AGP Executive Report

Sports Tourism Boost: Guyana confirmed it will host the 2028 South American Powerlifting Championships, a first for the country, with athletes expected from across the region and a push to grow international events. Caribbean Diplomacy & Reparations: Ghana’s President Mahama renewed calls for dignified treatment of enslaved Africans’ remains and laid out “Next Steps” pillars for reparatory justice at the UN, while Jamaica’s reparations petition was referred by King Charles to the Privy Council. Regional Politics at the UN: CARICOM backed India’s bid for a UN Security Council seat for 2028-29, as Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s UN leadership race faced a reported U.S. veto threat. Caribbean Business & Trade: Ghana’s envoy to the Caribbean urged firms to build their own brands to expand markets, spotlighting a new Afri-Caribbean trade showroom in The Bahamas. Tourism Deal Watch: Royal Caribbean and Sandals announced a $3 billion, 50-50 partnership to expand Caribbean all-inclusive offerings, sending Royal Caribbean shares down after the announcement. Climate Alert: El Niño hit record-breaking intensity levels, raising risks of extreme heat, droughts, floods, and health impacts across the region. Culture & Media: The Gaza documentary “NAZA” is set for a global theatrical rollout across 56 territories, followed by a free worldwide release on The Guardian’s website.

Venezuela Politics: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez told the UN General Assembly Venezuela will hold elections as part of a transition to “full democracy,” but gave no date, while critics say Washington has sidelined the opposition. UN Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Rodríguez also met Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in New York, highlighting energy integration, maritime security, and a shared vision for deeper Caribbean dialogue. Colombia Security: Santa Marta’s tourism hub was brought to a standstill after threats and attacks by the ACSN armed group against local businesses and transport, prompting a troop deployment and a security crackdown. Caribbean Climate: AO-SIS warned that climate promises must turn into action and accessible financing for small island states, as extreme heat and drought worsen. Caribbean Governance/Tech: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Konris Maynard was elected president of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, pushing regional ICT priorities. Sports Spotlight (Venezuela): Venezuela won gold in women’s under-20 soccer at the ODESUR 2026 Games, and Joaquín Sánchez took karate do gold. Business/Travel: Royal Caribbean signed a landmark deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, aiming to expand all-inclusive vacation offerings across the Caribbean.

Curaçao Tourism Boom: Curaçao logged 578,814 stayover visitors in the first eight months of 2026 (+10%), with the Netherlands still the biggest market (31%) and the U.S. rapidly closing the gap (+7%). World Cup Global Exposure: The island’s “Blue Wave” World Cup run generated about 29.5 billion in media reach and 584,000 social mentions, boosting online visibility during the campaign. Public Safety Focus: An IDB analysis urges Curaçao to look beyond islandwide crime rates and map “pockets of fragility” where violence and weak institutions cluster. Climate Responsibility Debate: The Netherlands’ Scientific Climate Council says Dutch climate support for Curaçao and other islands is too fragmented and will now assess Dutch responsibility across all six Kingdom islands. Online Gambling Leak: Investigators say Curaçao’s online gambling sector is dominated by owners based mostly in Europe, with documents linking ~800 owners to nearly 650 licensed companies. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana signed an air services deal with Trinidad and Tobago to deepen connectivity and cooperation. Security Presence: A French Navy patrol vessel, La Combattante, made a routine port call in Willemstad as part of anti-trafficking operations. Royal Caribbean–Sandals Deal: Royal Caribbean plans to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches for about $3B, aiming to expand into Caribbean all-inclusive resorts.

UN Security & Crime Crackdown: President Trump used the UN General Assembly to push a US-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition to sanction 24 criminal networks, calling cartels the “ISIS of the Western Hemisphere” and urging asset freezes and visa bans. Regional Diplomacy: Brazil warned CELAC about the erosion of multilateralism and non-interference, while Venezuela urged stronger Africa–Latin America health cooperation at the UN. Caribbean Reparations Push: Jamaica hailed King Charles’ decision to refer its slavery reparations petition to the UK privy council for legal advice, a move Jamaica calls a “really big deal.” Caribbean Security Priorities: Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar flagged transnational organised crime and illicit weapons as top UN security concerns for small island states. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Venezuela won gold in the Santa Fe 2026 athletics 4x100 relay, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Falcons captured their first CPL title.

