New Poll Shows American Views on Cuba Policy, Cuba's Economic Woes Continue
Welcome to CEDA’s U.S.-Cuba News Brief, where we highlight and break down recent news about Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations.
A new poll by the Institute for Global Affairs shows Americans’ willingness to normalize relations with Cuba. In a Spanish interview, Senator Marco Rubio strayed from President Trump’s platform of mass deportation by asserting “we can’t deport 300,000 Cubans, and if we do, they will come back.” During the United Nations General Assembly last week, Mexico’s Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena presented the Mexican Model of Human Mobility at an event titled "A Dialogue on Human Mobility in the Americas with the UN System." Importantly, both U.S. and Cuban representatives were present.
Meanwhile, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla discusses the need for internal reforms, rejecting U.S. sanctions. On the ground, economic struggles and increased access to drugs have led to a rise in violent crime in Cuba, a startling development for one of the region’s safest countries. Plus, Raúl Castro made a rare public appearance to meet Vietnamese leader To Lam.
Finally, Havana Comes to Brooklyn on October 18 - Please join CEDA for a pop-up event and fundraiser featuring Cuban makers, artists and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, NY. Featuring designs from Dador, Clandestina, and Beyond Roots. RSVP here.
US-Cuba Relations
Institute for Global Affairs | How Trump and Harris Voters See America’s Role in the World
The Institute for Global Affairs asked 1,835 Americans their perspectives on key foreign policy issues, including the role of the United States in shaping Cuba policy. Notably, most Americans think the United States “should negotiate with adversaries to try to avoid a military confrontation, even if those adversaries are human rights abusers [or] dictators.”
Twice as many Democrats think the US should normalize relations with Cuba as should continue to pressure and isolate Cuba (66% vs. 34%), and Republicans are more evenly divided on the issue (45% vs. 55%).
Two-thirds of adults under 30 think the US should normalize relations with Cuba rather than continue isolating the island nation. A slight majority of Americans 65 and older agree (66% vs. 53%).
Telemundo 51 | “You can’t deport 300,000 Cubans with I-220A”: Marco Rubio speaks about immigration
Senator Marco Rubio recently discussed U.S. migration numbers, attributing the surge to crises in Venezuela and Haiti. He suggested that if these regions were more stable and supportive of their communities, migration could be reduced by 60 percent. As vice chair of the intelligence committee, he highlighted the complex situation of over 300,000 Cubans with I-220As, noting that chaos in Cuba makes deportation challenging. He emphasized his duty to protect the U.S. while recognizing the contributions of immigrants.
Newsweek | Cuba Embraces Need for ‘Change’ at Home but Won’t Submit to US
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla discussed the country's economic challenges and its refusal to succumb to the long-standing U.S. trade embargo in an interview with Newsweek. He highlighted the impact of international conflicts and climate change, emphasizing the ongoing hardships from sanctions. As Cuba faces severe shortages, he stressed the importance of domestic reforms and partnerships with countries like China. Rodríguez Parrilla expressed a willingness to adapt the economy but rejected U.S. policies he viewed as harmful to Cuba's future.
Washington Post | Man who fired 32 rounds at Cuban Embassy to be freed after insanity plea
A federal judge has ordered the conditional release of Alexander Alazo, 46, who fired 32 rounds at the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C., in April 2020. Pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Alazo was deemed not criminally responsible for the attack, during which he shouted threats and attempted to burn a Cuban flag. His release requires mandatory psychiatric care and travel restrictions, with his legal team asserting he poses no threat while receiving treatment.
In Cuba
BBC | “The violence is getting out of hand’: Crime grips Cuba’s streets
The article discusses the changing perception of safety in Cuba, once called "the safest country in the world" by Fidel Castro. Recent incidents, including the murder of 19-year-old Jan Franco, reveal a rise in gang violence and drug issues, particularly involving the synthetic cannabis drug "quimico.” Critics claim the government suppresses crime information, leading to distrust in official statistics. Despite official assertions of low crime rates, many Cubans express fear over escalating violence and inadequate police response, highlighting the growing normalization of crime among youth.
