AGP Executive Report

Solar Power in Guantánamo: El Algarrobo Photovoltaic Park (21.875 MWp) was inaugurated and synchronized to the grid, supplying daytime electricity to Guantánamo Province after 2,000 MWh delivered since start-up. Water & Grid Resilience: Guantánamo officials pushed for alternative water sources beyond tank trucks, inspected wells, and coordinated transformer arrivals plus photovoltaic installations as drought and outages bite. Energy Hardship in Santiago de Cuba: Residents of 18-story buildings in Garzón reported about 40 hours without electricity, with knock-on effects for elevators and water pressure. Cuba’s Solar Workarounds: 14ymedio describes how blackouts are driving more rooftop and off-grid solar use, with storage still a major bottleneck. BRICS Tech & Trade Focus: India’s 18th BRICS summit (Sept. 12–13) highlights resilience, innovation, technology, energy, healthcare, and agriculture, with membership expansion framed as consensus-based rather than formal applications. Migration Deal Watch: A U.S.-Guyana framework sent an initial group of six deportees (four from Cuba, two from Afghanistan) under a vetted, temporary relocation mechanism. Public Safety Case: Bayamo’s PNR released an alleged attacker of elderly parents within 24 hours, citing insufficient evidence, sparking family backlash. Cuba Governance & Transparency: A Cuban writer demands public transparency about the “millionaire compatriots of socialism,” arguing names and sources of wealth have disappeared from public view.

Energy & Survival Tech in Cuba: 14ymedio reports Cubans are leaning harder on solar panels, solar-powered generators, and improvised power solutions as the national grid (SEN) keeps failing—sunlight is becoming the practical “lifeline” while storage and spare parts remain bottlenecks. Blackout Impact at Scale: In Santiago de Cuba, residents of an 18-story apartment block in Garzón say they endured about 40 hours without electricity; elevators and upper-floor water depend on power, forcing people to climb and carry water. Cuba’s Sanctions Pressure: CGTN highlights a shift in U.S. policy toward economic blockade and containment, targeting energy, minerals, and finance to squeeze revenue—while Cuba’s FM Rodriguez reiterates the hardship. Local Governance & Accountability: A Cuban writer, Leonardo Depestre Catony, demands transparency about the “millionaire compatriots of socialism,” asking for names and sources of wealth. Civic Strategy Debate: Historian Ivette García González argues protests over food, electricity, and water must be translated into an organized struggle to avoid the cycle of crisis and withdrawal. Tech & Space (Global, Cuba-relevant): China’s commercial space firms outline plans for expanding lunar activity at the Tiandu conference, including rockets and lunar missions.

Cuba Energy & Power Reliability: A Matanzas journalist says the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant has stayed connected to Cuba’s grid for 30 straight days, generating about 190 MW after a late-August restart—though critics note frequent 2026 outages and long gaps in maintenance. Cuba Grid Storage Delays: In Holguín, officials tout a 50 MW battery storage station at Cueto, but locals immediately question timelines and whether the project will actually help a large regional power deficit. Cuba Under Sanctions, Tech Improvisation: As fuel and electricity shortages bite, Cubans keep adapting—solar setups, rechargeable fans, and solar-powered Chinese tricycles show how everyday tech is becoming survival infrastructure. Cuba Youth Exodus (Digital Culture): A viral sketch captures the “leave or die” reality many young Cubans feel, pointing to heavy net migration and a growing sense that the future is elsewhere. U.S.-Cuba Pressure: A new wave of U.S. sanctions is framed as economic containment meant to force fractures and squeeze revenue sources, with Cuba’s foreign minister warning of escalating harm. Migration & Deportations: Guyana received six deportees from the U.S., including four from Cuba, under a one-year third-country arrangement managed by IOM. Identity & Trust Tech: A separate global piece argues digital identity is becoming a new kind of “trust infrastructure,” shaping how remote services work. AI/Space Finance Watch: Nvidia’s $99bn equity portfolio and China’s commercial lunar plans both underline how fast capital is moving into frontier tech.