El Niño Health Warning: The UN warned El Niño is a “significant” public health threat, raising risks of malaria, dengue, and cholera as drought and heavy rains strain weak health systems across Central America and beyond. Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba suffered another nationwide blackout after a “total disconnection” hit the grid, with power restored first to priority areas like hospitals and water pumping. Caribbean Airlift Boost: The Bahamas welcomed Aeroméxico’s new nonstop Mexico City–Nassau service, a major expansion of Latin America connectivity and tourism access. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set for high-level UNGA talks, including a meeting with Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez to rebuild cooperation. Security & Justice: Colombia dealt another blow to Los Pachencas, killing alleged leader “Cholo” in a military operation in the Magdalena department. Sports & Clubs: FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027 will culminate in Miami, with Nigeria’s Edo Queens booking the continental path after winning WAFU-B qualifiers.

Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s Félix Plasencia urged CELAC to shift from talk to concrete results, while President Delcy Rodríguez met World Bank chief Ajay Banga in New York to push economic recovery and normalize ties with multilateral finance. Economy Watch: ECLAC warned Latin America and the Caribbean face low growth and high uncertainty, urging more productive investment, stronger regional integration, and job creation. AI Push: The IDB convened regional leaders and tech executives to map “safe” AI adoption, projecting big GDP gains but warning wages could fall without worker mobility. Security & Rights: A UN human rights expert said U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats may amount to crimes against humanity, after attacks killed 223 people. Caribbean Environment: Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin’s International Coastal Cleanup collected 1,554 kg of waste, mostly plastics and foam. Business in the Region: McDonald’s is testing a new franchise model in Colombia, starting with a Valledupar restaurant. Sports (Caribbean): Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago open CONCACAF Nations League action in Kingston as both sides look to reset after recent tournament runs.

U.S.-Led Counternarcotics: The U.S. plans to redeploy MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to Latin America, with Ecuador and Colombia flagged for joint operations as Washington expands anti-cartel and anti-terror strikes. Human Rights in the Dutch Caribbean: Curaçao and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are pushing to implement the Istanbul Convention on violence against women and to extend the disability rights treaty, with the 2027 Kingdom Relations budget prioritizing both. Rule of Law & Crime Fighting: The Netherlands will keep funding the RST specialized crime team and boost rule-of-law spending in 2027, including border-control support for Curaçao. Food Security Push: A new Agri Academy and a revolving food fund are slated for Curaçao and other islands in 2027, alongside water and storage investments. Racial Discrimination Reporting: Curaçao approved its contribution to a UN racial discrimination review due in January 2027. Reparations Funding: The Netherlands earmarked about €14.7 million for slavery-past programs in 2027, with Curaçao involved in shaping implementation. COVID Spending Ends: New COVID-related spending drops to zero in 2027, though Curaçao’s pandemic liquidity debt continues. UN Warns on Strikes: A UN report says U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean and Pacific may breach international law and could amount to crimes against humanity.

U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Super Falconets crashed out after a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Colombia, with a late goal by Valerin Loboa and a red card for Nigeria in stoppage time. France-Canada Pivot: Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney pledged closer France-Canada ties in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, citing sovereignty, climate, defense, and energy as they navigate strains with the US. Caribbean Reparations Push: Barbados PM Mia Mottley backed a plan to train Caribbean children as “reparations activists” to sustain demands for compensation from Britain for decades. US-Caribbean Security: SOUTHCOM says its Caribbean strikes have surpassed 231 deaths, including a September 19 operation that killed four people it labeled “narco-terrorists.” Cuba Sanctions: Díaz-Canel warned the US sanctions list is “endless” as Washington targets entities tied to Cuba’s military and nickel sector. Venezuela Sports & Diplomacy: Venezuela climbed to 44th in FIBA’s women’s world ranking and met Caribbean partners via the AEC to deepen cooperation.

