AGP Executive Report

Colombia Election Countdown: Colombia’s three main presidential contenders closed campaigns with huge rallies on Sunday—leftist Iván Cepeda, far-right Abelardo de la Espriella, and right-wing Paloma Valencia—just one week before the May 31 vote, with a June 21 runoff looming if no one wins outright. Cuba Humanitarian Pressure: Cuba says a first shipment of 15,000 tons of Chinese rice has arrived in Havana, part of a promised 60,000 tons, as the island faces worsening shortages amid US sanctions and energy blackouts. Caribbean Crime Prevention: CARICOM, the UN, and UNDP launched a regional framework to tackle crime and violence with a prevention-first, public-health approach. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela and Jordan signed agreements and set up a work route to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and energy. Tourism Economy Watch: Baja California Sur’s tourism chief says the sector drives about 60% of the state’s GDP, underscoring both opportunity and the push for more sustainable local growth. Migration Reality Check: A UNDP report finds nearly one in three people in Latin America and the Caribbean plan to leave within three years, mainly due to lack of economic opportunity.

World Cup Logistics: Iran’s national team has shifted its 2026 World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico after FIFA approved the late request, aiming to dodge visa and security headaches while keeping group matches in the U.S. U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: At the same time, President Trump says Washington won’t “rush into a deal” with Iran, even as talks are described as progressing and the Strait of Hormuz reopening is on the table. Caribbean Watch: Memorial Day brings “no tropics activity” for now, with hurricane season set to start June 1. Regional Security: The U.S. is also running fresh military drills in the Caribbean and around Venezuela, underscoring how quickly sports, diplomacy, and force can collide in the hemisphere.

Iran–U.S. Tensions, World Cup Logistics: Iran’s federation says FIFA approved a move of its 2026 World Cup training base from Tucson to Tijuana, aiming to dodge visa and security headaches as the war with the U.S. looms. U.S.–Cuba Pressure: The Trump administration’s Cuba crackdown is drawing fresh pushback, with voices urging Congress to block any new war powers use as military posture and legal pressure intensify. White House Security: A shooting near a White House checkpoint left a suspect dead and a bystander injured, with Trump unharmed. Caribbean Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda is seeing a strong early-2026 travel surge, with stay-over arrivals up 6.7% in Q1. Business/Finance: Evertec agreed to buy a majority stake in Brazil’s BBChain for $5.6 million, pending antitrust approval.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. paused some DRC deportations amid a widening Ebola outbreak, while also intensifying its Cuba campaign—Iran’s foreign ministry called the U.S. actions “crimes against humanity,” as Washington ramps up military pressure in the Caribbean and moves against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. Amazon Fight: Brazil’s deputies advanced a bill that would curb environmental sanctions based only on satellite monitoring, a direct clash with Lula’s promise to end illegal deforestation by 2030. Food Costs Bite Mexico: Rising global fuel and fertilizer costs are pushing up prices in Mexico’s food supply, hitting low-income households hardest. Trade Tensions: Ahead of USMCA talks, the UAW is demanding stronger labor rules and “build here to sell here” terms. Sports & Business Crossovers: U.S. money keeps flowing into Liga MX clubs, and Ghana’s World Cup squad is set for a June 1 announcement.

Cuba Under Pressure: The U.S. indicted former President Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of planes flown by “Brothers to the Rescue,” as the USS Nimitz strike group arrived in the Caribbean and Washington warned diplomacy is unlikely. Cuban Response: Tens of thousands rallied outside the U.S. embassy in Havana, while Cuba called the charges a pretext for invasion and urged citizens to prepare for war. Regional Security Mood: The escalation is being framed as a “Venezuela playbook” by critics, but analysts note Cuba’s political setup is different. Trade Diversification Push: Mexico and the EU signed an expanded deal to cut tariffs and reduce dependence on the U.S., including easier access for food and farm products. CARICOM Crime Plan: In St. Kitts, CARICOM and UNDP launched a prevention-focused framework, with Prime Minister Terrance Drew stressing political will—not just policing—as the key to cutting violence. Bolivia Unrest: Four weeks into a general strike, protests and blockades continue as the government rejects resignation demands.

