AGP Executive Report

Cuba-US Pressure: U.S. sanctions are hitting Cuba’s payments system hard: Cuba’s central bank says Visa and Mastercard transactions will be suspended after a foreign bank cut ties with GAESA’s financial arm, Fincimex—another blow to the island’s ability to earn income through cards. Tourism Exodus: Spanish hotel operator Meliá says it will stop managing 15 Cuba hotels tied to GAESA, joining a fast-moving wave of withdrawals by foreign firms as new U.S. deadlines near. UN Condemnation: UN human rights experts warn that Washington’s “threats and coercion” toward Cuba echo “colonial-era practices,” pointing to the long embargo, fuel blockade, and pressure on third parties. Havana Protests & Blackouts: Reports describe pot-banging demonstrations in Havana amid ongoing electricity shortages, with police presence and harassment claims following some protests. Raúl Castro at 95: President Díaz-Canel marked Raúl Castro’s 95th birthday with praise for his “lifelong service,” while Cuba also held events presenting a new multi-volume collection of Raúl’s works.

US-Cuba Tensions: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Cuba is a “failed state” and a growing national security threat, alleging Havana hosts Chinese and Russian intelligence operations and undermines pro-U.S. governments across Latin America. GAESA Crackdown: Cuba defended military-run conglomerate GAESA as sanctions tighten, while foreign hotel groups reportedly cut ties and tourism takes another hit. Havana Protests Over Blackouts: As Raúl Castro turns 95, residents in multiple Havana neighborhoods staged pot-banging demonstrations against power outages lasting up to 22 hours, with police presence and reports of people pushing back. Energy Crisis Worsens: Cuba’s grid strain deepened after a substation failure and the Cuban National TV blackout during a broadcast, while meteorologists warned Saharan dust will add heat and reduce rainfall. International Pressure: Spain’s universities and research figures signed a manifest opposing military aggression against Cuba as the USS Nimitz presence in the Caribbean fuels speculation. Human Rights Pressure: Activists confronted Rubio in Washington demanding an end to the blockade, while separate reporting highlighted alleged medical neglect in U.S. immigration detention.

GAESA Under Fire: Cuba defended GAESA, saying the military-run conglomerate is a “carefully crafted” response to the U.S. blockade as Washington tightens sanctions and hotel operators keep exiting. Humanitarian Blockade: A UN-linked report says the U.S. blockade is blocking UN food and fuel shipments, leaving thousands of tons stuck at Cuban ports while fuel shortages cripple distribution. Congress vs. Rubio: U.S. lawmakers questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio in public as he pushed an Iran nuclear path tied to conditions, while Cuba tensions hung over the hearings. Iran Talks Signal: Rubio said Iran’s supreme leader is “increasingly engaging” and that limited nuclear negotiations may restart, but sanctions relief remains off the table without nuclear concessions. Immigration Policy Shift: A new U.S. memo could force many green-card applicants to leave the country and apply from abroad, changing how status adjustments work. Cuba Energy Crunch: CUPET says it refined 100% domestic crude to produce needed inputs amid the fuel crisis, as Cuba’s power and water problems deepen. Hotel Exodus: Another international hotel chain ended operations in Cuba ahead of new GAESA-related sanctions. Brothers to the Rescue: Thirty years after the 1996 shootdown, a renewed U.S. indictment against Raúl Castro keeps the case alive for Cuban exiles.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: A federal grand jury in Miami indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft, alleging Cuban forces acted on his orders; Havana calls it a political move. Sanctions & Tourism: Iberia suspended direct Madrid–Havana flights, citing Cuba’s crisis, fuel and logistics problems, and falling tourism. GAESA Crackdown: Iberostar stopped managing Gaesa-linked hotels ahead of an OFAC deadline tied to Executive Order 14404. Humanitarian Pressure: A report says U.S. oil restrictions have paralyzed UN food distribution, leaving about 20,000 tons stuck or moving slowly. Healthcare Under Strain: A Havana family says they can’t get a surgical slot for a sick mother as hospitals limit procedures amid blackouts and shortages. Daily Life: In Pinar del Río, a classic “almendrón” is pulled by oxen as fuel scarcity deepens. Education Hit: Cuba’s energy crisis is forcing an early end to the school year and canceling university entrance exams. Culture & Control: Comedian Eddy Ceballos was arrested over alleged “invasion of military property,” and fellow humorist Ulises Toirac warned Cuba’s social communication laws can be used against critical comedy.

