AGP Executive Report

Private-Sector Shake-Up: Cuba has removed the 100-worker limit for private businesses and expanded MSMEs under Decree-Law 133/2026, letting larger firms grow, hire more people, and even partner with foreign capital—while keeping state oversight and requiring ministry authorization for imports/exports. Tourism Collapse: Cuba’s traveler numbers keep sliding: 794,492 travelers in Jan–July 2026 (about half last year’s level), with international visitors down sharply as sanctions bite and hotel/flight disruptions continue. Energy Crisis Blame Game: Marco Rubio says Cuba’s blackouts aren’t caused by U.S. sanctions, pointing instead to decades-old equipment and the loss of subsidized Venezuelan oil. Raúl Castro Health Rumors: Reports say the former leader is in critical condition after a stroke, with Cuban authorities still not confirming details. U.S.-Cuba Security Tensions: A new U.S. bulk-power equipment ban lists Cuba among “covered entities,” while another Miami airport incident saw a passenger arrested after telling an agent he had a bomb before a flight to Cuba. Tech Glitch: ETECSA says SMS is down, suspending Transfermóvil notifications. Sports Spotlight: Havana-born Lázaro Montes and Yohandy Morales made MLB debuts with home runs.

Cuba’s School Year Under Strain: Cuba reopened schools for about 1.4 million students as fuel, water, and power shortages persist, with the government asking for volunteer teachers and food donations while buses don’t run. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: A doctor speaking to the Miami Herald describes nights without electricity, rising stress and hunger, and wages that can’t cover basics like eggs or cooking oil. Tourism Collapse: Cuba’s tourism fell 62% in the first seven months of 2026, with about 419,000 visitors versus 1.1 million a year earlier, as U.S. pressure and an energy embargo bite. Raúl Castro Health Rumors: South Florida outlets report Raúl Castro is gravely ill after a stroke, with Cuba yet to confirm publicly. Water Supply Plan in Havana: Díaz-Canel met officials to protect Havana’s water distribution amid the energy crisis, including generator support and solar and storage upgrades at pumping sites. Venezuela Oil Deal: Venezuela’s National Assembly approved an agreement giving the U.S. control of about one-fifth of reserves, with U.S. officials defending it as price relief and a counter to Russia and China.

Cuba Education Under Strain: Cuba’s school year opened for 1.4 million students amid shortages of teachers, food, uniforms, and frequent blackouts, with parents forced to fill gaps as buses don’t run and electricity fails. Tourism Hit by U.S. Pressure: Cuba’s tourism fell 62% from January to July 2026 versus 2025, with visitor arrivals dropping to 419,000 as U.S. sanctions and an energy embargo scare off major hotel and tour partners. Power System Crackdown: Cuba’s Attorney General says it will strictly apply harsh penalties for sabotage targeting the National Electric System, citing hundreds of investigations and widespread transformer theft tied to outages. Diplomacy Spotlight: Cuba’s ambassador to the Holy See, Leyde Rodríguez, highlighted long-running ties and urged peace as the island faces intensified U.S. measures. Humanitarian Aid Returns: The Open Arms NGO flotilla brought seven tons of aid to Cuba, underscoring how relief efforts keep moving even as sanctions tighten. Raúl Castro Health Rumors: Reports say former President Raúl Castro is gravely ill after a stroke, with no official confirmation from Cuban authorities.

U.S.-Cuba Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Mike Hammer in Washington to discuss Cuba’s crisis and the delivery of $100 million in humanitarian aid via Caritas and other “trusted” groups, as Havana warns U.S. actions in Venezuela are worsening Cuba’s energy and economic squeeze. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: The Spanish NGO Open Arms’ sailboat Astral returned to Havana with seven tons of medical supplies, powdered milk, school materials, and hemodialysis equipment for Cuban hospitals. School Year Under Strain: Cuba’s education system is starting the year amid shortages of teachers, uniforms, and electricity, while officials push local “sponsorships” by private businesses to keep schools running. Power Crisis Reality Check: In Las Tunas, an Electric Company post about a “great start” to school sparked bitter backlash over blackouts, with commenters pointing to the gap between official images and daily outages. Deportations, Including Cubans: Reports say ICE is expanding “third country” deportations, including Cubans sent to Africa, with detainees describing being left without passports or clear next steps. Immigration Policy Shift: The U.S. lifted a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cuba, after a court order.

