On this Monday, February 2, 2025, in Cuba, the island's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has voiced strong opposition to the latest sanctions imposed by the United States. According to Díaz-Canel, these restrictions are yet another form of aggression by the U.S. government, impacting financial and commercial transactions with Cuban state entities. He suggested that these measures could be a precursor to further sanctions as part of the U.S. administration's ongoing effort to pressure Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning these actions and urging the international community to stand in solidarity with the island.
In a separate development, a contingent of U.S. Marines has arrived at the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba. This deployment is part of preparations by the Trump administration to use the base as a detention center for migrants. U.S. authorities have ordered that up to 30,000 beds be set up in the facility to house migrants detained as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, presenting new legal and logistical challenges.
On another front, the recent announcement of Orbit S.A.'s inclusion on the U.S. Restricted Entities List has raised concerns among many Cubans reliant on remittances. Orbit S.A. emerged as a temporary solution for remittance transfers following sanctions on Fincimex. However, with the new measures, the transfer of funds from the United States will become more complicated, forcing the Cuban regime to seek alternatives and potentially increasing the use of informal methods for sending money.
In local economic news, the informal market exchange rates in Cuba indicate that both the dollar and the euro are trading at 340 CUP each, while the MLC stands at 240 CUP. These figures highlight the persistent depreciation of the Cuban peso and the reliance on the black market for access to foreign currencies.
In the health sector, doctors in Santiago de Cuba successfully performed a complex surgery to remove a giant cardiac tumor from a patient, showcasing the dedication and skill of Cuban specialists in the face of adversity and a scarcity of medical supplies.
In a case that has sparked outrage, authorities in Las Tunas have vowed to punish those responsible for diluting milk meant for children with water. This incident underscores the corruption and failures within Cuba's food distribution system, which affect the most vulnerable.
On the entrepreneurship front, a private worker in Santa Clara was fined for selling in dollars and refusing digital payments, highlighting the contradiction in Cuba's economic policy, which allows state-run establishments to operate in dollars but not private businesses.
Lastly, the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant exacerbates the energy crisis in Cuba. While the exact cause is under investigation, the incident is another blow to the country's ailing electrical system, plagued by breakdowns and outdated infrastructure.
Key Issues in Cuba's Current Affairs
What are the implications of the new U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The new U.S. sanctions are expected to further restrict Cuba's financial and commercial transactions with state entities, potentially leading to additional economic pressures on the island.
Why are U.S. Marines deployed to Guantanamo?
The deployment is part of the Trump administration's plan to use the Guantanamo Naval Base as a detention center for migrants, preparing to accommodate up to 30,000 individuals.
How does Orbit S.A.'s status affect remittances to Cuba?
Orbit S.A.'s inclusion on the Restricted Entities List complicates remittance transfers from the United States, forcing Cubans to seek alternative, often informal, methods of receiving funds.