AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Travel & Culture: A long-time traveler says Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach still nails the basics—calm water, soft sand, and enough length to find your own quiet stretch. Brazil Sports & Policy: Brazil’s volleyball confederation says female athletes must be “biological female” and will be screened via SRY gene testing, drawing backlash from a transgender player. Venezuela Tech & Community: CONATI marks 12 years promoting information tech; meanwhile “Venezuela Renace” keeps running youth activities in Valencia and is 55% through repairs on quake-damaged buildings in Caracas. Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Western Colombia’s quake recovery continues as residents demand shelter and services; outrage grows after the president was seen handing out branded footballs while aid shortages persist. Brazil Regulation & Safety: Discord suspends livestreaming and video calls in Brazil after a teen’s alleged suicide linked to harmful broadcasts. Venezuela Energy & Diplomacy: BP and ADNOC’s arm sign offshore exploration deals for Venezuela; separate reports say Venezuela’s UK-held gold is set for release under US Treasury control with audits. Mexico Security & Crime: Families displaced by the Ardillos group in Guerrero are returning home after fighting with rivals and local forces.

Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Search teams keep combing rubble in western Colombia nearly a week after the 7.4 quake, with officials warning hopes are fading as the death toll sits around 290 and thousands are injured or missing. U.S.-Backed Security Push: The Trump administration says it wants to expand its anti-drug campaign from sea strikes to land operations, seeking new partner deals across Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras. Mexico Avocado Restart: Mexico’s avocado exports resume after the U.S. lifted a security alert in Michoacán, with packing plants back running and workers returning to fields. Brazil Election Campaign: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro kick off presidential bids in their strongholds, with both sides trading accusations over foreign influence and trade pressure. Venezuela Energy: ONGC gets an OFAC license to resume full operations in Venezuela, potentially unlocking new agreements and production plans. Chile Mining Oversight: Codelco reshuffles leadership to tighten control at troubled El Teniente amid delays and safety concerns. China-Latin America Ties: Chile’s foreign minister heads to China, while Brazil marks 52 years of diplomatic relations and highlights a China-built “green artery” power project. Sports & Culture: Pirates of the Caribbean 6 talks revive hopes for Johnny Depp’s return; meanwhile, a Kensington Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia makes the New York Times’ top list.

Brazil Election Campaign: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro kicked off their presidential bids in their strongholds, with Lula promising to defend sovereignty and expand social programs while Bolsonaro’s camp leans on a tougher stance amid accusations of U.S. meddling. Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella asked Trump to suspend high tariffs to ease pressure on businesses as search and recovery continue after the 7.4 quake, with officials still reporting hundreds dead and many missing. Relief on the Ground: Rescue teams kept working through rubble in Cali and Pereira as hopes for survivors dimmed, while aid logistics ramped up nationwide. Venezuela Economy Update: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela has logged 21 straight quarters of growth, pointing to higher food consumption and domestic production. Caribbean Security: CARICOM’s Operation Eclipse wrapped up with major maritime seizures worth about $54.5 million, targeting smuggling networks. Entertainment: Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed talks with Johnny Depp about a sixth film.

Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Colombia’s death toll from the 7.4 quake has climbed to 294, with 3,935 injured and 320 missing as rescue efforts continue and hopes fade in hard-hit cities like Cali and Pereira. Tariff Pressure: Newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend U.S. tariffs raised to 12.5% on Colombian goods, saying the extra costs will hit businesses already strained by the disaster. Humanitarian Logistics: Bogotá’s stadium has been turned into a humanitarian hub, receiving about 700 tons of aid for quake-affected communities. Security in the Crisis: Colombia’s army says one soldier was killed and five wounded in an ELN drone attack in Norte de Santander. Venezuela Energy Deal: India’s ONGC won a U.S. OFAC license to restart full operations in Venezuela, aiming to recover over $500 million in unpaid dividends and expand projects. Brazil Industry Push: LG Electronics began operations of a second refrigerator plant in Paraná, boosting local output and exports. Caribbean Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago will host the 4th Annual Caribbean Music Awards on Sept. 19.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Hopes are fading in western Colombia’s quake zone as rescuers pull more bodies from collapsed buildings; Colombia’s disaster agency says 294 dead, 320 missing, and nearly 4,000 injured, with most deaths in Cali and Pereira and teams likely shifting from rescue to debris clearing. Human Impact: One Cali family story is devastating—triplet sisters and parents were killed, leaving a single survivor after hours under rubble. Venezuela Solidarity & Politics: Venezuela’s foreign minister sent condolences to Indonesia after a 7.7 quake, while Caracas also announced the release of 131 political prisoners under “alternative measures,” though monitoring groups say verification is incomplete. Energy Deal: ADNO C’s XRG won a stake in Venezuela’s offshore Loran Gas licence, expanding gas and LNG plans with bp and UCC. Mexico-US Tensions: A Mexican politician blasted Trump’s visa revocation as “Hitlerian” politics, escalating a broader row over U.S. entry decisions. Food Safety Watch: The FDA began inspecting Taylor Farms’ Mexico plant tied to a cyclospora outbreak. Brazil Election: Lula will approve a new U.S. ambassador only after October’s vote, as polls show Lula leading Flávio Bolsonaro in a tight race. Caribbean Weather: Tropical waves are expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the Caribbean and Central America.

Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: The death toll from Monday’s 7.4 quake has reached 287, with nearly 400 missing, as rescuers race to pull survivors from rubble—especially around Cali and Pereira, where a damaged hotel remains a key focus. Disaster Escalation: Recovery is now being hit by a wildfire surge: 344 municipalities are on red alert after a sharp jump in active blazes tied to extreme heat and dry conditions. Brazil Energy Watch: Petrobras says it has detected hydrocarbons in an exploratory well off Brazil’s Amazon coast, a potential boost for energy security that environmental groups oppose. Brazil Election Pulse: A Quaest poll shows Lula leading Flavio Bolsonaro 43% to 40% in a simulated runoff—effectively a statistical tie. Peru Justice: Peru’s court system annulled former first lady Nadine Heredia’s conviction and arrest warrant in the Odebrecht-linked case, clearing the way for her return. Venezuela Prison Releases: Opposition leader María Corina Machado welcomed the release of 131 political prisoners and urged broader, unconditional freedom. Regional Politics: In Mexico’s Baja California, opposition lawmakers were blocked from impeaching the governor after a constitutional change removed that power.

Colombia Quake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake death toll rose to 287, with 3,975 injured and 378 missing, as rescues shift from finding survivors to clearing debris and assessing damage across dozens of municipalities. International Aid & Diplomacy: Israel sent an aid and rescue delegation to Cali, while the Pope sent 100,000 euros for relief and the World Bank pledged $200 million for recovery. Food Safety in Mexico: U.S. FDA and CDC began on-site inspections at Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato after a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce spread across 17 U.S. states. Trade & Politics: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. visa revocations affecting the son of former President López Obrador, as the U.S. and Mexico also conduct joint security drills targeting cartels. Venezuela Energy Moves: BP signed a deal to tap Venezuela’s vast gas field, as China and Venezuela deepen cooperation on earthquake monitoring and prevention. Peru Domestic Policy: Peru declared Pope Leo XIV’s visit a matter of national interest and plans to buy 12 more F-16 Block 70 jets. Caribbean Environment: Mexico is battling a record sargassum surge on the Caribbean coast, with officials reporting more than 105,000 tons cleared this year.

Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: The death toll from Monday’s 7.4 quake rose to 273 dead with 3,824 injured and 379 missing as the search enters a grim phase and families in Cali and Pereira wait in camps. Emergency Response & Aid: Colombia’s ICT ministry ordered telecoms to prioritize free emergency communications, while authorities faced criticism over early delays and limits on some foreign rescue teams. Disaster Preparedness: A Colombian disaster chief vowed to keep searching until the missing are found, even as the “72-hour” survival window closes. Venezuela Energy Opening: Venezuela resumed gas licensing for foreign firms after the quake halt, including BP, XRG and Qatar’s UCC, tied to the Loran field. Brazil-US Trade Tension: Brazil began formal steps to seek reciprocal measures against new U.S. tariffs, escalating a diplomatic spat. Brazil Social Media Safety: Brazil’s data protection authority ordered Discord to suspend livestreaming after a 13-year-old’s death linked to alleged self-harm incitement. Art Crime: Police recovered stolen Matisse illustrations worth about $200,000 in São Paulo. Caribbean Culture Spotlight: Antigua is pitching itself as a new creative hub, blending luxury resorts with local arts and music.

Colombia Earthquake Response: The 7.4 quake’s death toll rose to 273 with 3,800+ injured and 377 still missing as rescue efforts in Cali and Pereira shifted toward debris removal and families waited for word. Humanitarian Aid & Funding: Pope Leo XIV sent €100,000 to the Colombian Church for quake relief, while the UAE pledged $10 million and more foreign teams and agencies continued to scale up support. Disaster Policy: Colombia declared an economic emergency and set up a “Miracle Fund” to manage donations and speed reconstruction. Misinformation Check: A viral claim blaming the quake on Alaska’s HAARP was debunked—experts say it was caused by natural strike-slip faulting. Crime & Justice: An alleged Operation Jericho leader tied to the Gulf Clan was extradited from Colombia to Panama. Regional Diplomacy: Israel and Venezuela renewed consular relations after 17 years, agreeing on a coordination mechanism and emergency-reconstruction cooperation. Argentina Economy: Argentina’s inflation ticked up to 2.1% in July as Milei’s government moves to loosen dollar lending rules for firms.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll rose to 265 with about 3,500 injured and nearly 500 missing as rescue teams pushed into the “final phase” before the critical 72-hour window closes, with families in Pereira and Cali still listening for signs of life. Emergency Powers: President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an “economic emergency” and national mourning, promising an emergency fund for hospitals, schools, homes, and infrastructure plus rental subsidies and tax relief. Aid and Politics: Reports say Colombia initially limited or delayed some foreign rescue help, now drawing scrutiny as international assistance begins to arrive. U.S.-Colombia Security: Colombia formalized joint military cooperation with the U.S. to fight drug trafficking and armed groups, including joining Washington’s Americas Counter-Cartel effort. Venezuela Talks: Venezuela’s interim government and opposition agreed on judicial reform and a path to access frozen funds for earthquake recovery. Venezuela-Israel: Venezuela and Israel restored consular ties after 17 years, linking the move to humanitarian and recovery coordination. Sports & Culture: Messi returned for Inter Miami but they were eliminated by Mexico’s León; in Brazil, campaigns are turning to catchy music as the presidential race heats up.

