Cuba Plans to Release 553 Prisoners Following U.S. Announcement

Ten-year-old Damir Ortiz, suffering from plexiform neurofibromatosis type 1, is deteriorating as he awaits a visa to travel from Cuba to Miami for urgent medical care. The boy has been denied the necessary visa by U.S. embassy officials in Havana, who require a formal letter from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health acknowledging its inability to provide him adequate treatment, according to his mother, Eliannis Ramírez. Despite receiving care at Havana's Neurology and Neuroscience Institute, Damir's condition worsens daily, with symptoms including partial paralysis and swelling in his eye. Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano, who monitors Damir remotely, has noted his stability, but time is critical. Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar is advocating for Damir, highlighting the desperate plight of Cuban families navigating a struggling healthcare system. The Cuban government has dismissed claims of inadequate care, asserting the resources necessary for Damir’s treatment are available locally. As Damir awaits his fate, he remains a symbol of the complex struggles between healthcare needs and political tensions.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on February 8, 2025, prompting tsunami warnings across several regions, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at 6:23 PM local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. In response to the tremor, the US National Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, although it noted no tsunami alert for the US mainland. Hazard Management Cayman Islands urged coastal residents to seek higher ground, expecting wave heights between 0.3 and 1 meter. The Dominican Republic advised its citizens to move to areas exceeding 20 meters in elevation and 2 kilometers inland. Cuban authorities also requested that individuals vacate beachfront areas. While there were no immediate damage reports from Honduras, local media indicated that residents were advised to avoid beaches temporarily. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned of potential tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters along some Cuban coasts.

A new luxury hotel, the Selection La Habana, managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar, has become a focal point of debate in Havana as the country faces a severe economic crisis. The 150-meter tall structure, which boasts 542 rooms and scenic views of the city, is set to open despite criticisms regarding the government's investment priorities amidst declining tourist numbers. In 2024, Cuba saw a drop in tourism to approximately 2.2 million visitors, significantly lower than the 4.2 million recorded in 2019. The government cites various factors for this decline, including supply shortages, a severe energy crisis, and heightened U.S. sanctions that have restricted travel. Many locals, such as artisan Susel Borges, express frustration over the millions allocated to luxury tourism, urging that funds would be better spent on essential services like hospitals and schools. Despite the ongoing issues, the Cuban government continues its ambition to develop luxury tourism, planning to construct more high-end establishments, particularly in Havana. Critics, including economists and architects, have voiced their concerns about the government’s focus on tourism investment compared to other vital sectors like agriculture, which has seen significantly less funding. As the hotel nears its opening, there remains a palpable tension in the community regarding the prioritization of luxury development over basic infrastructure needs.