Cuba News today, January 23, 2025: Strange discovery in the Guantánamo River; Marrero challenges the U.S.; cause of the accident in Ciego de Ávila confirmed

A discovery in the Guaso River dismissed theories of a crime; Marrero challenged the U.S. in Bastión 2024; an accident in Ciego de Ávila resulted in seven deaths; the food crisis in Cuba was highlighted.

Photo © Facebook/Elizabeth Ferrer

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Today, Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the city of Guantánamo, a strange discovery has caused a stir. An electric bicycle was found submerged in the Guaso River. Various rumors about a possible crime circulated on social media, but the authorities dismissed such theories after conducting a thorough investigation and confirming that the bicycle was missing its battery.

In a politically significant news item, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero made a defiant statement towards the United States during the Strategic Exercise Bastión 2024. Marrero emphasized the Cuban people's readiness to defend their homeland, as university students were being trained in the use of combat weapons, in a context of escalating tension with the Trump administration.

At the same time, the investigation into a fatal accident in Ciego de Ávila revealed that an error by the driver of a Yutong bus caused the collision of two buses, resulting in the death of seven people. The news has raised awareness among the population, highlighting the seriousness of road safety on the island.

On the other hand, the discovery of the body of Heriberto Llanez García, an elderly man missing since November, has left the municipality of Morón in shock. This tragic outcome reinforces the social and emotional crisis faced by Cubans in light of the current challenging circumstances.

The visit of a Cuban YouTuber to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Havana was also noteworthy, showcasing the high prices of luxury vehicles that are only affordable for small to medium-sized enterprises or wealthy individuals. This highlights the economic disparity in Cuba, where such cars are an unattainable luxury for the majority.

In the economic sphere, the trend of currencies in the Cuban informal market shows stability, with the dollar and the euro remaining at 340 CUP. However, the recent elections in the United States and Trump's policies could impact future changes in the currency market.

The military exercise Bastión 2024, overseen by Raúl Castro and Díaz-Canel, has been launched at a time of acute social crisis, following a tragic military accident. This event reflects the regime’s defensive concerns in light of the current international landscape.

An alarming report on the food crisis in Cuba reveals a critical decline in agricultural production during 2023. This analysis reflects severe food insecurity on the island, impacting the daily lives of Cubans due to the scarcity and high costs of food.

In a significant political turn, Cuban authorities have halted the release of political prisoners after Cuba was re-listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S. This situation calls into question the regime's commitment to promises of openness and dialogue.

Finally, the report from Cuba Siglo XXI suggests that this year could see a regime change on the island. Highlighting the economic, social, and political crisis, it presents potential transition scenarios, emphasizing the urgency of structural reforms to promote positive change in Cuba.

Frequently asked questions about the recent news from Cuba

What was the strange discovery in the Guantánamo River?

An electric bicycle was found submerged in the Guaso River in Guantánamo. Initially, rumors circulated about a possible crime, but authorities debunked this theory after investigating and confirming that the bicycle was missing its battery.

What did Manuel Marrero declare about the United States?

During the Strategic Exercise Bastión 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero made a defiant statement towards the United States, asserting that, although the U.S. possesses modern equipment and weaponry, Cuba has more than enough willingness to fight and die to defend the homeland. This statement was made in a context of increasing tension with the administration of Donald Trump.

What was the cause of the accident in Ciego de Ávila?

The accident in Ciego de Ávila, which resulted in the death of seven people, was caused by a mistake made by the driver of a Yutong bus, leading to a collision between two buses. This tragic event has raised awareness among the population and highlighted the importance of road safety in Cuba.

What is the impact of dollarization on Cuba?

Dollarization in Cuba has generated a series of social and economic tensions. The prices of products in dollars and the exclusion of those who do not have access to foreign currency have increased economic inequality. This is reflected in the opening of supermarkets that only accept payments in dollars, generating criticism and discontent among the population.

What does the Cuba Siglo XXI report suggest about the regime on the island?

The Cuba Siglo XXI report suggests that this year could see a regime change on the island, highlighting the economic, social, and political crisis. The need for urgent structural reforms is raised to promote positive change in Cuba, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among the population.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.