AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Disaster Response: A new 4.2 quake struck near Caracas and La Guaira as rescue efforts continue after last week’s twin earthquakes, with the death toll reported around 1,450 and hundreds of buildings damaged. The U.S. pledged over $300 million in aid and deployed urban search-and-rescue teams, while Cuba sent a special search-and-rescue brigade with dogs to help. Energy & Investment: Abu Dhabi’s XRG and Italy’s Eni will each buy 32% stakes in three YPF upstream blocks tied to Argentina’s Vaca Muerta-linked LNG push, aiming to feed a 12 mtpa Argentina LNG project. Regional Finance: The Dominican Republic joined CABEI as a Series A shareholder, boosting the bank’s capital and expanding lending capacity for infrastructure and development. Trade & Logistics: IATA reports global air cargo demand rose 6% in May, though Middle East carriers saw declines. Caribbean Tourism: The Dominican Republic highlighted cruise growth at the PAMAC Destination Summit, projecting 3 million cruise passengers in 2026.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Rescue teams in La Guaira and Caraballeda kept searching after the June 24 twin quakes, with the death toll reported above 1,450 and tens of thousands still missing; despite the shrinking survival window, survivors were pulled out alive, including a father and son and other children, as schools stayed closed and a housing/infrastructure review commission was announced. International Aid & Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting leadership thanked foreign brigades and aid offers, with teams arriving from Cuba (with search dogs), Vietnam (82-member mission), and continued support from the U.S. and others, while regional leaders also pledged assistance. Regional Politics: In Colombia, lawyer-businessman Abelardo de la Espriella won the presidential runoff as an “outsider,” edging Iván Cepeda by under 1 point, signaling a new political direction. Security Debate (Trinidad & Tobago): Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander pushed back on a UK report’s gang figures, saying local intelligence differs. World Cup Momentum: CAF chief Patrice Motsepe hailed African qualifiers reaching the knockout phase as youth investment and infrastructure pay off.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Pope Leo expressed solidarity with Venezuela’s quake victims, while the EU mobilized €5 million and activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, sending search-and-rescue, firefighters and medical teams, with Copernicus satellite mapping aiding damage assessment. Disaster Toll Update: Venezuela’s death toll climbed to at least 1,430, with tens of thousands still missing after the twin quakes devastated La Guaira and parts of Caracas; rescuers say the chances of finding survivors are fading as the search stretches beyond the first 72 hours. Regional Food Costs: In the Eastern Caribbean, OECS leaders are exploring cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic and possible tariff suspensions to ease the cost-of-living pressure. Trade & Spirits: Brazil’s cachaça makers see new export momentum as EU-Mercosur trade progress cuts tariffs on hundreds of goods, including cachaça. Migration Politics: In the US, GOP Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine urged President Trump to reconsider ending Haitians’ temporary protected status, citing safety risks in Port-au-Prince.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s twin quakes have killed at least 1,430, with families reporting about 68,900 missing as rescuers and civilians in La Guaira race through collapsed buildings and aftershocks. Humanitarian Coordination: The government moved to organize civilian aid with a unified volunteer registry and tightened access routes to speed rescue equipment and patients. Regional Aid & Funding: CAF launched a Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund to pool public, private and international contributions for rebuilding, adding to existing humanitarian support. Diplomatic Solidarity: Cuba thanked its diaspora for support while warning against U.S. pressure tactics; meanwhile, OECS formalized deeper ties with France to boost regional cooperation. Sports & Culture: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz criticized FIFA’s 48-team World Cup expansion as “vulgar and ordinary,” while Indigenous leaders used the UN Permanent Forum to push rights-based health and conflict priorities.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela says the death toll from twin quakes has reached 920, with 3,360 injured and tens of thousands still missing, as rescue efforts tighten around La Guaira and foreign teams arrive in waves, including 1,600 international rescuers and thousands of military and police to patrol and support sanitation. Humanitarian Aid & Funding: The CAF development bank is backing a Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund with $1 million seed capital to mobilize public, private and international resources for rebuilding, while India’s Operation Amistad has deployed a portable hospital and relief supplies. Local Relief Efforts: Residents and volunteers are also stepping in as shortages of heavy equipment persist, with heartbreaking rescues continuing—like a newborn pulled from rubble after 32 hours. Regional Diplomacy: France renewed its partnership with the OECS, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health and regional connectivity. Sports & National Mood: Ecuador declared a public holiday after stunning Germany 2-1 to reach the World Cup knockout stage.