AGP Executive Report

Argentina Football: Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent Jorge Messi has died at 68 in Rosario after a prolonged illness, prompting tributes from Newell’s Old Boys and condolences from CONMEBOL. Public Health: The WHO says measles is surging across the Americas, with the region’s highest confirmed cases in more than two decades; it warns of immunity gaps and urges stronger vaccination, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response, noting Guatemala and Mexico among the hardest hit. Climate & Food Security: The UN FAO reports food prices rose in July as heatwaves and El Niño disrupt harvests and energy markets, raising pressure on vulnerable countries facing hunger risks. Energy & Governance (Venezuela): Acting President Delcy Rodríguez named Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as the new head of state power company Corpoelec, as the government pushes electricity conservation amid “Super Niño” conditions. Biodiversity & Research: Scientists report smallpox DNA found in 500-year-old Chilean mummies, adding new support to the long-held history of the virus reaching the Americas. Regional Cooperation (Panama/US): U.S. Joint Task Force-Bravo and Panama’s health ministry completed a Medical Readiness Training exercise during PANAMAX 2026 in Colón.

Colombia-US Security Push: The Trump administration plans a $1 billion security aid package for Colombia’s new right-wing president Abelardo de la Espriella, as he vows to “defeat narco-terrorists” and reject dialogue with armed groups. Local Governance & Housing Skills: UTN and Earthship Biotecture launch a Spanish-language university diploma on self-sufficient Earthship construction, aiming to spread low-impact building know-how across Ibero-America. Public Safety: In Thailand, relatives retrieved bodies after a 14-year-old gunman killed at least seven at Debsirin Nonthaburi School and reportedly killed his grandparents earlier; 16 were hospitalized. Crime & Society: Mexico’s influencer killings keep rising, with experts pointing to links between creators and criminal networks amid cartel faction clashes. Climate & Research: DeepMind’s WeatherNext AI says it can improve hurricane forecasting accuracy, giving forecasters about an extra day of lead time. Environment & Health: Researchers map 100+ shallow lakes in Brazil and Uruguay as potential early-warning observatories for ecosystem collapse.

El Niño and food risk: The World Food Programme warns a very strong El Niño could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by end-2027, with sea temperatures at record levels. Water crisis: Puerto Rico is starting rotating 48-hour water shutoffs for more than 180,000 accounts as drought and heat drain reservoirs, while tourists scramble to adjust plans. Public health and environment: Brazil researchers report wild boars carrying antibiotic-resistant E. coli, raising zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance concerns. Regional diplomacy: Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares is holding meetings across Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Colombia ahead of the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid. Colombia politics: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella takes office under heavy security in Cali, signaling a hard line on armed groups. Sports governance scandal: Norway’s football federation calls for FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to resign amid mounting criticism. Health education: Dominica’s REACH project launches a regional webinar series on adolescent health, stigma reduction and parent-teen communication.

El Niño Impact: The ILO warns the 2026–2027 El Niño could hit jobs and incomes hardest for informal, rural and outdoor workers across Latin America and the Caribbean, with knock-on risks for food insecurity and child labour. Climate & Environment: Mexico’s Mexican Caribbean is seeing sargassum beach landings at 27 times the historical average, with thousands of tons piling up and authorities mobilizing collection efforts. Energy & Investment: Azerbaijan’s SOFAZ is investing in Peru’s Inkia Energy, backing a 2.6 GW power operator with a 4+ GW renewables pipeline. Finance & Policy: Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s central bank unveiled a 2026–2028 strategy to modernize supervision, payments and digital capacity. Governance & Rights: Peru’s anti-NGO media law is being challenged in court as outlets seek to protect independent journalism from foreign-funding veto powers. Security: Marines assisted in a Sint Maarten prison search after contraband checks found drugs and weapons. Politics: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella takes office amid protests and a legitimacy fight over the election.

