AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Cuba Tensions & Sanctions: Cuba says the U.S. is pressuring other governments to cut off bilateral healthcare cooperation and intensify the blockade’s impact, warning it deprives communities of health services and fuels daily blackouts and shortages. Economic Reform Push: Cuba’s deputy prime minister tells the Wall Street Journal the island is doubling down on survival strategies—176 economic measures aimed at attracting foreign investment, expanding the private sector, and easing controls—while insisting reforms are real, not a cover. Energy Crisis Reality Check: Reports highlight how fuel shortages and power failures keep hitting households and businesses, with the private sector expanding as state supplies lag. Diplomacy & International Pressure: Cuban diplomats and diaspora groups urge the UN to debate the embargo despite U.S. pressure, while warning Washington targets third parties. Sports—Cuba in the Spotlight: Panama beat Cuba 83-70 to clinch a Second Round berth in the Americas qualifiers, underscoring Cuba’s tough run in regional competition. Diaspora Human Stories: A Cuban residents’ group in Panama presented the blockade’s effects to PARLATINO, detailing health, transport, and electricity strain.

Cuba Healthcare Crisis: A new AP report spotlights how Cuba’s once-praised universal care is breaking down: one Batabanó cancer patient has gone seven months without a CT scan because Havana’s Hermanos Ameijeiras machine is broken, with shortages of supplies and spare parts leaving doctors unable to operate. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío denounced Washington’s “cruel and daily war” against the island, pointing to blackouts, lack of cooking gas, spoiled food, postponed surgeries, and broader shortages. International Pressure on Medical Cooperation: Fernández de Cossío also accused the U.S. of pressuring other governments to end bilateral healthcare programs with Cuba, warning it’s meant to sabotage Cuban medical assistance abroad. U.S. Legal Moves Against Cuban Influence: Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked the legal status of a Cuban national tied to ICAP, with federal custody reported for him and family. Solidarity Abroad: Italy’s Genoa and Rome VII approved motions backing Cuba, condemning the U.S. blockade and threats. Sports: Cuba will send 506 athletes to Santo Domingo for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games despite economic and logistical strain.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Donald Trump again hinted at a policy shift toward Cuba, saying the island is “coming our way,” while Havana’s leaders warn the U.S. blockade is escalating and pushing the country toward crisis. Diplomacy & Pressure: Cuba’s foreign minister says there’s “no progress” in talks with Washington and Cuba is pushing the UN to debate ending the embargo. U.S. Crackdown on Cuban Influence: Marco Rubio revoked the legal status of a Cuban influence operative tied to ICAP, with federal custody pending removal, as the U.S. frames it as subversion. Cuban Science Spotlight: Díaz-Canel marked the 40th anniversary of the CIGB, praising breakthroughs in health and agriculture despite the blockade. Energy Strain: Cuba’s reform debate continues alongside reports of blackouts and unmet summer power demand. Local Tragedy: A Cuban national died in a multi-vehicle crash on Guyana’s Demerara River Bridge.

US-Cuba Tensions at UN: Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez says the U.S. is pressuring the UN to block a July 7 General Assembly debate on ending the U.S. embargo, calling the blockade “a crime against humanity” and “genocide” tied to energy restrictions. Diplomatic Pushback: Rodríguez also warned Cuba will respond to any U.S. military aggression and reiterated that Cuba is not a threat. Sanctions & Intelligence Crackdown: The U.S. says it detained a Cuban family—Carlos Antonio Lloga Domínguez, his wife, and son—after Rubio revoked their legal status, alleging ICAP ties; Rubio says ICAP is a “radical left-wing extremism” influence network and that dealings can mean sanctions, prosecution, or deportation. Economic Reform Messaging: Díaz-Canel told the Council of Ministers the priority is “saving the Revolution,” focusing on unleashing productive forces to build wealth and distribute it with social justice. Energy Strain on the Ground: Reports highlight Cuba’s ongoing power crisis and blackouts, with neighborhoods and hospitals still struggling amid shortages.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez told CNN the island “cannot be a threat” to the U.S., but warned any U.S. military aggression would be met with “all” the force of Cuba and its people, calling the blockade and pressure a crime against humanity. Economic Restructuring: Cuba created a new National Institute of State Business Assets (INAEE) to steer changes to the state enterprise system, with Roberto Ricardo Marrero named to lead the effort. U.N. Blockade Fight: Cuba requested a UN General Assembly session for July 7 to address the U.S. blockade, accusing Washington of trying to block the debate through pressure and threats. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Cuba reiterated it would not abandon Venezuela as Cuban rescue and health teams continue arriving after the June 24 quakes, with reports of rising casualties and missing Cubans. Regional Politics Watch: A separate report says JD Vance and Marco Rubio are taking different approaches on Iran as 2028 speculation grows.