Cuba Crisis Escalates: The U.S. filed criminal charges against 94-year-old Raúl Castro tied to a 1996 aircraft incident, as Washington’s pressure campaign grows and analysts warn it could mean more coercion short of invasion. Diplomacy Under Strain: Mexico and the EU are set to sign a long-stalled modernized trade deal in Mexico City, aiming to cut tariff and non-tariff friction and reduce dependence on the U.S. Drug War Update: Nigeria’s Tinubu praised NDLEA after a major Nigerian-Mexican cartel bust, seizing drugs worth over $360m. Regional Policy Watch: Caribbean leaders are pushing a public-health approach to crime prevention, with CARICOM and UN partners rolling out new diagnostic and action frameworks. Business & Finance: Citi says it will ramp wealth-management hiring with a major focus on Asia, while Afreximbank reported a 25% Q1 profit jump on trade-finance demand. Health & Environment: WHO-linked “One Health” concerns keep rising, as global health emergencies and food-safety risks stay in the spotlight.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled cruise lines can be sued over Havana pier use under the 1996 Libertad Act, a potential new wave of claims tied to property seized after 1959. Military Posture: As the legal fight heats up, the USS Nimitz strike group has entered the Caribbean while Trump and Rubio signal diplomacy may not work and hint at possible intervention after the Raúl Castro indictment. Immigration & Money Flows: Mexico says it’s assessing how new U.S. restrictions on undocumented migrants’ access to financial services could affect remittances. Regional Spotlight: Venezuela’s acting president calls to expand communal production exports abroad. Crime & Security: U.S. ICE arrested a relative of a Cuban business official in Florida. Environment & Science: A new study finds tropical forests can recover over 90% of biodiversity within 30 years after farmland is abandoned.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. charged 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with murder tied to the 1996 downing of exile planes, while the USS Nimitz carrier strike group entered the Caribbean—moves that signal a major hardening of Washington’s Cuba strategy. Regional Security Ripples: The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard warned that Venezuela-U.S. tensions disrupted anti-drug operations, showing how one crisis can spill across the region. Migration & Enforcement: ICE announced arrests of people convicted of murder, child rape, and drug trafficking, as Washington pushes tougher removals. Climate & Food Risks: Jamaica is monitoring a possible major El Niño that could bring hotter, drier conditions and drought pressure. Tourism With Limits: Curaçao’s hotel and tourism sector is urging “sustainable, manageable” growth to avoid infrastructure strain and protect local identity. Tech Payments Push: Bitget Wallet expanded QR crypto payments across Latin America, adding Argentina, Colombia, and Bolivia.

Cuba Escalation: The U.S. indicted former President Raúl Castro on murder and conspiracy charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes, as Washington ramps up pressure on Havana and Trump says “there won’t be escalation” even as rhetoric hardens. Military Posture: The USS Nimitz carrier strike group has entered the Caribbean, signaling a sharper security stance while the Cuba case unfolds. Regional Shockwaves: The move lands amid Cuba’s deepening economic and energy strain and fresh talk of possible U.S. action. Trade & Industry: The U.S. International Trade Commission cleared the way for duties on imported chassis from Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam. Tech Race: Tesla rolled out Full Self-Driving in China, intensifying competition with local EV and autonomy players. Sports & Travel: Mexico is rejecting Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day” water-park plan after backlash, while Mexico City’s World Cup airport upgrades are still causing major passenger headaches.

Haiti–Benin Diplomacy: Haiti officially reopened its embassy in Benin in Cotonou, with flags raised side by side and leaders from major missions and ECOWAS attending. Labor Migration Talks: Colombia hosted Haiti’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor at a Latin America and Caribbean ministers’ conference on labor migration, decent work, and recognition of skills. Drug War Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it dismantled a transnational meth lab in Ogun—allegedly run with Mexican experts—seizing drugs worth ₦480 billion. US–Cuba Tensions: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a “new path” message to Cubans as reports say Washington is preparing a potential indictment of Raúl Castro. Mexico Tourism Fight: Mexico’s environmental authority rejected Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day Mexico” project over ecological concerns near the Mesoamerican Reef. Caribbean Tourism Shift: Island Routes says travelers increasingly want luxury, personalized experiences instead of fixed group tours. World Cup Build-Up: Neymar returned to Brazil’s World Cup plans, while DR Congo faces travel worries amid an Ebola outbreak.

US–Cuba Tensions: A Chinese-owned merchant ship carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico and Uruguay docked in Havana as Washington keeps tightening pressure, while Cuba’s officials also say the U.S. has offered fuel aid after Havana reported it has “absolutely no” fuel oil and diesel left. Cuba Legal Fallout: Former leader Raúl Castro may face indictment in the U.S. over the 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes—an old case now resurfacing amid fresh sanctions. Mexico–US Trade Friction: Mexico is pushing back on stalled extradition requests, keeping security talks tense as the World Cup upgrade push continues. Venezuela Detentions: Venezuela plans to release 300 detainees, with rights groups warning some are political prisoners. Regional Watch: The Pentagon’s watchdog is probing whether U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats followed targeting rules. Markets & Daily Life: Mexico’s beef exporters are trying to double U.S. shipments to offset a screwworm-driven border closure.

