AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Crisis: The UN human rights chief says U.S. sanctions are contributing to children’s deaths in Cuba, citing doubled infant mortality and worse cancer survival as doctors lack medicines. Diplomacy & Aid: Cuba’s Díaz-Canel thanks Colombia and President Gustavo Petro for nearly 100 tons of humanitarian aid, calling it proof that “brotherhood cannot be blocked.” Economic Reform Push: Cuba unveils its broadest economic opening package in decades, aiming to expand private activity and attract investment while decentralizing state firms—though many Cubans doubt it will be implemented. Energy Pain on the Ground: Havana residents report a cooking-gas tariff nearly doubling, while Santiago de Cuba neighborhoods face transformer removals with no replacement timeline, and families describe blackouts as “psychological torture.” Public Safety & Daily Life: A Cuban mother says an ambulance was denied for her child with cerebral palsy due to “no fuel,” and another resident reports spoiled food sold on the Isle of Youth amid power failures. Regional Solidarity: An activist urges CARICOM to consider adding Cuba to strengthen a united regional voice against the U.S. energy blockade.

Humanitarian Alarm: The UN’s top human-rights official says U.S. sanctions are contributing to children’s deaths in Cuba, citing doubled infant mortality and worse outcomes for childhood cancer as doctors lack medicines. Energy Crisis: Cuba’s power troubles continue, with the Antonio Guiteras plant finally reconnecting after a week of repairs while Guantánamo and other areas still face outages and uncertainty. Sanctions Tighten: Washington moves to sanction Cuba’s state oil and gas company CUPET, with Havana calling it a further tightening of the “economic and energy blockade.” Economic Overhaul: Díaz-Canel announces sweeping economic reforms aimed at attracting investment, expanding private activity, and giving more authority to municipalities to import/export. Currency Pressure: Cuba’s informal exchange rates hit fresh highs, with the dollar and euro climbing again as foreign currency shortages worsen. Solidarity & Supplies: A Catalonia-based campaign reports 18 container shipments of medical supplies reaching Cuba. Culture: Matanzas writer Humberto Fuentes wins the Celestino Short Story Prize for “Cubacabana.”

UN Human Rights: UN chief Volker Türk says U.S. sanctions are driving child deaths in Cuba, citing doubled infant mortality and worse cancer survival as medicines and supplies can’t reach doctors. Energy & Daily Life: Cuba’s fuel and electricity crisis keeps worsening—Havana reports a 6.1 earthquake off the west coast, while Güines residents describe a week-plus blackout and botched repairs; another viral clip shows Cubans coping with long outages and spoiled food. Sanctions Escalation: Washington added CUPET to its sanctions list, and Cuba’s foreign minister calls it “crude lies” and collective punishment, warning the embargo is blocking food and medicine distribution. Fuel Shipments Blocked: A Florida firm, Vanguard Energy, halted what would have been the biggest U.S. fuel shipment to Cuba since 1960 after new restrictions. Economic Reforms: Díaz-Canel announced 2026 reforms to liberalize parts of the economy, expand private activity, and let Cubans abroad invest—though South Florida exiles and analysts question whether it’s enough. Sports (Cuban): Yordan Álvarez made MLB history with a grand slam and multi-run homer in the first inning for Houston.

U.S. Sanctions Under Fire: The UN human rights chief says U.S. sanctions are driving child deaths in Cuba, citing doubled infant mortality and worse cancer survival as doctors lack medicines. Economic Reforms: Hours after Washington hit CUPET, Díaz-Canel unveiled a 2026 reform package: more autonomy for municipalities and state firms, expanded private activity, fewer subsidies and less bureaucracy, plus incentives to attract foreign investment and diaspora capital. Energy Crisis Fallout: Cuba’s grid remains in deep trouble, with the power deficit still near 1,720 MW at peak hours, while families report days without electricity and even churches say the regime blocked free breakfasts for pregnant women. CUPET Sanctions Response: CUPET rejected the new U.S. measures as “unjust and arbitrary,” while Havana calls it another tightening of the energy blockade. Humanitarian Aid: A ship carrying nearly 100 tons of food and medical supplies arrived from Colombia as the fuel squeeze continues. Local Disruption: A freight train derailed in Guanajay, Artemisa, disrupting a key Mariel-to-interior cargo route.