OnCuba | Cuban tourism falls further short of 3 million visitors expected in 2024
Cuban tourism is projected to fall short of its 2024 target of 3 million visitors, with arrivals down 96.5 percent compared to last year, totaling 1.6 million by August. Major markets like the U.S., Spain, and Germany have seen steep declines, while Russia, Mexico, and Argentina showed increases. Despite significant investment in tourism infrastructure, the sector continues to struggle with recovery from COVID-19, U.S. sanctions, and internal issues, making it unlikely to match last year's numbers.
Reuters | Cuba’s plan to improve devastated economy advancing, but too slowly, government says
Cuba's leadership admits that efforts to revive its struggling economy are progressing too slowly, leaving millions without water and electricity. Over one million Cubans—about 10 percent of the population—lack running water, and most endure frequent blackouts. Economy Minister Joaquin Alonso noted that while recent measures, such as price caps and budget cuts, have led to smaller deficits, they haven't yet benefited families. The crisis is attributed to the U.S. trade embargo, the COVID-19 pandemic, and internal inefficiencies. Since 2020, over one million Cubans have left the country.
Cuba’s Foreign Relations
Press Release | Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena calls for dialogue on human mobility and presents Mexican Model of Human Mobility at the UN
At a high-level event during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena reaffirmed Mexico's commitment to a comprehensive approach to human mobility, emphasizing the importance of making migration safe, orderly, regular, and humane. Mexico is actively improving its role as a country of origin, transit, destination, and return for migrants through expanded labor mobility pathways and development cooperation. Representatives from Cuba, Honduras, and Colombia joined UN officials to discuss the Mexican Model of Human Mobility, which focuses on empowering communities abroad, addressing root causes of migration, and expanding safe labor mobility pathways.
Cuban Migration
ElTOQUE | Mass Exodus of Cuban Women Is Shaping the Country’s Future
Elaine Acosta describes the current phenomenon of Cuban migration as a “tsunami” that is leaving deep marks on the lives of those who leave, as well as on those who remain on the island. One result is that the elderly, who are often dependent on family support, are left unattended in very vulnerable conditions. This also impacts the accelerated aging of the Cuban population, while the loss of the labor force aggravates yet further the challenges the island faces.
Recommended Readings, Viewings, and Events
Featuring designs from Dador Havana, Beyond Roots and Clandestina, cocktails by Havana-based bartenders Diana Figueroa and David Roque, and networking with artists and entrepreneurs. This event is a part of a series of events CEDA is organizing for the Cuban cultural delegation from October 15-18, 2024.
Local 10 News | View Photos of Helene’s Aftermath in Cuba
ElTOQUE | El Estado Cubano se fue Del País
“The Cuban state left the country. I don’t know if it took the opportunity to stay with some sports delegation at a competition somewhere or if it dared to endure the odyssey of volcanoes and jungles, or if it abandoned a medical mission in Africa or South America. However, I know it didn’t leave on a raft because it hasn’t been sent back. It left, and it didn’t say goodbye…”
Read it in English: The Cuban State Has Gone AWOL
ElTOQUE | Being a Caregiver in Cuba: You Are on Your Own by Rachel Pereda
“It’s often said that journalists are the ones who ask questions during an interview, but everyday life in Cuba is full of questions that often have no answers.
‘What will I cook today?’ ‘When will the water come so I can do laundry?’ ‘Will the power go out?’ ‘When will the medicines arrive at the pharmacy?’ ‘Who can I leave mom with to go to the store?’ ‘Will there be a long line?’
Annie Delgado’s head is full of questions that seem like a dead-end street. As an only child, she dedicates herself full-time to caring for her mother. She had to give up life as she knew it to face a challenge that has profoundly transformed her personal and professional life…”