AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Cuba Security Pressure: The Trump administration says it’s tightening national-security pressure on Havana by sanctioning five Cuban entities and eight individuals tied to MINFAR arms procurement, framing Cuba as a terrorism sponsor and a hub for other U.S. adversaries. Energy Crisis & Diplomacy: Cuba’s Díaz-Canel thanked China for a second donation of 5,000 photovoltaic systems aimed at rural electrification as blackouts and fuel shortages deepen, while Havana continues to blame the “energy blockade.” Economic Controls & Daily Life: Cuba’s informal currency market closed with the dollar steady and the euro down, underscoring ongoing foreign-currency strain; meanwhile, the regime’s latest economic shift includes new reporting/inspection practices affecting private businesses. Legal/Brand Fight: A U.S. trademark dispute over HAVANA CLUB highlights how post-1960 asset transfers and later registrations are still shaping Cuba’s legal battles abroad. Governance & Repression Narrative: Díaz-Canel used the Communist and Workers’ Parties meeting to defend “prosperous and sustainable socialism,” insisting reforms won’t mean capitalism—while critics point to the humanitarian toll. Transport Policy: Cuba’s Ministry of Transport restored bus/train ticket sales through Viajero agencies and shortened reservation periods, citing public feedback and demand exceeding supply.

Energy Crisis & Blackouts: Cuba is bracing for another Sunday of long power cuts, with UNE forecasting up to 70% of the country without electricity during peak evening hours after a week marked by a double national collapse. Everyday Hardship: In Camagüey, residents report more than 10 days without power after repeated transformer failures, while in Havana life is being reorganized around short electricity bursts. Cost Shifting to the Diaspora: South Florida relatives are reportedly spending thousands on backup power and solar gear to keep families online during outages. Economic Controls & Prices: The regime is reviving fines and citizen reporting against merchants over “abusive and speculative prices,” including a WhatsApp hotline—despite earlier admissions that price caps failed. Political Prisoner Release Demands: State Security is said to be conditioning the release of political prisoner Roilán Álvarez Rensoler on his family buying a plane ticket to Guyana. U.S. Pressure & Intelligence: The NYT reports the CIA is creating a special task force to track opaque money flows and elite business dealings tied to Cuba’s power structure. Foreign Policy Messaging: Cuba’s FM Bruno Rodríguez renewed anti-nuclear and anti-U.S. blockade messaging on the Nagasaki anniversary, while U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar urged Trump to end the naval blockade. ALBA Movements: A Havana summit closed with 190 delegates from 27 countries debating socialism, sovereignty, and the rise of the far right.

US-Cuba Pressure & Regime-Change Talk: The New York Times reports the Trump administration is hunting for a current or former Cuban figure who could lead a political shift toward Washington as sanctions and fuel threats intensify. New Sanctions on Military Links: The State Department announced fresh penalties on Cuban officials and entities, including the Armed Forces minister Álvaro López Miera, accusing them of enabling military cooperation and arms shipments. Energy Crisis in Real Time: In Havana, residents are planning life around brief electricity “miracles,” sometimes at 3 a.m., after dayslong blackouts tied to the oil blockade. Renewables Push Under Strain: Cuba approved new rules and customs exemptions to speed solar and other renewable imports, aiming to ease the energy crunch. Diplomacy & Messaging: Cuba’s UN envoy Ernesto Soberón Guzmán went viral over his English in a CBS interview about the oil shortage and sanctions. Fidel Centenary Politics: Cuba hosted ALBA’s IV Continental Assembly with Fidel-themed solidarity messaging, while Italian left groups arrived carrying medicines and support. Local Governance & Daily Hardship: Matanzas set price ceilings and reference values for essentials after complaints of “abusive” increases. Public Safety Worries: A report from Santiago de Cuba alleges a knife robbery inside a maternity home, raising questions about hospital security.

Renewables Push: Cuba approved new renewable-energy rules, extending customs-tax exemptions through Dec. 2027 for imports of photovoltaic solar systems and key parts, plus incentives tied to social-sector investments and related equipment. Energy Crisis Forecast: The Electric Union (UNE) warned of another severe shortfall, projecting only about 1,050 MW available against a 3,300 MW peak demand—leaving most of the island without power during peak hours. US Pressure & Transition Talk: The New York Times reports Washington is exploring a “Venezuela-style” transition approach in Cuba—seeking a pragmatic insider figure to reshape the regime without a full rupture—while intelligence assessments say Cuba may be closer to Iran than Venezuela. Local Costs in Havana: A new street-gas rate for residential customers took effect, raising the per-cubic-meter price and triggering public backlash over affordability and billing accuracy. Fidel Centenary Mobilization: In Camagüey, political and mass organizations announced events through Dec. 4, including cultural tributes and a blood drive tied to Fidel Castro’s centenary. Cuba Solidarity Abroad: Uruguay’s Communist Party leader called Cuba “world champion of solidarity” at a Havana meeting of communist and workers’ parties, condemning the US blockade. Security & Daily Life: A Havana woman says police couldn’t process her stolen-phone complaint because there was “no power or system,” highlighting how outages disrupt basic services. Cultural Cooperation: BRICS culture ministers adopted the Bhopal Declaration, including cooperation on cultural property restitution and digital tools for provenance research.

