AGP Executive Report

Cuba’s Currency Update: The Central Bank put new 10,000- and 20,000-peso banknotes into circulation, saying it’s part of a gradual banking modernization to ease cash transactions and match today’s prices. Monetary Reality Check: One analysis frames the move as another sign of inflation pressure, pointing to past currency shocks and how regime control tightened when denominations were reset. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: A Cuban deputy foreign minister warned Washington’s economic pressure won’t break sovereignty as Trump-era threats and pressure on the island continue. Deportation Fallout: A Cuban man deported to Africa last year says he still wants answers as his family waits in Florida. Human Rights in Havana: A pastor released after months in detention for shouting “Down with the dictatorship” describes the arrest tied to protests over blackouts and shortages. Economy Debate: Economist Elías Amor argues the regime is squeezing self-employed importers and pushing activity toward Mipymes, blaming policy—not small business—for shortages and prices. U.S. Legal Moves: DOJ charged two Cubans tied to an alleged Russian network accused of financing terrorism and murder-for-hire. Community & Culture: Miami’s Little Havana restaurant Tin Tin made the New York Times list of best restaurants in America for 2026.

Cuba’s economy under strain: A Washington interview says Cuba’s old Soviet-style central planning is “exhausted,” with Havana arguing it needs change but warning that U.S. coercive pressure makes reform harder. Sanctions and enforcement: A Mexico-based maritime intelligence report flags repeated U.S. surveillance flights off the Yucatán, suggesting they may track ships tied to Cuba’s oil blockade. Everyday shortages: In Holguín, Peralta Pharmacy is shifting toward a general store model as medicine supply hits a minimum. Tourism pivot: Islazul is inviting private investors in Santiago de Cuba through leasing and consignment deals for hotels and venues. BRICS solidarity and culture: Cuba’s foreign minister praises European protests against the blockade, while a BRICS bazaar in New Delhi showcases crafts from member states. Human rights and security: A joint investigation identifies a Cuban-born dance instructor in Russia as a key figure behind a Russian hybrid sabotage network in Europe. Arts and music: Decca Records signs Cuban conductor/composer/organist Yudania Gómez Heredia for a new album.

Cuba’s Agriculture Overhaul: Cuba published 19 new regulations to update its agricultural legal framework, expanding land usufruct and marketing powers while keeping state land ownership, aiming at food sovereignty. Energy Transparency Clash: 14ymedio reports sources tied to Matanzas’ Supertanker Base say a fire occurred in tank Tk 28 during maintenance, contradicting official denials. Humanitarian & Sanctions Debate: A Cuba-focused piece argues Washington’s sanctions are worsening shortages, but also says Havana can’t blame everything on outsiders. BRICS Spotlight: Coverage of the New Delhi BRICS summit highlights the bloc’s expansion and internal divisions, with Cuba listed among partner countries. U.S.-Cuba Politics: Rep. Bill Huizenga warned a House hearing that adversaries including Cuba are running covert influence operations in the U.S., calling for more transparency. Sports—Cuba in NORCECA: Canada beat Cuba 3-0 to reach the NORCECA men’s volleyball final, with the win also earning Canada a 2027 World Cup berth.

BRICS and Cuba’s bid: Russia’s Kremlin says BRICS didn’t discuss expansion at last week’s New Delhi summit, but added that Moscow backs Cuba’s desire to join. The New Delhi declaration also pushed a more democratic, multilateral order while avoiding naming specific wars. US pressure on Cuba’s trade: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Washington of escalating coercion and secondary sanctions that are disrupting shipping and leaving thousands of containers stuck abroad, including food and medical goods. Humanitarian fallout: Havana also blamed the US for “devastating humanitarian consequences,” pointing to fuel shortages that worsen blackouts and strain transport, water, and healthcare. Repression and money flows: 14ymedio reports a Havana gas station (“El Eficiente”) supplying fuel to state security and military-linked units, highlighting how the regime’s enforcement apparatus keeps running. Dissident leaves for care: Activist Aniette González left Cuba for Guyana after years of imprisonment and harassment, saying she couldn’t get needed medical treatment. Everyday crisis: Trinis visitors described water rationing and fuel shortages that limited movement and tourism. Travel rule change: Cubans will need a visa to travel to Thailand starting Sept. 15, ending a 60-day exemption.

