AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit in India: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, joining the bloc as ASEAN chair, as Manila seeks ties with major emerging economies. Cuba’s BRICS link: Cuba is listed as a BRICS partner country, part of the group’s expanded reach beyond the original five. Human rights spotlight: Freedom House launched its Ambassadors for Freedom program, naming Cuban pro-democracy leader Carolina Barrero among inaugural ambassadors. Cuba’s economy and daily life: Cuba’s Council of Ministers approved updated rules for soil conservation and fertilizer use to support agricultural recovery. Power and public services: In Matanzas, families in Pedro Betancourt report 26 days without electricity after theft of transformer dielectric oil. Local governance and neglect: A new fire at a Centro Habana parish destroyed a church side door, blamed on government abandonment and repeated trash-dump fires. US pressure on Cuba: Cuba denounced the U.S. blockade at the UN Human Rights Council, saying the international community again demanded an end to the embargo and energy restrictions.

Cuba’s Humanitarian Crisis: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed the island will “never again” be a colony after Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social showing Cuba under the U.S. flag, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez mocked the U.S. for confusing its own geography. U.S. Blockade Impact: Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez told reporters the U.S. embargo is “collective punishment,” hitting fuel, water, medicine, healthcare, and transport—alongside reports of worsening daily life and a growing psychological toll. Health Alert: The U.S. Embassy issued health warnings for Cuba after a significant rise in diarrheal illness, as shortages and strain push more families to breaking point. Cuba at the UN/Global Stage: Cuba is also among countries backing a push for free education for every child, with discussions in Geneva on expanding free pre-primary and secondary schooling. BRICS Context: While not Cuba-specific, BRICS leaders in New Delhi (Sept. 12–13) are set to focus on resilience in food, energy, health, and supply chains—an arena where Cuba is listed as a partner country.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed “never again” to be a colony after Donald Trump posted a map showing Cuba under the U.S. flag, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez mocked the cartographic provocation as relations hit their highest point in decades. Blockade Impact: Cuba says there are no talks with Washington despite the “genocidal” blockade, and put the latest damage estimate at about $8 billion from March 2025 to February 2026, citing electricity cuts, food spoilage, and shortages. U.S. Pressure via Food: A new report argues the Trump administration is using access to food as leverage, targeting Cuba’s ability to grow, process, and import food unless it buys from U.S. corporations. Regional U.S. Push: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a tour of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to secure trade deals and build a security bloc, while also pointing to increased pressure on Communist-led Cuba. Cuban Exile Spy Case: A Miami Herald investigation says a Cuban intelligence agent infiltrated anti-Castro exile circles in Miami and became close to Luis Posada Carriles.

U.S.-Cuba Health Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a warning after a “significant increase” in diarrheal illness tied to Cuba’s worsening water and energy infrastructure, urging extra caution with food and hydration. U.S. Pressure on Cuba: Multiple reports highlight fresh U.S. sanctions and a renewed squeeze on Cuba’s economy and power grid, as Cuban officials denounce “collective punishment” and record damage from the blockade. Diplomatic Fallout From Trump Maps: Trump’s AI-style posts depicting Cuba and other territories under a U.S. flag sparked international backlash, including Iceland summoning the U.S. ambassador—another reminder of how border talk is spilling into Cuba-related headlines. Cuba’s Patron Day: Cubans on Sept. 8 mark the Day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, tracing the devotion to the “Three Juanes” legend and the Virgin’s role in national faith and history. Local Life & Prices: Informal market updates show the dollar and euro edging up in Cuba, reflecting ongoing strain on everyday costs.

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.