Report on Migrants in Guantánamo, Cuban Music Magazine AMPM Shuts Down, Shortages Continue
Friday, September 20, 2024 - Edition 783
Welcome to CEDA’s U.S.-Cuba News Brief, where we highlight and break down recent news about Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations.
This week, the reality of Cuba’s dire economic situation continues to crystalize. Water shortages in Havana sparked a two week protest in San Miguel de Padrón on the outskirts of Havana. Cuban civil society faces increased repression, with intensified government harassment targeting independent media and individuals allegedly linked to U.S. State Department programs. Notably, the independent music publication Magazine AMPM has had to suspend operations due to pressure from Cuban authorities.
CEDA collaborated with Yaquelín Samper Hormaza to publish an explainer on the Cuban government's new regulations and taxes aimed at controlling the private sector.
Additionally, our ED María José Espinosa was quoted in the Latin American Advisor on the topic, emphasizing the importance of non-state actors and civil society in the country’s sustainable economic growth.
Thank you for your continued engagement in US-Cuba relations.
U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS
New York Times: Inside the Secretive Facility Housing Migrants at Guantánamo Bay
A new report, published by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), shows that many migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach the U.S. are sent to a facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where they remain in legal limbo. New reports and interviews reveal harsh conditions, including monitored lawyer calls, unsanitary living spaces, and the use of blackout goggles during transport. Little public information has been available about the facility, which operates outside standard U.S. immigration laws. You can read the full IRAP report here.
(Español) OnCuba: Bruno Rodríguez: “Las medidas de EE. UU. para los emprendedores cubanos son inaplicables”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called on the U.S. to address questions from Cuban entrepreneurs regarding the implementation of measures announced by the Biden administration, particularly around banking and internet services. In May 2024, OFAC announced new measures aimed at supporting the Cuban private sector, including allowing Cubans to open U.S. bank accounts. Many entrepreneurs felt the measures were too little, too late.
IN CUBA
Magazine AMPM: Editorial: An (unwanted) break
Magazine AMPM is pausing its activities indefinitely due to a reported increase in pressure and harassment from Cuban counterintelligence. The magazine’s director, Rafael Escalona, has left Cuba as a result. Over its six-year run, the magazine has published over 1,400 articles from nearly 300 contributors, celebrating Cuban and regional music while building a community of 20,000 followers. The reported intimidation and harassment comes at a time when many cultural and civil society organizations report targeting from the Cuban government. Many, but not all, have some affiliation with the United States via funding or involvement in State Department programs.
Reuters: Amid deepening economic crisis, Cuba tightens rules on fledgling private sector
Cuba's private businesses are facing tighter regulations as the government implements new laws aimed at controlling the sector amid a worsening economic crisis. The measures, which come less than three years after private businesses were legalized, include ending incentives for new businesses, restricting wholesalers, increasing taxes, and tightening oversight. While the government claims these rules will boost the economy and benefit the broader population, critics argue they will constrain the private sector. Experts warn that the reforms could further slow Cuba's already struggling economy.
WPLG Local 10: Cubans frustrated, struggling as food shortage continues
Cuba is facing stricter bread rationing, reducing the daily allowance from 80 to 60 grams amid an ongoing food shortage. While the government blames the U.S. embargo, many, including recent Cuban emigrants, believe internal policies are the root cause. Critics argue that the government’s collectivization of land and regulation of farmers have crippled local food production, forcing Cuba to rely heavily on imports. Many Cubans survive on food sent from family abroad, as the food crisis worsens due to these government policies.
El País: The latest protests in Cuba are about thirst: Over 600,000 people live without drinking water
In San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, residents protested after more than two weeks without drinking water, prompting the government to send water trucks. However, the root issue remains unresolved, with many areas across Cuba facing severe water shortages due to broken infrastructure, power outages, and fuel shortages. Over 600,000 Cubans are affected, and localized protests are becoming common. Officials acknowledge the crisis but cannot provide a clear timeline for resolution, as Cuba's deteriorating water management system struggles to meet demand. An informal market for water truck services has emerged.
CUBAN MIGRATION
Reuters: Cuba’s 'migratory stampede' has no end in sight
Cuba's economic crisis has led to a record-breaking exodus, with estimates of the population decline ranging from 10 percent since 2020 to as much as 18 percent in just 2022-2023, a trend dubbed a "migratory stampede." Most migrants, particularly young, able-bodied workers, head to the U.S. Experts debate the exact extent of the population loss, with estimates varying between 8.62 million and 10.1 million. A delayed census won’t take place until 2025, but the impact of low birthrates and the aging population is already straining Cuba's healthcare system and economy.
NBC Miami: 43 Cuban migrants in wooden fishing boat land in the Florida Keys: USBP
A group of 43 Cuban migrants arrived in the Florida Keys on Tuesday, landing at Sombrero Beach in Marathon on a wooden fishing boat. U.S. Border Patrol took the migrants into custody, though their conditions and ages were not immediately available.
Recommended Readings, Viewings and Events:
Read: NBC News: Jailed Cuban dissident leader wins Norwegian human rights award
A Norwegian human rights foundation gave its annual prize on Thursday to jailed Cuban dissident leader Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara for his “fearless opposition to authoritarianism through art.”
Read: CJR: The Crackdown on Cuba’s Independent Press
In 2021, Cuban journalist Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca was imprisoned for disseminating enemy propaganda. After a hunger strike, he accepted the Cuban government’s offer to leave the country and now lives in exile in the U.S. Despite Cuba’s crackdown on independent media, particularly after the 2021 protests, exiled outlets like elTOQUE and El Estornudo continue their reporting.
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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