Cuba Blockade Impact: A new UN report cited by Cuba’s foreign minister says the U.S. blockade cost the island $8.083 billion between March 2025 and February 2026, with cumulative losses now above $178 billion—alongside daily-life damage like power cuts, shortages, and rising infant mortality. BRICS Diplomacy: At the BRICS summit in New Delhi, leaders adopted a 140-point declaration calling for an end to unilateral coercive measures and urged the immediate lifting of sanctions harming Cuba. Prison Conditions: A source-linked account describes “hellish” conditions in an Eastern Cuba prison, alleging severe malnutrition, sores, and bedbug bites among inmates. U.S. Politics & Cuba: A GOP Rhode Island nominee says he would drop a Cuba-related “foreign agent” partnership if elected, while another U.S. political debate spotlights Cuba in foreign-policy messaging. Local Cuba Life: Havana’s Cardinal Drive reconstruction is forcing a road closure on Havana Road through the end of the week, with detours in place. Sanctions & Cigars: U.S. and EU sanctions tied to a China-born billionaire are disrupting global distribution for Cuban cigars, with importers facing frozen accounts and insolvency.

BRICS Solidarity With Cuba: The Aotearoa New Zealand Cuba Friendship Society welcomed the New Delhi Declaration, which calls for an end to tightening unilateral blockade measures and flags the worsening humanitarian impact on Cuba. Cuba’s Humanitarian Strain: An AP report describes how blackouts, water and fuel shortages, and crumbling daily life are pushing many Cubans to breaking point, with doctors increasingly acting as de facto counselors. Santiago de Cuba Tragedy: Electric worker Alexander Pantoja Bertot was found dead after three days missing following an inspection tied to the Gota Blanca reservoir; authorities say an autopsy will determine the cause. Local Life, Local Disruption: UCLV says second- and third-year students won’t return for in-person classes until January 2027, citing fuel and broader economic constraints. Economy Watch: In Cuba’s informal market, the dollar and euro closed higher, with the euro reaching 791 CUP and the dollar 694 CUP. EU Sanctions Hit Cuban Partner: Spain froze Tabacalera accounts after EU sanctions on its Chinese-Cambodian partner Chen Zhi, delaying payments including employee salaries.

BRICS and Cuba: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez said BRICS leaders adopted a declaration expressing “deep concern” over the U.S. blockade’s worsening effects on Cuba’s economy, energy supplies, and human rights, calling for an end to unilateral coercive measures. Humanitarian aid dispute: Cáritas Santa Clara pushed back on regime-linked claims about U.S.-sent beans, saying families in Villa Clara received food and hygiene kits “in perfect condition,” with photos showing deliveries inside homes. Power crisis culture politics: Havana is set to host the 26th Cultural Research Symposium amid widespread blackouts, with the event framed around Fidel Castro’s centenary and other state cultural milestones. Local shortages and anger: A viral complaint in Manicaragua, Villa Clara alleges milk meant for pregnant women was diverted or sold illegally after a tanker was filmed pouring liquid into containers in the street. Aviation lawsuit: Russian firm ARK Technic filed a second multimillion-dollar arbitration case against Cuban aviation entities, bringing its total claims to about $8.65 million. Missing worker update: Santiago de Cuba’s electrical company says missing worker Alexander Pantoja Bertot was found dead after an intensive search.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders wrapped up the 18th BRICS meeting with the New Delhi Declaration, stressing “resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability” and warning about attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards. Cuba in the BRICS orbit: Cuba is listed among BRICS partner countries attending the summit, as India pushes for practical, time-bound outcomes rather than “mere documentation.” Energy squeeze at home: Cuba’s state TV touts “energy independence” while admitting generating plants have stopped producing over 1,200 MW due to lack of imported fuel—blackouts remain a daily reality. Dollarization spreads to fuel: In Havana, Supermarket began selling gasoline and diesel online for pickup at service stations, letting relatives abroad pay directly. Pensions workaround expands (slowly): In Sancti Spíritus, a pilot program is using private businesses to pay some retirees in cash, but access is limited and tightly screened. Human rights flashpoint: Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo, jailed after protesting blackouts and lack of water in Havana, was released after three months. U.S. aid arrives: A U.S.-sent humanitarian shipment reached Santa Clara via Caritas Cuba, targeting the “most urgent cases.”

