AGP Executive Report

UNGA Fallout: Trump branded Cuba an “absolutely failed state” and said “freedom will be coming,” prompting Cuban delegates to walk out as the U.S. renewed pressure and hinted at “fundamental change” in Havana. Human Rights in Custody: Cubalex reported 115 deaths of prisoners in Cuba between 2024 and mid-2026, citing negligence and denial of medical care as major factors. Diplomatic Pushback: Vietnam’s president To Lam urged the U.S. to lift its embargo and sanctions on Cuba and remove Cuba from the terrorism list at the UN. Medical Brigade Uncertainty: Cuba’s government is still deliberating the future of its medical brigade amid U.S. pressure, with officials exploring contract options for already-deployed staff. Consular Update for Cubans: Spain will shift some Havana visa paperwork to an external Visa Application Center starting Oct. 5, adding a 17-euro processing fee. Energy Crisis Watch: Reports continue of Cuba’s severe power grid failures and nationwide blackouts as the electricity system struggles.

UNGA Clash Over Cuba: President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” and predicted its communist government “will fall,” while the Cuban delegation walked out as Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced the remarks as “falsehoods” and said the U.S. blockade—especially the energy siege—is an “act of genocide and collective punishment.” Diplomatic Pushback: Rodríguez reiterated Cuba’s right to be treated as an independent, sovereign country, rejecting any U.S. demand for “fundamental change.” Global Context at the UN: Trump used the same UN stage to threaten Iran with “annihilation” or a post-midterms deal, and to pitch a militarized Western Hemisphere agenda—setting a hard tone for how Washington frames Cuba alongside other regional pressure campaigns. Africa Angle: Angola’s João Lourenço urged an end to the embargo on Cuba at the UN, calling it inhumane and contrary to international law.

Power Crisis in Cuba: Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines forecasts a 1,975-MW power deficit for Monday’s evening peak after last week’s total grid collapse, with available generation far below demand and multiple units still offline. Grid Collapse Fallout: Reports say the national system was fully reconnected Saturday, but breakdowns and maintenance problems kept capacity too low, leaving millions facing ongoing blackouts. Local Life Under Strain: In Matanzas, the “La Chichi” cookie factory reopened after months of energy disruption, but residents complained the promised neighborhood supply didn’t match what was delivered. Diplomacy and Pressure: Costa Rica’s foreign minister again condemned Cuba’s “vile tyranny” and reaffirmed the break in diplomatic relations. U.S.-Cuba Migration Context: A U.S. Coast Guard/CBP operation intercepted a smuggling vessel off Florida with 23 people, including a Cuban national, highlighting continued risks along migration routes.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions at UN: Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced a U.S. push to impose the “Monroe Doctrine” across Latin America and the Caribbean, warning that militarization, tariffs, and the tightening blockade—including energy restrictions—are meant to dominate the region. Power Crisis in Cuba: Multiple reports describe Cuba’s grid failures and nationwide blackouts, with communities facing daily disruptions and hospitals acknowledging outages. Domestic Trade Push: Cuba’s Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) announced 24 new neighborhood markets, promising lower prices (10–15%) and incentives for non-state operators. Humanitarian and Social Strain: A report from Holguín highlights an elderly blind man living in extreme poverty amid blackouts and fragile infrastructure. Cuban Culture Abroad: The Lucas Museum opening night in Los Angeles spotlighted Latino stars, while Cuba-related arts also featured in international programming. Immigration Pressure in the U.S.: Investigations say ICE stopped updating detainee locations, and a third-country deportation program has sent thousands—including Cubans—to places they say they have no ties. Tragedy in Havana: Two elderly people died after the entranceway of a Lawton home collapsed, underscoring ongoing housing safety concerns.

Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba suffered another nationwide grid collapse, the sixth major blackout of 2026, leaving millions without electricity as fuel shortages and aging infrastructure worsen and U.S. sanctions are blamed for blocking critical supplies. Humanitarian Strain: The outages are hitting hospitals and daily life, while reports also point to shortages and rising costs, including everyday food becoming unaffordable for many families. Money & Reform Fallout: Cubans are questioning the impact of new high-denomination banknotes after a doctor said her entire monthly salary can’t cover the value of a single 10,000 or 20,000 peso bill. Political Prisoners: Opposition member José Antonio Pompa López remains in the harsh “La Polaca” section of Agüica prison despite family claims the placement is improper. International Solidarity: Latin American and Caribbean groups are preparing an “International Brigade Fidel Castro Ruz” to show support as sanctions deepen. Diplomacy & Pressure: Cuba also faces fresh U.S. sanctions tied to nickel and military-linked entities, as Cuba’s government warns the measures aim to force political change.

Power Grid Crisis: Cuba says it fully restored its national electricity grid after a total disconnection, reconnecting transmission from Pinar del Río to Guantánamo, though generation breakdowns and fuel shortages are still dragging capacity and leaving major deficits. Bread and Daily Life: In Guantánamo, officials admitted blackouts were being used as an excuse to stop bread production, ordering bakeries to shift production across locations and times. Economic Uncertainty: A Cuban deputy foreign minister says authorities don’t know the outcome of upcoming reforms—sparking fresh skepticism online about whether anything will improve. Public Health and Food Safety: A study found toxic microalgae linked to ciguatera in Havana-area waters, raising seafood safety concerns. Guantánamo Maternal Care: A provincial maternity home in Guantánamo is promoted as offering full services, even as some expectant mothers question shortages and quality outside. Sports: Cuba’s men’s volleyball team qualified for Los Angeles 2028 after beating Canada 3-1. Culture and Business: Havana International Fair (FIHAV) returns as a virtual event Nov. 24–26 with themes including AI, energy transition, tourism, and “Made in Cuba.” Migration/Border: A Cuban migrant was rescued from a water tank in Texas after alleged human trafficking; the driver faces federal charges.

Power Crisis in Cuba: Cuba’s National Electric System collapsed again, leaving millions in darkness after transmission-line failures and “unstable weather,” with UNE saying the grid was reconnected nationwide but many neighborhoods still reported no electricity. Labor Code Update: A new Labor Code replaces “available worker” euphemisms with clearer language for terminations tied to economic, technological, and structural reasons, while expanding protections and Labor Inspectorate powers. Everyday Life Under Blackouts: Havana residents are carrying rechargeable fans and hunting for places to charge phones as businesses close and entrepreneurs struggle to keep basic operations running. Diplomacy & Sanctions: Cuba’s president praised U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters’ criticism of the blockade, while Cuba’s envoy to India rejected tariff pressure and warned against economic coercion. International Spotlight: A report on Cuba’s crisis highlights how the Catholic Church is filling social gaps as the country’s energy and living conditions worsen.

Power Crisis: Cuba plunged into another nationwide blackout after a total grid disconnection, with UNE saying restoration is gradual and tied to failures in high-voltage transmission plus “unstable weather,” leaving millions in the dark and disrupting water pumping and healthcare. Energy Transition: Amid the outages, Las Tunas is expanding solar generation, with multiple photovoltaic parks already feeding the national system to provide limited daytime electricity. Local Impacts: In Matanzas, authorities arrested a man accused of stealing a solar panel, highlighting how shortages and damaged infrastructure are fueling theft. Everyday Hardship: A Cuban writer’s viral reflection puts hunger at the center of daily life, describing how scarcity reshapes language and thoughts about food. Culture & Policy: Cuba’s Ministry of Culture approved new rules for evaluating artists, replacing an older system and setting accreditation requirements. Diplomacy & Sanctions: Díaz-Canel hit back at new U.S. sanctions, while thanking U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters for confronting the Treasury over the blockade. Health: A Havana grandmother says a clinic power malfunction delayed her granddaughter’s vaccinations for months. Food Safety: Matanzas reported a food poisoning outbreak affecting 29 people, including 22 children.

