Spanish hotel chain ceases operations in Cuba under pressure from Washington

Cuba's electricity crisis deepened on Tuesday as the national grid collapsed for the third time in ten days, sending shockwaves through the nation’s urban centers. The 9.5 million residents of the island, already enduring a six-month-old oil embargo imposed by the United States, found themselves grappling with yet another layer of hardship. This latest blackout, which lasted several hours in major cities, underscored the fragility of Cuba’s aging infrastructure and the growing desperation among citizens who rely on intermittent power for basic necessities. The collapse of the power grid came amid soaring temperatures that have pushed daily highs into the mid-30s Celsius, with humidity levels hovering near 80%. These conditions have exacerbated the challenges faced by Cubans, whose lives have been increasingly disrupted by frequent blackouts. In Havana’s Vedado neighborhood, residents resorted to makeshift rhythms, clanging pots and pans, to signal their frustration and solidarity. The sound of these improvised drums, known as cacerolazos, has become a symbol of communal despair, reflecting both the physical discomfort of prolonged darkness and the emotional toll of unmet expectations. Jorge Piñon, a senior energy researcher at the University of Texas, described the core of Cuba’s energy system as reliant on outdated and deteriorating thermal power plants. “The backbone of the system is still the big power plants,” he explained, emphasizing that these facilities lack modern technology and maintenance. As a result, the frequency and duration of power failures have increased, leaving households unable to operate essential appliances, including water pumps and mobile phone chargers. One resident, Alberto, expressed his frustration during a recent incident, shouting over the noise of clattering cookware: “An hour isn’t enough time to run the pump to get water or to charge phones.” The Cuban government has acknowledged the severity of the situation, with Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy stating that the country faces a complete lack of fuel and spare parts necessary to repair critical infrastructure. This shortage has compounded existing problems, including the impact of the U.S. sanctions, which have targeted key sectors of the economy. Since January 3, when the U.S. military detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to dismantle Cuba’s socialist regime. His rhetoric has fueled speculation about potential escalations, although no direct action has materialized so far. Washington’s strategy has included economic pressure, with sanctions driving foreign businesses away from the island. Companies operating in tourism, transportation, mining, and maritime logistics have either exited or sought alternative arrangements. For example, the Canadian nickel miner Sherritt has explored partnerships with American businessman Ray Washburne, a former advisor to Trump. Meanwhile, an electric vehicle importer lamented the uncertainty surrounding supply chains, noting that seven containers were stranded in Kingston and 40 more remained in China, with no clear timeline for delivery. The crisis has also affected public safety. Crime rates have surged in cities like Havana, with reports of violent thefts, property damage, and assaults. Law enforcement presence has diminished, leading to delays in police response times. According to Prisoners Defenders, a Madrid-based organization, the number of political prisoners has climbed to 1,306, including individuals like Héctor Ochoa Vergara, who was arrested for participating in a peaceful protest against utility disruptions. Meanwhile, the renowned artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, a prominent figure in Cuban dissent, was reportedly detained in an undisclosed location following his attempt to seek asylum in the United States. As tensions mount, the Cuban leadership continues to project unity despite internal pressures. However, whispers of political divisions persist, particularly regarding the U.S.’s ongoing leaks about potential reform talks. These developments suggest that the island’s future remains uncertain, shaped by both domestic struggles and external forces.