Cuba’s tourism squeeze: Iberostar and Blue Diamond have pulled back as U.S. sanctions target ties to GAESA, leaving more hotels shuttered and operators scrambling. Guantanamo talks: SOUTHCOM chief Gen. Francis L. Donovan held a rare “positive” exchange with senior Cuban military officials near the base, with both sides saying communications will continue. U.S. pressure and protests: At Miami International Airport, dueling crowds rallied against the oil embargo and sanctions—one side condemning U.S. threats of military action, the other backing Trump’s hard line. Humanitarian fallout: Cuba’s garbage crisis is worsening alongside dengue and chikungunya outbreaks as waste collection stalls, with officials citing dozens of deaths and thousands of new cases. International solidarity: Protesters and groups abroad renewed calls to end the blockade, including marches and fundraising actions tied to “Stop the blockade/Stop the genocide” messaging. Cuba in the spotlight: Cuba’s Venice Biennale pavilion opens with artist Juan Roberto Diago Durruthy reflecting on “Free Men” and resilience amid past and present dehumanization.

Cuba’s daily squeeze: A new report describes how ordinary Cubans are forced to cook with charcoal and even chop firewood as fuel shortages worsen under Trump’s pressure campaign, with blackouts and rising hardship hitting families hard. US pressure and possible escalation: Multiple pieces warn that Washington is preparing for “messy” scenarios and that any move against Cuba could turn into a costly fiasco, with analysts pointing to growing military posture in the Caribbean. Guantánamo talks: The US and Cuban militaries held rare meetings near Guantánamo as tensions rise, with officials framing the talks as routine while critics see mounting risk. Sanctions focus on GAESA: The US Treasury sanctioned GAESA, calling it a military-controlled conglomerate that siphons aid and dominates large parts of Cuba’s economy. Energy and telecom strain: Cuba’s communications ministry denied a viral claim of a 3-hour daily mobile internet limit, even as the island’s power crisis keeps disrupting life. Humanitarian aid: Donated powdered milk has begun reaching Cuba, prioritizing young children and pediatric care. Cuba abroad: Cubans in Spain surged in new citizenships in 2025, while Cubans in Mexico are urging Cuba’s consulate in Cancún to speak out against discrimination. Sports/culture: Cuban athletes and artists continue to surface internationally, from triple-jump wins in France to a French rapper releasing a song about Cuba’s crisis.

US-Cuba Military Tension: A senior U.S. commander met Cuban counterparts at Guantánamo Bay for a “brief exchange” on perimeter security; Cuba called it “positive,” as Washington keeps ratcheting pressure amid fuel shortages and food stress. Energy Crisis at the Center: The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant went offline again, with officials citing “lack of raw water” and repairs estimated at 72–96 hours; blackouts are driving new street protests, including pots-and-pans in Centro Habana’s Cayo Hueso. Diplomatic and Economic Pressure: China reiterated support for Cuba’s economy and livelihoods as U.S. sanctions deepen, while more foreign tourism firms pull back—Canada’s Blue Diamond says it’s exiting Cuba, and Spanish hotel groups are preparing to stop ties with GAESA’s Gaviota by a June 5 deadline. Humanitarian Fallout: UNESCO warned Cuban classrooms are at risk due to the energy crisis, even as official media tries to pin blame solely on the blockade. Public Anger and Pushback: Youth collective Fuera de la Caja fired back at Díaz-Canel, rejecting the regime’s “victim” narrative and pointing to decades of repression and political prisoners. Exile Frustration: A Cuban resident in the U.S. posted a viral call for Trump to intervene militarily, saying he’s been unable to sleep waiting for “helicopters” that never came.

Guantánamo Talks: U.S. Southern Command chief Gen. Francis Donovan held a rare “brief exchange” with Cuban Gen. Roberto Legrá Sotolongo and other senior officers at the perimeter of Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, with both sides calling it “positive” and agreeing to keep military-to-military contact as Washington tightens pressure on Havana. Energy & Daily Life: Cuba’s power crisis keeps biting: the Antonio Guiteras plant disconnected again after a boiler leak, and barbers in Havana are offering free cuts as outages and shortages worsen hygiene access. Human Rights: Cubalex says detained Cuban teenager Christian de Jesús Crespo Álvarez is in punitive confinement in Ciego de Ávila after protests, with family alleging hepatitis symptoms and mistreatment; another political prisoner, Danisbel Labrada Morales, faces reprisals and medical neglect in Kilo 8. Education Under Blockade: UNESCO warns Cuba’s education is at risk as the energy crisis—linked to the U.S. blockade—disrupts classes and daily learning. Higher Ed Update: University admissions for majors and advanced technical programs will start June 8, with exams suspended this year due to Cuba’s energy situation. Diplomacy & Messaging: Cuba praised Pope Leo XIV’s peace leadership and reaffirmed Vatican ties, while the U.S. continues signaling possible escalation through military and legal moves.

