AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez says there are no talks with Washington and calls the blockade “collective punishment,” citing record losses of $8.083B from March 2025–Feb 2026 and warning the UN will debate the embargo again Oct. 27–28. Energy & Daily Life: The same pressure is blamed for deepening fuel and electricity shortages, with reports of long blackouts and services struggling to function. Passports Under Strain: Getting a Cuban passport has turned into a months-long ordeal, with lines growing when power fails and processing delays stretching about four months. Gender-Based Violence: A specialist warns official femicide figures reflect delays in the justice system, not the true pace of violence. Public Safety: A fire mobilized firefighters in Santiago de Cuba’s historic center, with early reports pointing to a residence/business area. Sports Defections: Judo athlete Melissa Hurtado alleges she coordinated a defection plan in France with teammates, describing fear of informants. Crime & Infrastructure: In Camagüey, thieves stole an ETECSA antenna and allegedly left feces on the equipment plate. Religion & Community: Matanzas’ Colón held a first public procession for the Virgin of Regla, drawing blue-and-white devotees despite heavy rain.

Cuban Economy & Reforms: A top trade deputy told U.S. media the regime’s new economic opening is “very difficult to reverse,” but not irreversible—leaving legal guarantees and permanence unclear as the PCC keeps tight control. Energy in Guantánamo: The El Algarrobo photovoltaic park was inaugurated, adding daytime power to the province, while officials also pushed drought response plans and alternative water sources. Personal Security Anniversary: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero praised MININT’s Personal Security agents as a “loyal family” during the unit’s 65th anniversary, echoing Fidel-era language. Security Scare: Cuban officials publicly discussed how they would respond to a kidnapping or attack on top leaders, referencing the Maduro operation in Venezuela. Informal Market Snapshot: Cuba’s dollar, euro, and MLC rates were updated, with the dollar stable and the euro shifting in the informal market. Migration Pressure: The U.S. thanked Guyana for receiving a small first group of deportees, including four from Cuba, under a temporary third-country arrangement. Sports & Training: Cuba’s boxing coach took part in regional sports coaching and governance training abroad, while Cuba’s own sports commission work continued across regions.

Raúl Castro returns to TV: Cuba’s former president reappeared on state television at a MININT security anniversary, appearing alert in uniform and alongside his grandson, as rumors about his health were again swirled and then undercut by the broadcast. Power and water squeeze: In Havana and Santiago de Cuba, residents reported long blackouts, failed electricity cycles, and water shortages that leave people climbing dozens of floors and hauling water. Protests keep pressure on: In Havana’s Fontanar, neighbors staged cacerolazos and blocked a main road demanding electricity; police moved in and arrests were reported. Health warning: The U.S. Embassy issued a health alert for Cuba after a significant rise in diarrheal illness tied to the worsening water and energy grid. Cuba’s informal market: Currency updates from the informal market showed the dollar holding steady while the euro shifted slightly. Local life under sanctions: A new report highlights how U.S. blockade and sanctions continue to hit tourism and travel flows into Cuba. Private sector reality: A Holguín tricycle driver was fined for missing fare prices—then his 10-year-old son made a homemade sign. Transparency demand: A Cuban writer publicly asked for the identities and sources of wealth of “millionaire compatriots of socialism.”

Raúl Castro at Public Event: Former Cuban President Raúl Castro, 95, reappeared in uniform at a military ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Personal Security Directorate, alongside President Miguel Díaz-Canel, after fresh rumors about his health. U.S. Pressure on Cuba: A new report says the Trump administration is leaning harder on economic blockade tactics—targeting energy, minerals, and finance—to squeeze Cuba and limit revenue. Sanctions vs. Trade Reality: Despite tighter measures, U.S. exports to Cuba hit a monthly record in July, with fuel driving much of the jump. Immigration and Detention Cruelty: A federal judge authorized ICE to force-feed a Cuban hunger striker with a surgical feeding tube, while separate reporting highlights a broader pattern of forced feeding orders. Third-Country Deportations: Guyana received six deportees from the U.S., including four Cubans, under a one-year deal with strict vetting. Exile Infiltration Claims: A Cuban-Guatemalan identified by ICE as a Cuban intelligence asset reportedly donated thousands to key Cuban-American politicians, renewing scrutiny of connections in South Florida.