Cuba Sanctions Show Trump’s Hardline Test: Washington is escalating pressure with new sanctions on Cuban officials and security-linked agencies, framed as a response to repression and “threats” to U.S. security—raising the stakes for businesses and partners in the region. Cuba Pushes Back: Havana’s ambassador to Dominica rejected a $100M aid offer unless the U.S. lifts the decades-old embargo, arguing oil and food access are the real issue. US–Venezuela Legal Pressure: A U.S. case against Alex Saab’s network could give Washington leverage over Turkey, analysts say, because of Ankara’s past role in Venezuela-linked gold-for-food channels. Bolivia Protest Turns Violent: In La Paz, miners and peasants clashed with police as dynamite was thrown near Plaza Murillo, with the opposition demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation. World Cup Ripples: Domino’s launched a $1M “emergency pizza” giveaway tied to a U.S. red card, while FIFA’s broadcast rights struggle in India highlights uneven global demand.

Venezuela Corruption Case: Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally, appeared in Miami after being deported to the U.S., facing a money-laundering charge tied to a years-long scheme to bribe officials and skim food-import contracts under CLAP, with prosecutors alleging fake companies and falsified shipping records. Cuba-US Tensions: Cuba’s president warned that any U.S. military attack would trigger a “bloodbath,” as Havana denies reports that it bought more than 300 drones from China and Iran. Caribbean Politics: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM urged MPs to show respect in Parliament, while Malaka Parker returned to the Senate after being designated a senator for the ruling party. Tourism Push: Jamaica unveiled new airline routes and a major tourism investment push after strong visitor numbers, while Turks and Caicos opened a $150M Beaches expansion with a fireworks-filled debut. Education & Health: Teacher burnout is being called a “systemic crisis” in Antigua and Barbuda, and the region also faces mounting pressure from extreme weather and rising costs.

Cuba–US Drone Row: Cuba’s foreign minister rejected Axios claims that Havana bought 300+ drones and discussed drone strikes, calling it falsifications meant to justify “possible military aggression,” while Spain saw major pro-Cuba protests against US intervention and the oil blockade. World Cup Tensions: Iran’s squad arrived in Turkey for training and visa steps for the 2026 tournament, even as US-Iran conflict fears linger after fresh drone attacks and Trump threats. Miami’s Office Boom: Miami-Dade rents are hitting record highs, with prime deals now clearing $150–$200 per square foot as ultra-wealthy migration and new HQ plans reshape demand. Public Health Worry: WHO flagged Ebola in Uganda/DRC as an international emergency as hantavirus concerns tied to a cruise keep travel-preparedness questions in focus. Human Trafficking Alert: Toronto officials are coordinating ahead of World Cup crowds, warning trafficking risks rise when cities get bigger inflows. Caribbean Tourism Push: Grenada is leaning into wellness travel and eco-luxury, while Barbados will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027.

Cuba-U.S. Tensions: Lula da Silva urged Donald Trump to lift the U.S. blockade on Cuba, warning that “impositions” are pushing the relationship toward danger. Venezuela Watch: Venezuela deported Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally, to face U.S. criminal proceedings—an abrupt reversal after his Biden-era pardon. Colombia Campaign Violence: Two presidential campaign staffers were killed in Meta, raising fears of intimidation so close to the May 31 vote. Global Power Shift at the UN: BRICS foreign ministers backed UN Security Council reform with more voice for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: Six migrants died in a Texas freight car after overheating, with an arrest tied to a smuggling probe. Sports & Culture: Peru’s electoral board confirmed a June 7 runoff, while Nepalgunj Marathon won an AIMS Social Award.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA says it held “excellent” and “constructive” talks with Iran’s federation in Istanbul to secure Iran’s participation in the 2026 tournament, with Iran still scheduled to play all group matches in the U.S. Regional Security: SIPRI reports Brazil is the top South American defense spender, while Uruguay posted one of the steepest relative jumps in military spending—part of a wider regional and global modernization push. Energy & Environment: In Trinidad and Tobago, Heritage Petroleum says it has removed contaminated soil tied to oil sightings near Rangie Nanan Drive in Tarouba and is continuing air monitoring and resident updates. Venezuela-U.S. Fallout: Venezuela deported Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally, to face U.S. criminal proceedings—reversing his earlier Biden-era pardon. U.S. Military Return: The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group returned to Virginia after an 11-month deployment supporting the Iran war, earning a Presidential Unit Citation. Health on the Move: Cruise-ship stomach bugs are at a near two-decade high, with norovirus outbreaks rising as more passengers travel.