Cuba’s Demographic Slide: ONEI data says Cuba’s population fell to 9.43 million by end-2025, down 313,414 in a year, with an aging rate of 26.7%—a warning sign for the island’s future. U.S. Court Fight Tied to Guantánamo: A military judge threw out Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s FBI-linked confessions, saying they were not voluntary and were extracted under torture at Guantánamo. Cuba Opens More Private Retail: Cuba authorized private retail and restaurant chains nationwide, letting small and medium businesses register one brand and operate multiple locations across provinces. Humanitarian Aid Reaches Havana: Spain’s Open Arms sailboat Astral arrived with 7 tons of medical and school supplies for Havana hospitals and clinics. Electric System Sabotage Crackdown: Cuba’s prosecutor warns theft of transformer dielectric oil is being treated as sabotage, with penalties up to death. Deportation Crisis at Mexico’s Borders: A new brief describes worsening conditions in Tapachula and Nogales as more deportations— including Cubans—are sent into Mexico, often after long U.S. stays. Sports & Culture: Cuban chess players placed strongly at Panama’s open; Havana Woodfest returns Sept. 12 to spotlight local craftsmanship.

Cuban Consular Crisis in Serbia: Dozens of Cubans in Serbia say a consular computer failure left their passport applications unprocessed for months, risking loss of legal residence and work permits. Power and Water Pressure in Havana: A resident in Diez de Octubre says she was detained after repeatedly posting about water shortages and blocked deliveries, while other Havana neighborhoods report long blackouts and transformer fires tied to the failing grid. Energy System Strain: Reports describe frequent transformer breakdowns and repeated outages across provinces, with residents saying survival under the instability feels like “extreme torture.” Humanitarian Supply Push: UNICEF says it airlifted 213,000 prenatal supplement bottles to Cuba after sea shipment was impossible, aiming to cover 30,430 pregnant and breastfeeding women. New Rules for Cuba’s Private Sector: Decree 167 authorizes “light food service” networks of recognized brands, paving the way for major chains while keeping centralized controls. Tourism and Food Reality Check: Havana’s restaurant scene is adapting as closures and fuel limits bite, with chefs shifting to locals and cheaper menus. International Spotlight: Hungary’s fencing champion Bence Szabó says he was denied a planned ambassador post in Havana. Sports & Culture: Cuba’s Jhoanna Uranga wins Miss Teen International 2026; Cuban canoeist Yarisleidis Cirilo places fourth at the Poznan World Sprint Championships.

Cuba’s tourism collapse: Cuba’s own figures say 73% of hotels are closed and seven foreign chains have stopped operating, leaving about 25,000 hotel workers “available” and dealing a fresh blow to an already battered sector. Power and basic services crisis: A comedian’s latest post sums up the daily reality—hours without electricity and weeks without water—while officials push digital tools Díaz-Canel says can speed procedures even as outages and weak telecoms make access hard. Luxury hotels vs. failing infrastructure: Critics point to the K-23 “monument to failure” tower—reportedly built with over $200 million and shut with low occupancy—while the electrical system struggles to keep lights on. Health and daily life: Residents in Mexico’s Quintana Roo ask that a Cuban doctor keep weekend care, saying local coverage stops Saturdays and Sundays. Education staffing push: Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución launches “I Am the Teacher” to recruit about 50 people to fill teaching gaps as the school year starts. Havana’s crumbling landmarks: Filmmaker Jorge Dalton calls the Malecón “another portrait of horror,” citing erosion and cracked structures. Local governance and unrest: Camagüey residents question crime numbers after officials reported 600 offenses in six months, with many blaming underreporting. Economy pressure: The informal market opens with the dollar at 675 CUP and the euro at 763, reflecting continued peso strain.

Cuba’s Economic Opening Under Pressure: Cuba says reforms starting this week will loosen tight controls on its communist economy, letting private firms trade directly with foreign businesses, hire more freely, and expand real estate development—an effort Cuba frames as “opening up” amid U.S. oil blockade and sanctions. Havana Power Crisis Hits Daily Life: Residents in El Fanguito (Plaza de la Revolución) protested again as blackouts drag on, with police heavily deployed and women among those taking to the streets. Humanitarian Strain and School Disruptions: Cuba is preparing for the school year under severe economic and power crisis, with reports of hospitals lacking basics and families forced to improvise just to get through the day. Currency Watch: The informal market closed Saturday with the dollar at 675 CUP and the euro at 763 CUP, both up from the previous day. Violence in Camagüey: A burned, decapitated body was reportedly found behind a provincial hospital’s hemodialysis unit, with no official statement yet. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba rejected Trump’s decision to extend the blockade, while U.S. pressure continues to target Cuba-linked channels.