US-Cuba Military Tensions: Gen. Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, met Cuban Gen. Roberto Legrá Sotolongo and other officers at the Guantanamo perimeter for a “brief exchange on operational security matters,” with both sides saying the talks were positive and that communication will continue—amid reports of rising fears in Havana about possible U.S. action. Humanitarian Crisis at Home: In central Cuba, bread and flour shortages are worsening: Ciego de Ávila residents had bread only two days in May as flour deliveries were “negligible,” while Havana’s daily life is strained by electricity cuts and water problems. Sanctions Pressure and Politics: A Cuban diplomat and analysts warn Washington is trying to manufacture a climate for intervention, while U.S. officials keep ratcheting pressure. Cuba’s Military-Run Economy in Focus: A new report spotlights GAESA, the military conglomerate accused of controlling a huge slice of Cuba’s economy, from hotels to trade—fueling anger as shortages deepen. Street-Level Desperation: 14ymedio reports alprazolam (Xanax) is now being sold retail on Havana streets, reflecting how scarcity is pushing even controlled medicines into open black-market commerce. Diplomatic Outreach: Cuba’s vice president Salvador Valdés Mesa met leaders in the EAEU orbit, including Kazakhstan and Belarus, pushing cooperation as Havana seeks alternatives under U.S. blockade. Migration Fallout: Human Rights Watch says thousands of Cubans deported from the U.S. into Mexico face homelessness, illness, and danger from organized crime.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister Josefina Vidal warned that the danger of U.S. military aggression is growing as Washington tightens pressure over Cuba’s oil imports and sanctions-linked fuel shortages. Sanctions and “conditional” relief: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any easing of sanctions would depend on Havana’s actions, while the U.S. frames humanitarian aid as something it can’t trust Cuba’s state structures to distribute. Military posture in the Caribbean: A new deployment of about 1,300 U.S. Marines and sailors is operating in the region, adding to fears of escalation as talks stall. Diplomatic rifts in CARICOM: Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago reserved their positions against a CARICOM statement condemning U.S. sanctions pressure on Cuba, underscoring widening regional splits. Humanitarian crisis on the ground: Reports highlight worsening energy and water conditions, with Cuba’s water system struggling due to fuel constraints. Prisoner and legal developments: Cuba published details on released prisoners, while a Cuban pilot tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown received a seven-month sentence in a separate U.S. immigration fraud case.

US-Cuba Military Pressure: The Pentagon and Southern Command are reportedly “war-gaming” response plans for a possible Cuba “collapse” this summer, with officials discussing drones and how to handle unrest—while Cuban diplomats reject the premise and warn of deadly consequences. Sanctions, Energy, Water: Cuba says the US sanctions are “devastating,” as fuel shortages worsen blackouts and running-water problems, with officials blaming blocked financing and supplier pullbacks. China Steps In: Havana leans on China for solar support for hospitals and water pumping, and for major rice shipments as the humanitarian squeeze deepens. Diplomatic Pushback: At a parliamentary hearing, Cuban officials denounced tightening sanctions and warned the danger of military aggression is growing amid stalled talks. Regional Fallout: Trinidad and Tobago confirms 59 Cuban medical professionals still working there, even as other Caribbean partners have shifted cooperation. Tourism Strain: Canada’s Blue Diamond reopened three Varadero hotels, aiming to attract Cubans abroad and domestic visitors despite a sharp tourism drop. Legal/Personal: A Cuban Air Force veteran charged in the 1996 shoot-down case was sentenced to seven months in Miami for visa and residency fraud.

