AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic and is moving west fast, expected to weaken before reaching the Leeward Islands but still bringing heavy rain and possible flash flooding to parts of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. Telecom Disruption: Trinidad and Tobago saw a service drop after fibre breaks along the East-West Corridor; TSTT said repairs restored service later the same day. Sports Governance: UEFA issued a formal legal warning to FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the shelved World Cup private-financing plan and is seeking records in the U.S. tied to FIFA entities in Florida. Regional Finance: Panama’s Banistmo and Banco La Hipotecaria agreed to a merger by absorption, pending regulator approval, to strengthen mortgage and housing lending. Housing & Climate Resilience: Saint Lucia signed an EC$54m deal with Taiwan Eximbank to expand affordable housing, adding drainage, water storage and solar. Education: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), building on a modular math pilot that posted an 88% pass rate. Public Safety & Culture: Boston police are stepping up security for the Caribbean Carnival, with strict rules on weapons and public drinking. Crime & Security: The U.S. Coast Guard seized about 7,250 pounds of cocaine worth roughly $54.5m off Puerto Rico; five people were detained. Caribbean Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad-Tobago–Barbados flights from Sept. 2 as it optimizes its network.

Energy Security & Coal: The Philippines is planning its first coal-blending facility to cut reliance on Indonesia, as Manila seeks private investment to hedge supply risks and keep power plants running. Rare Earth Race: Brazil’s rare-earth push gets a boost as Power Minerals extends high-grade mineralisation at Morro do Ferro, while St George Mining eyes a Minas Gerais “mine-to-magnet” processing centre. Grid Storage Financing: Greenvolt secured €153m in bridge facilities plus a €65m guarantee from UniCredit for Poland’s Elk and Turosn BESS projects, targeting 400 MW/1.6 GWh. Mining Update: Patagonia Gold says a temporary suspension at Argentina’s Calcatreu project has been lifted after a labour agreement, and it reports a third doré dispatch. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia hosted the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference to back regional peace and shared prosperity, with Latin America represented. Caribbean Trade Links: Puerto Rico’s CUD plans a digital platform to connect SMEs with Caribbean markets, aiming to turn regional sourcing into real sales. Security & Crime: Mexico arrested a suspect in the livestream killing of an influencer in Sinaloa, tied to cartel-related posts. Water & Economic Diplomacy: A global forum at World Water Week in Stockholm backed water investment and trade-focused diplomacy, with participation from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Education Push in El Salvador: President Nayib Bukele is spotlighting public schooling as a safer bet for families, pairing the message with a major plan to raise education spending above $3B (8%+ of GDP) and fund 50,000 scholarships, backed by an IDB financing deal. Cyber Defense in Brazil: EDGE and the Brazilian Army will set up a Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, a first-in-LatAm tripartite model linking government, industry and academia to bolster sovereign cyber resilience. Venezuela UN Coordination: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met the new UN resident coordinator to shift from emergency aid toward sustainable development and social protection projects. Caribbean Student Support: Tobago’s students face hurdles accessing university resources, and the Tobago Students Association is pushing grants and guidance, including support via a Student Development Fund. Caribbean Connectivity + Community Giving: Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” is turning CPL hits into book vouchers, cricket gear and other local support across multiple islands. Border Security in Barbados: Customs seized firearms, ammunition, drugs and drones in a major haul, warning smugglers exploit every route. Guyana Sports Hosting: Guyana has kicked off preparations to host the 2027 CariftaGames, with regional athletics officials assessing facilities in Leonoara.

Haiti Security Crisis: Gunmen stormed a “peaceful” neighborhood near Port-au-Prince (Kenscoff), killing at least 47 and kidnapping dozens, a major test for Haiti’s government and police as gangs expand control. FIFA Governance Shake-Up: European Leagues president Claudius Schaefer says Gianni Infantino “cannot have a future” at FIFA, citing lack of consultation and mounting pressure from UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF. Caribbean Climate & Tourism Pressure: Greenland urged cruise ships to avoid or limit fjord sailings over noise and wildlife impacts, while the region braces for hotter, drier conditions tied to El Niño. Digital & Cybersecurity in Mexico: Veea cleared Totalplay’s technical qualification to roll out AI-powered, cybersecure edge services for Mexico’s business customers. Energy Storage Push: COMAX France (MET Group) completed a 57 MW/114 MWh BESS portfolio, quadrupling its operational capacity to 86+ MW as Europe boosts grid flexibility. Infrastructure & Education (St. Kitts & Nevis): Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley shared construction progress on Basseterre High School, highlighting staged completion and investment in modern education. EV Solar Trend: Market research points to rapid growth in EV solar modules as solar integration becomes a strategic add-on for mobility and fleet economics.

