AGP Executive Report

Colombia’s Power Shift: Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s new president in Cali with heavy security, marking a sharp rightward turn after his June runoff win. FIFA Turmoil: Gianni Infantino’s leadership faces fresh pressure as Norway’s football federation calls for his resignation, while South American football leaders back him amid the fallout from his World Cup investment plan. Drug Enforcement in the Caribbean: Dominican authorities launched Operation LGTCA, dismantling a South America-linked trafficking network with 14 raids and arrests, including routes to Puerto Rico by speedboat. Climate Watch: Scientists warn a possible eastern Atlantic tropical wave could develop toward the Caribbean, while broader El Niño risks threaten droughts and extreme rain across Latin America and the Caribbean. Public Health & Food Safety: Brazil research links expanding wild boar farming to antibiotic-resistant bacteria concerns, raising zoonotic risk worries. Sports & Culture: Venezuela’s Daniel Román won gold in speed boating at the Central American and Caribbean Games, as regional athletes and federations keep pushing ties through events and partnerships.

FIFA Power Struggle: CAF unanimously backed embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino after FIFA admitted mistakes in its abandoned “Forward Enterprise” plan, while Norway’s football chief Lise Klaveness renewed calls for him to resign and Europe’s UEFA kept a boycott threat alive. Political Transition in Colombia: A strained handover marks Colombia’s new presidency as Abelardo de la Espriella takes office, with supporters and opponents clashing over legitimacy and symbolism. Caribbean Cricket & Tourism: The CPL 2026 kicks off with Jamaica Kingsmen vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in St Vincent, while Caribbean Airlines reported 66,814 passengers on the Trinidad–Tobago airbridge in July after adding flights. Climate & Work Impacts: The ILO warns El Niño 2026–2027 could hit jobs and incomes across Latin America and the Caribbean, especially informal and outdoor workers. Regional Economy: Curaçao’s central bank unveiled a 2026–2028 strategy to modernize supervision, payments, and consumer protection. Public Safety: A student shooting outside Bangkok killed at least five staff and the attacker, after killing his grandparents.

Venezuela Talks Under US Watch: US-backed political transition talks between Venezuela’s interim government and opposition began in Caracas, with Dinorah Figuera representing the opposition; Maria Corina Machado was absent, raising questions about how quickly democratic institutions and elections can move. Caribbean Violence Focus: The Caribbean Development Bank, UN Women Caribbean and UWI Cave Hill launched a regional anti-violence push after a high-level forum, tackling gang violence, gender-based violence and how climate displacement compounds harm. Climate Resilience in Grenada: UWI Global Campus announced an inaugural Climate Conference in Grenada for April 7–9, 2027, aiming to produce practical recommendations for small island climate adaptation. Panama Canal Cuts Draft for El Niño: Panama lowered the maximum draft for Neopanamax locks starting Aug. 26 (48 feet), with another reduction planned Sept. 3, as El Niño intensifies and water levels are managed. Haiti Rights Report: The UN detailed gang atrocities in Port-au-Prince, citing hundreds killed, widespread rape, and thousands displaced in neighborhoods over months. Caribbean Cricket Campaign: Flow launched “We Live For This” to back the 2026 Republic Bank CPL, betting on cricket as a shared regional identity.

El Niño Hunger Surge: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push nearly 50 million more people into acute hunger, raising acute food shortages from 225 million to 274 million starting in September, with Central America among the hardest hit. Climate Impacts on Coasts: Record sargassum seaweed is smothering beaches across the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Florida, hurting tourism and raising cleanup and air-quality concerns. FIFA Infantino Fallout: FIFA apologized to member associations over “errors” tied to a scrapped World Cup investment plan, while leadership reaffirmed support for Gianni Infantino amid mounting calls for reform and pressure from European football. Caribbean Sports & Culture: The CPL kicks off Aug. 7 across eight countries, spotlighting young talent; in the Dominican Republic, Bahamian hurdler Denisha Cartwright narrowly missed a medal at the CAC Games. Regional Politics & Migration: In the U.S., ICE plans a ramp-up to arrest and deport Haitians as TPS ends, intensifying uncertainty for hundreds of thousands. Energy & Industry: Trinidad and Tobago faces criticism after T&TEC stopped taking power from its Brechin Castle solar farm, raising questions about planning and contracts.