U.S.-Cuba tensions and possible “summer collapse” plans: Multiple reports say the Trump administration is using sanctions and contingency planning—described as “accelerationism”—while keeping military options on the table, amid fears of worsening blackouts, heat, and food shortages. Raúl Castro indictment fallout: A Cuban Air Force pilot named in the Brothers to the Rescue case was sentenced in Jacksonville for immigration fraud, and prosecutors are expected to pursue additional charges tied to the 1996 shootdown. Rubio under fire: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez accuses Secretary of State Marco Rubio of fabricating a “national security threat” to justify intervention. China backs Havana: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told UN talks that Beijing will keep supporting Cuba’s economy and people’s livelihood despite U.S. sanctions, including recent rice aid. Humanitarian and daily-life pressure: Cuba is expanding container housing to ease the housing crisis, while energy shortages continue to shape life across the island. Regional diplomacy: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines marked 34 years of diplomatic ties with Cuba with a flag-raising ceremony.

US Pressure on Cuba: Trade union leaders and MPs in the UK condemned Trump’s escalating “economic warfare” against Cuba, warning it’s creating a pretext for intervention as sanctions tighten and oil supplies are cut. Diplomatic Pushback at the UN: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez told the UN Security Council that US sanctions amount to a blockade and warned any military escalation could trigger “bloodshed,” while also denouncing the US indictment of Raúl Castro as politically motivated. Regional Split in CARICOM: CARICOM foreign ministers voiced “profound concern” over intensifying US measures against Cuba, but Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago reserved their positions, citing their role in the US-led “Shield of the Americas.” Humanitarian Fallout: Human Rights Watch reports Cuban deportees sent to Mexico are stuck in “indefinite legal limbo,” facing shelter and medical gaps after due-process failures in US deportations. Energy Crisis: Cuba’s power system is under extreme strain amid the oil squeeze, with blackouts and shortages worsening as solar expansion struggles to replace lost fuel reliability. Cuba-China Aid: China delivered humanitarian aid and rice shipments to Cuba as hunger and economic pressure deepen. US Military Signaling: Rubio reiterated that Cuba is a national security threat “90 miles” away, as the USS Nimitz and other assets remain in the region.

CARICOM Pushback: Trinidad and Tobago abstained as CARICOM’s COFCOR condemned intensifying U.S. economic and financial measures against Cuba and warned that talk of military aggression would destabilize the Caribbean and violate international norms. UN Diplomacy: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez thanked U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres for support and denounced the Raúl Castro indictment as politically motivated, calling the U.S. “energy blockade” an act of war driving a humanitarian crisis. U.S. Escalation Fears: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuba is “in a lot of trouble” and framed it as a U.S. national security issue, while regional ministers echoed alarm over possible U.S. military action. China Backs Havana: China and Cuba held agriculture talks in Beijing as Beijing continues aid amid U.S. pressure, including major food shipments. Local Impact in the U.S.: Cuba City, Wisconsin received a $131,545 DNR grant to clean up contamination at a former assisted living site for future housing and commerce. ICE Detention: ICE detained Alina Rosales Aguirreurreta, daughter of Cuban general Ulises Rosales del Toro, after her 2023 tourist entry and later immigration steps.

US-Cuba Tensions Spike: Trump says he’s “considering” military action against Cuba, just days after the DOJ indicted 94-year-old Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of civilian planes. UN Diplomacy: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez used the UN Security Council to call the US “energy blockade” an “act of war,” warning of a humanitarian catastrophe and rejecting the indictment as fraudulent. Caribbean Pressure & Military Signaling: The USS Nimitz keeps operating in the Caribbean amid rising talk of escalation. Humanitarian Fallout: Human Rights Watch reports the US has deported nearly 13,000 Cubans and Venezuelans to Mexico, leaving many older people stranded without care. Domestic Strain in Cuba: Havana residents in Centro Habana staged another pot-banging protest as blackouts and shortages deepen. Legal/Political Fight: An opposition platform launched a campaign to end the Communist Party’s monopoly by pushing a constitutional change to Article 5.

Blackout Crisis: Cuba’s grid is again on the brink, with the UNE warning of a 2,147 MW outage tonight after the Guiteras plant failed and Havana’s floating power unit in Regla stays shut for lack of fuel—leaving residents describing “no water, no electricity, nothing” and sparking street protests. Opposition Push: A new dissident coalition, CTDC, is campaigning to amend Cuba’s Constitution to end the Communist Party’s “civil and political” monopoly by targeting Article 5. US Pressure & Cuba’s Response: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubles down on blaming Havana’s leaders for the 22-hour blackouts, while Cuba’s government keeps warning that any U.S. move would mean catastrophe for civilians. Digital Life Under Strain: MININT says adults can now apply for a regular passport online through the Soberanía platform, with payment and tracking—small modernization amid system collapse. China Aid: Cuba also announced a 15,000-ton rice shipment from China as shortages worsen.