CUPET Sanctions Intensify Cuba’s Energy Crisis: The U.S. added state oil firm Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET) to sanctions lists, blocking assets and raising barriers to fuel imports as blackouts and shortages keep worsening. Humanitarian Fallout Under Fire: The UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that U.S. sanctions are contributing to child deaths in Cuba, citing doubled infant mortality and worse outcomes for childhood cancer. Rubio vs. Havana: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez hit back at Marco Rubio, calling the “economic and energy blockade” a campaign of lies and further pressure. On-the-Ground Suffering: In Santiago de Cuba, residents protested for electricity, food, and freedom amid repeated outages; in Guantánamo, a power cut left the province without supply. Fuel Market Strain: The dollar surged to 650 pesos in Cuba’s informal market, signaling continued pressure on household purchasing power. Energy Repairs, Skepticism: Cuba’s Guiteras plant said it will restart a unit, but many residents doubt promises after frequent failures. Solidarity Abroad: A humanitarian appeal in Windhoek, Namibia, said it raised over $700,000 for urgent medical supplies to Cuba.

UN Human Rights Warning: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk says U.S. sanctions and the blockade of medical supplies are driving child deaths in Cuba, citing doubled infant mortality and worse outcomes for childhood cancer. U.S.-Cuba Military Pressure: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Guantánamo visit and remarks underscore heightened U.S. warnings to Cuba amid talk of “any possible contingency.” Fuel and Health Fallout: Cuba’s energy blockade is also hitting daily life and services, including refinery strain as the Hermanos Díaz plant adapts to shortages and heavy-crude processing limits. Air Travel Hit: Transat reports a steep loss tied to soaring fuel costs and suspended flights to Cuba, while the airline seeks emergency loan support. Cuba in the U.S. Orbit: A new U.S. ESTA/visa issue is leaving some World Cup fans stranded after Cuba travel history triggers entry problems. Cuban Culture: The Celestino Prize returns as a major platform for young Cuban literature in Holguín.

Pentagon Pressure on Cuba: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Guantánamo Bay and warned Cuba that trying to acquire weapons that could reach the U.S. mainland or the base would “trigger” an “unbearable confrontation,” while also leaving the door open to better ties if Havana avoids “wrong” decisions. Sanctions and Humanitarian Fallout: The White House defended new Cuba sanctions after the UN human rights chief said they are causing “widespread harm” and endangering lives, with Cuba’s foreign minister also blaming a U.S. energy blockade for disrupting aid deliveries. Earthquake Aftershocks in Florida: Southwest Floridians are watching for aftershocks after a 6.1 quake near Cuba and a later 4.3 quake; officials say no county damage has been reported so far. Fuel Deal for Cuba’s Private Sector: A Coral Gables firm says it struck a deal to ship fuel to Cuba’s private sector, with safeguards meant to keep the fuel from being controlled by the Cuban government. Local Resilience in Cuba: Holguín opened its first solar charging station for electric tricycles and community services, aiming to ease daily strain amid the island’s energy problems.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Guantánamo Bay and warned Cuba not to seek weapons that could reach the U.S. homeland or the base, saying it would invite a confrontation Havana “could not withstand.” Diplomacy Under Fire: Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, told AP that Trump’s sanctions on Cuban leaders are a “pretext” for military action, calling the situation “a war without bombs” and stressing Cuba does not want confrontation. Energy Crisis Watch: A Florida trading firm, Vanguard Energy, is in talks to send what could be the biggest U.S. fuel shipment to Cuba since the Cold War embargo—250,000 barrels (gasoline and diesel) aimed at the private sector. Humanitarian Pressure: The Russian State Duma condemned the U.S. blockade as “blatant interference,” urging it be lifted, while UN-linked reporting continues to focus on child deaths tied to shortages. Earthquake Aftermath: A 6.1 quake off Cuba was felt across Southwest Florida, with residents reporting strong shaking and officials warning of possible aftershocks. Culture & Community: Little Havana’s Ball & Chain was named one of Esquire’s Best Bars in America for 2026, highlighting Miami’s Cuban roots.