FIFA Crisis: European leagues added fresh pressure on Gianni Infantino, calling his World Cup stake-sale plan “dangerous” and demanding governance reform after FIFA denied he offered Morocco the 2030 final in return for support; FIFA also issued an apology for “mistakes” and said senior staff in Morocco reaffirmed support for Infantino. Venezuela & Humanitarian Aid: Suriname sent seven tons of food and hygiene supplies to Venezuela after the June double earthquakes, landing at Maiquetía. Sports & Medals: Venezuela’s Patricia Mercado won gold and silver in weightlifting at the Santo Domingo 2026 Games. Regional Diplomacy: Uruguay warned that the Argentina-Brazil diplomatic crisis is “bad news” for Mercosur and urged dialogue. U.S.-Haiti Fallout: A U.S. federal judge cleared the way to end TPS for about 350,000 Haitians, putting many at risk of job loss and deportation. Security Focus (Colombia): Colombia’s president-elect pledged to dismantle organized crime’s financial and operational networks, not just arrest suspects. Caribbean Spotlight: Jamaica announced expanded winter airlift from Canada, adding about 400,000 seats for 2026/27.

Guatemala Volcano Crisis: Fuego erupted again, forcing evacuations and a red alert as ash and lava flows threatened communities; officials warned the next 72 hours are critical and rain could worsen mudslides. El Niño Hunger Warning: UN agencies warn strong El Niño could push tens of millions more into acute hunger across Latin America and the Caribbean, raising pressure on food systems and aid planning. FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino held emergency talks in Morocco amid backlash over his shelved plan to bring private investment into World Cup commercial rights, with calls for him to step down growing inside and outside FIFA. Cocaine Crackdown: Spain and Ecuador carried out a joint operation that led to 44 arrests and seizure of 21 tons of cocaine shipped from South America to Europe. Venezuela Disaster Tech: After major earthquakes, Venezuelan responders increasingly used AI drones to speed damage assessment and rescue coordination. Caribbean Sports: Bahamas sits fourth after day one of the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships at Baha Mar, while Puerto Rico leads the team standings.

Guatemala Volcano Crisis: Fuego’s eruption is in a “critical explosive phase,” with pyroclastic flows reaching up to 7 km and ash spreading as authorities warn of rain-triggered lahars; nearly 29,000 people are affected and about 1,400 have been evacuated. Diplomatic Spat Escalates: The Trump administration revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the U.S., Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in retaliation over visa denials and delays tied to Brazil’s election politics; Brazil calls it hostile interference. Caribbean Finance Push: CARICOM is studying a regional stock exchange, arguing capital markets remain fragmented and that a connected market could unlock financing for micro, small and medium-sized firms. Haiti Election Delay: Haiti postponed planned August presidential elections to December as gang violence keeps the country in a security vacuum. FIFA Governance Fallout: FIFA’s “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan to sell part of a World Cup-run company was abandoned after backlash from UEFA and others, with Arsène Wenger saying the withdrawal was necessary. Sports & Culture: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was unveiled by Chile’s Colo-Colo after World Cup breakout; Dominica’s Lennox Linton won a constitutional case over the opposition leader post.