Cuba–U.S. Sanctions & Humanitarian Crisis: Cuba’s UN envoy Ernesto Soberón Guzmán says the latest U.S. pressure is driving a fuel shortage and a deeper humanitarian emergency, arguing Washington is using “collective punishment” and even leaving room for military aggression. Energy & Daily Life: Reports and photos keep returning to the same reality: Cuba’s grid failures and rolling blackouts are pushing hospitals, transport, and households into survival mode. Private Sector Under State Watch: Cuba says it’s expanding private activity—opening new doors for banking, pharmacies, gas stations, elder-care, port terminals, and even legal and architecture services—while keeping tight state control over “central” sectors. Food Prices, Enforcement, and Skepticism: Local governments in places like Villa Clara and San Luis set maximum prices for staples (eggs, oil, rice, chicken), but officials stress it’s not a “ceiling,” and enforcement language is fueling public doubt. Culture Amid Scarcity: The UNEAC’s “Arte Fiel” Fidel Castro centenary exhibition opens in Havana even as electricity and water shortages persist, highlighting the regime’s priorities. Regional Politics (Colombia): Conservative Abelardo de la Espriella is sworn in as Colombia’s president in Cali, signaling a harder line on armed groups and a sharper turn toward Washington.

Cuba-US Sanctions: The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on five Cuban entities and eight officials, accusing Havana of weapons procurement and military cooperation with Russia, China, and Iran; Cuba called the move hostile. Energy Crisis & Daily Life: As blackouts keep striking, Cubans report life shrinking to brief bursts of electricity, with households scrambling to cook, cool, and manage outages amid an oil blockade. Diplomacy & Messaging: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister pushed back on U.S. claims that Cuba is a threat, arguing Washington’s own military and intelligence footprint is far more consequential. Party Solidarity in Havana: Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties, framing the gathering around solidarity and opposition to U.S. aggression. Humanitarian Fallout: UN experts and independent voices warn sanctions are deepening a humanitarian crisis, including risks to health and patient care. Local Governance/Infrastructure: Cuban authorities completed rescue efforts after an abandoned school collapse in Remedios killed two and injured one, citing the building had been deemed unsafe for years. International Solidarity: An Italian solidarity wave is arriving for Fidel Castro’s centenary, bringing medicines and political support.

U.S.-Cuba Sanctions: UN human rights experts condemned new U.S. sanctions on Cuba as coercion aimed at changing the island’s constitutional order, warning of a “silent Gaza” as fuel shortages and a third major blackout deepen harm to health, food, and development. Military Pressure: Washington also imposed fresh sanctions targeting Cuban military officials and procurement networks tied to weapons and military equipment, framing it as cutting off state revenue and “foreign adversary operations.” Energy Crisis on the Ground: As Cuba scrambles to restore power after repeated nationwide grid collapses, residents in Havana report extreme heat and outages lasting most of the day; in Marianao, neighbors physically blocked an Electric Company crew over missing work orders, underscoring rising distrust. Cost of Living: A Cuban doctor’s market video shows how quickly dollars evaporate in the informal economy, with the peso’s slide making basic groceries harder to afford. U.S. Intelligence Footprint: The New York Times reports the CIA has set up a secret Cuba-focused task force to intensify pressure and probe divisions within Cuba’s leadership. Independent Voices: The U.S. Embassy in Havana marked six months since the detention of El 4tico founders, demanding their release.

U.S.-Cuba Sanctions Escalation: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new U.S. sanctions on five Cuban entities and eight officials tied to Cuba’s military procurement and foreign cooperation, warning that Havana’s security apparatus “spies on America” and supports hostile operations from 90 miles away. Humanitarian Alarm: UN experts say the sanctions are worsening Cuba’s humanitarian crisis, warning of a “silent Gaza” scenario as fuel limits and energy restrictions ripple into health care, food, transport, and daily life. Energy Crisis Pressure: Cuba’s energy squeeze remains front and center, with reports of repeated nationwide blackouts and officials blaming the U.S. blockade; meanwhile, a Guantánamo mother says her daughter’s chronic skin condition is deteriorating after weeks without water. Regime Security & External Influence: Cuba’s leadership and allies denounce U.S. moves as domination attempts, while a report claims the CIA has formed a new Cuba task force aimed at pressuring Havana and probing divisions inside the military. Local Life & Culture: In Havana, La Polar stadium pushes ahead with solar-powered lighting and renovation work ahead of international matches, while dissident artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara—released to Miami—faces new criticism from hardline exiles.