Caribbean Reparations Push: CARICOM leaders are weighing legal strategies to force the UK into reparations talks, with Barbados PM Mia Mottley urging a shift from advocacy to a court case tied to UN anti-racism treaties. US Counter-Narcotics in the Caribbean: SOUTHCOM says a lethal strike on a go-fast vessel killed four people it labeled “narco-terrorists,” as Washington expands its campaign against drug trafficking in the region. Cuba Blackout: Reuters reports Cuba’s power grid suffered another total collapse, leaving millions without electricity and prompting gradual restoration efforts. Venezuela Politics & Oil: Opposition leader María Corina Machado says she’s preparing to return from exile to press for elections, as the Trump administration deepens ties with interim President Delcy Rodríguez amid a major oil deal. Regional Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines (CAL) plans to resume Caracas flights on Oct. 17, welcomed by travel operators in Trinidad and Tobago. Food Prices Pressure in Chile: In Santiago, even the “completo” is getting pricier as Chile nears recession and inflation hits households. Sports & Culture: Great Britain booked Davis Cup Finals after beating Ecuador in doubles; and Carcass announced a first-time Paraguay show in Asunción on Nov. 30.

U.S. Counter-Narcotics: The U.S. military says it killed four people in a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, part of a broader campaign targeting “narco-terrorists,” with rights groups calling it extrajudicial. Diplomatic Moves: Paraguay President Santiago Peña returned from a working visit to Venezuela, where he met Delcy Rodríguez as Caracas pushes renewed Latin America and Caribbean diplomatic ties. Sports, South America: Venezuela’s Douglas Gómez won silver in 25m fast shooting at the Santa Fe Games, while Venezuela’s women’s softball team beat Brazil 8-0 to take gold. Sports, Caribbean & Cricket: West Indies named squads for India, with Guyanese players including Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran earning call-ups. Environment & Science: Bolivia identified a new wild cat species, the tilcayo tiger cat, after more than a century without a new felid discovery. Climate & Water: A World Meteorological Organization analysis warns freshwater reserves are increasingly below historical norms, with 42% of the world’s territory affected by deficits.

Caribbean Reparations Push: Caribbean leaders are preparing to sue Britain over slavery reparations using international racial discrimination laws, with plans to press the issue at major summits. Regional Payments Upgrade: CARICOM is moving toward a faster, cheaper cross-border payments system in local currencies, with a pilot expected after further consultations. Latin America Trade & Finance: A new regional payment system pilot and forex pressure are also driving corporate moves, including a Caribbean firm’s acquisition strategy aimed at regional expansion. Bolivia Wildlife Breakthrough: Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia after more than a century, naming it Leopardus tilcayo. Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba suffered another major blackout after a total grid disconnection, worsening shortages and disrupting hospitals and services. Sports & Culture: Jamaica Kingsmen reached the CPL final after beating Guyana, while FIFA opponents renewed calls for extra payouts to member federations.

Bolivia–IMF Deal: Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9 billion IMF loan, a major step toward stabilizing the economy, but it also raises fresh fears of unrest as conditions like fuel subsidy cuts loom. U.S.–Venezuela Talks: US President Donald Trump is set to meet Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez in New York, the first in-person meeting since Washington ousted Nicolas Maduro—coming after a US-Venezuela energy agreement tied to partial control of oil reserves. Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba suffered its seventh major blackout of the year, with Havana reporting about 5% power amid fuel shortages and grid failures worsened by the US energy blockade. Caribbean Environment: Venezuela pushed scientific cooperation at an AEC Sargasso Subcommission meeting, aiming to coordinate regional solutions to sargassum’s impact on fishing, ports, and tourism. Sports Governance: FIFA’s European and North American leaders urged Infantino to release an extra $2.1 billion to federations from FIFA reserves, escalating pressure over his failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists highlighted Bolivia’s newly recognized wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, the first new cat species in over a century.