Central Banking: Mexico’s central bank kept its benchmark rate at 6.5% and pushed back the timeline for inflation to return to target, citing stubborn underlying price pressures and risks from the peso, climate shocks, and global tensions. Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warned El Niño could drive acute hunger higher, with estimates pointing to tens of millions more people at risk as droughts, floods, and storms disrupt harvests. Public Health: Colorado reported a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Mexico and served at Chipotle and Qdoba, with both chains stopping sales of the affected peppers. Climate Science: Researchers mapped “aerial rivers” over South America—persistent moisture pathways in the sky that can strongly shape rainfall and water supply. Caribbean Resilience: The UWI Global Campus announced an inaugural Climate Conference in Grenada for April 2027, aiming to boost regional adaptation and resilience. Violence Prevention: The Caribbean Development Bank, UN Women Caribbean, and UWI-Cave Hill launched a regional anti-violence push after a high-level forum focused on youth violence and gender-based violence. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar Museums and Years of Culture opened “Your Ghosts Are Mine” in Chile, extending cross-cultural ties. Business: ALLOS S.A. reported 2Q26 FFO up 12% and revenue up 11.6%, driven by media and real estate development.

Climate & Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push nearly 50 million more people into acute hunger, with the total at risk rising from 225 million to 274 million starting in September, as it scales up preparedness in vulnerable countries. Environment & Tourism: Record sargassum seaweed is smothering Caribbean and Gulf beaches, disrupting tourism and raising cleanup and air-quality concerns as the algae decomposes. Energy Transition Under Pressure (Trinidad & Tobago): Critics say T&T’s solar push is being undermined after the Brechin Castle utility-scale plant stopped feeding the grid, reigniting debate over planning and contract execution. Invasive Species (Colombia): Colombia’s Escobar-linked hippo population continues to pose ecological problems, with authorities and researchers grappling with the growing invasive herd. Mobility & Inclusion (Colombia): Bogotá is working toward gender parity in cycling by 2039, targeting women’s share of bike trips that remains far below parity. Business & Regional Trade: American Airlines is expanding Latin America and the Caribbean routes, betting demand growth will help it narrow the gap with rivals. Sports/Health Tech: Updates from the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro highlight ongoing research and public health priorities.

Immigration Shock: A U.S. federal judge cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Haiti’s TPS, affecting about 350,000 people and raising fears of job loss and deportation. Climate & Food Security: The UN’s WFP warned a stronger El Niño could push tens of millions more into acute hunger, with Latin America and the Caribbean projected to see sharp increases. Regional Politics: Venezuela’s opposition and interim government opened formal transition talks aimed at rebuilding institutions and setting up credible elections, though expectations remain cautious. Tourism & Mobility: Jamaica is set to host the Global Research Council Americas meeting in November, while the island also secured about 400,000 extra winter seats from Canada for 2026/27. Environment: Record sargassum is smothering Caribbean and Gulf beaches, threatening tourism and coastal ecosystems. Business & Industry: Nissan set a Guinness record for the longest extended-range EV drive without refueling—1,980 km across Colombia.

Climate & Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warns a very strong El Niño (81% chance) could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by the end of next year, with Central America and Southern Africa among the hardest hit. Energy Crisis: Cuba faces another nationwide power collapse, with residents reporting days without electricity as the grid fails repeatedly. Local Governance: Virgin Islands senators approved a 99-year lease for Water Island’s luxury resort, marina, and private villas despite resident opposition. Defense & Aviation: Colombia signed a $366.4 million Embraer deal for two KC-390 Millennium aircraft to replace aging C-130s and add aerial refueling capability for its Gripen fleet. Tech & Health: Jumio rolled out its reusable identity tool, selfie.DONE, across North America, aiming to cut ID-scan friction for trusted users. Politics & Regional Shift: A new analysis says Latin America’s rightward turn is gaining momentum, citing recent elections across the region.

