This week our Cuba Review begins with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which left more than 70,000 homes damaged and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the eastern region. We examine the scale of destruction, the government’s response, and the urgent relief efforts underway.
On the political front, we explore the oddly-timed espionage and embezzlement charges brought by Cuba’s Attorney General against former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil, whose trial is set to start today. We also look at $3 million in U.S. humanitarian aid committed to the island, as deportations rise and DHS ends automatic work permit extensions for certain immigrants.
In positive news, we highlight the election of Bryan Calvo as Hialeah’s youngest Cuban American mayor and the recognition of Cuban lawyer Yohania de Armas in Spain as Entrepreneur of the Year.
This week’s edition also features Episodes 7 and 8 of our Pensar Cuba podcast, hosted by Julio Antonio Fernández Estrada. In Episode 7, journalist Abraham Jiménez Enoa reflects on the personal and professional cost of practicing independent journalism and life in exile. In Episode 8, activist Massiel Rubio discusses her work coordinating humanitarian aid shipments to Cuba and the challenges of building solidarity networks to support those in need on the island.
