Haiti Stability Push: An OAS-led high-level delegation headed by Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin is set to visit Haiti Aug. 16-19 with CARICOM, PAHO, the World Bank, IDB and others to back governance, elections, humanitarian needs and longer-term development. Bolivia Security Crackdown: In La Paz, President Rodrigo Paz’s government used a 90-day state of exception after weeks of protests, with rights monitors alleging excessive force and links to extremist groups. El Niño Watch: NASA and WMO say El Niño is already shifting Pacific conditions and is likely to become very strong by late 2026, raising risks for rainfall, fisheries and food supplies across Latin America. Colombia Earthquake Response: Rescue teams reported possible signs of life under rubble in Pereira and Cali as the 7.4 quake death toll climbed, while search efforts extended into the weekend. Panama-Darien Crime Fight: Panama says it is targeting an illicit gold-mining network tied to Clan del Golfo, after operations captured dozens near the Mangle River. Health Systems Upgrade (Caribbean): St. Kitts and Nevis deployed a National Digital Health Information System at JNF General Hospital to modernize records and patient-centered care. Food Security Alarm: JPMorgan warns the next global food crisis may be forming, with “Five Ws” (war, weather, warehousing, water, waste) and a potentially historic El Niño keeping inflation pressure into 2027. Venezuela Gold Dispute: Venezuela’s government and opposition say they’re working to recover about $4bn in gold bullion held in the Bank of England for reconstruction and sanctions relief. Mexico Sargassum Surge: Mexico is racing to clear record sargassum levels along the Caribbean coast, with Quintana Roo already collecting over 105,000 tons this year.