AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Election Pressure: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded Venezuela set “as soon as possible” the conditions for “free” elections, including a new electoral commission and space for parties to organize, while stressing the need for an independent press. US–Cuba Sanctions Hit Payments: Cuba’s central bank says Visa and Mastercard transactions will be suspended from June 6 after expanded US sanctions disrupted card processing, dealing another blow to tourism and everyday commerce. Climate Risk for the Region: The World Meteorological Organization warned El Niño is rapidly forming, with an 80% chance by August and 90% persistence into November—raising odds of extreme heat, drought and flooding across the Americas. Brazil–US Trade Clash: Lula rejected proposed new US tariffs, calling the treatment unacceptable, after Washington moved toward a 25% tariff plan and targeted Brazil’s criminal gangs. Venezuela Energy Payments: Venezuela ordered airlines and shipping firms to send fuel payment receipts to a US Treasury account tied to PDVSA fuel purchases, signaling tighter controls amid sanctions. Caribbean Tourism Push: Jamaica unveiled “Tourism 3.0” at Caribbean Week in New York, aiming for sustained growth and more benefits for workers and communities.

US-Cuba Tensions: Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a “failed state” and a growing U.S. national security threat, alleging Chinese and Russian intelligence activity and continued support for moves that undermine pro-U.S. governments across Latin America. Caribbean Maritime Digitalization: The Bahamas Maritime Authority rolled out a blockchain-based digital seafarer record book to verify sea service and replace paper discharge documents. Diplomacy & Appointments: Trinidad and Tobago’s Jennifer Johnson-Carroll was nominated by President Trump to become the next U.S. ambassador to T&T, pending Senate confirmation. Climate & Food Security: Guatemala’s drought and El Niño fears are raising alarms in the Dry Corridor, with officials preparing emergency food supplies as crop failures threaten millions. Regional Tourism: Aruba reported stay-over arrivals up 9.6% through April, signaling continued momentum for the island’s economy. Payments & Stablecoins: Mastercard said it will expand settlement options, including regulated stablecoin support, to move card transactions beyond traditional banking hours.

El Niño Alert: The UN weather agency says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms between June and August and a 90% chance it lasts until at least November, with climate change likely making heat, drought, and heavy rain worse. Peru Crime Surge: Ahead of Peru’s presidential runoff, AP reports extortion has surged fivefold and killings have more than doubled since 2020, fueling fear and insecurity across cities like Trujillo. Nicaragua Prisoner Dies: Nicaragua’s regime announced the death of Indigenous political prisoner Brooklyn Rivera, held for more than 970 days in detention. Costa Rica Migration Move: Costa Rica launched a regularization program for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants with pending or rejected cases, aiming to ease legal stay and allow work. US-Brazil Trade Fight: The Trump administration proposed 25% tariffs on Brazil despite a US trade surplus, with Lula calling it indignation and threatening retaliation. Cuba Defends GAESA: Cuba rejected US claims about the military-run GAESA conglomerate, saying it helps the economy amid sanctions. Avianca Expands: Avianca began a new nonstop San Francisco–Guatemala City route, boosting direct access to Guatemala’s capital and tourism hub Antigua.

Colombia Runoff: Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round with 43.7% and will face leftist Iván Cepeda on June 21, setting up a high-stakes clash over crime and governance. Caribbean Tourism Recovery: Sandals is pushing ahead with a $200m rebuild of three Jamaica resorts damaged by Hurricane Melissa, with reopenings now set for November and December. Climate Watch: The UN weather agency says El Niño is likely to emerge between June and August, raising heat and drought risks across the region. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: A French Navy operation in the Caribbean seized 737kg of cocaine from a speedboat and handed suspects and drugs to Colombian authorities. Business Climate: TMF Group’s Global Business Complexity Index finds Latin America is getting harder for foreign firms to operate in, with Mexico and Brazil among the most complex jurisdictions. Food Security Fear: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, drought is driving fears of hunger as rains fail to arrive. Healthcare Access: C2N and SouthGenetics plan to expand Alzheimer’s blood testing across Latin America and the Caribbean, starting with Argentina, Chile, Colombia and more.

