AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Response: A 7.8-magnitude quake struck off the southern Philippines, killing at least 37 and injuring hundreds as rescuers in General Santos pulled two people alive from a collapsed commercial building and searched for two more amid aftershocks and power outages. Animal Health: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in new cases in the U.S. (including Texas and a New Mexico dog), prompting quarantine and sterile-fly containment efforts and renewed warnings for livestock owners across the region. Latin America Politics: Lawmakers from across Latin America condemned Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s “Heil Hitler” remark, saying Nazi-linked language has no place in democratic debate. Infrastructure & Mobility: Nigeria’s aviation minister says Lagos will extend rail from Ikeja through airport terminals to improve passenger access and multimodal connectivity. Tech & Education: Brazil’s Federal University of Viçosa released an interactive multibeam acoustic surveying simulator to bring complex ocean-mapping concepts into classrooms. Environment & Culture: Ecuadorian artisans in Guangopolo are racing to preserve traditional horsehair sieve weaving as cheaper plastics squeeze demand.

Women’s World Cup: Brazil’s sports minister delivered FIFA the full 2027 Women’s World Cup regulatory framework, now signed by President Lula, with technical inspections finished across eight host cities. Human Rights & Politics: Pope Leo told Spain’s parliament that law must be grounded in the “inviolable dignity” of the human person, linking that principle to migrants, opposition to war, and resistance to polarization. Animal Health Shock: A New World screwworm outbreak has spread in Texas and even reached a dog case in New Mexico, prompting emergency responses and renewed scrutiny of livestock biosecurity. Agriculture & Prices: Brazil’s fertilizer advantage is being squeezed as Strait of Hormuz disruptions push costs higher, forcing farmers to cut back and raising debt risks. Caribbean Security: A regional workshop in Trinidad focused on firearms trafficking, stressing sustained intelligence sharing and cross-border prosecution capacity. Climate Watch: Forecasts are growing more confident that El Niño could become very strong, with major knock-on effects for global weather and food systems. Marine Conservation: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with support for marine protected areas and fisheries management. Trade & Food Security: FAO warned the Hormuz crisis is a global fertilizer shock and urged countries to keep agricultural inputs trade open and use fertilizer more efficiently. Security & Disinformation: An investigation alleges a Pentagon-backed AI propaganda site is preparing tailored pro-U.S. messaging for multiple Latin American countries.

Caribbean Climate Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda’s meteorology service says there’s no “safe” month, with hazards mapped across the year from hurricanes and flash floods to drought and UV exposure. Disaster Planning: CDEMA’s chief praised the country’s new five-year resilience framework as a whole-of-society roadmap, warning the risk landscape keeps shifting. Waste and Inclusion: Antigua’s “Deep Blue” and a massive recycled-bottle-cap mural project highlight community-led waste diversion and disability-focused change ahead of CHOGM. Biodiversity Restoration: Paraguay’s Itaipu Preserva project is rebuilding the Atlantic Forest, planting millions of native trees and creating a wildlife corridor. Health and Science: A USC Beaufort professor won an international coral-research award for work on coral probiotics, while Aker BioMarine relaunches “Vitality Month” with science-backed wellness themes expanding into Latin America. Energy Logistics: Adani Ports secured a 10-year marine services deal for Argentina’s first LNG export to India, backed by a reported $70 million commitment. Earthquake Response: A 7.8 quake in the southern Philippines killed at least 15 and triggered tsunami warnings across the region.

Aviation Disruption: Air Canada, Air Transat and WestJet have indefinitely suspended flights and packages to Cuba as Washington’s Cuba business deadline expires, citing political/economic uncertainty and a worsening island supply crunch. Livestock Biosecurity: Texas confirmed a second New World screwworm case, prompting urgent containment to protect the cattle industry after the parasite’s return after decades. Caribbean Tourism Deals: Curaçao’s Marriott Beach Resort is being promoted for a week-long stay using 228,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, as regional travel demand stays strong. Regional Governance: Trinidad and Tobago won a UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028 with 181 votes, boosting Caribbean diplomatic visibility. Health & Environment: Dominican health officials urged precautions against Saharan dust and heat, warning of respiratory flare-ups for vulnerable groups. Nuclear Cooperation: Argentina hosted a U.S.-linked FIRST workshop on next-generation small modular reactors, signaling renewed nuclear collaboration. Tech Education: Dominican students from PUCMM won a top computing prize at Huawei’s ICT competition, marking a first for Latin America/Caribbean in that category. Corruption Watch: Haiti again ranked lowest in the Caribbean in Transparency International’s latest CPI, while some neighbors held stronger scores.