US-Cuba Sanctions Pressure: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez says talks with Washington “show no progress,” accusing the U.S. of “pressuring and intimidating” UN members to delay a July 7 debate on the blockade, while arguing sanctions are “causing deaths” amid Cuba’s shortages. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: A second group of Cuban rescue and health experts from the Henry Reeve contingent arrived in Venezuela to support search-and-care efforts after deadly quakes, joining earlier teams across affected states. Cuban Economy & Politics: Díaz-Canel told the Council of Ministers the priority is “saving the Revolution” by unleashing productive forces and building wealth with social justice, as Cuba pushes economic and social transformations under heavy U.S. pressure. Cuban Culture & Memory: Cuba marked the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China’s founding, with Díaz-Canel and officials highlighting socialist solidarity and historical milestones. Guantánamo Review Order: A new U.S. executive order sets periodic reviews for detainees at Guantánamo Bay, tied to the AUMF framework.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says rescue teams from 30 countries are still searching for survivors, with new arrivals including Vietnam and Cuban brigades; authorities are also assessing damaged buildings and planning temporary camps and housing for thousands by year-end. Cuba-UN Blockade Push: Cuba’s UN envoy in Geneva, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, denounced the U.S. blockade as a violation of multilateral trade rules, warning that secondary sanctions block financing, investment, remittances and key tech for health and food. Cuban Health Alarm (Ciego de Ávila): Official figures cited by 14ymedio report that about a quarter of pregnant women in Ciego de Ávila face nutritional problems, with anemia included, and infant malnutrition affecting 4.5% of registered babies. Tourism & Money Pressure: A tourism expert says Spanish hotel groups have lost €80–€100 million in Cuba due to limits on repatriating hard currency, shifting interest toward other Caribbean destinations. Cuban Diaspora Mobility: Spain’s migrant regularisation drive ends Tuesday; a Cuban applicant in Madrid calls it a major opportunity after her case was approved.

Cuba’s Municipal Push: Cuba’s National Assembly unanimously approved “Transformations in Municipal Autonomy,” expanding powers for the island’s 168 municipalities—covering local planning, food and nutrition security, community services, oversight, and the ability to approve investments and manage credit mechanisms. U.S. Pressure on Cuba: The U.S. announced fresh sanctions targeting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other family members and state-linked entities, adding to the strain from the long-running fuel and economic crisis. Venezuela Relief, Cuban Role: Cuba’s Special Search and Rescue Brigade arrived in Venezuela to support earthquake response, joining international teams and working alongside Cuban medical personnel already on the ground. Guantánamo Summer Activities: In Guantánamo, PCC First Secretary Yoel Pérez García visited Playa Caribe in Baracoa to back the summer season—highlighting e-commerce for self-employed vendors and expanded recreation areas like board games, volleyball, soccer, and nautical services. Public Health Update: Guantánamo reported 99% coverage in the first phase of its bivalent oral polio vaccination campaign for children under two, despite power outages. Local Commemoration: Pinar del Río celebrated the July 26 commemoration after being named host for the national event, with officials stressing resilience amid U.S. “strangulation” policies.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: The death toll from Venezuela’s twin quakes climbed to at least 1,430, with tens of thousands still missing as rescue teams dig through rubble in La Guaira and Caracas; Cuba sent specialized search-and-rescue brigades and canine units to join Venezuelan civil protection and armed forces. Cuba Under Pressure: A new report says the U.S. campaign of sanctions and military threats violates international law and aims at regime change, while Cuba continues rolling out 176 economic reforms amid worsening shortages and grid strain. Energy Crisis & Protests: In Santiago de Cuba, residents staged noise protests over long blackouts, and authorities deployed armed black berets to intimidate demonstrators; elsewhere, Holguín reported long electricity gaps and Cuba’s grid managers warn of collapse risk. Crime & Crackdowns: Police arrested two men in Matanzas for alleged attempted arson and dismantled an illegal cockfighting ring in Santa Clara; in Camagüey, authorities say workers helped steal gas cylinders. U.S.-Cuba Diplomacy: The U.S. embassy in Havana held talks with Cuban exile leaders in Miami, including UNPACU’s José Daniel Ferrer. Community & Daily Life: A private bakery in Havana’s Vedado temporarily closed, citing “recent events,” and rural Holguín communities lost TV service after solar panels were stolen.