Guatemala Volcano Alert: Guatemala issued an orange “danger” alert after Fuego erupted again, evacuating two nearby villages and suspending classes and closing roads as lava and ash intensified. FIFA Power Struggle: FIFA’s Infantino fallout deepened as internal staff emails condemned his scrapped World Cup stake-sale plan and UEFA warned of legal action, while more football bodies distanced themselves. Dominican Sports Surge: The Dominican Republic dominated Santo Domingo 2026, sweeping men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball gold and setting a record in the mixed 4×400 relay; Liranyi Alonso also broke the women’s 100m Games record for gold. Caribbean Mobility: Santo Domingo Metro extended operating hours through the end of the Central American and Caribbean Games to handle crowds. Regional Trade Push: Ghana’s President Mahama said he’ll advocate for Caribbean inclusion in Africa’s AfCFTA, aiming to boost trade and investment with Jamaica. Health & Community: Bahamian sisters launched “Coins for Cancer,” raising $7,500 for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA says it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino after his World Cup stake-selling plan collapsed, while English and Welsh football associations have withdrawn support and talk of “non-cooperation” grows as legal threats loom. Caribbean Trade Pressure: The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago face new U.S. import tariffs tied to forced-labor claims, just as visa restrictions add uncertainty for exporters. Cuba Blackouts: Cuba is hit again by a nationwide grid collapse, the sixth in 2026, leaving residents coping with extreme heat and disrupted daily life. Honduras Justice: A judge ruled Juan Orlando Hernández won’t be jailed during his fraud and money-laundering trial as the corruption case proceeds. Sports Spotlight: Cuba advanced undefeated in baseball at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo; Venezuela won medals in field hockey and shooting. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana’s President Mahama held talks with Jamaica’s leaders to deepen trade, investment and cultural ties.

FIFA Power Struggle: Wales became the first national federation to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election after his failed plan to sell stakes in World Cup profits to private investors, as UEFA escalates threats of legal action and more federations weigh their next moves. Cuba Energy Crisis: Cuba suffered another nationwide blackout after its grid collapsed, adding to repeated outages in July and worsening daily life amid ongoing energy reforms. Anti-Drug Crackdown: Liberia says security forces destroyed two massive cocaine consignments worth about US$336 million, signaling a shift from seizures toward targeting alleged financiers and facilitators. Brazil Entertainment Boom: Live Nation will build São Paulo’s 21,000-capacity indoor arena via a joint venture, aiming to open in 2028 and host 200+ events a year. Ghana–Jamaica Diplomacy: President John Dramani Mahama began a four-day Jamaica visit to deepen trade, culture, South-South cooperation, and reparations talks with CARICOM. Sports Spotlight (Dominican Republic): At Santo Domingo 2026, the DR won medals across basketball, tennis, swimming and track, including a late goal in men’s soccer and home-crowd golds in half marathon and tennis.

FIFA Power Struggle: CONCACAF escalated its pushback against Gianni Infantino after FIFA’s plan to sell minority stakes in a World Cup commercial entity was scrapped—calling it “poor governance” and warning a “comprehensive reckoning” is still needed, as UEFA and other confederations demand accountability. Brazil Politics: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, launched his reelection bid, saying he’s “in great shape” while facing rising concerns about foreign interference and external political backing for rivals. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic agreed to normalize bilateral relations, with transition talks in Venezuela set to start in person next week. Caribbean Sports & Commemoration: The Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo continued with standout results (including Puerto Rico’s baseball win over Curaçao) while Caribbean leaders marked Emancipation Day with renewed calls for economic freedom and reparatory justice. Tech & Trade: South Korea moves to import Argentine crude next year and signed a critical minerals cooperation deal, as Lee Jae Myung also met Germany’s Korean community in Frankfurt.

Venezuela Transition Talks: Government and opposition agreed to start in-person transition talks in Caracas next week, with a working agenda covering quake assistance, “reinforcement of democracy,” and political rights after the January Maduro ouster and June earthquakes. FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA and CONCACAF escalated pressure on Gianni Infantino after FIFA scrapped a controversial World Cup private-investor plan, with UEFA saying it has “lost confidence” and warning “no option should be off the table.” Caribbean Disaster Readiness: Trinidad and Tobago urged stronger disaster preparedness after a Venezuela earthquake’s regional impacts, highlighting how interconnected Caribbean risks can hit far beyond borders. Business & AI Push: T&T businesses are being urged to earn foreign exchange and adopt AI as local FX shortages squeeze competition. Sports—West Indies vs Pakistan: The second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain begins Aug. 2 as West Indies chase a historic series win and Pakistan look to regroup. Commonwealth Games: Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaniqua Bascombe won silver in the women’s 200m. Dominica Bike Festival: Dominica’s 2026 Bike Festival kicked off with 300+ riders from across the region and beyond.

