What are the latest news in Cuba?
Energy Crisis and Blackouts
- Cuba continues to experience severe, recurrent electrical grid failures and fuel shortages, resulting in daily power outages lasting up to 20 hours in many provinces. Al Jazeera———
- The crisis has been intensified by tightening U.S. fuel restrictions and secondary sanctions targeting oil shipments to the island. -Cuba Capacity Building Project – Columbia University——–
- The National Assembly approved a landmark package of 176 economic measures designed to stimulate the economy.- These reforms permit foreign investment directly into private companies without mandatory state partnerships, remove some hiring restrictions, and allow the development of private exchange houses and private banking pilots. -Cuba Capacity Building Project – Columbia University+ 1——–
- The informal exchange rate has depreciated sharply, with the Cuban peso (CUP) trading near historical lows against the U.S. dollar and euro.- International card processing networks have also faced disruptions tied to sanctions on state financial entities. -Cuba Capacity Building Project – Columbia University+ 1——–
- Relations with the United States remain severely strained.- President Miguel DÃaz-Canel has publicly denounced foreign sanctions aimed at pressuring the country’s economy, while stating that Havana remains open to dialogue only without preconditions. -Anadolu Ajansı+ 1——–
- U.S. diplomatic and financial pressure has also led several countries to scale back or end bilateral agreements hosting Cuban medical brigades.
- Severe shortages of food, basic medicines, and transportation continue to impact day-to-day life.- CBS News———
- Public infrastructure constraints and energy deficits have prompted disruptions across schools, healthcare centers, and local municipal operations. -NewsNow——–