BRICS Summit Diplomacy: BRICS leaders adopted a New Delhi Declaration calling for a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute system and warning against unilateral tariffs and coercive measures, while also expressing “serious concern” over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites. Middle East Language Fight: The declaration reached consensus after Iran and the UAE softened wording, but it still avoided direct naming of the Iran-U.S./Israel conflict. Cuba Under Pressure: BRICS language explicitly flagged “tightening” of blockade measures affecting Cuba, keeping the U.S. embargo in the spotlight. Tibet Crackdown in Delhi: Ahead of Xi Jinping’s arrival, police detained Tibetan activists and a journalist after protest banners were unfurled near the summit venue. Cuban Humanitarian Moment: A Cuban doctor in Cuba received a rechargeable ventilator for her special-needs son after her family’s viral plea drew help from Miami. Cuba’s Daily Hardship: Families on Isla de la Juventud reported days of total communication blackout after damage to telecom links. Sports & Culture: Cuban baseball reliever Raidel Martínez notched another save in Japan; Cuba’s Bernardo Comas’ family says the former champion is living in precarious conditions.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: Leaders gathered for the 18th BRICS summit as the US-Iran war and Russia’s Ukraine campaign keep energy and trade under pressure. India’s Modi said talks should be “positive,” while China urged dialogue to resolve differences; a draft declaration is expected to oppose unilateral war without naming countries, with Iran-UAE tensions complicating consensus. India-UAE security and investment: Modi met Abu Dhabi’s crown prince on BRICS sidelines, discussing defense, AI, space, nuclear energy and energy security, alongside a reported $11.5 billion aluminium project in Odisha. India-Vietnam ties: Modi met Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung, reaffirming an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” and welcoming Vietnam as a BRICS partner country. Cuba dollarization push: Cuba expanded rules letting private businesses accept and deposit foreign-currency cash, easing foreign-currency account restrictions. Cuba legal limbo: A Miami federal judge cleared a lawsuit that could regularize the status of up to half a million Cubans who entered with I-220A permits. Cuba telecom outage: Isle of Youth remains cut off after damage to key telecom links, with no mobile service and no clear restoration date.

Cuba-US Energy Talks: A report says Trump’s administration proposed a US-Cuba energy deal that would have brought US investment and steady oil supplies, but Cuba’s hesitation and Miami politics helped derail it. Human Rights at the UN: Cuba scored a major win at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, where delegations backed a finding that the US blockade violates human rights and must end. BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla arrived for the 18th BRICS summit as leaders converge amid Iran-US tensions, with the bloc pushing shared positions on terrorism and global governance reform. Pharmacy Reform: Cuba is evaluating 36 projects to let non-state entities manage community pharmacies under Decree 160, with rules on storage, dispensing, and professional staffing. Electricity Crisis Response: Villa Clara expanded its solar “solineras” and charging stations to 50 sites supporting about 5,000 families daily, as blackouts continue to hit communities. Migration at Sea: The US Coast Guard repatriated 14 Cuban migrants after intercepting a vessel near the Bahamas. Las Tunas Crackdown: Las Tunas authorities moved to impound modified motorcycles and scooters tied to noise and other public misconduct, with penalties ranging from days to months.

Cuba Water Crisis: In Havana, residents are increasingly forced to buy water by the tank as blackouts and pipe breakdowns keep deliveries from reaching homes normally, with costs that can jump sharply when pumping is needed. Cuba Economy & Sanctions: Cuba’s government is again pushing back on the U.S. blockade narrative, while reporting and commentary across the week tie worsening shortages and economic strain to sanctions and energy constraints. Cuba Mining Deal: Cuba reportedly approved a U.S. company’s bid to take over a stake previously held by Canada’s Sherritt in nickel mines in Moa, after earlier negotiations were derailed amid U.S.-Cuba political pressure. BRICS Summit Watch (Global, with Cuba in the mix): New Delhi is preparing for the 18th BRICS Summit as leaders arrive and security tightens, with India driving an agenda focused on food, energy, supply chains, and payments—while China urges India and China to manage differences ahead of Modi-Xi talks. 9/11 Anniversary: The 25th anniversary coverage continues, including renewed attention to the long-delayed trial of the alleged mastermind held at Guantánamo.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s foreign minister again denounced Washington’s “genocidal blockade,” saying there are no talks to end the crisis as U.S. energy pressure and sanctions keep worsening blackouts and daily life. Energy Deal Fallout: Reports say a secret Trump-era U.S.-Cuba energy deal collapsed after political demands, including pressure on Havana’s leadership and privatization of CUPET—moves Cuba resisted. Diplomatic Pushback at the UN: Bruno Rodríguez told the UN Human Rights Council the world rejected U.S. conduct, urging an end to the blockade and coercive measures. Agriculture Overhaul: Cuba published 19 new regulations to boost food production under Law 185, expanding usufruct access for individuals and companies while keeping state land ownership. Construction Innovation: Holguín’s Medano company says it’s cutting costs and keeping output running by restoring equipment and using local innovation networks. BRICS in India (with Cuba as a partner): As Xi and Putin head to New Delhi for the Sept. 12-13 summit, Cuba is listed among partner countries, while India frames outcomes around food, energy, and supply-chain resilience. Florida-Cuba Politics & Culture: Florida’s expanded anti-communism curriculum explicitly cites Cuba, while Miami’s Pan Am City Hall in Coconut Grove is set to stay as the city’s main government site. Migration Update: The U.S. Coast Guard returned 14 Cubans to Cuba after an interdiction off Elbow Cay.

