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Today, Monday, February 2, 2025, in Cuba, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has expressed his rejection of the new sanctions imposed by the United States. According to Díaz-Canel, these restrictions represent another aggression from the U.S. government, affecting financial and commercial transactions with Cuban state entities. He stated that these measures could foreshadow further sanctions as part of the U.S. government's efforts to pressure Cuba. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba issued a statement condemning these actions and urging the international community to express solidarity with the island.
In another news area, a group of U.S. Marines arrived at the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba. This arrival is part of the Trump administration's preparations to use the base as a detention center for migrants. U.S. authorities have ordered that up to 30,000 beds be prepared at the facility to house migrants detained under their campaign against illegal immigration, thus creating a new challenge both legally and logistically.
On the other hand, the recent announcement of Orbit S.A. being added to the United States Restricted Entities List is causing concern among many Cubans who rely on remittances. Orbit S.A. had emerged as a temporary solution for sending remittances following the sanctions on Fincimex. However, with the new measures, transferring money from the United States will become more complicated, forcing the Cuban regime to seek alternatives and increasing the use of informal methods for sending money.
In the local economy, the prices of the currencies in the informal market of Cuba indicate that the dollar and the euro are each quoted at 340 CUP, while the MLC is at 240 CUP. These figures reflect the ongoing 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 performed a complex surgery to remove a giant heart tumor from a patient, highlighting the dedication and skill of Cuban specialists in the face of adversity and the shortage of medical supplies.
In a case that has sparked outrage, the authorities in Las Tunas promise to punish those responsible for adulterating milk intended for children by mixing it with water. This incident highlights the corruption and failures in the food distribution system in Cuba, which impacts the most vulnerable.
In matters of entrepreneurship, a private worker in Santa Clara was fined for selling in dollars and refusing digital payments, highlighting the contradiction in Cuban economic policy, which allows dollar transactions for state establishments but not for private businesses.
Finally, the unexpected disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant exacerbates the energy crisis in Cuba. While the exact cause is being investigated, the incident represents another setback for the beleaguered Cuban electrical system, characterized by breakdowns and aging infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba News from February 2, 2025
What are the new U.S. sanctions against Cuba?
The new sanctions imposed by the United States affect financial and commercial transactions with Cuban state entities. These measures have been rejected by Miguel Díaz-Canel, who views them as an aggression from the U.S. government and a prelude to potential future sanctions.
What is happening at Guantanamo Naval Base?
A group of U.S. Marines has arrived at Guantanamo Naval Base as part of preparations to use it as a detention center for migrants. Up to 30,000 beds are being set up to accommodate migrants detained under the Trump administration's campaign against illegal immigration.
How does the inclusion of Orbit S.A. in the U.S. Restricted Entities List affect remittances to Cuba?
The inclusion of Orbit S.A. on the List of Restricted Entities complicates the transfer of money from the United States, raising concerns for many Cubans who rely on remittances. This situation will force the Cuban regime to seek alternatives and will enhance the use of informal methods for sending money.
What is the current situation of the informal currency market in Cuba?
In the informal market of Cuba, the dollar and the euro are valued at 340 CUP each, while the MLC is at 240 CUP. These figures reflect the ongoing depreciation of the Cuban peso and the reliance on the black market for access to foreign currencies.
What is happening with the energy crisis in Cuba?
The unexpected disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant has worsened the energy crisis in Cuba. This incident is another blow to the already battered Cuban electrical system, marked by breakdowns and aging infrastructure.
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