AGP Executive Report

Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba’s grid suffered another full collapse, leaving about 9 million people without electricity as fuel shortages and aging infrastructure slow restoration; Havana reported partial reconnections to roughly 46% of the capital. Fuel Shortages & Grid Strain: Officials link the slow recovery to dwindling fuel reserves, while hot summer conditions add pressure to an already fragile system. Climate & Resilience Talk in CARICOM: CARICOM leaders wrapped up meetings in Saint Lucia with climate change and climate finance on the agenda, pushing for fairer disaster-risk support for small island states. Wetlands Protection: Jamaica reaffirmed its commitment to wetland conservation as “natural infrastructure” for biodiversity, flood control, and climate mitigation. Health Under Pressure: Holguín expanded reproductive and sexual health services through multidisciplinary family planning consultations, including STI prevention and risk management for pregnancy. Circular Economy in Holguín: A Circular Hackathon highlighted sustainable, tech-driven ideas for construction materials, waste reuse, and better resource planning. Weather Watch: Storm chances are easing in parts of the region while extreme heat returns, with limited monsoon storms expected. Wildlife in the Sky: Matanzas residents spotted mammatus clouds—storm-related formations that signal shifting weather rather than direct danger.

Power & Fuel Crisis: Cuba is facing its third nationwide grid collapse of 2026, with restoration slow and complicated by severe fuel shortages; Havana reported 131 distribution circuits back for about 46% of the capital, while roughly 9 million people were left without electricity. Human Impact: Protests are growing as outages stretch in some areas to 30+ consecutive hours, with UNE forecasting a peak-hour shortfall of 2,230 MW against demand of 3,100 MW. Policy & Transparency: Cuba’s Prosecutor’s Office explains a new Transparency Law expanding citizens’ access to public information and setting obligations for state institutions to proactively disclose data. Health in Focus (Holguín): Holguín is expanding reproductive and sexual health services through family planning consultations with multidisciplinary teams, contraceptive guidance, and STI prevention. Diplomacy & Energy Blockade: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez told the UN Cuba is stable and not in a full-scale humanitarian crisis despite the US “energy blockade,” citing longer outages and shortages. Environment & Weather: Matanzas residents shared striking mammatus clouds under storm systems, a reminder that intense weather can shift quickly.

Power Crisis in Cuba: Cuba suffered an island-wide blackout after the national grid collapsed, with UNE confirming a full system shutdown and authorities launching an investigation amid ongoing fuel shortages and aging infrastructure. Heat & Protests: As temperatures climb, outages are driving more public anger, with reports of worsening generation shortfalls and a surge in demonstrations across provinces. Climate Risk Lens: A new commentary argues that climate change disasters expose how badly infrastructure planning can fail—pointing to recent catastrophe and heatwave impacts as a warning for countries with weaker systems. Weather Watch in Cuba: Matanzas residents were surprised by mammatus clouds—rare storm-cloud formations that look dramatic but are not, by themselves, a direct danger. Health & Prevention in Las Tunas: Cuba opened its first provincial Drug Observatory in Las Tunas, aiming to strengthen science-based prevention and monitoring through linked working networks. Regional Solidarity: Cuba reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela on its independence anniversary, highlighting Cuban rescue and forensic teams supporting quake response in La Guaira. CARICOM Climate Agenda: Caribbean leaders meeting in Saint Lucia put climate change, climate financing, agri-food security, and health preparedness on the front burner.

Wildfire in Guantánamo: A major blaze in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park burned about 600 hectares of scrub and nearly 100 hectares of forest; officials say it’s under control but still in three hotspots as firefighters work and investigators look at causes tied to high heat, storms, and illegal mining. Power Crisis: Cuba faced an island-wide blackout linked to dwindling fuel reserves and a deteriorating grid, leaving around 10 million people without electricity while authorities move to restore service. Thermoelectric Trouble: The Antonio Guiteras plant stayed shut for 48 hours for a “cooling process” after repeated failures, fueling public anger over maintenance and trust. Circular Economy & Construction: Holguín’s CreLab 2026 Circular Hackathon wrapped up with awards for sustainable, tech-based ideas aimed at cutting waste and improving construction materials logistics. Public Health & Youth Prevention: In Las Tunas, Cuba launched multisector exchanges for a 2026–2028 plan to prevent adolescent pregnancy, bringing health, education, justice, and community groups into one coordinated effort. Science & Drug Prevention: Las Tunas held the first Provincial Drug Observatory conference, presenting a replicable model for prevention and toxicology capacity-building. Community Innovation: Holguín’s Socict continued science and history education activities, including digital bulletins and events for younger generations.

