AGP Executive Report

Raúl Castro’s public return: Cuba’s former president, 95, reappeared at a military ceremony tied to the Personal Security Directorate, ending fresh health rumors as state TV showed him clapping alongside Díaz-Canel and his grandson. MININT power politics: A Cuban jurist says the event also signals a push to elevate Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (“el Cangrejo”), noting Castro stayed silent while a letter was read aloud. Security and repression in Havana: Residents in Fontanar protested prolonged blackouts by blocking a major road; reports say police used force and detained people. Daily survival under the blackout crisis: Havana continues improvising—an old cargo truck has been converted into a water tanker, and others are turning to solar and battery setups to cope. Crime and fear of weak police response: A security camera captured a break-in at a private restaurant-bar in El Vedado, with owners turning to social media for help. Gender violence update: Alas Tensas documented femicides that bring 2026 to 50 cases, including a woman found in a banana plantation in Camagüey. US pressure and tourism hit: ONEI data says tourist arrivals to Cuba fell sharply in the first seven months of 2026, blaming Washington’s restrictions and sanctions. Family ties to regime repression: New reporting alleges a Hialeah resident linked to Alejandro Castro Espín gave false information to the US State Department during a visa process.

US-Cuba Health Crisis: The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a health alert after a spike in diarrheal illness tied to worsening water and electricity infrastructure, warning residents and travelers to be careful with perishable food. Fuel, Power, and Daily Survival: As the oil blockade bites, Cubans are leaning on solar setups, charcoal, and other improvisations to get through blackouts and shortages. Raúl Castro’s Return to Public View: Raúl Castro reappeared publicly alongside Díaz-Canel at a MININT security directorate anniversary event, after weeks of rumors about his health. Water and Power Mismanagement: Díaz-Canel pushed defense-prep drills while residents mocked the “electricity for that” contradiction amid long outages; in Diez de Octubre, neighbors protested a water connection to a military facility. Economy Under Strain: A Cuban economist estimates GDP could fall 26% to 31% in 2026, far worse than earlier forecasts. Informal Market Watch: In Havana’s informal exchange, the dollar held steady while the euro rose. Crime in Santiago de Cuba: A woman reported a violent home robbery of a gold chain, highlighting rising insecurity in the eastern city. Migration Pressure: Guyana began receiving U.S. “third-country” deportees, including vetted Cubans, under a one-year arrangement.

Health & Transfers: Italian ex-deputy Alessandro Di Battista remains hospitalized in Havana after a new setback, forcing his transfer to Italy to be postponed again, with no new repatriation date set. Blackouts & Repression: In Havana’s Fontanar (Boyeros), residents protested prolonged power cuts; authorities moved in with heavy police presence and detained at least two people. Workplace Safety: A lineman died after being electrocuted while repairing a transformer in Guanabacoa, after a malfunction had left dozens of homes without electricity for weeks. Water Crisis: Díaz-Canel set a late-September target to improve Havana’s water supply, but residents are skeptical after years of missed promises. Economy & Daily Life: Informal market prices show the dollar holding steady while the euro rises; meanwhile, Cubans report food costs that can reach 2,400 pesos for a basic meal. Migration & Deportations: Guyana received the first group of six deportees from the U.S. under “third-country” arrangements, including four Cubans and two Afghans, after vetting found no criminal backgrounds. U.S.-Cuba Justice Politics: A U.S. congressional candidate demanded Díaz-Canel be charged and arrested, tying the push to renewed U.S. actions against Cuban officials. International Pressure: Cuba’s foreign minister urged Israel to stop killing civilians in Lebanon, citing child casualties and ceasefire violations.

US Sanctions Deepen Cuba’s Energy Crisis: The U.S. Treasury added Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, Banco Exterior de Cuba, and key oil and mining firms (including ABAPET) to its sanctions list, aiming to disrupt power-grid maintenance as blackouts and fuel shortages worsen. Humanitarian Fallout: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez called the measures “collective punishment,” while the U.S. embassy issued a health alert citing a rise in diarrheal illness tied to failing water and electricity systems. Grid Strain on the Ground: Residents in Havana’s Fontanar protested after prolonged outages, and another electric utility lineman died during maintenance work in Havana—another sign of how stretched and dangerous the system has become. School-Year Pressure: With shortages of fuel, water, and supplies, Cuba reopened schools amid a grim start, while a U.S. health warning and rising illness fears add to families’ stress. Everyday Survival Stories: Cubans are sharing practical fixes for battery life, food storage, and heat—plus viral accounts of navigating shortages, from sunflower oil hunts to solar-powered transport.

