American Detained in Cuba

An American contractor working for a Maryland-based economic development organization called Development Alternatives, Inc has been detained by Cuban Authorities.

Jim Boomgard, DAI’s president and chief executive, said the person arrested is part of a new USAID program intended to “strengthen civil society in support of just and democratic governance in Cuba.”

“Our prime concern is for the safety, well-being, and quick return to the United States of the detained individual,” Boomgard said in a statement. Boomgard said the company is working with the State Department to ensure this is a top priority.

It is not yet known why the contractor was detained. The name of the employee has not been released due to privacy laws.