AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Cuba Pressure: The Trump administration is tightening travel and banking rules again, with officials openly framing the strategy as waiting for Cuba “to fall,” while Cuba’s foreign minister says Americans don’t back “maximum pressure” and oppose military intervention. Independent Press Under Strain: Amid prolonged blackouts, RSF says it is rushing emergency power and connectivity support to keep independent Cuban journalism online. Courts vs. Dissent: Havana’s court sentenced influencer Anna Bensi and her mother to two years of limited freedom for recording a MININT agent, and Fidel Castro’s grandson Sandro Castro urged an “educational measure” instead of punishment. Energy Crisis: Cuba’s grid continues to fail, with RSF describing how outages block reporting and communications. Public Health Warning: Holguín reported two deaths after people ingested “nitro salt,” with one woman in critical condition. Humanitarian Aid: Caritas Camagüey received a first shipment of U.S.-funded humanitarian modules aimed at the most vulnerable families, delivered through church structures. Regional Climate Risk: UNICEF warns El Niño is putting 25.8 million children across Latin America at risk from droughts and flooding.

U.S. Sanctions Tighten on Cuba: The U.S. imposed new financial and travel restrictions aimed at Cuba’s private sector and travel access, as activists warned the measures are part of a broader “strangulation” push. Anna Bensi Case: Cuba’s court in Havana del Este convicted content creator Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, sentencing both to two years of restricted liberty for recording and posting a MININT agent’s visit. Economic Policy Shift: Cuba’s Ministry of Finance and Prices issued a resolution letting food-production and processing firms use faster depreciation and amortization rates, cutting early tax burdens. Díaz-Canel on Social Impact: President Miguel Díaz-Canel met with officials and neighborhood leaders, stressing that economic growth must translate into social programs and “social justice.” Energy and Daily Life: Reports tied Cuba’s grid instability and shortages to the U.S. energy blockade, while Cuba continues expanding solar capacity to prevent prolonged blackouts. Guantánamo Governance: The provincial government council reviewed budget targets, tax policy, housing, and local development priorities. Culture and Identity: Cuban-born artist Anthony Hernandez is using art to preserve heritage and memories from Cuba.

U.S.-Cuba Sanctions Tighten: The Trump administration moved to further restrict travel and cut U.S. banking access for Cuban independent entrepreneurs, adding new limits on “people-to-people” travel and tightening rules around transactions tied to Cuba’s military and intelligence. Trump/Rubio Cuba Focus: At a White House Hispanic Heritage Month event, Trump told the public to “watch” Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Cuba moves, without announcing new policy details. Centro Habana Collapse Risk: A partial ceiling collapse in a Centro Habana building housing 300+ residents left residents fearing a larger structural failure. Holguín Poisoning Deaths: In Holguín, two people died and a third was left in critical condition after ingesting food prepared with nitrite salt mistakenly used in a home kitchen. Cuba-US Tensions, Again: Cuban officials condemned the new U.S. measures as attacks on both public and private sectors, while Washington’s pressure continues to dominate the week’s Cuba coverage. Science & Education: University of Holguín launched a Belgian-supported doctoral partnership to train 15 Cuban professionals through research and dual-degree pathways. Culture: Cuba selected the film “Malecón” for the Oscars’ Best International Feature category.

U.S. Tightens Cuba Sanctions: The Trump administration says it will use “all available sanctioning authorities” after new Treasury rules take effect, targeting travel and banking and rolling back openings for Cuban private business. Cuba Energy & Water Crisis: Havana plans 200 MW of solar power dedicated to water pumping to cut dependence on the national grid as outages keep wells and boosters from running. Holguín Food Sovereignty: A UN-backed NutriVida training program is helping local authorities use climate risk tools to protect food production and reduce losses. Guantánamo Logistics & Industry: Transport reforms expand teacher bus routes and restart interprovincial trains; Argeo Martínez prepares a syrup-for-alcohol harvest phase with Cuba Ron supplying fuel oil. Cuban Culture & Science: Cuba publishes an updated Catalogue of Plants; Holguín’s art school trains young musicians and dancers despite shortages and blackouts. Diplomacy & Solidarity: Namibia’s parliament debates a motion affirming solidarity with Cuba against the U.S. embargo, while Pan-African groups launch a new campaign backing Cuba.