Colombia Runoff Campaign: Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) and Sen. Iván Cepeda head into Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff after a first round split by security fears tied to drug-linked guerrilla violence, with Cepeda and President Gustavo Petro alleging irregularities and de la Espriella calling for U.S. and international monitoring. Venezuela Oil Update: Venezuela’s oil exports edged up to about 1.25 million bpd in May, with more cargoes going to the U.S., India and Europe as output and shipments recover amid eased sanctions. Caribbean Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank will host a high-level dialogue with other multilateral lenders in Nassau on how to adapt development finance to debt, climate shocks and uncertainty. Caribbean Aviation & Connectivity: ICAO’s North America, Central America and Caribbean civil aviation directors meet in Antigua to push safety, security and regional cooperation. Caribbean Tourism Branding: Rum tourism is shifting from a side attraction to a premium, story-driven growth engine for Caribbean destinations. U.S.-Cuba Military Ties: A rare SOUTHCOM meeting with senior Cuban military officials at Guantanamo Bay focused on base security and readiness amid heightened U.S. pressure. Colombia Election Stakes: The runoff is framed as a clash between a tough-on-crime outsider and a leftist continuity agenda, deepening ideological polarization. Sports Calendar: FIFA released the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 group-stage schedule, including Colombia vs. Japan in Group L.

Colombia Election: Tough-on-crime outsider Abelardo de la Espriella edged leftist senator Iván Cepeda in Sunday’s first round, setting up a June runoff after neither hit 50%, with both sides trading claims of vote manipulation as authorities counted nearly all ballots. Caribbean Politics & Security: A new push for U.S. scrutiny of South Africa’s Phala Phala cash scandal echoes wider regional demands for cross-border enforcement, while Caribbean leaders keep pressing for stronger cooperation and policy follow-through. Cuba Under Pressure: Cubans describe worsening daily life under intensified U.S. measures, with shortages forcing people into dangerous workarounds like charcoal cooking. Caribbean Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York opens with tourism ministers and marketing leaders focused on resilience, air connectivity, and brand strategy. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Jamaica 3-0 to retain the Unity Cup and then head to Poland for a friendly; Colombia’s political drama now mirrors a high-stakes national showdown. Business/Industry: Everbridge opens a Munich office to expand European resilience and emergency response services.

Colombia Election: Colombians vote Sunday in a high-stakes presidential race that could reshape the country’s approach to guerrilla violence and “total peace,” with leftist Ivan Cepeda leading polls but facing hard-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and conservative Paloma Valencia; a runoff is expected June 21. U.S.-Backed Drug War: The U.S. carried out another strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing three and bringing the week’s toll to 205, as officials push a narco-terrorism framing. Ebola Watch in Brazil: Brazil is monitoring two possible Ebola cases after Congo-linked outbreaks, with one suspected patient in São Paulo and another in Rio under investigation. Caribbean Aviation Shock: St. Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines withdrew from its route without consultation, and the government is now in talks with another carrier. Health & Pharma: Pfizer reported BREAKWATER Phase 3 results for BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and FOLFIRI in BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer, with progression-free survival nearly doubled. Business & Trade: Russia and Mexico plan talks on SWIFT alternatives to ease trade payments, including agricultural cooperation. Climate & Science: A study in Argentina links rising temperatures to heavier owl monkeys over the past two decades.

Colombia Election Watch: With Colombia voting Sunday, coverage spotlights a likely runoff and a three-way race at the top: Ivan Cepeda (left, tied to Petro’s agenda), Abelardo de la Espriella (right, Trump/Bukele-style messaging), and Paloma Valencia (center-right, backed by Álvaro Uribe), alongside a surge in international observation—1,500 foreign monitors joining 15,000 total observers to protect transparency. Guerrilla Violence and Children: Ahead of the vote, Reuters/AFP reporting from Suarez, Cauca describes how drone attacks and dissident assaults are traumatizing children living near a constant military target. Regional Security Crackdown: INTERPOL-backed Operation Orbe XI (with OAS support) seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across 20 countries, netting 8,701 arrests. Guyana Finance Push: Citi won Guyana approval to open a representative office in Georgetown to support infrastructure and export financing. Cuba-US Tensions: Separate reporting tracks Cuba’s praise for Pope Leo XIV’s peace message and ongoing US military engagement with Cuban officials near Guantánamo amid heightened pressure. Caribbean Energy and Tourism: A Guyana oil-growth story ties rising global prices to regional stakes, while Puerto Plata prepares 40 June routes via seven airlines.