Nationwide Blackout Returns: Cuba’s power grid suffered a total collapse on Friday, plunging the island into darkness and leaving millions without electricity as UNE said “protocols” for restoration were underway; Havana saw power return only to scattered areas, mainly around hospitals, while much of the city stayed dark amid rain and cloudy skies. Cause Under Investigation: Authorities pointed to a failure in high-voltage transmission lines in central Cuba, with the eastern part later disconnected; the outage is at least the sixth nationwide grid collapse since January, tied to fuel shortages, aging infrastructure, and the strain of the U.S. fuel pressure campaign. Diplomatic Fallout With Costa Rica: Cuba accused Costa Rica’s foreign minister of aligning with U.S. policy after he said there was a diplomatic rupture; Cuba said it was not formally notified. New Currency Exchange Opens: A first private currency exchange house launched in Santa Clara, with reported buy/sell rates far above the official Cadeca rate, adding to debate over Cuba’s opaque exchange system. LGBTQ+ Care Spotlight: The film “Neverman” at TIFF highlights transgender people’s fears about discrimination in long-term care as the community ages.

Power Crisis: Cuba’s national electricity system suffered another total collapse Friday, with the Ministry of Energy and Mines and UNE reporting a “total disconnection” and restoration protocols underway; reports cite an initial failure in high-voltage transmission lines plus unstable weather, leaving millions without electricity and worsening an already fuel-starved grid hit by U.S. oil restrictions. Humanitarian Strain: The blackout comes as Cubans also report cascading shortages—no water, cooking gas, and electricity—while outages can last 30+ hours in many areas. Migration & Detention: A deported Cuban man says he was locked for 15 hours in a phone-booth-sized cage at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz ICE detention center, adding to scrutiny of deportation conditions. Health Watch (Cuba-linked): In Florida, Orange County issued a dengue alert after locally acquired cases, underscoring the broader regional health risks facing Cuban communities. Policy Pressure: Multiple outlets report new U.S. sanctions targeting Cuba’s military and nickel sector, intensifying pressure on revenue sources.

U.S. Sanctions on Cuba’s Nickel and Military: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new U.S. sanctions on 11 Cuban entities and individuals tied to nickel reserves and military research/training, warning foreign firms of exposure; the U.S. says the regime funnels mineral wealth to security while ordinary Cubans face blackouts and shortages. EU Human Rights Pressure: The European Parliament urged sanctions over alleged human-rights abuses in Hong Kong, Cuba and Zambia, and voted to suspend the EU’s political dialogue and cooperation agreement with Cuba over cases involving political prisoners and relatives. Crackdown on Independent Voices: Cuban State Security detained journalist Henry Constantín, director of La Hora de Cuba, in Camagüey, and also moved to block a U.S. Embassy-linked event in Pinar del Río by restricting members of a local coexistence group. Fuel and Daily Life Strain: In Sancti Spíritus, postal distribution is being disrupted by fuel shortages, forcing Correos to use school buses and even medical transport to deliver newspapers. Currency Update: Cuba began circulating new higher-denomination banknotes, as the country continues adjusting its banking and cash system.

U.S. Sanctions Cuba’s Nickel and Military: The U.S. Treasury and State Department announced new sanctions hitting three Cuban military officials and eight state-linked companies tied to nickel reserves and weapons-related research, accusing Havana of enriching a military elite while ordinary Cubans face shortages. Drug Crackdown in Havana: Cuban police detained 13 people in Centro Habana in an alleged drug-trafficking operation, seizing synthetic cannabinoids and cocaine-linked materials along with cash and phones. Diplomatic Shake-Up in Seoul: Cuba reportedly pulled half its staff from its embassy in South Korea without explanation, leaving only two senior diplomats in place. Humanitarian Aid via Caritas: The U.S. said more aid is coming for distribution by Caritas Cuba in five provinces, aiming at vulnerable families. Currency and Exchange Changes: Cuba began circulating higher-denomination banknotes and a first private exchange house in Santa Clara is already setting a new dollar price above the informal market. Culture Spotlight: Omara Portuondo’s album “Eternamente Omara” earned a 2026 Latin Grammy nomination. Community Support: A local fundraiser in Canada is raising money for food and supplies for families in Cuba.

