As many of you will have seen and heard in the news, the crisis in Cuba has reached a level of catastrophe not seen since Russia withdrew all its support for the island back in the early 90's.  Last week, we visited Havana for a Cuba-wide strategic planning meeting with Bishop Angel and his team in the face of this crisis.    What follows are some of the key takeaways/learnings from both the visit and meeting.

OVERALL OBSERVATIONS​

• In transit from the airport to the Diocesan Center, it was shocking how few cars were on the road.  The price of gasoline is $25US per gallon.  The price of diesel is $18US per gallon.  This is if you can get it.  On what should have been a busy Tuesday afternoon workday, the streets were eerily devoid of cars and people. 

• In place of cars, there were quite a few electric Tuk Tuks (reminiscent of India).  These electric vehicles come in all configurations, and are now used as taxis, delivery vehicles, personal transport etc.  They typically have a range of about 60KM and obviously avoid the fuel shortage situation.  Several Episcopal churches now have these to help serve their communities.

• Pay remains absurdly low.  Salaries, if working for the government (about 80% of the workforce) remain stuck at about $16US per month.  For retirees it’s even worse.  $6US per month.  A carton of eggs (for perspective) is $5US.

• Now that many horses in the countryside have been slaughtered for food, the cats are now being eaten as people are literally starving.  This hasn’t happened since Russia left.

• Electricity is super unreliable and blackouts are frequent.  There was no electricity for 80% of the time we were there – which made for hot and sticky days and nights.   The hot/humid season is now here – and will last until end-October.

• Hyper-inflation continues

• Tourism – long a source of income for Cubans is collapsing due to lack of fuel, water, electricity.

• Since Jan 2026 the government stopped providing any sort of food support (the traditional basket of basics).  Including bread. 

• Given all the above, an unprecedented moral crisis in Cuba has emerged.  People are desperate and doing whatever they can to survive.  Robbery.  Prostitution.  Absolute desperation.  Bishop Angel and the Clergy are working to clearly define what the Episcopal Church can do to help – especially with the moral crisis.  How to be an oasis in the desert the people are living in.

​THE CHURCH

• The strategic planning meeting was positive and forward-looking, despite the many challenges facing the country.

• Bishop Angel reminded us that now, more than ever, the Episcopal Church needs to be the source of light and hope for communities across the country.

• Bishop Rafael of Puerto Rico, who was the interim Bishop of Cuba and attended the meeting,  reminded everyone to remember that our congregations are super committed/faithful.  Despite the current catastrophic situation, we must remember that the church is starting with the glass half full not, not half empty.

• The offices and residences are in super shape, thanks to the work Bishop Rafael put into renovating the houses prior to the appointment/arrival of the new Bishop – Bishop Angel.

• The PDM (Missionary Development Program)  program is going strong and widely recognized both within Cuba and across the ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development) universe as a gold standard of excellence.  With all the programs currently in place, about 55,000 people per week are benefitting directly from PDM led programs (including water purification systems).

• Of the 34 water purification systems currently installed, 30 are functioning (when there is electricity).  Four are not functional due to a lack of water supply.

• Several churches now have solar – which not only powers the water purification systems, but also serves as a beacon of light for the communities – a place to charge phones, a place to prepare food, a place to do homework, a place to watch movies together (projected onto church walls). Solar components are available in Cuba and a full system costs $3500-4000 to purchase and install.