US–Cuba Tensions: Gen. Francis Donovan met Cuban commanders near Guantánamo Bay as Washington ratchets pressure on the island, with Cuba warning of “real and dangerous” threats and officials discussing security along the perimeter. Colombia Election: Colombia heads to the polls Sunday in a race that could reshape ties with the Trump administration, amid reported political violence, kidnappings and threats since early 2025. Cocaine Crackdown (Puerto Rico): US Customs seized 391 lbs. of cocaine after a vessel pursuit north of San Juan, using “air disabling fire” to stop the boat. Caribbean Security & Drugs: Pacific leaders, including Tonga’s PM, say regional cooperation is intensifying to stop illicit drugs moving through Pacific waters. Sports & Identity: Haiti’s World Cup return story is framed as resilience amid instability, while West Indies Women kept their tri-series winning streak with a 25-run victory over Pakistan. Business/Trade: Stellantis says its next Jeep SUV for global markets will be built on Tata’s ARGOS platform in India, targeting a 2028 launch.

Colombia Election Security: Colombia heads to the polls Sunday with an unprecedented deployment of 246,000 security personnel and alerts across 386 municipalities as political violence fears rise ahead of the May 31 presidential vote. Military Tech Escalation: In the same tense run-up, Colombia’s army is testing explosive-drone tactics to match guerrillas’ use of homemade drones. Caribbean Banking Deal: Butterfield is set to buy a majority stake in CIBC Caribbean in a landmark US$1.8 billion transaction, with no immediate operational changes promised. Brazil-U.S. Crime Clash: Brazil rejects the U.S. designation of major Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist groups, warning it could undermine sovereignty and cooperation. Brazil-Suriname Trade Push: Lula and Suriname’s president agreed to expand a limited trade relationship, with talks aimed at new sectors beyond today’s mostly Brazilian exports. World Cup Betting Boom: A betting expert says World Cup wagering could top $50 billion, driven by expanded teams and more player-prop “bet builder” formats. Puerto Rico Cruise Surge: Puerto Rico logged record winter cruise numbers, with passenger movement up about 43% year-on-year in Old San Juan. Panama Emeralds Provenance: Researchers confirmed Panama’s green stones came from Colombian emerald sources via ancient trade routes.

Cuba-US Tensions: A Cuban commentary says the island’s “drama” is driven by the regime, the population, and external forces as Havana warns of rising risk of US “military aggression” amid stalled talks. Caribbean Health Cooperation: Trinidad and Tobago’s Cuban ambassador confirms 59 Cuban medical professionals are still working in the country, with uncertainty over what happens after 2027. Paraguay-Brazil Trade Link: The Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch, with just 21 meters left to complete the Paraguay River bridge that will connect Atlantic-to-Pacific logistics. Tourism Momentum: WTTC data shows Central and South America’s travel sector is set to outpace the global average in 2026, while Mexico leads North America in 2025 visitor spending and arrivals. World Cup Betting Boom: Analysts expect World Cup betting revenue to top $50B, driven by player props and “bet builder” options. Rio Culture Funding: Rio de Janeiro’s mayor unveils a $45M investment plan to expand culture and film/TV production through 2028. Caribbean Youth Tourism: CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase names finalists for June 4 live pitches in New York.

U.S. Election Fight: A federal judge declined to block President Trump’s mail-voting order, saying it’s too early to challenge it—though the ruling leaves room for new lawsuits once the directive is enforced. Cuba Under Pressure: Reports from Havana’s outskirts show families cooking with charcoal or wood as fuel shortages deepen amid intensified U.S. pressure, raising fresh questions about how long the government can absorb the strain. Venezuela Air Links: JetBlue says it plans its first-ever Venezuela flights, launching Fort Lauderdale–Caracas service pending approvals. Caribbean Banking Deal: Butterfield agreed to buy CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a $1.8 billion transaction, aiming to expand cross-border payments and wealth services. Regional Security & Health: A Moscow forum stressed that health threats cross borders and require cooperation, while IATA data flagged volatile air-cargo conditions tied to disruptions around the Middle East. Culture & Community: Netflix unveiled the first look at Brazil’s “On Behalf of My Son,” and Paraguay’s Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra story is set for a U.S. stage premiere.

