Cuba Summary

A week after Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba, the aftermath is still starkly visible, with many affected areas experiencing significant damage. In response, a wave of solidarity has emerged, particularly from the private sector, which is actively participating in relief efforts. Various private businesses across the country are coordinating collection campaigns and sending aid directly to those in need, as reported by OnCuba. One notable initiative comes from a photography studio in Holguin, which is offering free photo sessions to fifteen-year-olds who lost everything, aiming to preserve their special moments despite the disaster. This is a continuation of a trend where the Cuban private sector mobilizes during crises to support community needs.

Meanwhile, reports from state media indicate that recovery efforts in the hardest-hit provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguin are underway. As of the latest updates, only 6% of the damaged fixed-line telephone services in Santiago have been restored, with significant fiber optic damage also reported. In Granma, the restoration of fixed-line services stands at 74%, while in Holguin, only 22% has been reinstated. The electricity supply has also suffered, with restoration rates varying significantly across the eastern provinces; for example, Las Tunas has restored nearly 95% of its electricity, whereas Holguin is lagging at 40.5%. The Minister of Energy and Mines confirmed the continued challenges in restoring services across the affected areas.

In addition to the natural disaster's impact, independent labor groups in Cuba, such as the #ASIC, are raising alarms about the exacerbated humanitarian crisis following Hurricane Melissa. They are calling for international assistance to address the extensive needs resulting from the disaster. These groups emphasize that the structural issues in Cuba's economy are making recovery efforts more difficult.

On another note, the political climate remains tense as Cuban journalist Abraham Jimenez Enoa, currently in exile, has been honored with the 2025 Magnitsky Award for his courageous reporting on human rights violations in Cuba. His recognition highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom and human rights abuses under the current regime.

In the political realm, U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has criticized the European Union's financial support to the Cuban government during a meeting with former political prisoners. This meeting underscores the complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations, particularly in light of discussions about aid and support for dissidents.

Social issues continue to plague Cuba, with recent reports confirming two new feminicides within 24 hours, raising the total to 38 in 2025 alone. Observatories such as Alas Tensas and Yo Si Te Creo en Cuba are documenting these tragic events, which include the violent murders of a teacher and a transport worker, reflecting a concerning trend in gender-based violence on the island. The need for effective measures to combat this violence is becoming increasingly urgent.

Additionally, former Cuban employees now living in Canada have reported the confiscation of their salaries by the Havana government, illustrating the ongoing struggles faced by Cuban expatriates and the complexities surrounding employment and remuneration under the Cuban system. This situation further complicates the economic landscape for many Cubans, both on the island and abroad.