New World Screwworm Alarm: U.S. federal inspectors confirmed flesh-eating screwworm larvae in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, near the Mexico border, prompting heightened monitoring and containment plans as the parasite is endemic in parts of South America and the Caribbean. Public Health Watch: Texas officials say there’s no immediate food-safety risk, but ranchers and pet owners are urged to stay vigilant for wounds. Caribbean Food Insecurity: A UN-backed report says nearly 513,000 people in Trinidad and Tobago can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition and anemia still widespread. Climate & Disaster Readiness: NOAA will deploy a fleet of unmanned Saildrone vessels to monitor hurricane season across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Governance & Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s election to the UN Security Council spotlights how small states seek influence on global peace and security. Sports & Society: Argentina’s World Cup hopes take a hit as defender Leonardo Balerdi is ruled out with injury days before the tournament.

Public Health: A study says Panama’s Darién Gap is the Oropouche virus epicenter in Central America, with scientists warning of spillover risk to nearby provinces. Climate Watch: Colombia is bracing for El Niño with 80% odds it starts this month, raising fears of heat waves, drought, fires, and pressure on food and energy. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting expanded containment and sterile-fly releases and livestock movement restrictions. Health & Medicine: Yucatán, Mexico is set for its first public-sector robotic surgery, with a live-streamed training component for IMSS-Bienestar hospitals. Environment & Science: Researchers found cold-tolerant yeast in Ötzi the Iceman’s guts and used it to make sourdough, adding to evidence of ancient microbial survival. Sports & Sustainability: FIFA World Cup stadiums are earning LEED green-building certifications, with reported solar, water, and waste cuts ahead of kickoff.

World Cup 2026 Preview: Mexico, Canada and the USA kick off the tournament’s early drama in Groups A, B and D, while Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa looks to rebound in Group H as fans map out key fixtures and contenders. AI & Military Influence: A new report alleges the Pentagon is using an AI-driven propaganda operation aimed at Latin American audiences, raising fresh alarms about covert messaging and digital manipulation. Venezuela–Russia Trade Push: Caracas and Moscow agreed a 2030 roadmap with 65 measures across 20 sectors, targeting $400 million in bilateral trade and deeper industrial cooperation. Animal Health Emergency: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, triggering quarantine and livestock movement restrictions, with Canada also suspending Texas livestock imports. Caribbean Climate Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda faces severe rainfall shortfalls and rising temperatures, while CARICOM marks World Environment Day warning that the region is on the front line of climate impacts. Energy Modernization: Guyana’s grid upgrade plan through 2030 moves ahead as InterEnergy outlines a smart, more reliable electricity roadmap. Renewables Roadmap: St. Kitts and Nevis launches a renewable energy transition workshop backed by the EU, UNDP and partners to accelerate clean power targets.

Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti: The UN’s migration agency says gang violence has displaced about 1.47 million people, with attacks spreading to areas that once offered refuge and help capacity at risk within months. Caribbean Climate Resilience: Dominica launched a US$26M climate resilience push to boost food security, disaster management, early warnings, and community adaptation in eight vulnerable areas. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s 51st heads-of-government meeting will run July 5-8 in Saint Lucia, with sessions on the region’s agenda and a streamed opening ceremony. Climate Warning: NOAA warns a transition toward El Niño could be among the fastest on record, raising fears of extreme impacts tied to a potential “Super El Niño.” Animal Health Alert: The USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering federal and state monitoring; officials say the food supply is safe. Diplomacy & Mobility: Uruguay announced a visa waiver for Chinese citizens, signaling momentum in China-Uruguay ties. Trade Finance: Afreximbank held a Jamaica roadshow to expand trade finance and investment support across the Caribbean.