Ship Rider Agreements: Solomon Islands’ Dr. Transform Aqorau says the public debate is mixing up the legal question of EEZ rights with the separate geopolitics of whether to sign with any partner. Volcano Watch: Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego has triggered evacuations and an “orange alert” as officials warn more communities could be at risk. Health & Rights: Colombia moved to make female genital mutilation illegal in a landmark step, while a separate case highlights the dangers of medical tourism after a Dominican Republic death following breast implant removal. Caribbean Health in Sports: Jamaica and Ghana signed new cooperation deals spanning healthcare, trade and tourism, and the CPL is rolling out free fan health screenings across eight host venues. Climate & Oceans: Researchers tested bacteria-based protection for Caribbean corals, and warming seas are linked to unusual shark sightings off the U.S. Business: LATAM Airlines lifted its 2026 earnings outlook as fuel-price pressure eases.

El Niño Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says “Super El Niño” is strengthening into a strong event by Aug–Oct, with sea temperatures expected to run more than 2.9°C above average—raising risks of extreme heat, drought and shifting rainfall across Latin America and beyond. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects in Central America and the Caribbean, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, clean transport and even energy from sargassum. Caribbean Maritime Transition: An IDB-commissioned study finds no Caribbean port is yet fully ready for shore-side power or green fuel bunkering, but flags the Bahamas and Barbados as closest on policy and regulation—while Nassau’s Nassau Container Port still needs infrastructure and investment. Health & Food Safety: Michigan reported the first cyclosporiasis deaths in the U.S. outbreak, tied to severe dehydration; the FDA investigation traced cases to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in central Mexico. Politics: Brazil’s Lula, 80, was nominated for a fourth term, facing right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the election.

Peru Politics: Former president Alejandro Toledo, jailed in the Odebrecht case, urged President Keiko Fujimori to speed up his presidential pardon process, saying he has serious heart problems, cancer, and is bleeding and does not want to die in prison. Climate & Health: UN and WMO warnings say El Niño could drive record heat through August–October, with extreme temperatures expected across Central and South America and the Caribbean; separate reporting links warming seas to a tiger shark sighting off Massachusetts. Caribbean Energy & Resilience: Barbados education spending is high, but outcomes lag—math and exam pass rates remain weak—while the Caribbean pushes renewable energy capacity-building to cut fossil fuel reliance. Conservation Jobs: Amazon rangers across seven countries are getting training focused on leadership and conflict resolution to strengthen frontline conservation work. Haiti Security: The U.S. urged UN members to help airlift troops and equipment for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force. Digital Safety: Gen launched the Fearless Planet Index, a continuously updated hub mapping scams and cyber risks by country.

FIFA Fallout: UEFA threatened legal action against FIFA after Gianni Infantino’s scrapped plan to sell stakes in World Cup profits to private investors, escalating a leadership crisis that could reshape the sport’s next cycle. Climate & Disaster Risk: UN officials warn a strengthening El Niño is adding fuel to a “planet already on fire,” with heavier rains, floods, and hotter weather expected to hit the region. Public Health Research: A two-year Latin America study finds culturally adapted lifestyle programs can improve memory and thinking in older adults at risk of dementia, with coached, supervised support delivering the biggest gains. Biodiversity Watch: Scientists report South American harlequin frogs are losing the chemical defenses that protect them from predators, raising concerns about habitat-driven ecological change. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders used Emancipation Day to push unity, economic resilience, and renewed calls for reparations tied to slavery’s legacy. Health Equity: Detroit’s language-access failures during emergencies spotlight how translation gaps can leave limited-English residents without vital information.