U.S. Health Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Havana warned of a spike in diarrheal illness tied to Cuba’s failing water and electricity systems, urging caution with perishable food. Raúl Castro Update: Raúl Castro made a public reappearance alongside Díaz-Canel at a Ministry of the Interior anniversary event, after days of rumors about his health. Defense vs. Daily Life: Díaz-Canel led National Defense Day amid public anger over blackouts and shortages, with residents mocking the regime for having electricity and comfort for military events. Economy in Free Fall: A Cuban economist estimates GDP could shrink up to 31% in 2026, far worse than prior forecasts. Water Crisis in Focus: In Havana’s Diez de Octubre, residents protested plans to connect a military facility to the water line while they still rely on trucks. Fuel Blockade Reality: Cubans are leaning on solar, charcoal, and improvisation as the energy squeeze deepens, while tourism keeps sliding. Migration Pressure: Guyana began receiving U.S. “third-country” deportees, including Cubans, under a one-year vetted arrangement. Everyday Hardship: Las Tunas reported rising arbovirus risk as dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses seasonally intensifies.

Water Crisis in Havana: President Miguel Díaz-Canel set a deadline for the first measurable improvements to the capital’s water supply, saying results should start by the end of September in “two or three” key systems, with more sources consolidated in October and a longer-term push toward renewable-energy solutions before year’s end. US Sanctions Tighten the Squeeze: The U.S. Treasury announced new Cuba-linked sanctions targeting Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis and Banco Exterior de Cuba, plus energy and oil-related firms tied to keeping the power grid running, as blackouts and fuel shortages worsen. Power Grid Reality Check: In Holguín, officials inspected a 50 MW battery storage project, but residents immediately questioned timelines and whether the scale matches the island’s massive electricity deficit. School Year Under Strain: A Cuban singer’s satirical song captured the start of the school year’s shortages—ill-fitting uniforms, missing snacks, students printing books, and frequent power cuts—while families struggle to make it through. Humanitarian and Rights Pressure: A Texas court order reportedly allowed ICE to force-feed a Cuban hunger striker, raising fresh alarms about treatment in detention. Everyday Adaptation: A CNN profile highlighted how Cubans are using solar-powered tricycles, rechargeable fans, and DIY fixes to cope with the oil blockade and rolling blackouts. Education Assessment in the Region: UNESCO is preparing ERCE 2025 results, with Cuba among participating countries, to compare learning outcomes across Latin America and the Caribbean. Deportations to the Caribbean: Guyana said it received the first group of six deportees from the U.S. under a third-country system, including Cubans, after vetting and immigration processing.

US Sanctions & Health Crisis: The U.S. embassy in Havana issued a health alert over a rise in diarrheal illness tied to failing water and electricity, while Washington rolled out fresh sanctions hitting Cuba’s power-grid supply chain and Raul Castro’s grandson—called “collective punishment” by Cuban officials. Power, Food, and Daily Hardship: Cubans report blackouts lasting around 36 hours, heat-rash in children, and the strain of feeding kids—one school snack list topped 500 pesos. Economy & Rules for Businesses: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero backed new decree-laws to expand state and private business autonomy, while Cuba also moves ahead with more private travel agencies and foreign investment openings. State Media Shake-Up: The PCC appointed a new director for Sierra Maestra amid a broader crisis in state-run media printing and distribution. Local Governance Under Pressure: Camagüey residents complain about price hikes as inspectors patrol markets, and Artemisa residents denounce a garbage-filled street left blocked after a “cleanup.” Culture & Education: UNESCO prepares to release ERCE 2025 learning results across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Cuba among participating countries, as Cuba’s school year begins amid shortages. Safety & Accidents: A homemade tractor crash in Sagua de Tánamo left at least three dead and five injured.

US-Cuba Sanctions Tighten: The U.S. announced another round of sanctions targeting Cuba’s energy grid and key figures, including Raúl Castro’s grandson and firms tied to maintaining the electricity system, as blackouts and fuel shortages worsen. Foreign Investment Rules: Cuba’s Council of Ministers published updated regulations for foreign investment, laying out how opportunities are submitted, evaluated, monitored, and potentially dissolved. Tourism Push: New tourism resolutions aim to boost foreign investment and ecotourism, including incentives and changes to tourist transport rules. Health Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Havana warned of a significant rise in diarrheal diseases linked to the collapse of water and energy infrastructure, urging strict food and water safety. Cuban Daily Life Online: A viral video shows a young Cuban content creator giving a thousand pesos to a grandfather biking his grandkids to school, followed by more groceries and cash support. Energy Crime Crackdown: MININT confirmed scientific tests at checkpoints to detect dielectric oil mixed into fuel, with dozens of vehicles flagged and seized.