New World Screwworm Threat: Texas confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades after larvae were found in a calf in Zavala County, prompting USDA and state action to protect the $17B cattle industry and prevent spread. Climate Deadline: Coverage warns “Super El Niño” is less a vague forecast and more a looming deadline, with expectations of drought then extreme monsoon flooding that could hit agriculture and drive food-price shocks. Peru Runoff: Peru heads to a runoff election Sunday to pick a ninth president in 10 years, with crime and extortion dominating voters’ concerns. Caribbean Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank won approval for a Canada-backed first-loss guarantee that could unlock up to $400M for climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure. Venezuela–India Ties: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez honored Gandhi in New Delhi, underscoring South-South cooperation and peace diplomacy with India. Germany–Mexico Crime Pact: Germany and Mexico agreed to deepen cooperation against organized crime and drug trafficking in renewed bilateral talks.

Livestock Biosecurity: The USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, triggering quarantines, movement controls, sterile fly releases, and tighter livestock and wildlife surveillance after the pest’s 60-year absence. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met India’s Jaishankar and Modi in New Delhi, with both sides flagging expanded cooperation on energy, trade, investment, healthcare, automobiles, and critical minerals. Climate & Oceans: The EU announced a €92 million OceanEye push to expand ocean monitoring with drones and satellites as the U.S. signals cuts to its ocean observatory network. Caribbean Resilience: Dominica launched a US$26 million climate resilience project for vulnerable communities, focusing on food security, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems. Governance & Rights: Colombia’s Constitutional Court struck down key parts of its new polling law, including rules on when polls can be published and demands for certain technical microdata. Culture & Heritage: Curaçao historian Rose Mary Allen was selected for an international design team advancing the National Slavery Museum competition in Amsterdam.

Public Health: Cuba’s garbage crisis is worsening in Havana as fuel shortages stall trash pickup, leaving residents to burn waste and raising health fears ahead of summer and hurricane season. Climate & Food Security: A strong El Niño is taking shape, with hot, dry weather already disrupting crop planting across Asia and pushing up wheat and rice prices—an early warning for food supplies from India to Southeast Asia and beyond. Animal Health & Agriculture: The USDA confirmed New World screwworm in South Texas, signaling a major threat to cattle as the parasite crosses back toward the U.S. border; officials are launching quarantines, surveillance, and sterile-fly releases. Diplomacy & Energy: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez met India’s PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi to deepen cooperation on energy security, trade, investment, healthcare, and renewables. Research & Environment: Brazil and UK scientists are starting a decade-long Amazon CO2 enrichment experiment using giant towers to test whether forests absorb future emissions or release more carbon.

El Niño Watch: The WMO says El Niño is rapidly forming, with an 80% chance by August and 90% persistence through at least November—raising risks of drought, heavy rain, heatwaves and more, with NOAA warning of possible coral bleaching impacts for reefs including the Caribbean. Climate + Food Security: Experts warn a “Super El Niño” could intensify water and hunger pressures, with some reports flagging fears of hunger in parts of Central America as conditions shift. Caribbean Preparedness: Caribbean leaders and agencies are pushing for faster climate-resilience planning and better public warning systems as hurricane season begins. Livestock Biosecurity: The USDA reports New World screwworm detected in Mexico just 25 miles from the U.S. border, prompting renewed surveillance and concern for regional animal health. Venezuela-India Energy Ties: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez begins a five-day India visit focused on deepening oil imports and expanding cooperation in minerals, trade and tech. Jamaica Innovation Policy: Jamaica’s ST&I Strategic Plan 2026–2035 is set to go to Cabinet, aiming to connect research, industry and farmers through a new governance framework. World Cup Media in the Caribbean: RUSH Sports secures FIFA 2026 broadcast rights across much of the Caribbean via a multi-platform deal.