Energy & Power Reliability in Cuba: Cuba’s Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas hit 30 straight days connected to the national grid, generating about 190 MW after a long, outage-heavy restart—while Cubans still question how long it can last given maintenance gaps. Grid Expansion & Storage: In Holguín, officials toured a 50 MW Battery Energy Storage Station at Cueto, but online users pushed for hard timelines and completion percentages. Fuel Shortage Adaptation: As the U.S. oil blockade tightens, Cubans are leaning on solar, charcoal, and improvised tech—like a student’s tips for preserving food, extending phone power, and even building antennas to catch weak mobile internet. Workplace Safety: Cuba’s electric utility reported another lineman death during maintenance in Havana, renewing concerns about harsh conditions and staffing from other provinces. Digital Identity & Trust: A broader identity-infrastructure debate highlights how “trusted digital identity” is becoming a core resource for remote services, with biometrics and partnerships moving fast. Education Data for the Region: UNESCO is preparing ERCE 2025 results, with Cuba among participating countries, to track learning in reading, math, and science. Youth Migration Pressure: A viral sketch captures the “emigrate or die” reality for Cuban youth, tied to data showing large net migration losses and a heavy share of emigrants under 35. U.S.-Cuba Sanctions: Cuba’s foreign minister condemned new U.S. sanctions targeting Fidel Castro’s grandson and Banco Exterior de Cuba, calling them “cruel and ruthless aggression.” Tech & Robotics Watch: Humanoid robots in Beijing reportedly beat several men’s athletics records in robot-specific categories, underscoring rapid progress in humanoid performance.

Cuba Power Grid Reality Check: A Cuban official journalist celebrated the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant staying connected to the national grid for 30 straight days, reporting steady output around 190 MW—while critics point to frequent 2026 outages and long-delayed maintenance. Energy Storage Progress (and Skepticism): In Holguín, officials touted a 50 MW battery energy storage station at Cueto as “the second of its kind,” but online users demanded clear completion timelines and questioned whether it can matter amid a large power deficit. Electricity Workers’ Safety: Cuba’s electric utility reported another lineman death during maintenance in Havana, renewing attention on hazardous working conditions. Cuba’s Digital Identity Push: Cuba is moving ahead with digital government support via UNDP and China, while broader coverage highlights how identity and biometrics are becoming core “trust infrastructure.” Education & Learning Data: UNESCO prepares to release ERCE 2025 results for Latin America and the Caribbean, including Cuba, with reading/math and science comparisons to guide policy. U.S. Sanctions Tighten: Cuba’s foreign minister condemned new U.S. sanctions targeting Fidel Castro’s grandson, Banco Exterior, and energy-related firms, calling it “cruel and ruthless aggression.” Tech/Robotics Showcase: Humanoid robots in Beijing reportedly beat several men’s athletics records in robot-specific categories at the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games. Space Investing Watch: A guide to investing in private space companies in 2026 spotlights how access rules differ from SpaceX’s public listing path.

U.S. Sanctions Escalate on Cuba: Cuban FM Bruno Rodríguez condemned new U.S. measures targeting Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, Raúl Castro’s grandson, plus Banco Exterior de Cuba and energy-linked firms, calling it “cruel and ruthless aggression” and warning of “collective punishment.” Grid Security & Energy Tech: A new U.S. executive order and related reporting focus on restrictions for foreign-sourced bulk-power equipment, adding uncertainty for energy infrastructure supply chains. Workplace Safety in Havana: Unión Eléctrica reported the death of a 32-year-old lineman during maintenance in Havana, renewing calls for safer conditions and better resourcing. Education Outcomes in the Region: UNESCO is preparing ERCE 2025 results, with Cuba among participating countries, to compare reading, math, and science learning across Latin America and the Caribbean. Cuba’s Business Rules Update: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero backed new decree-laws aimed at expanding state and private business autonomy, simplifying procedures, and strengthening worker participation. Roadside Fuel Testing: MININT confirmed checkpoint exams to detect dielectric oil mixed into fuel, with dozens of vehicles inspected and seizures reported.

Cuba’s economy & policy: Cuba’s Official Gazette loosened rules so emigrants and Cubans abroad can become partners in micro, small and medium-sized firms, a major shift as the island battles a deep crisis and sanctions. Education under strain: President Díaz-Canel defended the 2026–2027 university school year despite blackouts, transport problems, and shortages, saying hybrid formats are being used to keep classes running. Health workforce push: Cuba’s Ministry of Health and Wellness held a large scholarship ceremony, backed by a $30M training package, expanding medical scholarships into priority areas like nursing administration and psychiatry. Energy security & enforcement: MININT confirmed scientific tests at highway checkpoints to detect dielectric oil mixed into fuel; 21 of 105 vehicles tested positive and 18 were seized in one province. U.S. sanctions on Cuba: Rubio announced fresh sanctions on five Cuban entities and one individual tied to finance and natural resources, including Banco Exterior de Cuba and firms linked to nickel and mining support.