FIFA Crisis: Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell private stakes in a World Cup commercial company collapsed after UEFA and CONCACAF demanded accountability, with UEFA saying it has “lost confidence” in FIFA leadership and calling for a “comprehensive reckoning.” Venezuela Talks: Venezuela’s government and opposition agreed to start transition negotiations in person in Caracas next week, with quake aid and political rights on the agenda. Amazon Archaeology: Using lasers (LiDAR), researchers reported hundreds of previously hidden ancient structures under the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, pointing to a far more populated past. Education & Demographics: UNESCO highlighted how declining birth rates across Latin America are forcing major changes to education planning, teacher needs, and school resources. Caribbean Emancipation & Reparations: Caribbean leaders marked Emancipation Day while renewing calls for reparatory justice, including land and economic opportunity beyond formal freedom. Guyana Salvage: Guyana’s maritime authorities launched an expression-of-interest process to salvage the MV Barima wreck after last month’s disaster.

FIFA U-turn: Gianni Infantino has scrapped his $4.2 billion plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights after a fast backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, with UEFA saying it has “lost confidence” in FIFA leadership and hinting at accountability moves. Caribbean Cricket: West Indies Test captain Roston Chase says the team is “exactly where we want to be” ahead of the second match vs Pakistan, aiming to make the Caribbean a “fortress” and build on recent home wins. Climate Shock: The UN warns a strengthening El Niño could push the planet into “uncharted territory,” amplifying extreme heat and rainfall risks. Seaweed Crisis: Record sargassum blankets beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, threatening marine life and tourism. Regional Sports Business: Ticket lines for Trinidad’s CPL home games at the Queen’s Park Oval drew complaints about organization and sold-out matches. Sports Legacy: Tributes continue for cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers, remembered as a true all-rounder.

FIFA Backlash: FIFA shelved its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors after a wave of opposition, with Infantino saying the proposal created divisions “no longer in the interest” of FIFA’s goals; the fight also triggered resignations from senior figures, including adviser Carlos Cordeiro, as UEFA and CONCACAF threatened boycotts. World Cup Format Watch: FIFA is still studying whether to expand the 2030 men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a move that could reshape the tournament’s future. El Niño Heat Alert: The UN’s weather agency warned strong El Niño is intensifying from August, raising odds of record temperatures and major rainfall shifts across Central America and the Caribbean. Caribbean Health & Funding: UN-AIDS warned that funding cuts could reverse HIV progress in Latin America and the Caribbean. Regional Politics: Colombia’s President Petro said he will travel to Cuba to oppose U.S. threats of military action. Climate Disaster on Coasts: Seaweed sargassum is smothering beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, harming marine life and tourism. Minerals Deal: South Korea and Argentina agreed to expand cooperation on critical minerals, including lithium across the value chain.

FIFA World Cup Fight: FIFA doubled down on its “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan to bring private investors into World Cup commercial rights, insisting “nobody is selling football” and blaming “erroneous reporting” for the backlash, while saying it will still hold an “open and democratic” consultation. Regional Soccer Revolt: UEFA voted to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan moves ahead, and CONCACAF rejected the proposal citing “deep concerns” and process problems; now the Asian Football Confederation also joined the opposition, warning FIFA’s governance and decision-making must be reviewed. Political Pressure: Europe’s Parliament is set to summon Gianni Infantino for a hearing over the privatization plan, as FIFA’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest. Trade & Shipping: Maersk is expanding its shuttle strategy to west coast Latin America with a new service linking Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador, starting in September. Caribbean Governance: Saint Kitts and Nevis is digitizing social assistance registration, moving school support applications online and using e-cash tools to speed access.