AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders wrapped up the 18th BRICS meeting with an open session on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” after unanimously adopting the New Delhi Declaration. The bloc also flagged serious concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, warning of growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict. Cuba at BRICS: Cuba is listed among partner countries attending, while the summit’s messaging stressed multilateralism and sovereign equality. Sancti Spíritus pensions shift: In Cuba, a small pilot is starting to let private businesses pay pensions in cash where banks can’t, reaching fewer than 100 retirees so far. Energy crisis debate: Cuban TV touts “energy independence” as some plants restart, but admits the system still has major shortfalls. Human rights update: Evangelical pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, jailed for protesting blackouts and lack of water in Havana, was released after three months. Fuel dollarization: In Havana, a platform called Supermarket began selling gasoline and diesel online for pickup, priced in dollars.

BRICS Summit Watch: BRICS leaders in New Delhi adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for a restored, two-tier binding WTO dispute system and warning against unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures; they also urged protection of cultural heritage and expressed “serious concern” over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites. Cuba-Related Pressure: The U.S. reportedly pressed Uruguay to end Cuba’s medical brigade presence, including the ophthalmology team that has provided free care since 2005. Island Connectivity Crisis: ETECSA still has no date for restoring mobile and telecom links on Isla de la Juventud after days of blackout caused by damage to submarine cable routes. Human Impact at Home: A Cuban doctor in Cuba received a rechargeable ventilator from Miami after her son’s needs went viral, highlighting how energy shortages can turn basic care into a fight. Diaspora Pain: Cubans abroad say they’ve been unable to reach relatives on Isla de la Juventud during the communications blackout. Sports & Culture: Cuban baseball players Raidel Martínez and Víctor Mesa Jr. kept making headlines in Japan and MLB, while BRICS cultural events featured Cuban artists and instruments.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: India kicked off the 18th BRICS leaders’ summit as Modi welcomed Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian and Ramaphosa, with the agenda centered on resilience, trade and multilateralism amid the Iran-US and Russia-Ukraine wars. Diplomatic friction: A joint declaration is still being negotiated, with Iran and the UAE reportedly at odds over how to address West Asia conflict, while leaders aim to oppose unilateral war without naming countries. Local-currency push: Pezeshkian urged BRICS to expand national-currency use and build a more resilient trade network to reduce vulnerability to political shocks. India-UAE ties: Modi and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Khaled highlighted an $11.5 billion green aluminium investment in Odisha and broader cooperation in defence, space and nuclear energy. Cuba policy shift: Cuba expanded dollarization steps, allowing private businesses to accept foreign currency in cash and deposit it into bank accounts. Cuba telecom strain: Isle of Youth remains cut off after damage to key telecom links, with no clear restoration date from ETECSA. US-Cuba legal fight: A Miami judge cleared a lawsuit that could regularize the status of Cubans who entered with I-220A permits, keeping the Cuban Adjustment Act debate alive.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders are arriving for the 18th BRICS meeting, including Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, as India pushes a Global South agenda on trade, energy and payments. U.S.-Cuba tensions: Cuba’s UN mission says the Human Rights Council delivered a “resounding victory” against the U.S. blockade, with countries calling for it to end. Immigration crackdown: The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 14 Cuban migrants after intercepting a vessel near the Bahamas. Cuba’s economy & services: Cuba is evaluating 36 projects to let non-state groups manage community pharmacies under Decree 160, while Villa Clara expands solar “solineras” and charging stations for blackout-hit families. Energy deal fallout: A report says secret early-2026 U.S.-Cuba energy talks collapsed amid Cuban hesitation and Miami politics. ICE case update: Cuban pianist Andy García Palacios was released on bail after nearly a month in ICE custody.