El Niño Watch: The U.S. National Weather Service flags a >90% chance of a very strong El Niño, with major knock-on risks for Latin America’s food, energy, and supply chains. Aviation Finance: LATAM secured $505M to add 11 aircraft (Airbus A320neo/A321neo and Embraer E195-E2) in the second half of 2026, with sustainability-linked terms tied to emissions performance. Green Ports: Peru’s Port of Callao became South America’s first merchant-shipping shore-power port, cutting CO2 and cutting health-harming emissions from auxiliary engines. Caribbean Media & Migration Policy: Guyana’s president urged Caribbean broadcasters to use AI without losing human-centered journalism, while Nevis Premier Mark Brantley doubled down on ending Citizenship by Investment amid rising geopolitical pressure. US Court Ripple in the Caribbean: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including Saint Lucia, prompting local leaders to urge caution as appeals loom. Tourism Momentum: El Salvador reported strong 2026 tourism growth—$2.1B in foreign-exchange earnings in the first half and 2.9M visitors by July—supported by new and expanding air links.

Immigration Crackdown in Colombia: President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police operations to locate and deport irregular migrants, a sharp reversal that targets Venezuela-heavy flows and frames it as a “political decision.” FIFA in the Caribbean: Gianni Infantino defied Concacaf requests to skip a youth tournament, fueling fresh governance and scandal-related controversy across regional football. Public Health Alarm: A global study in JAMA Pediatrics warns pediatric antibiotic resistance is rising fast, with South America already seeing high resistance rates among critical pathogens. Mexico Credit Stress: Mexican bonds are trading like junk after a roughly $130B Pemex bailout, pushing sovereign risk toward speculative-grade territory. Caribbean Security: Brussels reported four shootings in four days amid gang and drug-trafficking concerns. Energy & Industry: St George Mining began environmental permitting for Brazil’s Araxá rare-earth and niobium project, while Shell shelved Trinidad’s Aphrodite gas project “for now.” Culture & Community: The Philippines’ Miss World delegate Asia Rose Simpson entered the Top 40 early, while the Dominican Republic adopted the IHRA antisemitism definition at a regional forum.

Plastic Treaty Fight: A leaked U.S. diplomatic memo says Washington wants a “pragmatic” global plastics deal with a broad national-security loophole, after earlier efforts helped sink tougher limits at a U.N. conference. Caribbean Diplomacy: Barbados PM Mia Mottley arrived in Venezuela for talks with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, with both sides highlighting energy, food security, tourism, and education exchanges. Venezuela-Barbados Cooperation: Rodríguez ratified plans to deepen cooperation, including language training and scholarships, citing Barbados’ help after Venezuela’s June earthquakes. Archaeology & Culture: China will launch its first joint archaeological project in South America with Peru to study the ancient Caral civilization. Climate Pressure: Copernicus warned ocean temperatures hit record highs, driven by climate change and El Niño, raising risks for storms, food security, and marine life. Agriculture Trade: As beef prices rise, Mexico resumed cattle exports to the U.S. after a screwworm-linked suspension. Immigration Crackdown (Colombia): Colombia’s president ordered deportations of undocumented migrants as part of a security crackdown, targeting people without regular status. Caribbean Connectivity: CANTO urged the Caribbean to move beyond connectivity gains toward turning digital access into competitiveness. Education Investment (Bermuda): Bermuda recognized 32 overseas scholarship recipients across healthcare, engineering, marine sciences, tech, and the creative arts.