Cuba-US Sanctions and Banking Curbs: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez says the U.S. is tightening the blockade with “energy siege” measures, secondary sanctions, and new limits that are blocking humanitarian aid and squeezing private activity, while Marco Rubio calls the island a “failed state.” Tourism Under Pressure: A report warns U.S. moves are pushing Cuba’s tourism sector toward collapse, as arrivals keep sliding. Power Grid Strain, Repairs Ongoing: Cuba’s biggest plant, Guiteras, will stay off the grid for at least 48 hours after defects in a boiler reheater, highlighting how fragile the system remains. Energy Transition Push: Cuba says it has installed 50 MW of battery storage and expects another 100 MW in October, alongside rapid solar growth and more solar water-pumping. UN Humanitarian Block: Rodríguez tells the UN that thousands of shipping containers can’t reach Cuba, blaming U.S. pressure on carriers. El Niño Threat to Children: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America face rising drought and flood risks from the strongest El Niño on record. ICE Operations in Kansas: U.S. prosecutors urge Kansans to avoid rumors about ICE sweeps, after a three-day operation and arrests drew public backlash. Social Security Rules: The SSA lists countries whose citizens can still receive benefits abroad, including Cuba—while also noting Treasury restrictions that bar payments to Cuba and North Korea.

U.S. Sanctions Tighten on Cuba: The Treasury’s OFAC rolled out new Cuba restrictions, including travel limits for U.S.-jurisdiction people, tighter rules for educational travel, and added banking barriers that freeze accounts tied to Cuban entrepreneurs—Havana calls it a new wave of “collective punishment.” Holguín Transportation Hit: Cuba’s blockade is paralyzing transport in Holguín, with rural routes disrupted by fuel shortages and missing parts, while rail service also suffers. Public Health Response in Holguín: PAHO/WHO delivered fumigation “bazookas” to fight Aedes aegypti, using water-based insecticide to reduce dependence on scarce fuel. Economic Reforms, Local Push: Deputy PM Jorge Tapia Fonseca met in Holguín to discuss the rollout of 176 economic measures, including more autonomy for agriculture and new ways to market production. Rubio Escalates Rhetoric: Marco Rubio told Fox News Cuba has “already fallen” and warned the regime to change course or face worse consequences. UN and EU Pressure: Cuba faced renewed international calls to end the blockade at the UN General Assembly, while Aleida Guevara March arrived in Brussels to defend Havana before the European Parliament. U.S. Deportation Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allowed Trump’s “third-country” deportations to resume, with arguments set for December.

US-Cuba Tensions: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News Cuba has “already fallen,” calling the island a “failed state” and warning that leaders who think they can wait out the Trump administration will “learn the lesson the hard way” unless they change course. Diplomatic Pushback: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister called a U.S. military move an “atrocious international crime,” while Trump publicly predicted a deal and said he doesn’t expect military force. Economic Strain on the Ground: Reports highlight Cuba’s worsening daily life—blackouts, water shortages, and the dollar’s rise in the informal market—alongside continued shortages. Culture Under Pressure: Despite the crisis, Havana’s National Ballet School keeps training young dancers, blending academics with rigorous practice. Food Retail in Havana: A new “Neighborhood Market” in Cerro’s Ayestarán area opens amid customer protests over prices and limited stock. Genealogy for Cubans: A new collaborative “Cuban Family Tree” tool launches, letting users trace roots using hundreds of thousands of records.