Humanitarian Pressure: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk says U.S. sanctions are incompatible with international law and that “children are dying” in Cuba as doctors lack essential medicines amid fuel shortages. Diplomatic Warning: Cuba’s top envoy in Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, tells AP the latest sanctions and Raúl Castro’s indictment are a “pretext” to push Americans toward military intervention, calling the situation “a war without bombs.” U.S. Military Posture: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to travel to Tampa and Guantánamo Bay to “engage with troops,” as Washington tightens pressure on Havana. Aid Still Reaches Cuba: Mexico and Belize continue sending humanitarian shipments, with Mexico’s president reiterating solidarity even as fuel deliveries remain curtailed. Tourism Slump: Reuters reports Cuba’s iconic sites are seeing far fewer foreign visitors as sanctions and the economic crisis drive major hotel and travel pullbacks. Earthquake Aftershocks: A 4.3 aftershock was reported off Cuba’s western coast after the earlier 6.1 quake that shook parts of Florida.

Earthquake Watch: A rare 6.1-magnitude quake off Cuba’s west coast (about 65 miles from Mantua, depth ~16 miles) rattled homes and offices across Florida, prompting precautionary evacuations and ride shutdowns at Disney World; officials reported no major damage or injuries and said there’s no tsunami threat, though aftershocks remain possible. Guantánamo Courts: Cuba inaugurated a new Provincial People’s Court headquarters in Guantánamo, adding multiple courtrooms and services after a years-long investment process. U.S. Immigration Crackdown: The DOJ moved to denaturalize 17 naturalized citizens, including a Cuban-born woman tied to a $5.3 million Miccosukee Casino fraud scheme, alleging she concealed criminal activity on her citizenship application. Cuba in the Spotlight (Culture/Sport): Mark Cuban, a Cuban-American billionaire, donated to USA Football to support the U.S. Women’s Flag Football National Team ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut in 2028.

Earthquake Watch: A rare 6.1 quake off Cuba’s northwest coast shook Havana and was felt across Florida as far north as Jacksonville, prompting precautionary evacuations and ride shutdowns; no major damage or injuries were reported and no tsunami threat was issued. U.S.-Cuba Pressure: Cuba’s president said Washington is weighing “three scenarios” to pressure Havana—economic strangulation to spark unrest, coercive dialogue to seize control of the economy, or military aggression—while Cuba also denounced U.S. “peace through strength” at a UN forum. Humanitarian Aid: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of aid to Cuba, as the island faces fuel shortages, blackouts, and food insecurity amid tightened U.S. restrictions. Defense Signals: Conflicting reports circulated about Cuba arming civilians versus mobilizing territorial militias, but the overall message is a higher defensive posture. Fuel Crisis Impact: Havana’s iconic vintage cars cut trips due to gasoline shortages, hitting a key tourism income stream.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced fresh U.S. threats and new Treasury additions to an “illegitimate” sanctions list targeting Cuban leaders and institutions, saying Washington is trying to strengthen the blockade and force worst-case scenarios. Humanitarian Aid: A ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies donated by Mexico and Belize docked in Havana, with Cuba thanking both governments and noting logistics are being adjusted despite the energy crisis. Legal & Institutions: Cuba marked Jurists’ Day, highlighting the role of jurists and the National Union of Jurists of Cuba in strengthening rule of law and protecting rights. Daily Life Under Strain: Reports continue on blackouts and shortages, including Cubans living with long outages and rationing pressures. Economy & Regional Impact: ECLAC says Cuba’s deep contraction is a key driver of slower Latin American growth in 2026, warning of a “low-growth trap.” Travel Advisory: Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning citing power, food, transport, and healthcare disruptions tied to the oil blockade.