Philippines–Grenada Diplomacy: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan set to handle consular services and help expand economic, cultural and sports ties. Caribbean Community Spotlight: Turks and Caicos youth advocate Andy Missick was named CIBC’s 2026 Unsung Hero for mentoring and support work for vulnerable young people. Energy & Climate: OX2 has begun construction of a Muswellbrook solar-plus-battery project in Australia, turning a former coal site into 135 MW of solar with 100 MW storage to support grid stability. Sports & Regional Links: Brazil is exploring a training base in Dhaka ahead of its October friendly against India, with facilities and possible cooperation on pitches and sports science on the table. FIFA Governance Fight: UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin says he won’t challenge Infantino for FIFA leadership but warns Infantino must quit or face a leadership challenge amid mounting pressure. Security in the Region: The U.S. launched a deadly strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, the first known strike in more than two months. Football Culture Online: “Aura farming” aura battles are spreading across Latin America as youth turn viral dance contests into competitive street events.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino doubled down on FIFA’s mission to narrow the financial gap between “big” and smaller federations, even as Nordic associations withdrew confidence and demanded governance reforms and independent probes. Caribbean Football Politics: Infantino attended a CFU meeting in the Dominican Republic despite a CONCACAF request to stay away, further inflaming the rift. Visa Ruling: A U.S. federal judge vacated Trump-era policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, calling it “contrary to law.” Climate Watch: Experts warn a potentially record-breaking El Niño could peak in 2026-27, with health and food risks prompting a $202 million UN appeal for high-risk countries including parts of Latin America. Environment & Community: Trinidad and Tobago agreed to keep funding its International Coastal Clean-Up, while Caracas Metro restored full service after Tropical Wave 40 flooding. Regional Development: Nicaragua approved a constitutional amendment to nullify foreign laws it says seek to impose themselves, and Guyana’s trade and investment conference is set for Oct. 19-23. Culture & Heritage: China and Peru launched a new joint archaeological phase focused on the ancient Caral civilization.

Caribbean Health Policy: Bermuda will join Caribbean leaders in Miami for the 1st KPMG Caribbean Healthcare Summit (CariHealth 2026), aiming to push resilient, equitable health system delivery and investment reform. US Immigration Courts: A federal judge struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful,” with effects felt across parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. Puerto Rico Statehood Debate: Puerto Ricans interviewed in San Juan largely rejected the push for U.S. statehood, warning taxes and economic disruption could follow. Bird Flu Spillover: Australia confirmed its first H5 bird flu case in a mainland mammal—a long-nosed fur seal—prompting a major penguin vaccination effort on Phillip Island. Regional Security & Diplomacy: China and Indonesia held their 2nd ministerial “2+2” foreign and defense dialogue in Jakarta, signaling deeper strategic cooperation. Trade & Development: India’s commerce team plans a South America push (Brazil, Argentina, Chile) to advance trade talks, including upgrading the India-Chile PTA toward an FTA. Sports & Culture: Bermuda’s cyclists won two silver medals at the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships in Belize, while FIFA’s Infantino drew fresh controversy by attending a Caribbean youth tournament.

FIFA Governance Fallout in the Caribbean: Gianni Infantino ignored Concacaf’s request to skip a Dominican Republic U-14 event, showing up at the CFU tournament in Punta Cana and then using the meeting to announce delayed FIFA-funded development projects—sparking fresh anger among Concacaf members. US Immigration Policy Reversal: A New York federal judge struck down Trump-era immigrant visa suspensions for nationals of 75 countries, ruling the nationality-based ban was “patently unlawful” and exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority, forcing consulates to revisit cases individually. TPS Deportations Accelerate: Courts lifted remaining limits after the end of temporary protected status, clearing the way for deportations from multiple countries as protections expire for more than a million people. Climate Pressure on Coral Reefs: Miami-Dade officials and scientists warned heat is threatening Biscayne Bay corals, with bleaching risks rising as extreme temperatures persist. Caribbean Heritage Under Threat: In the French Caribbean, coastal erosion is exposing and destroying a centuries-old slave cemetery at Raisins-Clairs in Guadeloupe. Regional Development & Tourism: Dominica’s tourism authority is promoting festivals and travel to St. Kitts and Nevis, including the World Creole Music Festival in October.

Tourism & Investment: Dominica is set to start construction in October on a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, expanding the Roseau Cruise Pier via public-private partnership and funding exclusively through foreign direct investment, with local vendors, farmers, fishers, artisans, musicians and tour operators expected to benefit. Immigration Courts: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s nationality-based immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the Secretary of State’s authority—impacting places including Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and parts of the Caribbean. Trade & Agriculture: The US will resume Mexican cattle imports Aug. 24 after a screwworm-related ban, but shipments will face restrictions to prevent spread, with cases already reported in Texas and New Mexico. Culture & Society: “Aura farming” battles—viral meme-style faceoffs—have spilled from TikTok/Instagram onto streets across Latin America, drawing teens and young adults into live, judged gatherings. Regional Diplomacy: Uruguay hosted a Pan-American progressive congress where lawmakers criticized US intervention in the region and urged both external autonomy and internal accountability. Water Infrastructure: St Kitts and Nevis reported early success from Saddlers Community groundwater drilling, projecting 300–350 gallons per minute after initial tests showed 175.