Wildfire in UNESCO park: A major blaze in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (Guantánamo) burned about 600 hectares of scrubland and nearly 100 hectares of forest; officials say it’s under control but still split into three hotspots as firefighters work and investigators look at causes amid high heat, storms, and illegal mining. Power crisis hits daily life: Cuba’s UNE forecasts a peak-hour generation shortfall of 2,230 MW (72% of needed power), as protests over long blackouts grow—107 demonstrations in June, with Havana and Santiago de Cuba leading. Thermoelectric outage deepens strain: The Antonio Guiteras plant says it will stay shut for 48 hours for a “cooling process” after another malfunction, with residents questioning whether major maintenance is actually being done. Health prevention project: In Jobabo (Las Tunas), Cuba launched the 2026–2028 “Care and Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy and Fertility” program, coordinating health, education, justice, and community participation with youth workshops. Cuba’s rescue role abroad: Cuban search-and-rescue teams in Venezuela received “Heroes of Venezuela” medals, highlighting solidarity after the earthquakes. Media freedom debate: Reporters Without Borders faces renewed scrutiny over alleged bias and transparency issues, including its coverage patterns.

Wildfire in Cuba’s Alejandro de Humboldt: A major blaze in Guantánamo’s UNESCO-listed park burned about 600 hectares of scrub and nearly 100 hectares of forest; officials say it’s contained but still split into three hotspots, with firefighters working alongside the Jaguaní River while investigators look at causes amid high heat, storms, and illegal mining. Power squeeze hits Cuba: Cuba’s biggest thermoelectric plant, Antonio Guiteras, will stay shut for 48 hours for a “cooling process” after another breakdown, adding to a year of frequent outages; meanwhile, a Havana substation accident triggered countrywide blackouts, worsening summer heat impacts. Garbage and local solutions: Havana’s El Vedado begins “Operation Garbage” with electric tricycles to tackle waste in a neighborhood-level push. Venezuela earthquake response spotlight: Cuban rescue teams and search-and-rescue dogs were honored with Venezuela’s “Heroes and Heroines” medal, underscoring Cuba’s disaster support as the death toll and recovery needs grow. US law targets exploitation of Cuban doctors: A new US measure aims to punish countries that profit from the Castro regime’s medical missions abroad, citing passport confiscation, forced family leverage, and forced labor practices.

Wildfire in Humboldt National Park: A major fire in Cuba’s Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (Guantánamo) burned about 600 hectares of scrub and nearly 100 hectares of forest, leaving three active hotspots as rangers keep fighting and officials investigate causes tied to high heat, storms, and illegal mining. Power crisis deepens: Cuba’s Antonio Guiteras plant is set to stay shut for 48 hours for a “cooling process” after another economizer-related failure, with citizens questioning the explanation as outages pile up. Havana blackout after substation accident: A malfunction at the Victoria de Giron power substation triggered sudden shutdowns and widespread outages across the island, worsening daily life during hot summer weather. Rescue solidarity spotlight: Cuban rescuers received Venezuela’s “Heroes and Heroines” medal after earthquake response, underscoring regional cooperation as disaster impacts mount. Water stress data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in many countries, underscoring how climate-linked demand can outstrip freshwater supplies.

Energy Crisis in Cuba: A July 3 accident at Havana’s Victoria de Giron power substation triggered massive outages nationwide, with the national grid short on generating capacity and blackouts stretching from hours to days amid summer heat. Power Plant Reliability: Cuba’s largest thermoelectric facility, Guiteras, was disconnected again for the 17th time in 2026 after the same boiler economizer malfunction, with repairs limited by the need to keep 200 MW at stake. Waste & Clean-Up Efforts: Havana’s El Vedado has started “Operation Garbage” using only five of the planned 30 electric tricycles—an early sign of how hard the city is working to tackle solid waste. Rural Energy Strain & Cooking Fuel: In Las Tunas, charcoal production for export is far below plan, while households still depend on coal during the worst fuel shortages. Health Access: Las Tunas received 10 electric vehicles to transport dialysis patients as fuel limits medical transport, while Cuba’s wider reforms and sanctions pressure continue to worsen daily life. Regional Solidarity: Guyana urged dialogue and people-centered solutions for Cuba’s economic and humanitarian crisis, echoing calls for rule of law and transparency. Environmental Education & Science: In Holguín, Socict continues science and history activities, including work aimed at environmental education and youth engagement. Disaster Context: Venezuela’s earthquake response remains in focus, including a medal for Cuban rescue teams—highlighting how regional disasters strain infrastructure and emergency systems.