Cuba-U.S. tensions at UNGA: Cuba’s diplomats and allies pushed back hard as the Trump administration renewed talk of a possible deal and military planning, while Cuba’s side framed the pressure as an “energy blockade” and warned of grid collapse; at the same time, China reiterated support for Havana and urged the U.S. to lift the blockade. Diplomatic pressure and human rights: Rosa María Payá attacked Cuba’s MININT after it highlighted Bruno Rodríguez’s meeting with the UN human rights chief, calling it a PR move amid intensified scrutiny. Local governance and daily life: In Baracoa, residents reported a growing garbage dump by the seawall, with foul odors and pests during a worsening epidemiological situation. Agriculture policy: Cuba’s Council of Ministers issued updated rules for biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides, setting roles for the agriculture and health ministries. Culture and protest: Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara staged a performance in New York demanding freedom for political prisoners from the 11J protests. Community news: Havana’s CDRs marked their 66th anniversary with renewed calls for neighborhood work and defense of the revolution.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Trump says the U.S. and Cuba “will make a deal” and insists “we’ll not need the military,” after reports of Cuba-facing preparations; Cuban FM Bruno Rodríguez meanwhile told the UN Cuba is ready for dialogue but warned any invasion would mean major loss of life. Energy Aid: China delivered a third batch of 5,000 solar photovoltaic systems to help Cuba cut its energy deficit, targeting homes and essential services in hard-to-reach areas. Public Health Strain: Cuba’s health ministry acknowledged a worsening epidemiological situation, citing more respiratory infections, diarrhea, hepatitis, and rising arboviruses like dengue and chikungunya tied to sanitation, water treatment, and waste collection problems. Havana Daily Life: A report highlights a “chemical” drug panic in Havana, with residents alleging authorities are turning a blind eye. Local Infrastructure & Safety: In Guantánamo, fuel and transport shortages are disrupting school, medical care, and rural livelihoods, while separate coverage notes ongoing electricity and service breakdowns. International Solidarity: Ghana renewed calls for unconditional lifting of sanctions on Cuba, while China reiterated support for Cuba’s sovereignty and opposition to foreign interference.

Fuel blockade at UN: Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called the U.S. fuel blockade “collective punishment” and a crime under international humanitarian law, saying Washington “blames the victim” while the island suffers. Military pressure talk: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío warned that any U.S. military action would be an “atrocious international crime,” after Trump again floated a “deal” while saying Cuba is “failing very badly.” UNGA fallout: Cuba’s delegation walked out after Trump’s “failed state” remarks, as Havana rejected the framing and reiterated it is ready for dialogue without interference. Local survival strain: Train service resumed between Camagüey and Santa Cruz del Sur, but fares up to 718 CUP drew criticism over affordability. Havana fire update: CUPET said four injured gas-repair workers are already home; two remain under observation. Everyday Cuba: A Cienfuegos restaurant publicly sought customers to return 7,000 CUP after an overcharge—an unusual act of repair amid hardship. Health and safety: An 18-year-old died after an electrocution during pruning near high-voltage lines in Cabaiguán; meanwhile, a pediatric hospital in Pinar del Río performed its first percutaneous kidney-stone surgery. Sports & culture: Cuba opened CONCACAF Nations League B with a 3-0 win over Grenada; and Los Van Van asked for applause for Pedrito Calvo during a concert as his family clarified his health status.

UN Diplomacy Clash: Cuba’s Bruno Rodríguez told the UN General Assembly Havana is “not a threat” and is ready for dialogue with the U.S. based on sovereign equality, while warning that the blockade is the real danger. U.S. Regime-Change Talk: Donald Trump said the U.S. and Cuba “will make a deal” and he “doesn’t think we’ll need the military,” after CBS reports raised questions about possible U.S. military planning. China Pushes Back: China’s Han Zheng challenged U.S. pressure on Cuba at the UN, urging an end to threats and lifting the blockade, while also calling for respect for Gulf sovereignty. Tourism Collapse: Cuba’s tourism keeps sliding—just 450,353 international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, down 64.4%, with August arrivals at 30,490. Local Hardship: In Caibarién, residents report 12 days without electricity after a transformer failure, with limited state help and a promised water truck that never arrived. Corruption Claims: An El Toque investigation says Cuban consular services in the U.S. collected over $270 million from 2019-2025, using leaked embassy documents.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions at UN: President Trump told reporters the U.S. and Cuba “will make a deal” and he “doesn’t think we’ll need the military,” after earlier UNGA remarks calling Cuba an “absolutely failed state” that “will fall,” which triggered a Cuban walkout. Diplomacy vs. Pressure: Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said Havana is ready for dialogue and commercial ties with U.S. companies “without interference or preconditions,” while denouncing Washington’s oil blockade as “collective punishment” and warning against any threat of force. Military Planning Rumors: CBS News reports the U.S. Army Reserve has been assessing unit availability for possible Southern Command missions within 90–120 days, though the internal memo reportedly doesn’t name Cuba or issue orders. Humanitarian and Health Strain: Cuba’s health ministry acknowledged rising respiratory, diarrheal, hepatitis, and arboviral illnesses amid sanitation and water problems, as dengue remains active. Local Life in Havana: A gas-pipeline repair fire in Plaza de la Revolución injured five workers; authorities say causes are under investigation.