Cuba’s Economic Pivot to Foreign Capital: Havana signaled openness to a Trump-branded luxury resort on Cayo Santa María (“Trump Island”), a sharp break from decades of resistance as US sanctions bite harder and major firms reportedly pull back. US Pressure and Intelligence Escalation: The New York Times reports the CIA has created a secret Cuba task force and that Cuba was raised to “Priority 1” in US intelligence, aiming to deepen divisions within Cuba’s political elite and speed up leadership change. Human Rights Under Strain: Cubalex says a minor detained after Morón protests was beaten in prison and kept in adult corridors; separately, State Security operations around the Maleconazo anniversary reportedly targeted independent voices including Yoani Sánchez and Reinaldo Escobar. Everyday Crisis, Policy Changes: Cuba eased vehicle import/transfer rules and taxes (with limits on who can buy), while the cost of basic goods like cooking oil remains extreme amid ongoing power instability. Regional Solidarity and Diplomacy: Díaz-Canel honored a Cuban rescue brigade for Venezuela earthquake relief, and Belize’s foreign minister said talks continue on keeping Cuba’s medical brigade despite US pressure.

Cuban Economy & Trade Rules: Cuba’s Official Gazette published new MINCIN regulations to reorganize wholesale trade and expand “neighborhood markets,” including tax discounts and new operating rules for food outlets—another push to mix state control with private participation. Energy Crisis & Governance: Cuba’s grid collapsed again for a sixth nationwide blackout of 2026; officials and the Cuban Electric Union say restoration is underway, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez blames the U.S. energy embargo and blockade for missing fuel, parts, and financing. Food Supply Pressure: Farmers in Guantánamo say tons of mangos are rotting because state collection lacks fuel and transport. Public Safety & State Messaging: Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución posted images of alleged thieves caught at a weekly fair, using a “streets belong to the people” slogan amid rising theft concerns. Opposition & Human Rights: Independent journalist Guillermo del Sol Pérez marked 49 days on hunger strike, warning “I don’t want to die,” as his health deteriorates. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Politico reports the U.S. has increased intelligence personnel and activity in Cuba, framed as potentially paving the way for future pressure. Diplomacy & Solidarity: Cuba and Grenada signed education cooperation memoranda on special education and “Yes, I Can” literacy.

Power Crisis in Cuba: Cuba’s grid was reported reconnected after a 36-hour nationwide blackout, but restoration remained uneven—Havana still had only part of its circuits live and many hospitals and water pumps were only partially powered, as Cubans vented that the “new normal” is outages followed by brief returns. Regime Politics & Reform Debate: Inside the ruling apparatus, discontent is surfacing over the National Assembly’s 176 economic measures and the spotlight on “El Cangrejo” (Raúl Rodríguez Castro), with critics warning reforms could mean a harder turn toward market logic. US Pressure & Diplomacy: Havana again blamed Washington for the energy breakdown, while Cuba’s foreign minister and allies framed the crisis as part of a wider US blockade strategy. Humanitarian & Food Links: Vietnam delivered Cuba-grown rice from a joint project, underscoring how external partnerships are being used to patch shortages. Cash vs Banking Rules: A state-linked report says merchants in Mariel and beyond still dodge banking-payment rules, showing enforcement gaps in the regime’s push to reduce cash. International Echoes: Cuban activist Rosa María Payá renewed calls for democratic change, arguing scarcity and repression stem from dictatorship mismanagement and offshore wealth.

Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba’s grid collapsed again, triggering a nationwide blackout and knocking out communications; the U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a security alert to Americans, warning restoration timelines are unknown and urging travelers to stock water, food, batteries, and medications. U.S. Pressure Campaign: A report says Washington has expanded intelligence activity in Cuba—more spies, more surveillance flights—framed as part of a broader push for political and economic change, with possible escalation discussed but not formally confirmed. Migration & Legal Limbo: A Cuban with I-220A status posted a viral message urging others not to lose hope while awaiting court outcomes; the status keeps people out of detention but doesn’t automatically open the Cuba Adjustment Act path. Local Governance: In Guáimaro, municipal leaders discussed implementing newly approved economic and social transformations, while flagging budget shortfalls and pushing tighter control over revenues. Public Services Online: Cuba’s Ministry of Labor launched an online social protection application service on soberania.gob.cu, adding procedures like certifications and identity-related services with tracking and notifications. Prison Unrest Study: A new piece surveys prison riots worldwide over the past century, noting the U.S. recorded the most incidents.

