AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Watch: A rare 6.1-magnitude quake off Cuba’s west coast rattled Havana and sent tremors across Florida as far north as Orlando, triggering precautionary evacuations in Miami-Dade and brief ride shutdowns at Disney World; officials reported no tsunami threat and no major damage. Food System Overhaul: Cuba’s government published a draft law to scrap the independent Ministry of Agriculture and create a mega Ministry of Agro-food, folding in food industry, sugar, fishing, and forestry under one authority—aimed at “sustainable possession and use” of land, but arriving as the sector faces deep production strain and heavy import dependence. Geotourism Push: Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines declared 28 new geosites across Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus, including El Nicho Park features like Martín Infierno Cave, to protect geological heritage and boost ecotourism. Local Environment Pressure: Reports also point to Havana’s ongoing garbage crisis tied to fuel shortages and stalled trash pickup, adding to public health and sanitation strain.

Earthquake Shockwave: A rare 6.1-magnitude quake struck off Cuba’s northwest coast, shaking parts of Havana and spreading tremors across Mexico and Florida from Miami to Jacksonville; officials reported no tsunami threat and no immediate injuries or major damage, though some buildings were evacuated as people felt the ground sway. Human Rights & Sanctions: UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned recent U.S. sanctions on Cuba, saying fuel restrictions and extraterritorial measures are harming Cubans—especially children—calling for them to be lifted immediately. Food Security Warning: A new report warns that today’s geopolitics—sanctions, conflicts, trade disruptions, and planetary heating—are raising the risk of more food crises, urging “resilient self-reliance” focused on equity and sustainability. Waste & Fuel Strain in Havana: Coverage highlights Havana’s garbage crisis worsening as fuel shortages stall trash pickup, adding to public health and environmental concerns. Tourism Pressure: Canadian airlines WestJet and Sunwing indefinitely suspend flights to Cuba, citing the island’s current operating environment, dealing another blow to travel and related economic activity.

Garbage Crisis in Havana: Fuel shortages have stalled trash pickup, leaving rotting waste on Havana streets and triggering swarms of flies and stray cats. Residents say some waste is now being burned in the open, raising health fears as summer heat and hurricane season approach. Earthquake Shakes Cuba and Florida: A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s western coast sent tremors across central and southwest Florida; officials reported no tsunami risk to the U.S. Electricity Strain Meets Humanitarian Fallout: UN briefings warn Cuba’s health system is being hit by power outages and medicine shortages, with surgeries delayed for tens of thousands of patients as temperatures rise and water/sanitation access worsens. Tourism and Business Retreat: Wall Street Journal reporting says more foreign firms are leaving Cuba amid economic collapse and U.S. pressure, including major airline suspensions and hotel management pullbacks tied to energy challenges. Screwworm Watch: U.S. detection of New World screwworm has prompted heightened monitoring in nearby states; the pest is known to be endemic in Cuba. Camagüey Digital Push: Cuba’s CITMA and the University of Camagüey launched a software development group aimed at building an intelligent digital ecosystem for sectors like health and meteorology, despite severe electricity and connectivity limits.

Humanitarian Alarm: UN missions briefed permanent delegations on Cuba’s health crisis, warning hospitals are suspending surgeries amid severe medicine shortages and power outages, with over 100,000 patients waiting—an energy emergency now described as a growing humanitarian emergency. Tourism Exodus: Wall Street Journal and multiple reports say foreign firms are pulling back fast as Cuba’s economy collapses; Canada’s Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat (plus Sunwing) have suspended flights and packages indefinitely, while Mastercard/Visa changes hit non-U.S. visitors. Hotel Sector Shock: Meliá and Iberostar are exiting management of dozens of Cuban hotels, citing energy challenges, demand decline, and legal risk tied to U.S. pressure. Waste & Public Health: Havana’s garbage crisis is worsening as fuel shortages stall trash pickup; residents report burning waste, swarms of flies and rats, and fears of worse conditions with summer heat and hurricane season. Local Environment Damage: Heavy rains damaged the roof of Holguín’s Cathedral of San Isidoro, adding to ongoing restoration work. Community Noise Pollution: Residents in Nuevo Vedado complain about unbearable generator noise from ETECSA, tied to daily power cuts. Biodiversity/Health Threat: New World screwworm concerns are rising after detections in the U.S., with regional spread risk discussed by experts—an indirect pressure on animal health and food systems.