Cuba’s Water Crisis in Havana: With blackouts and pipe breakdowns dragging on, residents are relying on water trucks and “wheels” to fill tanks at street dispensers—yet it’s costly (1,000 liters can run 10,000–15,000 pesos) and lines can be brutal. Cuba’s Mining Deal: Cuba has reportedly approved a U.S. company to buy out Canada’s Sherritt stake in nickel mines in Moa, Holguín—an alleged U.S.-Cuba energy talks derailment tied to Cuban American politics. Cuba’s Economic Opening: Cuba approved new rules expanding access to idle state agricultural lands via usufruct contracts up to 25 renewable years, including for foreign individuals and entities. BRICS in the Spotlight: As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, UN chief Antonio Guterres is attending and leaders are pushing local-currency trade and deeper financial links—while security and global conflicts set a tense backdrop. 9/11 Justice Still Stalled: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s Sept. 11 trial remains elusive, with lawyers warning the legal process may never reach a real courtroom outcome.

Agriculture Policy: Cuba published 19 new regulations to boost food production and move toward food sovereignty, keeping state land ownership but expanding usufruct access for natural persons and legal entities (state, private, or mixed) and allowing land grants without a fixed limit based on project proposals; usufruct holders also gain rights over improvements and housing. U.S.-Cuba Diplomacy & Sanctions: Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said there are no current U.S.-Cuba talks to resolve the crisis, pointing to intensified U.S. threats and sanctions, including an oil embargo that has worsened blackouts; he also highlighted UN Human Rights Council pushback against the blockade and energy embargo. Energy & Daily Life: Multiple reports underscore how fuel shortages and power failures are disrupting everyday life, with Cuba facing ongoing blackouts tied to the U.S. squeeze. Construction Innovation: Holguín’s Medano company says it’s cutting costs and diversifying output by restoring equipment and using science-and-technology forums to substitute or create products amid import restrictions. Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Coast Guard returned 14 Cubans to Cuba after a maritime interdiction off Elbow Cay. Global Context: Cuba is listed among BRICS partner countries attending the New Delhi summit, where leaders are set to focus on food, energy, and supply-chain resilience.

Cuba’s daily strain hits breaking point: A new report describes how water and power shortages, fuel limits, and economic pressure are taking a heavy psychological toll, with doctors saying patients increasingly “vent” through them as hope fades. Private medicine push, slow rollout: Cuba’s health authorities say rules for private pharmaceutical services are moving ahead, but there’s still no approved private pharmacy model yet; 36 pharmaceutical projects are under review, with some already approved. Transport squeeze in Cuba: In Matanzas, electric tricycles are multiplying but fares keep riders waiting; meanwhile Viazul’s interprovincial service is deteriorating, with breakdowns and long delays making it harder for Cubans to travel. Prison sentences for social media “destabilizing”: Eight dissidents from Las Tunas received seven and eight-year terms for “propaganda against the constitutional order,” according to Cubalex. Human rights spotlight: Freedom House launched its Ambassadors for Freedom program, naming Cuban activist Carolina Barrero among inaugural advocates. Cuban victims in Miami crash: Five plane-cleaning workers killed in an Amazon cargo crash in Miami were identified as Cuban, underscoring how island families remain tied to jobs abroad. BRICS in the background: Multiple stories track BRICS security and summit planning in New Delhi, including Cuba listed in the partner framework.

Cuba–U.S. Sanctions & Energy Crisis: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez told the UN Human Rights Council that the international community is again demanding an end to the U.S. embargo and the energy embargo hurting Cuban families, as islanders face blackouts, shortages, and mounting daily strain. Religion & Daily Life: In Havana, thousands marked Our Lady of Charity (“Cachita”) with prayers for help amid the blockade’s impact, with devotees explicitly linking faith to fears over electricity and water. Private Sector Rules: Cuba’s Council of State updated Decree-Law 88 to formally incorporate private companies with more than 100 workers into the legal framework, reshaping how businesses are categorized and governed. Energy Protest Crackdown: A young veterinarian detained after a peaceful Fontanar protest over lack of electricity and water remains in custody after reports of violent repression. Agriculture Regulation: Cuba’s Council of Ministers approved new rules updating how agricultural and forestry products are marketed, including contracting, pricing, and provincial roles. Sports: Cuban Lázaro Montes hit a 474-foot home run for the Seattle Mariners, rewriting T-Mobile Park’s Statcast-era record.

