision “Vivir del cuento” has made him into one of Cuba’s best-loved comedians. SkyNews.com

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