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin quakes that struck Venezuela this week have killed at least 920 people, with more than 50,000 reported missing and hundreds still trapped as rescue teams race to reach survivors; Reuters and AP describe shortages of heavy equipment and limited state presence, pushing residents to dig by hand while foreign crews and aid begin to arrive. Colombia Security U-Turn: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, backed by Trump, told cartels and guerrillas to surrender within one month, signaling a sharp break from the outgoing socialist approach as UN data points to record coca cultivation. Migration and Diplomacy: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows asylum crackdowns at the Mexico border, while a UN appointment of a career diplomat to UNHCR is framed as part of the broader fight over Trump-era migration policy. Caribbean Tech Push: Future Caribbean announced a global “agentic AI buildathon” aimed at strengthening the region’s economy and links to global markets. Industry and Safety: The cosmetics sector in the Philippines backed efforts to eliminate mercury-added skin lightening products, citing consumer safety and regulation.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Back-to-back quakes (7.2 and 7.5) have pushed Venezuela’s death toll to 589 and injuries to 2,980, with thousands still missing as rescuers race through collapsed buildings in La Guaira and parts of Caracas. International Aid & Diplomacy: The UN says 1,000+ responders in 25 search-and-rescue teams are mobilizing, while the EU is sending 500+ personnel and equipment; the U.S. is deploying support and has moved to waive some sanctions for relief transactions. Regional Mobilization: Mexico has dispatched rescue and medical teams after a request from Venezuelan authorities, and other countries are sending personnel and supplies. Human Impact: Officials warn the toll could rise further as families search for loved ones and a government registry lists tens of thousands unaccounted for. Mexico–Venezuela Cooperation: A Mexican Air Force relief mission is already operating with search tools, medical staff, and canine units.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) struck northern Venezuela within 39 seconds, killing at least 235 and injuring about 4,300 as rescuers race to reach hundreds trapped under rubble; La Guaira and parts of Caracas were hit hardest, with the main airport damaged and aid slowed. International Aid & Sanctions Relief: The U.S. pledged a major humanitarian push, while countries including Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and others prepared rescue teams; the U.S. Treasury moved to waive some sanctions to keep earthquake-relief transactions flowing. Caribbean Regional Focus: Belize assumed the rotating Pro Tempore presidency of SICA, signaling priorities on integration, migration, energy security, and disaster risk management. Caribbean Energy Watch: Barbados is seeking new offshore oil exploration bids, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel. Labor & Tourism Policy: Antigua and Barbuda advanced a public-private hotel development model and a push for collective bargaining as a practical route to more stable workplaces.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes have devastated Caracas and nearby states, with the death toll reported at least 164 and nearly 1,000 injured as rescue teams dig through collapsed buildings; Venezuela declared a state of emergency, paused transport and suspended classes, while tsunami warnings were later canceled. International Aid & Diplomacy: The US says it’s mobilizing a “whole-of-government” response, and countries including Cuba, Iran, and several Latin American governments pledged rescue and medical support; Venezuela’s acting president also thanked leaders like India’s Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Brazil-China Finance: Brazil kicked off plans to issue sovereign panda bonds, aiming to raise up to 5 billion yuan—an effort that could deepen financial ties and expand access to China’s onshore bond market. Immigration Court Shock (US): The US Supreme Court cleared Trump to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a major shift that could affect hundreds of thousands. Colombia’s Rightward Turn: Commentary highlights how Colombia’s election results fit a broader Latin America swing to the right, with Washington’s role cited as a factor in regional politics. Caribbean Focus: CARICOM advanced youth diplomacy initiatives, bringing young women to shadow missions ahead of International Day for Women in Diplomacy.