Energy Crisis in Cuba: A July 3 accident at Havana’s Victoria de Giron power substation triggered massive outages nationwide after shutdowns of the Rente-3 and Felton-1 units, with the grid already short on generating capacity and blackouts reportedly lasting 1–2 hours daily in many areas and longer elsewhere. Power-Plant Reliability: Cuba’s Guiteras, the island’s largest thermoelectric plant, was disconnected again for the 17th time in 2026 after a recurring boiler economizer malfunction, with repairs limited by the time needed to cool the boiler and replace faulty parts. Waste-to-Energy Frustration: In Las Tunas, marabú charcoal production is far behind plan—only 16% of targets—blamed on fuel and resource shortages for cutting the invasive plant, even as households keep relying on coal during the worst energy crisis. Health Access Under Fuel Shortages: Las Tunas received 10 electric taxis to transport dialysis patients, aiming to keep treatment schedules running despite chronic fuel constraints. Solid Waste & Blackout Impacts: Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío denounced U.S. policy for “cruel and daily war,” citing blackouts, lack of cooking gas, spoiled food, postponed surgeries, and mounting solid waste. Climate Risk in the Region: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising the risk of heatwaves, drought, and heavy-rain flooding later in the wet season.

Solid Waste Push in Havana: Havana’s El Vedado starts a new door-to-door solid waste collection plan with electric tricycles, while officials warn residents not to leave garbage bags outside scheduled hours. Biodiversity Under Threat: A dangerous African giant snail has been detected in Matanzas, raising fears it could spread and disrupt local ecosystems. Heat and Climate Risk: The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum warns El Niño is strengthening, with hotter, more humid conditions, longer drought in parts of the region, and higher chances of flooding from heavy rains. Forest Fire in Guantánamo: A forest fire has ravaged about 200 hectares of the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in Guantánamo. Cuba-US Pressure on Health Cooperation: Cuba denounces U.S. pressure aimed at ending Cuba’s international medical cooperation, saying it restricts healthcare access for patients treated by Cuban specialists. Summer Blackouts and Water Shortages: Activists report arrests tied to pot-banging protests in Havana amid prolonged blackouts and lack of water, with elders fainting from shortages.

Cuba–U.S. Pressure on Health Cooperation: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío denounced U.S. efforts to pressure other governments to end bilateral healthcare programs with Cuba, saying the “success” of the policy is measured by suffering—blackouts, shortages, postponed surgeries, and rising hardship. Waste & Urban Cleanliness: In Havana’s El Vedado, a new solid waste collection plan began with electric tricycles and door-to-door pickup, but residents reported chaos on day one and warnings of strict enforcement against late dumping. Wildlife & Biodiversity Under Threat: A forest fire has burned about 200 hectares in the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in Guantánamo, with authorities investigating whether human activity—possibly linked to illegal gold mining—sparked the blaze. Science & Resilience: President Díaz-Canel marked the 40th anniversary of the CIGB, praising Cuban biotech work in health and agriculture and framing it as a response to the blockade. Climate Risk for the Caribbean: CariCOF says El Niño is strengthening and warming Caribbean seas could mean more heatwaves, drought, and heavy-rain flooding risk later in the wet season.

Solid Waste Push in Havana: El Vedado’s new door-to-door solid waste collection starts July 1, with containers removed and residents warned that dumping outside the schedule is “strictly prohibited,” while the first day looks chaotic but aims to reduce neighborhood garbage. Wildlife & Biodiversity Under Threat: A forest fire has burned about 200 hectares in the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in Guantánamo (Ojito de Agua, Yateras), with authorities investigating whether human activity linked to illegal gold mining sparked it. Cuban Science & Food Security: President Díaz-Canel marked the 40th anniversary of the CIGB, praising biotech work from disease treatment to agricultural research that supports food sovereignty despite the U.S. blockade. U.S. Pressure on Cuban Health Cooperation: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister denounced U.S. efforts to pressure other governments to end bilateral healthcare programs with Cuba, saying it restricts access to treatment worldwide. Climate Resilience Research: A new study maps coral reefs that may still resist climate change by 2050, with Cuba listed among the places showing resilience. Sanctions & Daily Hardship: Cuba also condemned Washington’s strategy as a “cruel and daily war,” pointing to blackouts, fuel shortages, spoiled food, postponed surgeries, and mounting waste as outcomes measured by political opponents.