Paraguay–Japan Diplomacy: Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess Akishino marked 90 years of Japanese immigration to Paraguay, praising the community’s role as a bridge between the two countries and visiting the first settlement site. Bolivia Politics: President Rodrigo Paz fired economy minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him, naming Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim economy minister amid a cost-of-living crisis. UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council held a second informal straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Latin America’s Rebeca Grynspan leading the first round and a crowded field now competing. Caribbean Aviation & Connectivity: Winair met Montserrat officials to strengthen air links, aiming to improve tourism and travel options across the region. Cuba–U.S. Sanctions: Cuba says U.S. sanctions are blocking its push for private investment, while Washington continues tightening penalties. Colombia Earthquake Relief: Shakira pledged $1.25M to rebuild schools damaged by the quake in Chocó, including new classrooms and support for affected universities. Regional Trade Logistics: Crowley launched a new weekly container service linking Port Houston with Guatemala and Honduras gateways. Tech & Finance: Brazil’s central bank says it spends R$3.6m a year on AI to support supervision, including faster portfolio monitoring.

Migration Pressure: The U.S. has deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala this year, with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo saying many are routed through “transit stopovers” before being taken to Mexico—an approach Mexico protests. Regional Politics: Uruguay hosts a progressive Pan-American Congress in Montevideo as left-leaning forces regroup after recent conservative election wins across the region. Media & Culture: Prime Video plans to spend $2bn+ on Latin America originals, acquisitions and sports rights from 2027-2030, with major pushes in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile. Economy Watch: ECLAC cut its 2026 growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.2%, warning the pace isn’t enough to sustainably raise income per capita. Climate & Food Security: UN warns a potentially very strong 2026-27 El Niño could drive tens of millions more into acute food insecurity. Energy & Industry: Solis Minerals ramps up 2026 drilling across lithium in Brazil and copper in Peru, while Brazil’s AI push and Venezuela’s oil-and-gas deals signal continued investment momentum.

Deportation Pressure: The U.S. has deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala this year, with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo saying the transfers are routed as “transit stopovers” before return to Mexico—an approach Mexico protests amid concerns over deaths in custody. Anti-Drug Crackdown: U.S. Treasury sanctions an Ecuador-based cocaine network tied to violent groups and Mexican cartels, targeting vessels and targets linked to covert shipments. Public Health Modernization: Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez marked 20 years of a major children’s cardiology hospital in Caracas, backing 2026 plans to upgrade imaging and surgical infrastructure. AI Race in Brazil: Brazil announced about R$2.3 billion to expand its AI ecosystem, splitting funding between China-linked and U.S.-expected partners for supercomputing. Water & Rural Infrastructure: Jamaica will invest US$50 million over 18 months to fix rural water and related infrastructure gaps, including upgrades across multiple communities. Caribbean Culture & Travel: Windsor, Canada, hosts WIDAFEST in partnership with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, while St. Maarten begins work on a curbside check-in facility at Princess Juliana Airport. Governance Strain: St. Maarten’s government says it’s short nearly 200 civil servants, slowing policy, legislation, recruitment, and digital services.

Venezuela Oil Revival: Hunt Oil signed production participation contracts for two onshore fields, while SLB agreed to reservoir studies, as US-bound crude exports jumped to 500,000 bpd—signaling a shift from political promises to operational recovery. El Niño Response: The US will send the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in Feb. 2027 to support disaster preparedness as El Niño peaks. Caribbean Governance: The CCJ revised how judges are assigned to panels after controversy, a move already drawing questions about whether it fixes deeper concerns. FIFA Fallout: Fans and confederations are escalating pressure on Gianni Infantino over FIFA reform and a failed private-investor plan for tournaments. Mexico-Korea Diplomacy: South Korea’s FM Cho Hyun will meet Mexico and Kuwait counterparts in Seoul to expand cooperation on AI, space, culture, education, and energy security. China Trade Push: Xiamen is boosting ties with Africa and Latin America as its imports/exports rise, positioning the port city as a gateway for Belt and Road-linked commerce. Caribbean Education & Youth: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Drew praised ELEVATE students after strong CXC/CSEC results, framing it as a “second chance” model.