New U.S. sanctions on Cuba’s economy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced another weekly squeeze, targeting Cuba’s financial, mining, and energy sectors, including the state bank Foreign Bank of Cuba, nickel-related firms, and CUPET-linked petroleum supply entities—plus Raúl Castro’s grandson. Health alert amid infrastructure strain: The U.S. Embassy in Havana warned of a significant rise in diarrheal illnesses, blaming deteriorating water and power systems and urging extra food and hygiene precautions. Energy push in the east: Cuba says construction is nearing completion on a 50-megawatt Battery Energy Storage Station in Cueto to stabilize the grid and support solar generation. Foreign investment rules updated: Cuba’s Council of Ministers published a decree setting procedures for foreign investment approvals and oversight. Tourism opening moves forward: Cuba also authorized private travel agencies under new rules, easing how non-state operators can run travel services. Local life continues: In Las Tunas, schools and community programs reopened and prepared for the new year despite the wider crisis.

U.S. Sanctions on Cuba: Washington hit Cuba again with new sanctions targeting Fidel Ernesto Castro (Raúl Castro’s grandson) and five state-linked firms, including Abapet, which imports parts to keep the power grid running—moves analysts say are meant to worsen the island’s energy crisis and blackouts. Free-Market Rules, Real-World Limits: Cuba also rolled out further reforms to expand foreign investment and trade, including allowing foreign and mixed-ownership companies to hire workers without state mediation, but the changes land amid shortages and uncertainty. Tourism Still in Free Fall: New figures show Cuba’s international arrivals remain catastrophic—July brought just 32,272 visitors, down sharply versus recent years—while the sector’s collapse is tied to sanctions pressure. Power Grid Fallout: A Havana lineman died during maintenance work, highlighting the deadly strain on Cuba’s aging electrical system as provincial brigades are sent to the capital. Diplomatic Pushback: Cuba’s top diplomat in the U.S. called the U.S. oil embargo a “war without bombs,” saying dialogue is at a standstill.

US Sanctions Escalate: The Trump administration hit Raúl Castro’s grandson, Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, plus Banco Exterior de Cuba and energy and mining firms, with Marco Rubio saying the goal is a “free Cuba.” Power Inequality in Havana: Cuban baritone Ulises Aquino Guerra says his Kholy circuit got only 55 minutes of electricity over six days (and 4.5 minutes Thursday), calling it “not a very socialist distribution.” Free-Market Push: Cuba published new rules to attract foreign investment and tourism, promising simpler processes and fewer delays as blackouts and US pressure bite. Humanitarian Shock in Central Havana: Police are investigating the discovery of two fetuses dumped in trash in Centro Habana, with no official forensic details released yet. Sports & Travel Pressure: Cuba’s volleyball team prepares for a Norceca qualifier in Canada as US sanctions and fuel strain continue to disrupt life. Deportation Case: ICE deported a Kendall man tied to Cuba’s intelligence network after he allegedly concealed spy links to get US residency.

Cuba’s schools reopen under strain: Cuba began the new school year with shortages of teachers, uniforms, food, water and electricity, as families report long power cuts and families weighing whether to keep children home. Power and TV disruptions: Cuban Television’s main news broadcast was interrupted by a power failure, underscoring how blackouts keep hitting public services. Infrastructure sabotage fears: Cuba’s seismological station on the Isle of Youth is out of service after thieves stole everything from solar panels to seismic equipment; officials are calling it more than theft and urging it be treated as sabotage. Legal and sanctions fallout: A Miami jury rejected Cuban-Americans’ claims against Expedia over confiscated properties, citing lack of proof of ownership. Everyday survival stories: In Belfast, a Cuban sandwich shop says it was finally paid after sanctions-related delivery and banking pressure; in Havana, church meals are described as a lifeline for many. Santiago de Cuba fires: Residents report major fires damaging multiple homes, with neighbors first trying to put out flames before brigades arrived.

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.