US-Cuba Military Planning: CBS reports the US Army Reserve is assessing whether it can provide Southern Command with police, medical and other support units in 90–120 days as part of ongoing planning tied to Cuba, though no deployment orders are mentioned. UNGA Clash Over Cuba: Trump again labeled Cuba a “failed state” at the UN General Assembly, prompting Cuban delegates to walk out as Washington escalates pressure. Cuban Telecom Fallout: Etecsa says it can’t guarantee stability for much of its fixed-line services after blackouts, while users ask where the money from earlier “tarifazo” claims went. Cuba’s Dollar Pressure: The informal market shows the dollar and euro climbing again, underscoring how currency swings keep squeezing daily life. Cuba Food Reality Check: A new report highlights a sharp collapse in fish catches since 2020, with shortages hitting markets and prices. Everyday Hardship: A visually impaired bread seller in Matanzas was assaulted and robbed, sparking outrage over insecurity and basic survival costs.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions at UN: President Trump told the UN General Assembly Cuba is an “absolutely failed state” that “will fall,” prompting Havana’s delegation to walk out and Díaz-Canel to fire back that freedom is “non-negotiable.” Military Planning Watch: CBS News reports the U.S. Army Reserve is assessing whether Southern Command could receive police, medical, engineers, and logistics units in 90–120 days—planning tied to possible action involving Cuba. New Travel Squeeze: The AP says Washington is weighing stricter limits on Cuban officials traveling to the UN, as Havana accuses the U.S. of collective punishment. Diplomacy and Rights: Cuba’s foreign minister met the UN human rights chief, blaming the tightening blockade and energy squeeze; Cuba also rejected Rubio’s “blood on their hands” line. Local Pressure Points: Santiago de Cuba authorities intervened in a critically deteriorated 12-story building after social media complaints, while MININT detained bank workers accused of cash-for-transfer schemes. Energy Reality: Reports continue of grid failures and shortages, including thefts of photovoltaic panels in Guantánamo.

UN Walkout at Netanyahu’s UNGA Speech: Dozens of delegations—reported around 70, later 77—walked out or left seats empty as Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, with countries including Cuba among those absent, after renewed international outrage over Israel’s Gaza campaign. Cuban Medicine Breakthrough: Cuba’s CIGB says its drug Jusvinza (Fénix trials) produced remission or low disease activity in 80% of 300 chikungunya patients after 45 days, rising to 86.7% at week 12. Cuba Film on the Global Stage: Cuba selected Carlos Larrazabal’s “Malecón” for the Oscars’ international feature race, with Movistar Plus buying Spanish streaming rights. Energy Aid From China: Cuba received 5,000 donated solar photovoltaic systems to electrify remote homes and public facilities. Consular Fees Rise Abroad: Cuba’s foreign ministry raised passport and other consular document fees starting Oct. 1, with adult passports up to $200/€200. US Military Planning Near Cuba: CBS reports the U.S. Army Reserve is exploring support options for Southern Command in 90–120 days amid heightened pressure on Cuba. Cuba-US Tensions at UN: Multiple reports say the U.S. is weighing new limits on Cuban travel at the UN as Havana denounces Trump’s economic squeeze.

Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba’s grid is again in free fall, with UNE reporting only 837 MW available against 2,524 MW demand at 6 a.m., leaving a 1,701 MW shortfall, and another day of severe blackouts as fuel and plant outages pile up. U.S.-Cuba Politics: In New York, Marco Rubio said Washington can work with some people in Cuba but not those “with blood on their hands,” while Cuba’s party official Roberto Morales blamed the U.S. blockade and energy pressures for limiting the island’s economic and social “transformations.” Diplomatic Push for Change: The U.S., Lithuania, and Costa Rica launched “Nations for a Free Cuba,” aiming to coordinate support for Cuban civil society and democratic movements during UNGA. China Energy Aid: China delivered 5,000 solar systems to Cuba for remote homes and public facilities as blackouts continue. Immigration Crackdown Watch: A U.S. watchdog report says ICE wasted tens of millions on detention expansion plans, including unused tents at Guantánamo Bay. Sports & Culture: Cuba’s Under-15 baseball team began training in Havana for the World Cup in Mexico; meanwhile, Havana’s faith community marked Obbatalá/Obbatalá day with prayers for peace.