Tourism Shock: Air Canada, WestJet (incl. Sunwing), and Air Transat have indefinitely suspended flights and vacation packages to Cuba, citing Cuba’s “political and economic uncertainty” and an “operational environment” worsened by fuel shortages. Sanctions & Trade Pressure: Miami-Dade revoked business tax receipts for three companies tied to unauthorized cement shipments to Cuba, while reports say foreign firms are exiting and card services for non-U.S. visitors are being suspended. Garbage Crisis: Havana residents report garbage piles and stalled trash pickup as fuel and power problems leave streets unsanitary, with burning waste raising health fears. Public Health Threat: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas, prompting expanded monitoring and quarantine steps—an animal-health risk with potential knock-on effects for food and livelihoods. Local Environment Stress: In Nuevo Vedado, residents complain about excessive noise from an ETECSA generator, adding to daily strain amid limited electricity. Conservation Win (Region): UNESCO approved Aruba as a Biosphere Reserve, highlighting biodiversity and sustainable development models for Caribbean islands.

Garbage Crisis in Havana: With fuel shortages stalling trash pickup, Havana residents report mounting street dumps, burning waste, and swarms of flies and rats—raising health fears as summer heat and hurricane season approach. Power-Grid Strain and Noise Complaints: In Nuevo Vedado, residents say an ETECSA generator runs nonstop and is unbearably loud, with only two hours of electricity a day, turning daily life into a constant disruption. Sanctions Hit Tourism and Jobs: Canadian airlines and tour operators (Sunwing/WestJet and others) are suspending Cuba flights indefinitely, citing Cuba’s worsening fuel and operating conditions—another blow to the island’s already fragile economy. Invasive Species Alarm: U.S. officials confirm New World screwworm in Texas after spread through Central America and Mexico; since the parasite is endemic in Cuba, the risk of regional spillover keeps Cuba’s animal-health watchers on alert. Humanitarian and Rights Pressure: A Cuban civil society piece highlights how the blockade’s “psychological damage” compounds health harms, while a separate report describes a Cuban influencer jailed after parody videos exposing Havana’s crumbling infrastructure.

Sanctions Hit Cuba’s Tourism: Sunwing Vacations Group and other carriers have indefinitely suspended Cuba operations as fuel, food, and electricity shortages worsen under widening U.S. pressure, leaving travelers facing refunds or rebooking. Havana Trash Crisis: With garbage pickup stalled by the fuel and power squeeze, Havana residents report overflowing dumps, burning waste, and rising flies and rats—an urgent public health and pollution problem as summer heat and hurricane season approach. Animal Health Alarm — Screwworm: A New World screwworm case in South Texas has triggered quarantine and expanded monitoring after the parasite’s spread through Central America and Mexico; since the fly is endemic in Cuba and nearby regions, the risk to livestock and food supply is now a regional concern. Conservation in Cuba: A Guantánamo-led visit assessed Ecoadap interventions at Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, focusing on ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation for biodiversity. Climate Finance Push: Cuba’s environment minister urged more predictable funding for environmental and climate projects and criticized U.S. measures that disrupt early-warning systems and urban waste management. Hurricane Season Watch: A new explainer breaks down how Atlantic storm names are chosen and retired—timely as Cuba braces for the season.

Garbage Crisis in Havana: Fuel shortages have stalled trash pickup across Cuba, leaving streets piled with rotting waste, flies, and rats; residents say some areas are burning garbage, raising health fears as summer heat and hurricane season approach. Animal Health & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas, with officials warning the flesh-eating parasite is spreading north from regions including Cuba; responses include quarantine and sterile-fly releases. Regional Spread of Invasive Species: Florida’s invasive rock agama lizard is moving north, and a federal study highlights removal methods—an alert for how fast nonnative wildlife can reshape local ecosystems. Tourism Hit by Energy Strain: Canadian carriers are suspending Cuba flights indefinitely, citing Cuba’s worsening fuel shortage and “current operating environment,” adding pressure to tourism workers and local services. Conservation in Cuba: A visit to Alejandro de Humboldt National Park assessed conservation actions under the Ecoadap project, aiming to strengthen biodiversity resilience and climate adaptation. Cuban Environmental Policy: Cuba’s science and environment leadership says it’s pushing environmental management forward despite obstacles, including impacts on early-warning systems and urban waste management.

