Cuba has restored electricity nationwide after a major blackout, advanced the “Mi Costa” climate project, faced cuts to broadcasting agencies, fortified ties with Nigeria, and a proposed plan concerning migrant detention at Guantánamo Bay stirs debate.
Cuba has successfully restored electricity largely across the nation, with Havana being reconnected by Sunday night after a blackout due to a substation malfunction left over 10 million people without power. This incident marks the fourth major grid failure since October 2024, underscoring the vulnerability of Cuba’s aging, oil-dependent power infrastructure. The travel advisory from Canada cautions that while resort generators provide some backup, outages may still impact services for visitors.
The “Mi Costa” project, initiated by Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment, is making progress in climate change adaptation efforts. This initiative, supported by both national and international partners, aims to enhance climate resilience along 1,300 kilometers of Cuba’s southern coast. Over an eight-year implementation period and 22 years of operation, the project engages 24 municipalities across seven provinces, focusing on environmental training, water management, and initiatives related to coastal ecosystems and blue carbon.
In a strategic move, the Trump administration has ordered cuts to the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which manages Radio and Television Martí, platforms established to advocate for democracy in Cuba. This executive order not only dissolves the office but also terminates funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and other small agencies, leading to staff being placed on administrative leave, leaving the future of these stations in uncertainty.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, is on a diplomatic visit to Nigeria aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges. This initiative reflects both countries’ historical partnership and collaborative efforts in global movements. Parrilla’s agenda includes discussions with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, for enhanced cooperation.
Former President Donald Trump is mulling a contentious plan to detain up to 30,000 migrants at the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay. This proposal reignites discussions on utilizing the military facility for immigration enforcement, a shift from its typical association with terrorism-related detentions. In the past, Guantánamo has temporarily housed migrants, notably during the 1990s crises involving Haitian and Cuban migration.
Cuba is currently navigating significant developments including recovery from a major power outage, advancing climate adaptation projects, and fostering international relations. The restoration of electricity is crucial to daily life in Cuba, while the “Mi Costa” initiative represents proactive efforts toward climate resilience. Meanwhile, political shifts, including proposed cuts to funding agencies and discussions around migrant detention, signal complex changes in domestic and foreign policies.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
