By Tiana cole | HGP Nightly News |
The Caribbean and Latin American regions are facing a series of profound political and humanitarian shifts this week. From a leadership vacuum in Port-au-Prince to an unprecedented aviation crisis in Havana and the release of political prisoners in Caracas, here is the regional update for Monday, February 10.
Haiti: Transition Council Dissolves Without Successor
Haiti has descended further into political uncertainty following the expiration of the Transitional Presidential Council’s (CPT) mandate on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The nine-member body, installed in April 2024 to restore security and organize elections, stepped down without a confirmed replacement plan.
- Current Status: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé remains the sole recognized executive authority, though his legal standing is being challenged by civil society groups who fear a consolidation of unelected power.
- Security Crisis: Despite the CPT’s tenure, gang violence has expanded, with groups now controlling over 90% of the capital. The U.N. reports that 1.4 million people are now internally displaced—a tripling of the figure since the council took office.
- International Stance: The U.S. government has expressed support for the council’s dissolution, having previously sanctioned several of its members for corruption and infighting.
Cuba: Aviation Fuel Shortage Shuts Down Refueling
Havana’s José Martí International Airport has issued an urgent international aeronautical notice (NOTAM A0356/26) confirming a total lack of Jet A-1 fuel. The shortage is not limited to the capital; all nine international airports across the island are currently unable to refuel commercial aircraft.
- Timeline: The shortage is officially expected to last until at least March 11, 2026.
- Impact on Travel: Airlines such as Air Canada have already announced a complete suspension of flights to the island. Other carriers are being forced to carry “round-trip” fuel or make technical refueling stops in third countries, significantly increasing ticket prices during the peak winter tourism season.
- The “Energy Blockade”: The crisis follows a January 29 Executive Order by President Trump imposing tariffs on countries—specifically Mexico—that supply oil to the Cuban regime. This has effectively choked off the island’s primary energy lifeline following the decline of Venezuelan shipments.
Venezuela: High-Profile Political Prisoners Freed
In a rare humanitarian breakthrough, the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez released at least 30 political prisoners on Sunday, including prominent allies of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
- Key Releases: Attorney Perkins Rocha and politician Juan Pablo Guanipa were among those freed, though reports indicate they remain under restrictive measures such as house arrest or travel bans.
- The “Revolving Door”: Rights group Foro Penal noted that while 383 prisoners have been released since January 8, the government has simultaneously issued new arrest orders. Hours after his release, a warrant was reportedly re-issued for Juan Pablo Guanipa for “non-compliance” with his release terms.
- Amnesty Debate: The National Assembly is currently debating a broader amnesty bill that could see the release of hundreds more, a move widely seen as an attempt to ease U.S. pressure following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.