Cuban Science & Food Sovereignty: President Díaz-Canel marked the CIGB’s 40th anniversary, calling it a “bastion” of Cuban science and highlighting work in treating diseases and agricultural research that supports food sovereignty. Urban Waste Solutions: A Havana neighborhood is tackling garbage with 30 electric tricycles, aiming to cut pollution and improve collection. Climate Resilience Research: A new study using AI suggests about 64,000 square miles of coral reefs worldwide could better withstand climate change by 2050, with resilient areas mapped in Cuba and the Bahamas. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: Cuba is on alert after the detection of the dangerous African giant snail in Matanzas, raising fears of spread. Regional Disaster Response: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes triggered a massive rescue and relief push, with community networks and state agencies coordinating alongside international teams—an environmental and public-health lesson for the region. Policy Pressure on Cuba: Florida’s new “Foreign Interference” law tightens penalties for local ties to Cuba, adding new compliance risk for businesses.

Cuba’s Waste Pickup Goes Electric: In Havana’s El Vedado/Rampa area, the Rampa People’s Council is rolling out solar-powered garbage collection with 30 electric tricycles, charging households 100 pesos per month to fund fixed-point collection and recycling of raw materials. Food Security in Cuba: The UN World Food Programme launched a six-month emergency school-feeding project in Cuba’s eastern provinces, using resources from Spain–Cuba debt conversion to buy locally produced food for 74 centers, reaching 12,677 children. Sanctions & Market Reform Talks: Cuba says its newly approved free-market reforms are “sovereign” and not up for discussion with the Trump administration, as Washington and Havana remain at an impasse. Heritage Under Repair in Santa Clara: Authorities in Villa Clara addressed public concern after images of the Coppelia building’s ground floor showed dismantling; officials say it’s a restoration to fix advanced deterioration while protecting heritage values. Biodiversity Alert: A dangerous African giant snail has been detected in Matanzas, raising fears it could spread.

Cuba’s municipal shake-up: Cuba’s National Assembly approved a package of 176 economic measures, including expanding autonomy for all 168 municipalities—covering local planning, food security, community services, and even environmental management and climate action. Havana waste push: In El Vedado, the Rampa People’s Council plans solar-powered solid-waste collection with 30 electric tricycles, charging 100 pesos per household to fund fixed-point pickup and recycling recovery. Granma rice with drones: Granma is using drones to boost a spring rice program, aiming to plant 240 hectares with support from a Vietnam-Cuba project to modernize drying and milling. Sea turtle loss: Cuba’s marine biologist Félix Guillermo Moncada Gavilán, who helped drive decades of sea-turtle protection and a long-standing capture moratorium, has died. Sancti Spíritus cooking fuel squeeze: Charcoal prices have surged as blackouts and liquefied gas shortages force more households to use marabou charcoal, turning a local export into a local hardship.

Dengue Warning: A new op-ed says Sri Lanka’s dengue surge shows what happens when prevention is treated like an afterthought—mosquito breeding risks were predictable, yet vector-control and public campaigns arrived too late. Cuba’s Reform Push: Cuba’s National Assembly has approved a sweeping package of 176 economic measures, including expanding municipal autonomy for 168 local governments, with environmental management and climate-change actions named among the goals. Granma Rice Tech: In Granma, drones are being used to plant rice across 240 hectares as production lags, with Vietnam-Cuba support aimed at better varieties and upgraded drying and milling. Sea Turtle Loss: Marine biologist Félix Guillermo Moncada Gavilán, who helped drive Cuba’s long push toward a sea-turtle capture ban, has died. Sancti Spíritus Fuel Crisis: Blackouts and LPG shortages are pushing families to buy expensive charcoal—linked to marabou—highlighting how energy stress hits household health and the environment. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: A second wave of Cuban rescue and health experts (Henry Reeve contingent) has arrived to support recovery after twin quakes.