Cuba’s Power Crisis Hits Havana and Beyond: Neighbors in Old Havana reported a fire linked to unstable electricity and underground telecom lines, while Camagüey’s Najasa community of La Virginia says outages last a week or more and repeatedly destroy appliances. Water Under Strain: In Granma, drought has cut the Cauto River to historic lows, forcing families to drink saline, muddy water pulled from the riverbed. Health Emergency in Guantánamo: With dengue and vectors driving an Epidemiological Alert, officials say micro and mega landfills near schools and daycares are worsening as fuel shortages disrupt waste collection. Economy and Rules: Cuba updated its legal framework for domestic trade, reorganizing how businesses register and operate. School Year Under Pressure: Cuba plans in-person classes starting Sept. 1 despite blackouts, shortages, and a teacher deficit, using flexible attendance and adjusted requirements. U.S. Pressure and Cuba: Massachusetts activists put up “No to war against Cuba” banners, citing intensified U.S. pressure and sanctions. Guantánamo Waste Watch: The province also faces growing micro and mega landfills as it remains on epidemiological alert.

Cuban Education Under Strain: Cuba’s Education Minister Naima Trujillo says only 73% of teaching posts are filled and uniforms won’t cover all students, as the school year starts September 1 amid shortages and the government admits it can’t guarantee in-person classes. Power Grid Instability: Eastern Cuba was disconnected from the national electric system after transmission-line “oscillations,” with multiple plants knocked out and service restored hours later—another reminder of a fragile SEN. Havana’s Daily Friction: A Havana writer reports “more than forty-eight hours without electricity” and says complaint calls bounce between offices. Sewage Crisis in Santiago: Residents of Moncada Street in Santiago de Cuba describe weeks of wastewater and garbage piling up, creating a health hazard near homes with infants and elderly people. Food and “Agriculture 4.0” Pushback: Díaz-Canel highlights drone-based “Agriculture 4.0,” but critics point to widespread hunger and food import dependence. Swiss Firms Struggle to Get Paid: A Swiss-Cuban Chamber report says Swiss companies “almost never manage to collect” from Cuba, discouraging trade. US-Cuba Ties in the Background: The week also includes fresh US legal and political news, including a judge throwing out key 9/11 confessions—while Cuba remains tied to the Guantánamo setting.

Cuba’s school year under strain: Cuba will start classes for about 1.5 million students on Sept. 1 despite shortages and ongoing energy problems, with the Education Ministry allowing more flexibility in attendance, schedules, and even uniform rules. Energy crisis hits again: Eastern provinces were briefly disconnected from the national grid after transmission fluctuations, with key power units going offline and restoration protocols prioritizing hospitals and pumping systems. Healthcare support amid shortages: UNICEF delivered 213,000 prenatal supplement bottles to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in Cuba, using air transport due to shipping limits. Food and hardship stories: A Santa Clara private project is distributing free bread and food packages to vulnerable families, while another family in Cuba survives on chicken bones and sweet potatoes after eviction and lack of work. Cienfuegos defense drills: Cienfuegos activated defense structures and prepared reservists as the government staged territorial-force training tied to warnings about possible external aggression. Guantánamo culture event: The Rumba Route Timbalaye 2026 kicked off in Guantánamo with workshops and performances celebrating Afro-Cuban heritage. MINCIN retail overhaul: Cuba’s trade ministry issued new rules classifying retail businesses into quality tiers and types, replacing older typology regulations. Prison message from El Osorbo: Cuban rapper Maykel Osorbo sent an audio from prison saying he’s not in the U.S. because the regime won’t let him go.