U.S. Sanctions Tighten on Cuba’s Energy and Finance: OFAC added Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis and multiple state-linked firms, including the Foreign Bank of Cuba and companies tied to nickel, mining, and power-grid maintenance—aimed at squeezing Cuba’s ability to keep critical equipment running. Academic Year Under Blackouts: Díaz-Canel said starting the 2026–2027 higher-education term is “the most revolutionary thing,” as universities shift to hybrid and semi-presential formats to cope with outages and shortages. Digital Identity Ecosystem Moves Forward: Fragomen and SICPA’s digital identity joint venture is expanding, with Idemia Public Security joining to provide biometric verification and authentication capabilities. Biotech/Health Support in Focus: WFP’s Nutrivida project is rolling out in Holguín and Mayabeque to improve maternal and child nutrition, including anemia screening and local food-system links. Cuba’s Foreign Policy Pushback: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez reiterated that the blockade’s “maximum pressure” has intensified since 2019, citing shortages and barriers to importing food, medicine, and medical equipment. Biometrics Performance Update: Mitek reported strong results in LivDet-Face liveness detection testing, highlighting demand for more reliable identity checks.

Cuba Education Under Strain: Cuba’s new school year opens amid severe shortages of teachers, uniforms, materials, food, water, and electricity, with families weighing whether to keep children home. Energy & Infrastructure Risk: A seismological station on the Isle of Youth is out of service after thieves stole everything from solar panels and batteries to core earthquake-warning equipment, raising concerns of sabotage. Sanctions & Energy Crisis: Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, told the Cuba Analysis Podcast that U.S. sanctions intensify shortages, including blocked shipments of food and medical supplies, and worsen energy conditions. Nutrition Support in Holguín: WFP’s Nutrivida project expands maternal and child nutrition efforts in Holguín and Mayabeque, training local teams to track anemia and improve access to diverse foods. Digital Identity & Biometrics Watch: A World Bank report flags 2.8B people still excluded from government-recognized digital ID, while new guidance and enforcement actions in Europe show how biometric and age-verification rules are reshaping identity apps. AI Skills for Cubans Abroad: Mark Cuban Foundation AI bootcamps expand to adult learners at Dallas College, reflecting growing demand for practical AI literacy.

Cuba Digital Government: Cuba is upgrading its Soberanía digital government platform with UNDP and China support, aiming to expand online services and digital literacy even as electricity problems persist; the platform already offers 18 services and has issued 43,000 verified digital identities, though adoption and document recognition remain hurdles. Education Under Strain: Cuba’s new school year opened amid severe shortages of teachers, materials, uniforms, food, water, and electricity, with families reporting long blackouts and families weighing whether to keep children home. Seismology Hit by Theft: Cuba’s Isle of Youth seismological station is out of service after thieves stole everything from solar panels and batteries to the seismometer and digitizer; officials call it more than theft and suggest sabotage. State Business Rules: Cuba’s state business system gets new profit-distribution rules (effective Jan. 1, 2027), including possible quarterly profit advances for workers tied to company liquidity. Biometrics Governance: A UK regulator urges urgent oversight and stronger data governance for police facial recognition, pushing AI-enabled biometrics onto oversight boards’ agendas. Tech Policy Shock: A US presidential order bans bulk-power equipment imports from “covered entities” including Cuba, targeting transformers and related digital services.

Cuban State Economy Rules: Cuba’s business regulator INAEE issued Resolution 2/2026, updating how profits are distributed across the state enterprise system, including quarterly profit advances for workers starting in 2027. Cuba Education & Labor: The Bahamas Union of Teachers demanded answers after Cuba said it won’t renew contracts for 31 Cuban educators, with the decision tied to overseas labor program pressure. AI Skills Pipeline: The Mark Cuban Foundation’s free AI Bootcamp is coming to Fort Wayne (Oct. 31, Nov. 7 & 14) and Denver (same dates), offering hands-on generative AI training, mentorship, and capstone projects for teens. Guantánamo Research & Learning: Guantánamo marked the academic year with tributes to educator-researcher José Antonio Machuca Rodríguez and announced a Fidel Castro centenary Book Fair focused on local historiography. Cuba Tech & Society: A Matanzas newspaper podcast devoted an episode to cartomancy, presenting the practice as a rooted Cuban spiritual tradition rather than something to dismiss. Tech/Geopolitics Watch: Two U.S. Navy littoral combat ships arrived at Guantánamo, underscoring rising military pressure around the base.

Cuba Energy & Infrastructure: Cuba’s school year is starting amid severe shortages of electricity, teachers, and supplies, with reports of buses not running due to the fuel crisis and hospitals advising stress care during blackouts. Science & Security: On the Isle of Youth, thieves stole the full equipment from a seismological station—including solar panels, batteries, and instruments—disrupting an earthquake and tsunami alert network. Health & Research: Cuban scientists are developing a home-grown cancer drug candidate (2C12), with reports of early human trials. Diplomacy & Tech Presence: China escalated its diplomatic pushback against the U.S. over Cuba, accusing Washington of Cold War bias and treating Latin America as a “backyard.” Regional Tech/Industry: China’s solar boom hit a milestone, overtaking coal by installed capacity for the first time, while broader U.S. policy moves target foreign-produced bulk-power equipment tied to national-security risks. Education & Culture: Guantánamo’s book fair returns Sept. 4–6, with a Fidel Castro centennial focus and new local titles.