Cuban Currency Update: Cuba’s Central Bank says new 10,000- and 20,000-peso banknotes start circulating this Wednesday, as officials push banking reforms amid inflation and a collapsing peso. U.S.-Russia Plot With Cuban Link: U.S. prosecutors unsealed charges tied to a Kremlin-linked assassination and terrorism network; one accused is a Cuban national living in Russia, accused of coordinating attacks. Diplomacy & Solidarity: Namibia’s president called for continued solidarity with Cuba at a fundraising gala, framing the bond as rooted in shared liberation history. Human Rights & Faith: A Methodist gathering in Guantánamo saw more than 300 baptisms, while Cuba-related rights coverage highlights ongoing pressure and repression. Economy & Daily Life: A Cuban economist warns the regime is squeezing the informal economy, and a separate report spotlights how a newly graduated doctor’s salary barely covers basic food costs. Culture & Sports: Cuban music lands eight Latin Grammy nominations; on the court, Cuba secured NORCECA bronze by beating the Dominican Republic 3-0.

Currency & Inflation: Cuba’s Central Bank is rolling out new 10,000 and 20,000 peso bills starting Sept. 16, a move officials say will cut cash-handling costs, but critics read as another sign of eroding purchasing power. Human Rights & Detention: A Havana pastor, Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, was released after more than three months in incommunicado detention for shouting “Down with the dictatorship” during protests amid blackouts and food shortages. Economy & Private Sector: Economist Elías Amor argues the regime is squeezing self-employed importers and pushing activity toward Mipymes, warning it will remove competition and hurt thousands who relied on “mules” to bring in goods. Power & Daily Life: Technical and vocational education in Las Tunas is continuing despite fuel limits and outages, with thousands of students placed in classrooms and workshops. Local Hardships: Las Tunas reports ongoing delays and confusion around exhumations at an overcrowded cemetery, leaving families struggling to locate remains. International Pressure: The U.S. DOJ unsealed charges against a Russian intelligence network accused of financing terrorism and plotting murder-for-hire, including alleged involvement of Cuban nationals. Culture & Community: Las Tunas wrapped a smaller-but-local Book and Literature Fair, while a Cuban-rooted Miami restaurant, Tin Tin, earned a spot on The New York Times’ Best Restaurants list.

Cuba Currency & Daily Life: Cubans are reacting to the rollout of new 10,000 and 20,000 peso bills, with reports of how the change is landing in everyday transactions. U.S.-Cuba Pressure & Sanctions: The U.S. is increasing flights off the Yucatán to monitor possible oil shipments to Cuba, while Cuba continues to denounce the humanitarian impact of the blockade. Energy & Power Strain: Guantánamo plunged into darkness after a failure in a 110 kV power line, adding to a week of reports about outages and fuel limits. Health & Shortages: In Holguín, a state pharmacy in Peralta has shifted toward selling general goods as medicine availability drops, reflecting the ongoing squeeze on access. Tourism Reshuffle: Islazul is seeking private investors inside Cuba, tendering hotels and food-service operations in Santiago de Cuba under leasing and related models. Solidarity Abroad: Cuba’s foreign minister highlighted European demonstrations against the U.S. blockade, saying “Cuba is not alone.” International Security With Cuban Links: The U.S. charged five people tied to a Russian intelligence network, including Cuban nationals, alleging surveillance and planned killings.

Cuba’s Agriculture Overhaul: Cuba published 19 new legal regulations to update its agricultural framework, expanding land usufruct and marketing powers while keeping state land ownership, aiming to boost food production and move toward food sovereignty. Energy & Industry Watch: 14ymedio reports Matanzas Supertanker Base sources confirming a fire in tank Tk 28 during maintenance, despite official denials, saying sulfur and residue caught fire from welding but no victims were reported. Money & Daily Life: Reports say Cuba’s informal currency market is tightening, with the dollar and euro rising again in the country. Regional Sports: Canada beat Cuba 3-0 to reach the NORCECA men’s volleyball final, with the win also securing Canada a berth to the 2027 World Cup. Diaspora & Culture: A Cuban pianist, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, is set to perform in Vermont as part of the 2026–27 jazz season.