El Niño Alarm for Central America: Guatemala’s Dry Corridor farmers are bracing for crop losses as drought deepens and El Niño is expected to intensify heat and reduce rainfall, with officials preparing emergency food supplies for millions. Climate Watch Across the Region: The UN and WMO warn El Niño could become strong, raising risks of extreme heat, drought, and heavier rains worldwide—an added stressor for already vulnerable communities. Caribbean Health and Mobility: Trinidad and Tobago’s UTT honored Prof. Selwyn Cudjoe’s legacy, while the U.S. nominated Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as ambassador to T&T, highlighting diaspora influence in regional diplomacy. Maritime Digitalization: The Bahamas Maritime Authority rolled out a blockchain-based digital seafarer record book to replace paper documentation and speed up verification. Payments Tech Push: Juspay joined Mastercard’s Click to Pay ecosystem to expand faster, passkey-enabled checkout across Asia, building on a rollout that already reached Brazil.

Climate Watch: The UN weather agency says El Niño is forming with an 80% chance of developing June-August and a 90% chance it lasts until at least November, warning climate change could intensify drought, heavy rain, and heatwaves across the Americas. Public Health & Environment: Chile’s black sugar warning labels cut sugary drink purchases by nearly a quarter overall, but a new review finds the benefits largely fade for lower-income shoppers—raising equity concerns for health policy. Security & Crime: Ahead of Peru’s presidential runoff, AP reports extortion and killings have surged in Trujillo, with gangs linked to illegal gold mining squeezing small businesses and terrorizing voters. Nicaragua Rights: Indigenous political prisoner Brooklyn Rivera, held by Ortega’s regime for nearly 1,000 days, has died, according to state health officials. Travel & Connectivity: Avianca launches new nonstop flights between San Francisco and Guatemala City, boosting access to Antigua and the World Cup travel corridor. Tech & Sports: Brazil’s youth football is getting a boost from AI scouting apps, with players using phone videos to win trials abroad.

Caribbean Tourism Recovery: Sandals is pushing ahead with a $200m rebuild of three Jamaica resorts hit by Hurricane Melissa, with Sandals South Coast set to reopen Nov. 18 and the other two following Dec. 18. Climate Watch: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is likely to return soon, with an 80% chance forming before September and 90% persistence through November—raising risks of heat stress, drought, and extreme rain. Food Security Stress: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, drought as El Niño nears is driving fears of hunger in Maya communities as wells dry and subsistence crops fail. Regional Health Tech: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics will expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology across Latin America and the Caribbean, starting in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and more. Healthcare Policy Debate: A Latino health-focused critique says Washington’s cost-cutting proposals risk deepening access barriers for Latino patients, especially around chronic disease and treatment approvals. Business Complexity: TMF Group’s index flags Mexico and Brazil among the world’s most complex jurisdictions for foreign firms, citing shifting rules and compliance burdens. Sports Integrity: The Athletic reports growing spot-fixing fears around the World Cup, with suspicious betting patterns drawing scrutiny.

Colombia Runoff Campaign: Hard-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella (“The Tiger”) and leftist senator Iván Cepeda sprint into Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff after a first round shaped by drug-linked guerrilla violence, with both sides trading accusations over security, the peace process, and alleged result manipulation. Caribbean Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank will host top leaders from CABEI and the OPEC Fund for a Nassau dialogue on how multilateral lenders should adapt development finance amid climate shocks and rising debt. Hantavirus Cruise Restart: The Hondius cruise ship, tied to a May hantavirus outbreak, has been disinfected and cleared to sail again, with preliminary findings pointing to passenger introduction rather than a ship origin. El Salvador School Violence Prevention: UNESCO checks progress on its EU-funded Agustine Project, focusing on socio-emotional skills and safer, more inclusive school environments through student councils. Hurricane Season Watch: The 2026 Atlantic season begins June 1 with NOAA forecasting a below-normal year linked to El Niño, but officials stress preparedness for visitors and coastal communities. Aviation in Antigua: ICAO and regional civil aviation directors meet in Antigua to push safety, security, sustainability, and cooperation across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. UN Firearms Talks: UN disarmament officials warn that 3D printing and “ghost guns” could make illicit weapons harder to trace as negotiations tackle the global spread of illegal firearms. Nicaragua Indigenous Leader Dies: Brooklyn Rivera Bryan, a defender of Indigenous land rights, dies in custody after detention since 2023, as the U.S. demanded his release amid health deterioration. Venezuela IMF Talks: Venezuela’s delegation meets the IMF and discusses technical assistance and recovery mechanisms as Caracas seeks renewed ties with multilateral lenders.