andrew cuomo has become the first governor in five years to visit cuba , following president obama 's ease on trade and travel to the communist nation .
the governor is heading a delegation of 18 academics and business leaders visiting the island in the wake of the december announcement that the us and cuba would restore diplomatic relations after more than a half century of hostility and confrontation .
today , cuomo met with cuba 's top officials for u.s. relations along executives from jetblue , mastercard , pfizer and other new york-based companies .