Climate & Health in the Caribbean: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that by mid-century, more than 9 in 10 children in parts of the Eastern Caribbean could face exposure to at least three climate hazards, with already over a third facing multiple risks today. Reparations Push: Caribbean leaders plan to press slavery reparations at the upcoming Commonwealth summit, with CARICOM’s secretary-general saying advocacy will continue at the UN as well. Privacy vs. Security Cooperation: Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten say privacy-law differences with the Netherlands are blocking smoother cross-border police and judicial data sharing. Local Governance & Autonomy: Curaçao marks Autonomy Day with a two-day program including a summit, a parliamentary session, and a national concert. Bolivia Biodiversity Breakthrough: Scientists formally describe a new cloud-forest wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, after more than a century. Energy Transition in T&T: Methanol-powered Geely trucks begin operating on Trinidad and Tobago roads, with backers citing lower emissions than diesel. Sports & National Teams: Colombia’s coach says Bayern’s Luis Díaz was left out to rest and recover after playing over 60 matches.

El Niño Food Crisis: Central America’s Dry Corridor is reeling as El Niño drought and heat drive crop and livestock losses, fueling a food crisis affecting about 10 million people. U.S. Military Aid Shift: The Trump administration is redirecting $52 million in foreign military financing to Panama, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia to support anti-narcoterrorism and protect the Panama Canal. Drug Pipeline Crackdown: Europol-backed operations in Brazil and Italy dismantled an ’Ndrangheta-linked cocaine and money-laundering network, with seven arrests and major asset seizures. Public Safety vs Rights: Trinidad and Tobago ended its state of emergency after criticism over mass arrests and detentions without charge, moving toward a permanent legal framework for targeted anti-gang operations. HIV Prevention Deal: PAHO and Gilead expanded access pathways for lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, with civil society calling it a major win. Biodiversity Breakthrough: Bolivia confirmed a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in the Yungas cloud forests. Sports & Culture: Venezuela’s Naryuri Pérez won gold at the Santa Fe 2026 Games; and Trinidad’s Jr Lee is spotlighted for his comedy-to-TV push.

Caribbean Drug War: The U.S. Southern Command says Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere carried out a lethal strike on a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean, killing three narco-terrorists and marking the first reported deadly drug-boat strike since Aug. 25. Argentina Justice: An Argentine federal judge ordered the return of a Nazi-looted painting found via a real estate listing in Mar del Plata, authorizing restitution to the heir of Dutch Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. Caribbean Mobility & Investment: Globevisa reports Caribbean Citizenship by Investment thresholds rising to $200,000, highlighting São Tomé’s $90,000 program as a lower-cost alternative. Venezuela History & Culture: A profile revisits Vicente Salias, the Venezuelan doctor and writer who helped shape the national anthem’s lyrics and was executed Sept. 17, 1814. Business & Trade: Ring Power expands its Cox Marine partnership, naming it exclusive North American distributor for Cox diesel outboards across the U.S., Caribbean, and U.S. territories.

El Niño Food Crisis: Honduras and the Central American Dry Corridor are seeing animals die and crops fail as drought tied to El Niño worsens, with UN-linked figures warning 16 million people across Latin America could face food insecurity. U.S.-Caribbean Security: U.S. SOUTHCOM says it carried out a lethal strike on a go-fast drug vessel in the Caribbean, killing three suspected “narco-terrorists,” the first reported deadly drug-boat strike since late August. Venezuela Diplomacy & Oil: Venezuela and the UK agreed to upgrade relations and restore ambassadorial representation, while ExxonMobil is reportedly negotiating a return to Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt and Continental Resources signed an Orinoco deal at the G20. Regional Politics: The U.S. removed Venezuela from its drug-control blacklist after two decades. Caribbean Governance: Belize plans to expand domestic power with solar and battery storage to cut reliance on imports. Sports Spotlight: Venezuela’s Claudia Rengifo won gold at the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games, and weightlifter Ángel Rodríguez set a new world record.