Sanctions Tighten the Screws: The U.S. hit Cuba again with new sanctions targeting Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis and state-linked firms tied to banking, nickel mining, and the power grid—Abapet among them—aiming to worsen blackouts and fuel shortages. Energy Crisis Reality Check: Experts warn Cuba will try to “get creative” to keep equipment running, but that workaround could mean higher costs, inflation, and deeper hardship. Diplomacy at a Standstill: Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington called U.S. talks a “war without bombs,” saying dialogue is frozen and Havana seeks respect, not escalation. Schools Reopen, Shortages Persist: Despite the severe economic crisis, Cuba reopened classrooms as students returned amid shortages of fuel, electricity, water, and teachers. Free-Market Push Under Pressure: Cuba unveiled new rules meant to attract foreign investment and trade, promising less red tape as it expands private activity while sanctions squeeze the economy. Everyday Strain in Havana: One musician says his neighborhood got only minutes of electricity over days, highlighting inequality in power distribution.

Cuba’s school year under strain: A Cuban mother says outfitting her child for preschool and school costs over 30,000 pesos—nearly 10 minimum monthly salaries—amid blackouts, uniform shortages, and a teacher deficit. Humanitarian pressure: The Cuba Study Group urges Washington and Havana to remove barriers to humanitarian aid, including allowing private fuel sales to hospitals. Elderly hardship: An elderly woman describes going days without food, electricity, and water while her pension and medicine costs leave her unable to cope. Consular access: Spain’s Havana consulate updates how people registered by May 31, 2026 can schedule first passport appointments via DICIREG. Food and nutrition support: WFP expands a maternal and child nutrition project in Holguín to fight anemia and improve local food systems. Economy signals: Informal-market currency reports show the dollar steady while the euro rises, and MLC also ticks up. Tourism hit: Multiple reports point to steep declines in Cuba’s visitor arrivals and hotel closures.

Seismology Under Attack: Cuba’s seismological station on the Isle of Youth is out of service after thieves stole everything, from solar panels and batteries to the seismometer and digitizer, with officials calling it more than theft and urging it be treated as sabotage. Cuba’s Economy, Up Close: A new decree-law expands private business rules—raising the old 100-worker cap, allowing bigger private companies, direct import/export (with authorization), and letting Cubans abroad hold stakes. School-Year Strain: Back-to-school costs were shown at nearly 11 minimum wages for basic supplies, while families in Matanzas report blackouts and unstable staffing forcing reliance on paid tutors. Tourism Slide: ONEI says international travelers are down sharply—about half of last year’s level—deepening the island’s crisis. Digital Government Push: Cuba is upgrading its Soberanía platform with UNDP and China support, aiming to expand online services and digital identity use. Diplomacy Blame Game: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla blamed the “energy blockade” and U.S. sanctions for the crisis, as Cuba seeks alignment with its overseas missions. U.S. Immigration Fallout: A Cuban man says ICE deported him to the Central African Republic without him knowing the destination.

Cuba’s Tourism Shock: Cuba’s tourism keeps sliding under U.S. pressure and an energy embargo, with ONEI reporting 419,000 foreign visitors in Jan–July 2026—down 62% from the same period in 2025. School Year Under Strain: Cuba reopened schools as fuel, water, and power shortages persist, including in Guantánamo where the 2026–2027 year started with in-person plans for 79,000+ students across about 800 schools. Humanitarian Aid Returns: NGO Open Arms brought a second solidarity mission to Cuba, docking in Havana with over seven tons of medical supplies and powdered milk for hospitals. Guantánamo Book Fair: The province announced its 34th Book Fair, running Sept. 4–6, with a historiography program and events tied to Fidel Castro’s centenary. Workplace Tragedy: A Cuban construction worker died after a scaffold rolled into a live power line in Guyana, with two others critically injured. Raúl Castro Health Watch: In Miami, Cuban Americans are reacting to reports that Raúl Castro suffered a stroke and remains hospitalized, while Cuban officials have stayed silent.