Labor & Elections in Brazil: Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies advanced a constitutional reform to cut the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, ending the six-day schedule with two rest days and no pay cuts for at least 37 million workers, a move backed by unions and Lula ahead of October elections. Colombia Peace Talks & Poll Pressure: Colombia’s ELN and FARC dissidents announced separate unilateral ceasefires timed around the presidential election, with the ELN truce set for May 30–June 2 and the dissident FARC leadership proposing a wider halt. Caribbean-Cuba Tensions: Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago held back on a CARICOM statement condemning intensified U.S. measures against Cuba, underscoring regional divisions as Washington pressures Havana. Caribbean Cricket: Cricket West Indies set Pakistan’s two-Test series for July 25–29 and Aug. 2–6 in Trinidad, including the first-ever Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Puerto Rico Tourism & Business: Puerto Rico inaugurated Pan American Pier 2 after a $40 million investment, aiming to boost cruise arrivals and economic activity, while Hecho en Puerto Rico elected Pedro Rosaly as its new president. Fintech Payments: Alipay+ expanded cross-border QR payments in Latin America via PVS, starting with Chile and Argentina.

Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz signed a law restoring the executive’s power to deploy the military in the streets and to speed up emergency declarations, as violent protests and shortages shake the country. Caribbean Security & Cuba: CARICOM’s foreign council condemned intensifying U.S.-linked measures against Cuba and warned against any military aggression, while Trinidad and Tobago abstained from a related statement. Ebola Watch: As the WHO declared an Ebola emergency in the DRC, countries across the region tightened entry and screening rules, including new U.S. restrictions and border closures. Chile Antitrust: Chile’s competition regulator proposed a $39.6M fine against Pluxee over alleged voucher market collusion with Edenred, setting up a legal fight. Tech/Business: 1Point1 Solutions reported strong Q4 growth and launched an AI resolution brand, while Alchemy Pay expanded crypto fiat on-ramps in Malaysia with major wallet integrations. Regional Mobility: Tobago’s jet ski operators faced a judge’s push to move away from Pigeon Point Heritage Park after a fatal accident.

US-Cuba Tensions: Trump says he’s considering military action against Cuba, after the US DOJ indicted 94-year-old Raúl Castro on murder charges—raising fears of a wider Caribbean escalation. Maritime Crackdown: The US also carried out another strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing one and rescuing two. Immigration Pressure on Mexico: Human Rights Watch reports nearly 13,000 Cubans and Venezuelans deported to Mexico are being dropped into cartel-risk cities without basic services. China-Colombia Pivot: Chinese and Colombian foreign ministers vowed to deepen practical cooperation, citing Belt and Road ties and support for Colombia’s peace process. Bolivia Protests: A former Iranian ambassador says Bolivia’s pro-US shift is another Washington failure as protests enter a fourth week. Tech & Finance: Mexico’s Visa principal issuer membership for Reap signals stablecoin-linked card expansion across the Americas. Caribbean Spotlight: Guyana marks 60 years with a world-record tele-robotic surgery and plans for digital-ID travel with Barbados from July 1.

Caribbean Health Watch: The Bahamas is isolating two recently arrived European travelers after they showed fever symptoms, while dozens of nearby passengers are under enhanced monitoring as officials warn Ebola risk remains low. Cuba Energy & Shipping: A Russian sanctioned diesel tanker, Universal, has accelerated and turned away from Cuba toward the South Atlantic after weeks of erratic navigation, underscoring the island’s ongoing diesel and fuel shortages. Colombia Election: With the presidential vote days away, Colombia’s campaign is marked by unusually little debate and heavy polarization, setting up a likely runoff. Dutch Caribbean Security: The Kingdom’s Coast Guard says it intercepted more than 11 tons of drugs in 2025 and rescued 443 people, while noting Venezuela–U.S. tensions complicated regional security operations. Tech & Travel: American Airlines plans to retrofit 500+ Airbus jets with Starlink Wi‑Fi starting in 2027, as Miami-Dade’s airport bond outlook improves. Culture: Sharon Hurley Hall is named a finalist for diaspora literary impact in the Caribbean Global Awards.