Cuba’s School Year Under Strain: Cuba says classes will start next week despite a crisis hitting transport, electricity, and supplies, with about 1.4 million students expected to begin in early September. Havana Water Emergency: President Díaz-Canel toured the Paso Seco water supply site as Havana’s water crisis worsened after a major pipe break left multiple municipalities without water, following earlier Old Havana protests over outages. Power Restored, Not Fully Felt: The Electric Union says eastern Cuba’s partial disconnection has been restored after five provinces were left without electricity, though many residents report power still comes and goes. US Sanctions on Medicines: Cuba denounced new US restrictions on access to medicines and medical supplies, saying they compound the blockade while Cuban scientists push ahead with home-grown treatments. Energy Crisis and Informal Market: The informal currency market closed with the dollar rising and the euro falling, while the MLC jumped—signaling continued volatility. Cuban Culture Abroad: Leonardo Padura won Spain’s Liber Prize, and a Cuban culture festival in Andalusia highlighted how emigration and reunion shape today’s Cuban arts.

Power & Infrastructure: A power outage hit eastern Cuba, affecting provinces from Holguín to Guantánamo, blamed on transmission-line fluctuations and disconnections of generating units. Education Under Strain: Cuba plans to start the school year on September 1 despite shortages and transport/electricity problems; officials say about 1.5 million children and adolescents will return, with teachers already being reinstated and schools using flexible, individualized support. U.S. Pressure on Tourism: Cuba’s tourism sector is facing its worst crisis in decades as major hotel chains exit or liquidate operations, citing intensified U.S. extraterritorial sanctions and secondary-sanctions risk tied to GAESA. Diplomatic Pushback: Cuba’s UN envoy denounced the U.S. “policy of suffocation,” saying sanctions are collective punishment and violate international law. Human Stories: A Cuban cruise worker says she was barred from returning home for five years after remaining abroad, while a separate report says a Cuban national previously convicted of child sexual assault was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol. Sports (Cuba in focus): The Philippines’ women’s baseball run ended after losses to Chinese Taipei and Venezuela, but they had earlier beaten Cuba.

Cuba Health & Science: Cuban researchers say their home-grown cancer drug 2C12 is ready to move into human clinical testing for advanced melanoma, with early studies planned at Havana and Villa Clara oncology centers. Cuba Crime & Rights: Cubalex reports 37 homicides in July—its highest monthly figure in four years—plus nine femicides, urging Cuba to publish complete violence statistics and allow independent investigations. Cuba Economy & Daily Life: A report on Cuba’s informal market shows the dollar and euro moving differently at day’s end, highlighting how currency swings keep shaping what people can buy. Cuba Politics & U.S. Pressure: Multiple items this week focus on Cuba rejecting the latest U.S. blockade extension and warning that Washington’s sanctions keep suffocating the economy. Sports (Cuba in the mix): The Philippines beat Cuba 6-0 in the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup, then followed with a 6-2 win over Great Britain as Group B standings tighten.

U.S.-Cuba Sanctions: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez called Trump’s latest extension of the U.S. blockade “genocidal,” after a new decree kept the embargo in force until Sept. 14, 2027, amid blackouts and shortages on the island. Human Rights in Focus: Amnesty International delivered more than 27,000 solidarity letters to Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara in Miami, saying the messages reached him behind bars and renewed calls for his freedom and safe return. Havana Daily Life: A Havana garbage-collection project in El Vedado that relied on electric tricycles has been declared a failure, with organizers citing missing vehicles and an unbuilt charging station. Economy & Prices: In Guáimaro, inspectors reported invoice falsification, altered prices, and tax evasion in private businesses, plus refusals to accept online payments despite Central Bank rules. Education Under Strain: Cuba is heading into the Sept. 1 school year with families struggling to find supplies and cope with power outages, while universities face transport and housing problems. Sports: Filipina women’s baseball made history by beating Cuba 6-0 in the WBSC World Cup.

U.S. embargo extended again: Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called the Trump administration’s renewal of the Trading With the Enemy Act “a genocidal policy,” saying Washington is trying to suffocate the island as shortages deepen. Energy and daily life: A report highlights how Cuban healthcare workers sent abroad are tightly restricted, while another story says dielectric oil thefts are spreading across Cuba and leaving communities without power. Havana under strain, with outside help: China’s ambassador to Cuba posted about Chinese electric tricycles used for trash collection in Havana, underscoring how the capital leans on foreign support amid fuel and blackout crises. Health crisis on the ground: Medical students in Santiago de Cuba protest plans to centralize training, saying they must choose between studying and eating because transport and food costs are crushing. ICE and Miami: A Cuban man in Miami faces murder charges after ICE lodged a detainer, adding to the pressure around deportations and detention. Sports with Cuba in the mix: Philippines beat Cuba 6-0 in women’s baseball, and Cuba advanced in NORCECA volleyball to the semifinals.