Disaster Response in Venezuela: Back-to-back quakes—7.2 and 7.5, striking near Morón west of Caracas—collapsed buildings, triggered mass evacuations, and shut Simon Bolívar International Airport, with Venezuela declaring a state of emergency as officials warn high casualties and widespread damage. International Aid: The U.S. says it is mobilizing search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian support while coordinating with Venezuela’s interim authorities. Regional Impact: Tsunami alerts were issued across parts of the Caribbean before being lifted for some areas, while shaking was felt across multiple states and even reached neighboring countries. Peru Politics: In Peru, an electoral tribunal rejected a challenge to annul overseas votes, clearing the path for Keiko Fujimori’s expected victory as her lead became “statistically irreversible” amid a razor-thin runoff. Mental Health Policy: Antigua and Barbuda backed the OAS Declaration on Improving Mental Health in the Americas, framing it as essential to resilience and development across the hemisphere.

Colombia Election Shock: Progressive Iván Cepeda conceded Colombia’s presidential runoff to Trump-endorsed outsider Abelardo de la Espriella after results matched the preliminary count by a hair, setting up a new rightward turn and fresh debate over foreign interference. Bolivia Protests: Road blockades were lifted after 48 days, but Evo Morales warned the “pause” isn’t surrender as tensions over resources and prices remain. Peru Runoff Fallout: Keiko Fujimori surged toward victory in Peru’s runoff, while Roberto Sánchez rejected overseas-ballot handling and signaled he won’t accept a Fujimori government. U.S.-Brazil Trade Fight: Flavio Bolsonaro said he’ll testify against proposed U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, as the issue stays central to Brazil’s election campaign. Caribbean Blue Economy: CRFM and FAO launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub to share fisheries and marine planning tools. Global South Deals: SPIEF in Russia drew Global South delegates and thousands of agreements, with totals likely topping $100B. Tech Leadership: Heineken nominated Rafael Oliveira as CEO starting Oct. 1, filling a major leadership transition.

Bolivia Crisis: Ex-president Evo Morales told AFP the government is “stoking a civil war” amid weeks of roadblock shortages after President Rodrigo Paz’s election. Venezuela Trade & Retail: Delcy Rodríguez said new business registrations are surging, with Venezuela now boasting 1,600 supermarkets and 63 hypermarkets, while public distribution covers 37% of food supply. Caribbean Marine Protection: Venezuela and FAO launched a plan to stop an invasive coral threatening Caribbean Sea ecosystems and fishing. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela met CAF to discuss investment and foreign trade opportunities, while Equatorial Guinea and Venezuela strengthened energy and commercial ties. Bolivarian Ideology Push: Venezuela’s parliament deputy Grecia Colmenares said deputies will deploy nationwide to promote Bolivarian ideology and Latin American unity. Health Research: A study in Lupus Science & Medicine found a frailty index can predict mortality in Latin American lupus patients. US-Cuba Pressure: The US imposed new sanctions on Cuban state firms, targeting GAESA-linked entities. Colombia Politics: Coverage continues on the razor-thin runoff and the rightward shift tied to Trump-backed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. Caribbean Security Funding: Canada and the region’s leaders backed new funding to tackle Haiti’s gang crisis and boost Caribbean security.