Cuban Economy & Currency: Cuba’s dollar exchange rate is swinging again, jumping from 600 to 700 pesos before dropping back to around 660, fueling fresh price pressure and uncertainty for small businesses and shoppers. Labor & Reform Push: The Cuban Workers’ Federation (CTC) is studying a new Labor Code as the government rolls out 176 economic and social “transformation” measures, insisting it’s not a return to capitalism while expanding room for private work and foreign investment. Power Crisis Reality Check: Cuba’s grid remains under severe strain, with reports of blackouts and major shortages continuing to hit daily life. US Pressure & Legal Fallout: The U.S. is tightening sanctions on Cuban state entities and Castro-linked networks, while U.S. courts continue to open the door for lawsuits tied to decades-old Cuban property seizures. Human Rights & Detention: Cuba also faces renewed international scrutiny over political prisoners and convictions, including cases involving activists and alleged abuses. Venezuela Earthquake Aid Link: Cuba is among the countries sending help after Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, including medical support and rescue efforts. Guantánamo Media: In Guantánamo, provincial radio station CMKS marked its 89th anniversary and launched a campaign for its 90th, “Radio Anti-Imperialist Trench.”

Cuba’s “reforms” under scrutiny: 14ymedio argues the regime’s 176 “transformation” proposals are a Potemkin façade meant to preserve political survival, not fix a crisis marked by blackouts, shortages, inflation, and unrest. Energy crisis reality check: Sancti Spíritus’ grid is described as near collapse, with outages running 40–50 hours and a major weekend deficit in the national system. Labor and priorities: President Miguel Díaz-Canel used the CTC congress to lay out five priorities—defense, the economic “battle,” political mobilization, and social-media defense—tying the 2026 program to workers’ participation. US pressure and sanctions: The U.S. imposed new sanctions on five Cuban state entities, including GAESA-linked firms and a Castro family member, as Washington targets revenue tied to repression and security. Humanitarian diplomacy: Cuba says it won a UN World Food Programme vote to continue aid through 2030 despite U.S. opposition. Local life amid shortages: Sancti Spíritus also reports a shortage of more than 300 medications, while Camagüey residents face severe electricity and water strain. Culture and control: A Havana event promoted Fidel-era “Words to intellectuals” discourse while critics say censorship and debate on expression remain suppressed. Diaspora message: MINREX tells Cubans abroad their solidarity strengthens resistance and warns the U.S. uses hunger and disease as political weapons.

Power Crisis: Cuba faces another extreme blackout day, with the Electric Union projecting a huge MW deficit (about 2,135 MW) and widespread outages tied to fuel shortages and thermal plant breakdowns. Repression Ahead of 11J: Cubalex says at least seven people, including four minors, were arrested in Contramaestre after unrest around the “Maffo Museum” fire, with detainees held incommunicado. Labor & Economy: Díaz-Canel told the CTC congress that Cuba’s labor movement must back defense, the “economic battle” and 176 reforms, while also pushing a social-media campaign to counter “perverse campaigns.” Economic Overhaul: Cuba’s National Assembly approved a sweeping package of 176 reforms across 23 axes, expanding private activity and foreign investment while reshaping state enterprises. Guantánamo Recognition: The Communist Party’s Political Bureau granted special recognition to Guantánamo ahead of July 26 events, highlighting food production and healthcare priorities. Public Anger: Social media backlash followed Díaz-Canel’s July 26 venue announcement for Pinar del Río, with users pointing to long blackout stretches and shortages. Human Rights in Prisons: A rights group reports Canaleta prison inmates in Ciego de Ávila are given only one bucket of water every 24 hours, describing it as a tool of repression.