Cuba’s school year under strain: With buses stuck due to the fuel crisis, 1.4 million students start classes amid shortages of teachers, uniforms, and electricity, as families adapt to a harsher daily reality. Cuban education & labor pressures abroad: The Bahamas says it won’t renew contracts for 31 Cuban teachers, adding to ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over Cuban health and education personnel. Local culture & research-minded reading: Guantánamo’s Book Fair (Sept. 4–6) spotlights Fidel Castro’s centennial and new titles from local publishers and researchers. Cuban health & science under blockade: Cuba begins human trials of a home-grown cancer drug candidate (2C12), while other coverage notes scientists struggling to keep working in-country. Tech for youth—outside Cuba but relevant: Mark Cuban Foundation AI bootcamps roll out in U.S. cities (Pontiac, Fort Wayne), offering hands-on generative AI training for underserved teens. Robotics spotlight: World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing highlights fast progress in humanoid performance, including a robot sprinting close to human sprint times.

Cuban Humanitarian Aid Push: A prominent Cuban-American group urges the Trump administration to carve out broad humanitarian exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Cuba, warning chronic blackouts and shortages of fuel, food, and medicine are worsening daily life. Cuban Health & Travel Barriers: A Cuban mother says her 7-year-old son with a rare chromosomal disorder has been accepted for specialized care in Argentina, but the family’s next hurdle is getting travel arranged. Education Under Pressure: The Bahamas says it won’t renew contracts for 31 of 110 Cuban teachers while negotiations with the U.S. over Cuban health personnel status continue. School Disruptions in Cuba: Reports highlight Cuba’s school year starting amid severe shortages of teachers, uniforms, and electricity, with guidance for coping during blackouts. Food Security Question: A BBC analysis revisits why Cuba can’t feed itself, citing steep drops in pork, rice, beans, and milk production alongside the impact of sanctions and internal agricultural failures. Renewables Policy Move: Cuba’s tax authority announces a one-year exemption on sales of renewable energy technologies to boost investment, tied to new accounting transparency rules. Local Tech Development: Cuban scientists report progress on a home-grown ultrasonic bone consolidation device (“Boneconsol”) aimed at non-invasive orthopedic therapy. Public Science Spotlight: A viral wave of nostalgia follows new images showing the National Aquarium of Cuba in deteriorating condition.

Cuba Energy & Tax Policy: Cuba’s tax authority ONAT announced a one-year exemption on sales of renewable energy technologies for both individuals and businesses, under Resolution 180 (effective Aug. 5), requiring sellers to clearly separate renewable products in their accounting to keep the incentives transparent. Medical Tech & Research: Cuban scientists at ICIMAF are advancing “Boneconsol,” a medium-power ultrasonic system aimed at non-invasive bone consolidation therapy, moving through national validation to support orthopedic and rehab teams with domestically produced equipment. Cancer Drug Development: Cuba continues pushing home-grown biotech, with coverage highlighting progress on a home-grown cancer drug candidate (2C12) reaching human trials. Education Under Strain: Multiple reports focus on Cuba’s school-year restart amid shortages and an energy crisis, including teacher and supply gaps and guidance for coping with blackouts. Water & Infrastructure: Díaz-Canel visited water facilities as Havana faces a crisis affecting hundreds of thousands, underscoring how infrastructure bottlenecks shape daily life. International Solidarity: Cuba hosted the 1st International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” with Díaz-Canel framing it as solidarity amid intensifying blockade pressure.

Cuba’s Science & Health: Cuban scientists have begun human trials of a home-grown cancer drug candidate (2C12), underscoring how the island is pushing biotech forward despite the blockade. Energy & Daily Life: Cuba’s energy crisis is hitting schools and hospitals hard, with reports of the school year starting amid shortages and blackouts, plus a hospital advising patients on stress management during power cuts. Water & Climate Impacts: Drought is driving the Cauto River to historic lows, forcing families in Granma to use saline, muddy water drawn from the riverbed. Policy & Trade: Cuba updated its legal framework for domestic trade, aiming to keep commerce moving during ongoing economic strain. Culture & Research: A major Cuban short-story anthology, “Vindictas,” was presented at the Havana Book Fair, spotlighting new voices and archival work. Regional Tech/Science Angle: The Pacific Islands Forum opened in Palau with a focus on oceans, renewable energy, and resilient development—an outside signal of where climate tech partnerships are heading.