On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, several significant events impacting the Cuban community both on the island and abroad have come to light. The United States has unveiled the first images of migrants at Guantánamo, a Cuban national was detained with marijuana in Santiago, and tragically, a woman was fatally shot in Vertientes, Camagüey. Let's delve into these and other crucial news stories of the day.
U.S. Discloses Photos of Migrants Deported to Guantánamo Amid Criticism
The U.S. government has released photographs of migrants deported to the Guantánamo naval base, following the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump. The images, shared by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, depict the deportees in handcuffs, escorted by security personnel in gray uniforms. This move has sparked international condemnation and concern over using a site notorious for human rights violations. The Cuban government labeled the decision as "brutality," while the Trump administration defends it as necessary to address the immigration crisis.
Cuban Man Apprehended in Santiago with Marijuana Cargo
A man from Las Tunas province was captured in Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba, while transporting a significant amount of marijuana. According to the "Héroes de Azul" Facebook page, the suspect was stopped by police in Matías, with the drugs concealed in a package strapped to his waist and inside a sound system. Witnesses suggest he wasn't acting alone, and authorities are searching for another individual involved in this illegal trade. Efforts to combat drug trafficking, including marijuana, have intensified in Cuba.
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Woman in Camagüey
A heartbreaking incident has shocked the community of San Antonio, Camagüey, where a woman named Cristina Guerra was shot and killed inside her home. The attack, carried out by an unidentified man, left the mother of two critically injured, eventually leading to her death at Mario Muñoz Monroy Hospital. Neighbors have shared details of the assault on local platforms, urging anyone with information about the assailant to contact authorities. This tragic event has elicited strong reactions on social media, highlighting its profound impact on the Vertientes population.
Díaz-Canel Rebukes Rubio, Blames U.S. for Cuban Exodus
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took to social media to criticize U.S. official Marco Rubio for his comments blaming Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela for the current migration crisis. Díaz-Canel accused the United States of exacerbating the Cuban exodus by tightening the embargo, while Rubio criticized the inefficacy of these governments. This exchange arises as Cuban migration to the U.S. hits record numbers, driven by economic turmoil, repression, and lack of opportunities on the island.
Footage Captures Violent Arrest of Elderly Protester in Havana
Héctor Julio Cedeño Negrín, a 71-year-old man, was violently arrested in Havana while holding a sign reading "Down with the dictatorship." New footage, shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, shows a plainclothes officer dragging him to a police vehicle as bystanders shouted "Abusers!" and "There's hunger!" The incident, which increased police presence in the area, is part of a crackdown on informal work amid Cuba's economic crisis.
Cuban Troubadour Eduardo Sosa in Critical Condition After Stroke
Renowned Cuban troubadour Eduardo Sosa is in critical condition following a stroke, as reported by close family members. Sosa was in Guantánamo participating in the Theatrical Crusade when he was rushed to the hospital for specialized medical care. Although surgery achieved its initial goals, his condition remains delicate. At 52, Sosa is a prominent figure in Cuban music, known for his cultural contributions and strong artistic and political commitment. Fans and fellow artists have expressed their support on social media as they await updates on his recovery.
Delays in Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant's Return Spark Uncertainty
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, one of Cuba's most crucial energy facilities, faces uncertainty regarding its return to the National Electric System after a recent breakdown. Despite corrective work on the boiler, a restart date remains undetermined. Official journalist José Miguel Solís confirmed the indefinite repair timeline, exacerbating Cuba's electrical instability. Frequent outages at this plant highlight the aging energy infrastructure and continue to worsen the island's blackout crisis.
Concerns Over Cuban Doctors in Mexico Affecting Student Training
The arrival of Cuban doctors in San Luis Potosí has raised concerns at the Faculty of Medicine, as their presence affects the allocation of social service spots for students. Ismael Herrera Benavente, the faculty director, questions the Cuban professionals' training and seeks alternatives to ensure future doctors' educational quality. This situation is part of the IMSS-Wellness program, which has intensified medical collaboration between Mexico and Cuba. However, it draws criticism amid Cuba's healthcare crisis and the significant cost to the Mexican government.
Fatal Road Accident in Ciego de Ávila Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured
A devastating road accident on the Central Highway, between Ciego de Ávila and Jicotea, resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. The crash involved a car and a horse-drawn cart. The deceased were identified as Bety and Reivi, a couple from Guayacanes, while their son, Raisel, was seriously injured. The community has expressed grief and demands a thorough investigation to clarify the accident's causes. This incident raises concerns in the region, which has seen several recent traffic mishaps.
Tensions Rise in Havana Over Elderly Vendor's Arrest
The arrest of 71-year-old Héctor Julio Cedeño for selling candies in Havana has sparked outrage among locals and vendors amid the regime's growing crackdown on informal work. Witnesses expressed their discontent with shouts of "There's hunger," highlighting the desperation brought on by the country's economic crisis. The violent police action, captured in a CubaNet video, reinforces the increased presence of officers in the area, intensifying control over other street vendors in the capital. This episode underscores the pressure on those seeking dignified survival in a challenging economic environment.
Key Questions About Recent Events in Cuba
What images did the U.S. release about Guantánamo?
The U.S. released photos of migrants deported to Guantánamo, showing them handcuffed and escorted by security personnel.
How did the Cuban government react to the deportations to Guantánamo?
The Cuban government condemned the deportations as "brutality" and criticized the U.S. government's actions.
What led to the arrest of a Cuban man in Santiago?
The man was arrested for transporting a significant amount of marijuana in Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba.
What happened to the woman in Camagüey?
Cristina Guerra was fatally shot inside her home in San Antonio, Camagüey, by an unknown assailant.