New Regulations on Cuba’s Private Sector; US Restarts Immigration Program; “Sloth Fever” Cases on the Rise
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - Edition 782
Welcome to CEDA’s U.S.-Cuba News Brief, where we highlight and break down recent news about Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations. To share this week’s brief, click here.
This week, new regulations announced by the Cuban government increase control over private sector activity. The regulations continue a pattern of economic openings followed by restrictions. Oniel Díaz Castellanos, whose Havana-based consulting firm Auge published a detailed Spanish overview of the new regulations, had this to say: “As a businessperson, these regulations give me no reason for ‘catastrophism;’ as a citizen, they do. And it must be said clearly. If regulations like these are relied upon to boost the economy and eliminate distortions, as was stated in an important speech at the most recent session of the National Assembly, we are heading in the wrong direction.”
Over 30 confirmed cases of the Oropouche virus (also called “sloth fever”) were reported in the Southern United States, many stemming from travel to and from Cuba. Plus, this Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security restarted the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) Parole Program that was on pause due to fraud allegations. The program started in January 2023 to provide “safe and orderly pathways to the United States” for up to 30,000 nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela each month. The program received 1.5 million applications in the first four months of operation and had been paused in July 2024 to address fraud concerns.
Thank you for your continued engagement in U.S.-Cuba relations.
U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS
AP: Biden restarts immigration program for 4 countries, including Cuba, with more vetting for sponsors
The Biden administration is restarting an immigration program that allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to come to the United States, and it requiring “additional vetting” of their U.S.-based financial sponsors following fraud concerns.
Reuters: US CDC reports Oropouche cases among travelers returning from Cuba
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 30 Oropouche virus cases, also called “sloth fever,” among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba. The Oropouche virus is spread through bites from midges and mosquitoes. Most of this year’s 8,000 cases have been reported from Brazil and South America, though Cuba’s cases have gradually risen over the summer. The dire economic crisis in Cuba has impeded efforts to control the spread of Oropouche–frequent power outages mean many sleep with windows open during the hot Caribbean summer. Few Cubans have access to insect repellent, and fumigation efforts have been stymied by fuel shortages. Symptoms of the disease include headache, fever and muscle aches and joint pains, but the virus is rarely fatal.
Ex-First Secretary of Cuban Communist Party Lands in Miami
Marti Noticias, an American state-run media outlet, circulated a video of the former First Secretary of Cienfuegos appearing to immigrate to the United States. Predictably, South Florida politicians were outraged. Reps Maria Elvira Salazar, Mario Diaz-Balart, Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and Carlos Giménez wrote a letter to Sec. Anthony Blinken and Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas expressing “profound disgust regarding reports that a high-level, longtime Cuban communist party operative managed to gain the special privilege of U.S. Entry.” The letter requests an assessment of whether the law was followed in the admission of a high-ranking Communist official to the U.S., and if so, what actions will be taken to ensure that future high-ranking officials will not be admitted to immigrate. It is unconfirmed how Castellanos applied for entry to the United States, and the State Department has declined to comment.
El País: At least 142 Cuban rafters have died this year trying to reach Miami
So far in 2024, the International Organization for Migration has recorded a total of 291 migrants dead or missing on Caribbean maritime routes. The 90-mile route separating Cuba from Miami is considered the most dangerous of the Caribbean maritime routes, followed by the migratory route from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, where 91 deaths have been recorded to date, in addition to one victim who was trying to reach the Dominican Republic from Haiti.
US Coast Guard: Coast Guard Repatriates 41 Migrants to Cuba
IN CUBA
Miami Herald: New restrictions on wholesalers spark fears about Cuban private sector’s future
The Cuban government announced new measures, including limiting wholesale trade by the private sector, that officials said would “correct economic distortions” but will likely exacerbate shortages and worsen inflation in the midst of a severe economic crisis. In a 167-page document published last Monday in the official Cuban gazette, the government issued several laws and regulations imposing new taxes, protracted bureaucratic requirements and restrictions on the activities of small and medium enterprises, non-agricultural cooperatives and the self-employed, which comprise the island’s nascent private sector.
Reuters: Massive Blackouts Roil Cuba
“Power outages totaling 14 hours or more per day were reported on Thursday across much of crisis-racked Cuba, leaving millions of residents defenseless in the summer heat and humidity. The state-run power company said breakdowns had forced six plants off-line on the outdated and poorly maintained grid.”
Recommended Readings, Viewings and Events:
Read: Trump’s Asylum Rhetoric Is Rooted in the Mariel Boatlift
Read: Why Detroit Tigers' Andy Ibáñez was hero to kids from Cuba in Little League World Series
"Back in the day, we didn't have the chance to watch MLB in Cuba," said Ibáñez, who grew up in La Habana only hearing about Cuban legends such as José Canseco. "These kids, fortunately, they're able to watch our games, so they know all of us and follow all of us. They had the opportunity that I didn't."
Read: Cuba Embargo Backers Lose Advocate with Resignation of Menendez
The resignation of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez will leave a noticeable absence in several key areas of foreign policy, particularly concerning Cuba. For decades, Menendez stood as the leading Democrat supporting strict sanctions on Havana, in contrast to a growing faction within his party that preferred engagement. As the son of Cuban exiles, Menendez remained unwavering throughout his 30-year tenure in Congress, insisting that the 1962 embargo on Cuba should not be loosened, despite criticisms that the embargo has largely failed to weaken the Castro regime while contributing to the economic hardship and isolation of the Cuban people.
Attend Virtually: U.S.-Cuba Cooperation on Food and Climate Security: Opportunities for Growth
Tuesday September 10, 1pm-2:15 pm ET
Panelists: Paul Johnson, Chair, U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba, Asiha Grigsby, Senior Director of International Promotion, USA Rice, Margarita Fernández, Executive Director, Caribbean Agroecology Institute, Daniel Whittle, Associate VP, Environmental Defense Fund and Yociel Marrero, Director of Responsible Economics and Consumption at Cuba's Antonio Núñez Jimenez Foundation.
Go: Hearing Cuban Voices in Times of Crisis
Tuesday, September 17 | New York City
The late historian Elizabeth Dore’s book, How Things Fall Apart, explores modern Cuba through post-Soviet voices. This panel, featuring Flor Barceló, Brooke Larson, and Ted A. Henken, discusses her legacy, book analysis, and Columbia University’s “Cuban Voices” oral history collection.
Partner Update:
Refugees International has prepared a survey for CHNV parolees in the U.S. to learn about their experiences and needs. The results will inform advocacy around restarting the program and for increased parolee access to legal protection, services, and integration. The survey is completely anonymous and is available in English, Kreyol and Spanish. Those who fill it out can opt in to receive a gift card. You can find it here.
The views and opinions expressed by authors are their own and articles do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of CEDA.
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