Fernando González, AP head of Caribbean news, dies in Cuba

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Fernando González, who spent decades covering and directing major stories for The Associated Press across Latin America, from papal visits to border skirmishes, hurricanes and hostage standoffs, has died in Havana.

He worked for a local radio station before eventually moving into news production, often freelancing for The Associated Press in Latin America.

He moved to Washington, D.C., in 2014 as regional video editor for Latin America and the Caribbean and then to Mexico City as the AP’s deputy news director for the region in 2016.

González returned to Cuba in 2020 as news director for the Caribbean and Andes.

“And he probably knew Latin America better than anyone,” said Snow, who worked with González in Cuba and Mexico.

They basically had no tips and no money,” said Marti, AP’s deputy director of photography/global enterprise.