Cuba-U.S. Tensions: A new wave of U.S. pressure on Cuba is in the spotlight, with commentary focusing on Trump’s vow to “take over” Cuba and what it could mean for the island’s future. Economic & Power Strain: Cuba’s ongoing blackouts and shortages remain a daily reality, with reports highlighting how the grid’s collapse keeps hitting households and services. Cuban Workers & Politics: Cuba’s labor movement is holding the 22nd Congress of the Cuban Workers’ Federation in Havana, with delegates pushing for stronger direct union dialogue and broader participation. Venezuela Earthquake Aid (Regional Impact): International rescue and aid efforts for Venezuela’s twin quakes continue, with Cuba among the countries sending help as the death toll and injuries rise. Security Incident in Cuba: An activist in Havana says she was burglarized and then assaulted when trying to file a police report, alleging threats and retaliation.

Cuba’s economic reforms: Cuba’s sweeping 176-measure overhaul is drawing hope and deep skepticism abroad, with South Florida exiles split between relief at market-style changes and fear the shift is mainly driven by U.S. pressure. Humanitarian solidarity: As Venezuela reels from twin quakes, Cuban medical teams report they’re safe and already helping in La Guaira and beyond, while leaders trade condolences and support. Power and food strain: In Cuba, worsening shortages are pushing families to rely on outside help for basics like food and electricity, with reports of people selling belongings to cook. U.S. legal pressure: The U.S. Supreme Court backs Trump’s asylum “turn back” approach, a move critics say will leave vulnerable people without protection. Sanctions ripple to business: Canadian miner Sherritt warns its Cuba-linked operations face going-concern risk as U.S. sanctions tighten, including a refinery shutdown tied to depleted Moa feed. Cuban labor politics: Cuba’s Workers’ Federation congress is underway in Havana as the government pushes reforms amid wage and purchasing-power worries.

Venezuela Quake Response: Twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes have killed at least 188 people (with reports rising to 235) and left thousands injured as rescue teams race to reach people trapped under rubble; International Aid: the UN, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Red Cross, and even Pope Leo XIV have pledged help, while the U.S. announced warships, aircraft, and $150 million for relief; Caribbean Solidarity: CARICOM and regional governments—including Cuba—have sent condolences and assistance; Cuba-US Legal Pressure: the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for ExxonMobil to continue its lawsuit over seized Cuban oil assets, adding to Washington’s broader push; Cuba Energy Strain: a severe storm in Guantánamo ripped off solar panels and damaged infrastructure, underscoring how fragile Cuba’s power and renewables rollout remain; Cuba Economy & Daily Life: Cubans online mocked the regime’s newly published “176 measures,” saying they can’t access documents or basic necessities; Healthcare Program Watch: Belize says it’s still weighing the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade while exploring ways to recruit more regional staff.

Cuba’s sweeping economic reforms: President Miguel Díaz-Canel says the 176 measures are Cuba’s own “sovereign” response to “maximum pressure,” not a U.S.-driven script, and argues the changes will help young Cubans build life plans on the island. U.S. sanctions pressure: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez denounces new U.S. sanctions targeting key Cuban state entities and Castro-linked networks, calling Rubio “dishonest and mendacious.” Energy crunch hits daily life: Cuba forecasts another severe blackout day, with massive MW shortfalls and fuel shortages worsening grid instability; meanwhile, small businesses are turning to rooftop solar and batteries to stay open. Venezuela earthquake aid with Cuba in the mix: After twin quakes killed at least 164, Cuba reports its medical mission teams are safe and mobilized, and Cuba is among the countries offering rescue and support. Local human rights spotlight: Independent audiovisual creators from El4tico remain detained in Holguín, with family and supporters calling for their release. Sports: Las Tunas pushes for a third win in the Cuban baseball semifinals.