Cuba’s School Year Under Strain: Cuba is reopening for about 1.4 million students amid shortages of fuel, water, uniforms, and teachers, with blackouts and disrupted services still shaping daily life. Water Under Blockade Pressure: President Miguel Díaz-Canel met officials to protect Havana’s water supply as the U.S. blockade tightens—prioritizing generators, grid support, leak control, and solar and storage upgrades at key pumping sites. Tourism Hit Hard: Cuba’s tourism fell 62% from January to July versus last year, as U.S. pressure and an energy embargo push hotels and international partners to suspend or scale back. Raúl Castro Health Rumors: Reports say former Cuban leader Raúl Castro is gravely ill after a stroke, with no official confirmation from Havana yet. U.S. Immigration Court Move for Cubans: USCIS says it will follow a court order to restart thousands of suspended immigration cases, including for Cubans, while legal review continues. Safety and Infrastructure Woes: A Cuban seismological station on the Isle of Youth was left non-operational after thieves stole solar panels, batteries, and monitoring equipment. Regional Spillover: China sharply criticized the U.S. over Cuba, accusing Washington of Cold War-style dominance and sanctions pressure.

Cuba’s School Year Under Strain: Schools reopened across the island as families face a brutal mix of fuel shortages, blackouts, and a teacher gap, with buses not running and uniforms still missing for many students. Power Crisis Update: Cuba’s electric system is starting September with major deficits forecast during peak hours, as multiple plants are out of service and distributed generation is limited by lack of fuel. Teacher Shortage Push: The education ministry admits the start is “heroic” but acknowledges the dramatic lack of teachers and supplies, with vacancies tied to low salaries and emigration. Electrical Sabotage Crackdown: Cuban courts are penalizing theft of transformer components and dielectric oil, with authorities treating it as sabotage against the national grid. U.S. Embassy Warning: The U.S. Embassy in Havana says vehicle-related thefts and pickpocketing are rising, urging extra vigilance. Diaspora Solidarity: A Miami resident’s viral donation of 150,000 pesos to a mother in Cuba highlights how families are coping when services fail. Guantánamo Book Fair: A new book fair in Guantánamo (Sept. 4–6) will spotlight Fidel Castro’s centennial and new local titles.

Humanitarian Aid Watch: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Mike Hammer on Cuba, as Washington pushes a $100 million aid plan meant to reach Cubans directly through groups like Caritas, after an initial Miami shipment already arrived. School Crisis in Cuba: With shortages of teachers, uniforms, notebooks, and even school meals, Cuba’s Education Minister admitted the new year will start under “very difficult” conditions, while Camagüey’s local officials are getting private firms to sponsor repairs and maintenance. Bahamas Cuts Cuban Teacher Contracts: The Bahamas will not renew contracts for 31 Cuban teachers, citing a shift toward hiring local educators amid ongoing U.S.-Cuba labor pressure. Aid by Sea: Spain’s Open Arms sailboat Astral returned to Havana with seven tons of humanitarian supplies, including medical goods and school materials. Electricity Theft Crackdown: Santiago de Cuba reports high rates of transformer oil theft, with authorities treating it as sabotage. Cuba Food Reality Check: A BBC analysis says Cuba’s food system has collapsed into heavy imports, with pork, rice, beans, and milk production sharply down. Diaspora Debate: A Cuban psychologist’s viral post sparks debate over whether emigrant children end up carrying parents’ burdens.

Cuba’s Economic Opening: Cuba is preparing sweeping reforms to let private firms import and export directly, allow foreign investors to hire workers without mandatory state intermediaries, and expand room for real-estate projects—moves framed as a major shift in the socialist model amid fuel shortages and new U.S. pressure. Guantánamo Reforms & Culture: In Guantánamo, officials say economic and social reforms are falling short in places like micro, small and medium businesses, while a neighborhood market launch and land-allocation delays are drawing criticism; meanwhile, Guantánamo’s puppet theater is touring Colombia, bringing Cuban performing arts to major festivals. Energy & Crime: Cuba’s courts and authorities are cracking down harder on sabotage tied to the power system, warning that attacks on electricity and water infrastructure will face severe penalties. Humanitarian Food Support: The WFP is expanding its “Act Differently!” local food project in eastern Cuba’s Rafael Freyre area, linking cooperatives with social protection institutions to strengthen nutrition and resilience. U.S. Deportations: The Trump administration expanded “third-country” deportations, sending more than 100 people—including Cubans—to African countries, according to a new report.