Space & Tech: Ecuador’s research team won a UNOOSA/ESA space scholarship to study how “hypergravity” affects cement materials for tougher Earth and Moon infrastructure. Agriculture & Youth: Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged young farmers to use AI and tech to boost productivity, stressing food production still needs people. Energy & Utilities: St. Kitts Electricity Co. (SKELEC) kicked off its 15th anniversary with a “Powering Communities. Powering Progress” program through August. Climate & Disaster Risk: UN warns a strengthening El Niño could intensify heat, drought, floods and wildfires worldwide. Environment & Wildlife: Brazil advanced a forensic approach to fight Amazon illegal logging using stable isotope “fingerprinting” to expose tampered timber paperwork. Politics: Brazil’s Lula, 80, launched his bid for a fourth term, saying he’s “in great shape” as Trump’s pressure looms. Caribbean Health: St. Kitts and Nevis obesity rates are high, with officials pushing to treat obesity as a medical condition, not a cultural joke. Regional Economy: Panama’s expat appeal keeps rising, topping InterNations’ 2026 survey for personal finance and working abroad.

Colombia-Israel Reset: Incoming president Abelardo de la Espriella plans to reverse Gustavo Petro’s Israel policy, restoring full diplomatic and economic ties, lifting visa curbs, and seeking Jerusalem links—while prioritizing security cooperation, including drones and AI to tackle narcotics trafficking and armed groups. Disaster Preparedness: Trinidad and Tobago urged to treat Venezuela’s June earthquake as a regional warning, highlighting how Caribbean hazards spill across borders and stressing stronger risk management. Business & FX Strategy: Trinidad and Tobago firms are being pushed to earn foreign currency and adopt AI as local FX shortages tighten competition. Climate Adaptation in the Dutch Caribbean: Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten received climate scenario reports in local languages to guide adaptation planning through 2050 and 2100. El Niño Alarm: UN and meteorological updates warn strong El Niño could intensify heat and rainfall risks across the region. Sargassum Crisis: Record seaweed influx is smothering Caribbean and Mexico coastlines, threatening tourism and marine life. Public Health: WHO says ultra-processed food giants are fighting obesity efforts with lawsuits, while HIV funding cuts raise concerns in Latin America and the Caribbean. Wildlife Threat: South Australia reports suspected H5N1 mass bird flu mortality, signaling rapid spread into new wildlife areas. Guyana Salvage Push: Guyana moves to salvage the sunken MV Barima after stakeholder pressure, with families disputing memorial plans and seeking recovery of the wreck.

Climate Watch: The UN and WMO warn a strengthening El Niño is “adding fuel to a planet already on fire,” with higher odds of extreme heat, drought, and shifting rainfall patterns across Latin America and the Caribbean. Public Health: Trinidad and Tobago is drafting a national roadmap to accelerate elimination of communicable diseases, with PAHO support, targeting progress on HIV, TB, hepatitis, syphilis and more. Education Policy: UNESCO says Latin America’s falling birth rates will force major restructuring of education systems—teacher planning, school infrastructure, and public spending—after 2015-2023 saw 1.2 million fewer births. Environment & Tourism: Seaweed/sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, including Mexico, smothering shorelines and threatening marine life and tourism. Security & Diplomacy: Colombia’s incoming president plans to reverse Petro’s Israel policy, including restoring ties and seeking security cooperation. Regional Governance: OECS and Dominica take over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva.

Climate Watch: UN chief António Guterres says a strengthening El Niño is “adding fuel to a planet already on fire,” warning of “uncharted territory” as extreme heat and heavy rain risks rise worldwide. Disaster Risk: The WMO warns El Niño is expected to intensify from August to October, with wetter-than-normal conditions and flooding risk flagged for Kenya and the Horn of Africa. Marine Crisis: Seaweed is choking tourism and marine life across the Caribbean and Mexico; scientists report nearly 30 million metric tons of sargassum in July and note this year’s growth in the region is “not normal.” Tourism Resilience: Jamaica’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett argues resilience financing is now essential for destinations facing climate, health, cyber and geopolitical shocks. Football Governance: FIFA’s World Cup expansion and Infantino’s private-investment plan face mounting backlash, with UEFA and CONCACAF signaling opposition and potential boycotts. Energy & Trade: Chile eyes copper export diversification as data-center demand grows, seeking to reduce reliance on China.