Colombia Politics: Trump-backed far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential runoff, deepening the region’s rightward shift and setting up a new clash over crime, investment, and the fate of landmark climate policies. U.S.-Cuba Legal: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled ExxonMobil can pursue compensation from Cuba-linked firm CIMEX under the Helms-Burton Act, easing a key barrier tied to foreign sovereign immunity. Caribbean Migration Talks: OECS leaders agreed to form a high-level advisory team to negotiate with the U.S. over a request for member states to accept third-nation deportees. Regional Integration: CAF announced a $10 billion investment plan through 2031 to boost Latin America and the Caribbean’s infrastructure, trade, food security, energy, tourism, and logistics. Climate & Food Security: WFP warned El Niño conditions could strengthen through 2026, raising hunger risks while stressing there’s still time to prepare. Caribbean Education: Dominica math teachers completed a blended-learning “ACT Cohort 2” program to improve instruction. Business: Heineken named JDE Peet’s Rafael Oliveira as its new CEO, signaling leadership change for the brewer.

Colombia Politics: Trump-backed far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) leads in Colombia’s presidential runoff with an initial tally around 49.7% to Ivan Cepeda’s 48.7%, as Cepeda challenges results and supporters flood streets. U.S.-Iran Diplomacy & Oil: Iran talks progress and permission to keep exporting oil ease Brent crude, with the U.S. framing negotiations from a “position of strength.” Caribbean Security: The U.S. carried out another strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, killing 2 and leaving 6 survivors, while officials say evidence of trafficking is not publicly detailed. Public Safety & Inclusion (Antigua & Barbuda): Police chief urges residents to break silence on crime, while a disability employment initiative reports 7 people hired through a ministry programme. Health System Watch: Antigua’s Cancer Centre opening is delayed again to early fall/September due to repairs, unserviced equipment, and specialist recruitment. Trade & Diplomacy (OECS): OECS chair Gaston Browne pushes stronger trade links with Latin America, including expanding Spanish in schools. Tech & Commerce: Shopee is integrated into ChatGPT across multiple markets, with plans to bring ChatGPT for Business to sellers. Agriculture & Food Prices: Tomato prices surge in North America amid poor growing conditions and U.S.-Mexico trade frictions.

Colombia Election: Trump-backed far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella (“The Tiger”) led the preliminary vote count in Sunday’s presidential runoff, 49.7% to Iván Cepeda’s 48.7%, with 99.9% of ballots tallied, promising a hard crackdown on crime and a break from Gustavo Petro’s approach to peace talks. U.S.-Backed Security Push: The U.S. carried out another strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean, killing two and leaving six survivors, as Washington expands “narco-terrorist” operations in the region. Cuba Humanitarian Strain: Cuban religious sisters say fuel shortages tied to U.S. sanctions are disrupting daily ministry work, with electricity and supplies increasingly rationed. Caribbean Health Prep: The Dominican Republic boosted prevention and surveillance ahead of the Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games, tightening lab capacity, vaccination checks, and entry-point monitoring. Regional Energy Drive: St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed plans for renewable energy independence by 2035, combining geothermal, solar, and an undersea inter-island cable. Trade & Development: The IDB announced USD 5.8 billion for hunger and poverty programs under its Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, adding to last year’s social funding.

Colombia Election: Trump-backed far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) appeared headed to a razor-thin win in Colombia’s presidential runoff, leading leftist Iván Cepeda with about 49.65% vs 48.7% as nearly all ballots were counted, but both sides are disputing the result and demanding scrutiny before any official declaration. Protest & Tension: Supporters and opponents clashed in the streets after the preliminary count, with reports of burned U.S. flags and tear gas as the country braces for a potentially contentious final tally. U.S.-Colombia Security Pivot: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the president-elect, signaling closer cooperation on regional security, migration, and economic ties—while Colombia’s outgoing President Gustavo Petro urged caution and challenged the preliminary figures. U.S. Strikes in the Region: The U.S. military carried out another strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two and leaving six survivors, as rights groups criticize the campaign and the Pentagon continues to frame it as action against “narco-terrorists.” Regional Integration: In the Caribbean, OECS incoming chair Gaston Browne called for stronger integration, including a dedicated OECS airline and deeper U.S./regional partnership. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders in Ghana renewed calls for formal apologies and reparations tied to the transatlantic slave trade, including a global reparations fund and climate justice financing.