Security Apparatus Spotlight: Cuba’s regime marked the 65th anniversary of the Ministry of the Interior with promotions and decorations, including Dorisbel Martin Ojeda’s rise to brigadier general, underscoring the state security role in surveillance and repression. Sanctions & Financial Shock: Visa and Mastercard operations in Cuba are set to stop after foreign banks sever ties with FINCIMEX, accelerating a broader corporate pullout as companies fear secondary US penalties tied to GAESA. Humanitarian Strain: UN officials warned hospitals are suspending surgeries and facing medicine shortages; more than 100,000 patients are waiting due to power outages and supply gaps. Power Crisis Reality Check: A new look at UNE’s rotating blackouts shows how “day and night” can flip for Cubans, with peak outages reaching over 20 hours in some blocks. Protest Crackdown: In Santiago de Cuba, prosecutors requested up to 10 years for three women accused over a protest against blackouts. Diaspora Investment Push: Havana is inviting emigrants to invest and even manage hotels and businesses, using embassy channels and incentives. Aid Arrives: Mexico and Belize delivered 1,700 tons of basic goods to ease shortages. Raúl Castro’s Defiance: Raúl Castro reappeared publicly for his 95th birthday amid renewed US pressure and invasion warnings.

U.S.-Cuba Pressure and Humanitarian Fallout: Cuban FM Bruno Rodríguez says the U.S. oil embargo and tightened blockade are “collective punishment” driving child deaths, citing a doubling of infant mortality to 9.9 per 1,000 live births. Aid and Supplies: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of food and essentials to Havana as Cuba’s 2026 crisis worsens. Sanctions and Payments: Cuba says Visa and Mastercard access will stop for transactions via FINCIMEX starting Saturday, while airlines and tour operators keep pulling back. Travel Hit: Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing suspend all Cuba flights and vacation operations indefinitely, with no clear restart date. Daily Life Under Strain: A Bayamo bicycle-taxi driver reports his tires were stolen, threatening his ability to support his blind mother. Power Crisis Voices: A Cuban mother says her adult son with serious medical conditions has been without electricity for 50+ hours, calling it inhumane. Currency Pressure: The dollar and euro hit new informal-market records in Cuba. Culture: Havana’s International Book Fair is set for Aug. 10–16, moving venues due to the energy crisis. Politics and Repression: Artists Boni y Kelly publicly call out “coward” silence and demand free elections, amid ongoing repression concerns.

US Sanctions & Humanitarian Impact: Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez says tightened U.S. measures are “collective, cruel, and indiscriminate punishment,” citing rising infant mortality and worse outcomes for children with cancer. Power Crisis in Cuba: Havana residents report unbearable noise from an ETECSA generator and ongoing blackouts; another report says the Felton thermoelectric plant was disconnected as the grid faces a major peak-demand deficit. Everyday Hardship & Security: A viral post shows Cubans coping with days without water and electricity; elsewhere, a Bayamo man’s bicitaxi tires were stolen, and residents warn of a new door-drilling burglary technique. Tourism Hit by Sanctions: Indonesian chain Archipelago International confirms it’s exiting Cuba, joining other hotel pullouts as U.S. pressure targets GAESA-linked operations. Diaspora & Culture: The U.S. Embassy in Cuba highlights #Freedom250 with Cuban artists, while Pope Leo XIV in Spain meets a Cuban mother who arrived pregnant and gave birth to twins with Cáritas support. Travel Disruptions: Air Canada, Air Transat and Sunwing suspend flights to Cuba indefinitely.

U.S. Sanctions Tighten on Cuba’s Leadership: The Trump administration expanded sanctions targeting President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta, and other relatives and institutions, while Cuba’s government says the move is meant to reinforce the blockade and escalate pressure. Raúl Castro Returns to Public View: Raúl Castro made his first appearance since U.S. murder charges tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, appearing at an Interior Ministry event as Havana projects defiance amid the renewed squeeze. Tourism Exodus Accelerates: Hotel operators keep pulling out under U.S. pressure—Meliá is exiting 15 Cuba hotels, and Air Canada suspends Cuba service indefinitely, citing political and economic uncertainty. Energy Crisis Hits Daily Life: With power outages and shortages worsening, Cubans report improvising meals during blackouts, while Germany issues a strongly discouraging travel advisory over the collapse of infrastructure and services. Currency Jumps: Cuba’s informal market logged fresh record highs for the dollar, euro, and MLC, underscoring the strain on households.