Cuba’s Power Crisis Deepens: Cuba suffered its sixth nationwide blackout of 2026 after the grid collapsed late Sunday, with restoration efforts repeatedly derailed by “oscillations” and bad weather—leaving Havana and multiple provinces in darkness again and again, disrupting water, hospitals, and daily life. Humanitarian Pressure From Washington: A U.S. State Department spokesperson blamed Cuba’s “economic model” and “incompetence” for the humanitarian crisis while pointing to embargo “exceptions” and aid routed through third parties. Cuban Migrants Caught in Regional Crackdowns: In Mexico, two Venezuelans were detained after a riot at an immigration station in Tapachula where 40 Cubans are held pending deportation, with accusations of extortion and lack of transparency. Legal and Rights Fallout: A Cuban content creator shared practical advice for migrants facing arbitrary evictions in Guyana, urging written rental contracts and receipts. Regional Politics Watch: Jamaica and Ghana signed an agreement to bring Ghanaian healthcare workers to Jamaica, amid ongoing reshuffling of Caribbean medical staffing.

Blackout Crisis: Cuba’s grid collapsed again Sunday, triggering the sixth nationwide blackout of 2026; Havana residents reported only partial restoration by Monday as power cuts ripple into water shortages and daily life, with UNE citing “total disconnection” and authorities working to restart the system in fragments. Legal Pressure on the Regime: In London debt litigation, the Banco Nacional de Cuba was ordered to pay CRF I Limited about £18.1m (over €21m) in damages and costs, after earlier unfavorable rulings left the dispute moving into the damages phase. U.S. Visa Crackdown Hits Migration: With U.S. routes tightened, more Cubans are seeking asylum in Brazil; reporting from Volta Redonda describes record applications and migrants turning to work and services as options narrow. U.S.-Cuba Security Rhetoric: Marco Rubio renewed claims that Cuba operates an “espionage superpower” inside U.S. institutions, keeping the focus on influence operations alongside sanctions and energy pressure. Domestic Hardship Meets Propaganda: In Ciego de Ávila, a PCC municipal post for National Defense Day drew mockery online for showcasing “substitute” foods amid the worsening food crisis. Immigration Policy Spillover: A separate U.S. move makes the visa bond program permanent, including for Cuba, requiring deposits up to $20,000 for certain new tourist/business visas.

Energy Crisis in Cuba: Cuba’s state grid operator UNE confirmed a new “total disconnection” late Sunday, plunging about 10 million people—including Havana—into darkness for another nationwide blackout, following three countrywide outages in July and worsening daily life as water and cooling systems are hit. Fuel Blockade & Infrastructure Strain: Coverage ties the repeated collapses to a deepening fuel shortage under the U.S. oil blockade after Venezuela’s supply was disrupted, with repairs and imports constrained and reserves reportedly exhausted. Economic Reforms Under Pressure: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has said recovery will be gradual, while Havana has authorized a first foreign-backed fuel import venture and expanded permissions for fuel distribution and private tourism—moves framed as incremental rather than mass privatization. Public Reaction & Governance Signals: Reports describe frustration spilling into trash fires and pot-banging, while UNE says protocols to restart the system are underway without clear timelines. Environment Fallout: A separate report warns the energy crisis is driving indiscriminate logging for firewood and charcoal, accelerating deforestation as families cope with outages. U.S.-Cuba Political Friction: Marco Rubio renewed claims that Cuba runs an “espionage superpower” influence network inside the U.S., as Havana continues to reject escalation and blame sanctions for the crisis. Visa Bond Policy: The U.S. made its refundable visa bond program permanent for applicants from 50 countries, including Cuba, Nigeria, and others, requiring up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 visas.

Grid Crisis in Havana: Power returned to Havana and western Cuba early Sunday after a partial collapse left five provinces without electricity, with UNE warning of a massive peak-hour shortfall that could trigger widespread blackouts. Humanitarian Strain: A Havana resident’s viral video denounced daily life without water, electricity, and food, while another family pleaded for chemotherapy meds as treatment delays grow more dangerous. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Vice-chancellor Carlos Fernández de Cossío accused the U.S. of “lies” meant to mask internal U.S. unrest, as Marco Rubio escalated claims that Cuba is an “espionage superpower” influencing U.S. institutions. Local Governance: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz attended a People’s Power Assembly session in Gibara, where new municipal authorities were elected and food production was flagged as a homeland-defense priority. Migration Pressure: About 40 Cuban migrants rioted at Mexico’s Siglo XXI station in Tapachula after learning of deportation plans. Gender Violence: OGAT confirmed two more femicides, bringing Cuba’s recorded total to 46 this year.