Cuba–U.S. Energy Clash: Cuba denounced new U.S. restrictions on fuel imports for power generation, saying the curbs block fuel needed for limited electricity and also hinder solar and battery purchases, with the foreign minister citing $100 million as only enough for two weeks and warning the policy “collectively punishes” Cubans. Sanctions Damage Update: Cuba says U.S. blockade and sanctions caused record $8.08 billion in damages from March 2025 to Feb. 2026, and plans to push an end to the blockade at the UN General Assembly in late October. Diplomatic Ripples: Cuba’s president Díaz-Canel hit back at a Trump Truth Social map showing Cuba under the U.S. flag, saying Cuba will never be an empire’s colony, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez mocked the U.S. for confusing its own citizens’ geography. Legal & Human Rights: A former Camagüey Folkloric Ballet director was sentenced to three years in prison and removed from positions over allegations tied to sexual harassment and abuse of minors. Economy & Daily Life: Reports highlight how Cuba’s fuel and electricity shortages keep worsening, with citizens adapting amid ongoing blackouts.

US-Cuba tensions: Cuba’s foreign minister says the U.S. blockade is “genocide” under international law, arguing it punishes daily life and deepens blackouts as fuel imports remain blocked. Energy update: Cuba inaugurated the El Algarrobo solar park in Guantánamo, a 58-million-dollar project tied to the national push for about 2 GW of solar by 2028. Security & justice: A Miami Herald investigation says Cuban intelligence agent Fernando Valdés infiltrated Miami exile circles for years, gaining maximum trust with Luis Posada Carriles. Human rights: Independent group Alas Tensas reports a 17-year-old was beaten to death by her 29-year-old partner in Havana, calling out institutional failures. Regional politics: Marco Rubio begins a Latin America tour aimed at locking in trade deals and expanding U.S. influence, while Cuba says there are no ongoing negotiations with Washington.

US-Cuba Blockade Impact: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez says the stepped-up US embargo caused record losses of $8.083B from March 2025 to Feb 2026, with knock-on damage to water, electricity and healthcare, calling it “collective punishment.” Cuba-US Relations: Cuba also reiterates there are no ongoing talks with Washington and no agenda for future negotiations, as the UN General Assembly debate on ending the blockade approaches. Health Crisis in Cuba: A US embassy health alert warns of a rise in diarrheal illness tied to deteriorating water and energy infrastructure. Daily Life Under Shortages: With fuel and electricity scarce, Cubans are sharing workarounds—charging phones, running businesses and transport with solar and improvised solutions—while tourism drops sharply. Passports and Paperwork: Reports describe long lines and delays for Cuban passports, with processing taking months and sometimes stalling when electricity fails. Human Stories: A Holguín restaurant owner provides free weekend meals to doctors on duty, highlighting small acts of support amid the crisis.

US-Cuba Talks Stalled: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez says there are no negotiations or agendas with the United States, though Havana will keep contact, as he denounces a “genocidal” blockade. Blockade Cost Update: Cuba estimates US economic damages at $8.1B for March 2025–Feb 2026 (up 7%), warning the impact could worsen in early 2026 after new US oil restrictions and rolling blackouts. Humanitarian Strain: Rodríguez links the sanctions to daily life hit hard—2–3 hours of electricity a day, food spoilage, and children studying in near darkness. Health Workers’ Move: With Cuba’s medical cooperation with Guyana ended, Cuban health workers line up at the Ministry of Health to register for electronic ID cards to apply for jobs in Guyana. Poverty Snapshot: A new report says extreme poverty affects 94% of Cubans, with most households reporting skipped meals due to lack of food or money. Tourism Down: Cuba says tourism fell sharply—traveler flows cut in half in the first seven months of 2026, with international arrivals down 62.8%.

Raúl Castro Returns to TV: Cuba’s former president, 95, made a rare state-television appearance, pictured in military uniform congratulating veterans tied to protecting the leadership—amid ongoing questions about his health and Cuba’s worsening crisis. Power Cuts Hit Santiago de Cuba: Residents in Mariana de la Torre, and also high-rises in Garzón, reported long outages and failed repairs, with elevators and water systems affected—sparking fresh complaints about delays and possible pressure to stay quiet. US Sanctions Pressure Deepens: New reporting highlights how the US blockade and sanctions are intensifying Cuba’s economic squeeze, worsening shortages and blackouts while some people manage to buy alternatives. Security Apparatus in Focus: A Cuban writer demanded transparency about “millionaire compatriots of socialism,” while another report spotlighted Emir Mesa Corona, the general linked to personal security for top leaders. Local Accountability Call: South Africa’s SANDU criticized allegations that soldiers in Cuba were pressured to donate parts of their pay, calling for a board inquiry.