Cuba Crisis, Mental Health: A new report puts faces to Cuba’s breaking point: with heat, water and power shortages, fuel problems, and weak signals, doctors say patients are “playing psychologist” as hope fades and daily life becomes psychologically crushing. Private Pharmacy Rules Lag: Cuba’s long-awaited private pharmacy framework is still not operating in practice; officials say no community pharmacy under the new model is approved yet, even as 36 pharmaceutical projects are being reviewed and some steps are moving forward. Transport Strain Hits Everywhere: In Matanzas, electric tricycles are multiplying but fares keep riders away, while Viazul’s dollar-only tickets and frequent breakdowns are turning the once-reliable interprovincial service into a fragile lifeline. Political Prisoners in Las Tunas: Eight dissidents from Las Tunas were sentenced to seven and eight years for “propaganda,” after more than two years in detention without a trial date. Miami Cargo Crash Ties to Cuba: Five plane cleaners killed in an Amazon cargo crash in Miami were identified as Cuban, underscoring how island families depend on precarious work abroad. BRICS Summit Security & Politics: New Delhi is deploying tens of thousands of security personnel for BRICS, while India’s hosting role sparks debate at home over whether BRICS delivers tangible benefits. Human Rights Spotlight: Amnesty says Russia is recruiting vulnerable foreigners and sending them to fight in Ukraine, in cases it calls human trafficking.

Miami Crash Lawsuits: The widow of Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo, a Cuban immigrant, filed a wrongful-death suit after an Amazon cargo plane smashed into a van at Miami International Airport, killing five workers who were finishing an eight-hour shift cleaning planes; the suit names Amazon and multiple contractors and alleges pilot error plus “systemic” failures. Cuban Energy/Water Protest Crackdown: Havana’s Fontanar neighborhood detainee Roberto Díaz Coello, a young veterinarian arrested after a peaceful protest over blackouts and lack of water, is reported to have been beaten during the raid. Embargo Push at UN: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez told the UN Human Rights Council that the international community again demanded an end to the U.S. embargo and energy embargo, calling it human-rights harm to Cuban families. Cuba’s Economic Rules Update: Cuba’s Council of State revised Decree-Law 88 to formally incorporate private companies with more than 100 workers into the legal framework, expanding categories and “business autonomy” under current law. Energy Crisis Daily Reality: Reports describe Cuba’s ongoing blackouts and fuel shortages as worsening daily life, with people improvising and turning to alternatives like solar.

Cuba-US Tensions: President Miguel Díaz-Canel hit back at Donald Trump’s Truth Social map, saying Cuba will never be an empire’s colony, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez mocked the U.S. for leaving its own citizens “geographically disoriented.” Energy Crisis: Cuba denounced new U.S. fuel restrictions on power generation, saying the blockade blocks fuel for generators and even slows solar and battery purchases—while the government prepares another UN report on damages. Water Watch: Díaz-Canel toured Havana’s “El Gato” water system, promising a two-phase fix that includes leak work and backup power to reduce outages. Health Strain: Patients are feeling the brunt of chronic medication shortages, leading to repeat visits, treatment switches, and sometimes out-of-pocket buys. Human Cost: An AP report says Cuba’s overlapping crises are pushing many people to the breaking point, with doctors describing patients who now “play psychologist.” Legal/Abuse Case: A former Camagüey Folkloric Ballet director was sentenced over allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of minors. Diplomatic/Trade: Kuwait and Cuba began talks on a double taxation agreement to boost trade and investment.