Aviation & Energy Pressure: Sunwing Vacations Group says it will indefinitely suspend all Cuba operations, citing Cuba’s “current operating environment” and a worsening aviation fuel shortage; the move follows earlier suspensions by Air Transat and Air Canada, and affects all Sunwing/WestJet Vacations bookings with options for rebooking or full refunds. Cuban Climate Finance & Policy: Cuba’s Science, Technology and Environment head Armando Rodríguez urged donors to boost predictable climate and environmental funding at the Global Environment Fund plenary, while denouncing U.S. measures that disrupt early-warning systems and urban solid-waste management. Conservation in Practice: A Guantánamo-led visit assessed Ecoadap International Project interventions at Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, aiming to strengthen biodiversity resilience and climate adaptation through international support. Public Health & Environment: WHO reports contaminated food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually, pushing governments toward water sanitation, hygiene, food safety, and stronger environmental regulation. Wildlife & Biosecurity: New World screwworm is confirmed in South Texas, raising alarm for livestock and highlighting that the pest is endemic across the Caribbean region, including Cuba. U.S. Sanctions Escalation: The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel, relatives, and multiple entities, intensifying pressure amid ongoing fuel and power shortages. Dust & Air Quality: Scientists warn more Saharan dust could reach the Caribbean after a plume affected multiple islands including Cuba.

US Sanctions & Cuba’s Transition Talk: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there are “technocrats” inside Cuba who could help negotiate a transition, but he wouldn’t name anyone; meanwhile the US imposed fresh sanctions on Miguel Díaz-Canel, family members, and key Cuban entities, tightening pressure on Havana. Havana Waste Emergency: Fuel shortages have stalled garbage collection across Havana, leaving streets choked with rotting refuse, flies, rats, and burning waste—raising health fears as heat and hurricane season approach. Animal Health Threat in the Region: Texas confirmed the first New World screwworm case in Zavala County, a flesh-infesting parasite endemic in Cuba and parts of the Caribbean—prompting new precautions for livestock and pets. Cuba’s Health & Science Spotlight: Cuba’s CIM highlighted VAXIRA, a lung cancer vaccine treatment, as another major medical advance amid the blockade. Energy & Tourism Fallout: Meliá says it has stopped management and brand licensing for 15 hotels in Cuba due to worsening operational conditions tied to the broader crisis. Diplomacy Signals: Italy’s ambassador urged dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace as Cuba faces “considerable difficulties.” Children, Environment, and Resilience: Hatibonico marked 39 years of the Turquino Plan, linking rural development with ecological stewardship.

Havana Trash Emergency: Fuel shortages have stalled garbage collection across Cuba’s capital, leaving streets choked with rotting refuse, swarms of flies and rats, and even reports of burning waste—raising fears of toxic smoke, insect-borne disease, and worse conditions as summer heat and hurricane season approach. Energy Blockade Fallout: The sanitation breakdown is tied to wider power and water disruptions linked to the U.S. fuel embargo, with residents describing overflowing piles becoming a daily public-health threat. Water Scarcity at Home: One viral case shows a Havana family forced to collect rainwater for basic needs after weeks without running water, highlighting how climate and infrastructure stress are turning into household survival tactics. Cuba’s Climate Risk Signals: A forecast points to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, but Cuba’s vulnerability remains high—especially when power and waste systems are already failing. Health Under Pressure: Despite the crisis, Cuba’s molecular immunology center highlights lung-cancer vaccine progress (VAXIRA/CIMAvax), underscoring how medical innovation continues amid blockade constraints. Tourism and Finance Squeeze: Visa/Mastercard processing is set to pause from June 6, while Meliá and other hotel operators scale back—further tightening the economic conditions behind environmental and public-service breakdowns.

Cuba’s Water Crisis: A viral TikTok shows a family collecting rainwater after more than 30 days without water reaching the sink, highlighting how normalized deprivation is becoming across the island. Climate & Disaster Watch: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with a 55% chance of fewer storms—still a reminder for Cuba’s coastal communities to stay ready. Oceans Under Pressure: A report flags “deep trouble” for the world’s oceans as the U.S. moves to dismantle monitoring that tracks record sea temperatures and looming El Niño impacts. Energy Transition in Guantánamo: Maisí was named provincial host for July 26 activities, with local officials citing advances in energy transition and renewable use to cut hydrocarbon consumption. Sanctions Hitting Daily Life: Cuba’s financial links are tightening as Visa and Mastercard processing is set to pause from June 6, tied to U.S. sanctions pressure—another blow to imports and services. Biodiversity & Plastics: An inaugural ocean summit in Tokyo brings together island nations, including Cuba, to push for action on climate change, marine debris, and biodiversity loss.