Raúl Castro’s Health Rumors Quashed: The former Cuban president, 95, made a rare public appearance at a military ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Ministry of the Interior’s Personal Security Directorate, alongside Miguel Díaz-Canel, after days of speculation about his condition. Blackouts Spark New Protests in Havana: In Fontanar, residents blocked a major avenue and demanded electricity after outages lasting more than 20 hours; police moved in with patrol cars and arrests reported. Improvised Water Supply in the Capital: With water and power systems failing, Havana residents are seeing old cargo trucks converted into makeshift water tankers. U.S. Pressure and Cuba’s Energy Strain: A new report highlights how U.S. sanctions are intensifying pressure on Cuba’s economy and fuel lifeline as the island turns to solar and other stopgap solutions. Cuba in U.S. Immigration Crosshairs: The U.S. Green Card Diversity Visa list for DV-2026 bars Cuba from participating, while Guyana begins receiving vetted Cuban deportees under a third-country arrangement. Local Economy Watch: Informal-market rates show the dollar steady around 683 CUP while the euro and MLC shift lower.

Raúl Castro’s Return to Public Life: Raúl Castro made his first confirmed public appearance since hospitalization, attending the MININT Personal Security Directorate’s 65th anniversary ceremony alongside Díaz-Canel, after days of rumors about his health. Blackouts and Defense Priority: Díaz-Canel led National Defense Day exercises in Havana, but residents mocked the contrast as neighborhoods still face severe electricity shortages. Health Alert Over Infrastructure Breakdown: The U.S. embassy issued a health alert for Cuba citing a rise in diarrheal illness tied to worsening water and power infrastructure, with food storage and refrigeration problems blamed. Cuban Economy Under Strain: A Cuban economist estimates GDP could fall 26% to 31% in 2026, calling it a recession beyond forecasts as state goods production drops amid inflation. Fuel Blockade, Improvised Survival: With sanctions and fuel shortages tightening, Cubans are increasingly relying on solar power, charcoal, and other workarounds to get through blackouts. Water Tensions in Havana: Diez de Octubre residents protested planned water connections to a nearby military facility, demanding trucks and supplies as they still lack running water. Crime at Home: A woman in Santiago de Cuba reported a violent chain robbery inside her home, highlighting rising insecurity. U.S.-Cuba Trade Paradox: Despite sanctions, U.S. exports to Cuba hit a July record, underscoring growing dependence on U.S. fuel, food, and medicine. Migration Fallout: Cubans deported from the U.S. under third-country arrangements arrived in Guyana under temporary, verified conditions.

Havana Health & Transfers: Italian ex-deputy Alessandro Di Battista remains hospitalized in Havana after a new health setback, delaying his transfer back to Italy with no new repatriation date yet. Cuba-US Pressure & Sanctions: A fresh wave of U.S. sanctions and enforcement continues to squeeze daily life, while the U.S. also targets Cuban officials and networks tied to past incidents. Blackouts & Safety Risks: In Havana’s Guanabacoa, a lineman died after being electrocuted while repairing a transformer, underscoring the dangers of the grid crisis. Protests Under Repression: Authorities violently suppressed a Fontanar neighborhood protest over prolonged blackouts, detaining at least two people. Water Promises Tested: Díaz-Canel set a late-September target to improve Havana’s water supply, but distrust grows after years of missed schedules. Economy at Street Level: Informal-market prices keep shifting—dollar stability with euro gains—while Las Tunas restricts garage sales to weekends as fees are still being decided. Youth Exodus in Focus: A viral sketch captures the grim choice facing young Cubans: emigrate or face violence. Migration Fallout Abroad: Guyana received the first group of Cuban deportees from the U.S. under “third-country” arrangements, with the deal set to run for a year.