Cuba Under New U.S. Pressure: Cuba rejected U.S. Executive Order 14404 sanctions targeting the military-linked Business Administration Group (GAE), warning the move aims to isolate the island “diplomatically, commercially, financially and energetically” and make Cuba’s sustainability impossible—while a June 5 OFAC deadline looms for foreign firms and banks to cut ties. GAE Response: Havana’s Granma statement pushes back against claims of “opacity,” arguing GAE is a coordinated response to the blockade and citing major investment claims, as business partners reportedly exit. Hurricane Watch for the Region: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with a 55% chance of fewer storms and AI-based tools now set to support monitoring. Air Quality Alert: Sahara dust is expected to affect eastern Cuba, bringing hazy skies and drier air, with warnings for asthma and other respiratory risks. Marine Conservation Push: Over 30 island nations met in Tokyo for an ocean summit focused on climate impacts, biodiversity loss, and tackling plastic pollution.

Sahara Dust Alert: Dust from the Sahara is expected to reach eastern Cuba soon, bringing hazy skies, drier air, warmer temperatures, and limited rainfall—plus eye/throat irritation and worse asthma for kids, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory issues. Hurricane Outlook: With El Niño forecast to strengthen, forecasters say the Atlantic hurricane season is likely milder than normal, though dangerous storms can still happen. Energy & Wildlife: In Ciego de Ávila, residents warn that solar parks in Cayo Coco could harm local wildlife, as Cuba’s energy crisis pushes new projects. GAE vs. U.S. Sanctions: Cuba rejected U.S. sanctions targeting the Business Administration Group (GAE), calling it a pretext for maximum pressure; the dispute is tied to secondary sanctions and a looming June 5 deadline. Tourism Supply Chain Shift: Iberostar says it will stop managing Gaviota-linked hotels, keeping its Cuba presence only through partners not tied to Gaesa—another sign of pressure reshaping Cuba’s tourism sector. Marine Conservation Fight: A Dallas whale mural tied to ocean conservation was painted over for a World Cup ad, prompting a $25 million lawsuit—highlighting how public art and marine messaging can be erased.

US-Cuba Sanctions Escalation: Cuba says the Trump administration is using “maximum pressure” to isolate the island, focusing on the Business Administration Group (GAE) and threatening secondary sanctions on foreign firms tied to it. Tourism & Military Links: Iberostar is reportedly ending management of Gaviota hotels tied to GAESA, keeping a Cuba presence only through other partners. Hurricane Readiness: Cuba’s meteorology institute forecasts a less active 2026 Atlantic season, but still puts Cuba’s chance of being hit by at least one hurricane at 40%, with tropical-storm risk higher. Public Health & Waste: A report warns Cuba’s garbage crisis is worsening dengue and chikungunya, as fuel shortages and service collapse stall waste collection and boost mosquito breeding. UN Blockade Claims: Cuba’s UN envoy says the US blockade is the main barrier to sustainable development, citing intensified oil and coercive measures plus military threats. Local Wildlife Risk: In Ciego de Ávila, residents warn solar parks in Cayo Coco could harm local wildlife. Cuba-US Tensions Watch: Analysts and reporting point to growing US military posture in the Caribbean, raising fears of worst-case scenarios.

Hurricane Season Watch (Cuba): Cuba’s meteorology institute says 2026 should be less active than normal, with El Niño as the brake—but the chance of Cuba being hit by at least one hurricane is still 40% (above the 35% average), so preparation remains urgent. Public Health & Waste: A New York Times report in Spanish links Cuba’s garbage crisis to dengue and chikungunya outbreaks, as fuel shortages and stalled waste collection leave neighborhoods as mosquito breeding grounds. Renewables, Wildlife Risk (Cayo Coco): Specialists warn that a new solar park in Jardines del Rey could create “heat islands,” harming endemic and threatened wildlife and migratory birds, including in the buffer zone of El Bagá Natural Park. Energy/Internet Reality Check: Cuba’s communications ministry denies a viral claim of a daily three-hour mobile internet limit, while acknowledging serious electricity problems and pointing to solar panels for telecom infrastructure. Diplomacy & Blockade: Cuba’s UN envoy again calls the U.S. blockade the main obstacle to sustainable development, warning that pressure tactics and military threats raise the risk of regional disaster.