Colombia Earthquake Relief: A 7.4 quake in western Colombia has killed at least 254 people, with thousands injured and many still missing as rescue teams push into a “final phase” and cities like Cali and Pereira remain hardest hit; International Aid: The EU pledged €2.1m for health, water, shelter and cash help, while Mexico sent 19.5 tons of aid and plans more flights; Coffee Exports Hit: Colombia’s coffee exports are nearly halted as roads and access to ports are disrupted; Venezuela Response & Diplomacy: Venezuela is coordinating with UN agencies on recovery after its June twin quakes and exchanged housing-related efforts with Brazil; Brazil Tech Regulation: Brazil’s data protection agency ordered Discord to suspend livestreaming features over child safety concerns after a teen suicide tied to a broadcast; U.S.-Led Security: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Colombia into a counter-drug coalition in Panama; Community Fundraising: Colombians in South Florida and local restaurant owners in the U.S. are collecting supplies for victims.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4 quake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, killing at least 254 people as rescuers race to find thousands still missing; survivors have been pulled from rubble in Cali and Pereira, while hospitals and airports face major disruptions and the government has declared emergency measures. International Aid & Diplomacy: The U.S. pledged $15.5 million, Switzerland sent CHF1 million for food, shelter and water, and multiple countries offered support as Colombia’s new leadership tries to scale up response fast. Brazil Grid & Energy Regulation: Brazil’s regulator is weighing tougher rules after reports of unauthorized distributed solar expansions that could reach 14 GW and threaten grid security. Mexico Telecom & Public Safety: Mexico launched a tender for standalone 5G on new rail lines, while press-freedom groups urged federal action amid a spike in journalist killings. Argentina Politics & Protests: Thousands protested Milei’s bill that would loosen limits on foreign land ownership, as the president also backed regional allies during a trip. Venezuela Quake Aftermath: Experts point to loose soils and poor construction as key factors behind damage from Venezuela’s twin quakes, with thousands still displaced.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed past 218 as rescuers kept searching collapsed buildings in Cali, Pereira and other hard-hit towns, with thousands still missing and aid rushing in. International Solidarity: Leaders and governments across the region and beyond sent condolences and support, while El Salvador prepared to ship 100 tons of humanitarian supplies to Colombia. Venezuela Reconstruction: Venezuela Renace crews reported progress restoring quake-damaged sites, including work at Caracas’ National Pantheon and delivery of rehabilitated homes in La Guaira and Miranda. Diplomacy Shift: Venezuela and Israel agreed to restore consular services and set up a coordination mechanism for citizens abroad, following humanitarian talks after Venezuela’s June earthquakes. Regional Reactions: The Gulf Cooperation Council and other governments condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, escalating a diplomatic dispute alongside the earthquake crisis. Bolivia Economy: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz is pushing an investment and reform agenda to open the economy, seeking an IMF-backed program amid political resistance. Brazil Watch: Brazil’s inflation slowed to 0.07% in July, returning within the government’s target range, while Itaú advanced a tokenization pilot for fixed-income and funds.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4-magnitude quake hit western Colombia near San José del Palmar, killing at least 132 and injuring 570, with rescue teams still digging through collapsed buildings and aftershocks continuing; President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency, while Cali imposed a curfew and airports suspended operations. International Aid: The EU activated Copernicus satellite support and its consular crisis mechanism, and the U.S. pledged $15.5 million for shelter, food, protection and damage assessments; WFP said it’s ready to help. Venezuela Quake Aftermath: The death toll from Venezuela’s June twin earthquakes rose to 6,301, with tens of thousands of homes assessed and thousands rescued. Trade & Environment: The EU Market Advisory Council warned that duty-free canned tuna from Mexico could hurt EU fishers and processors, citing competitiveness and compliance concerns. Tech in Mexico: TCS and Google Cloud plan a Gemini Experience Center in Mexico City to help companies move from testing AI to real deployments. Sports: Alas Pilipinas’ U17 volleyball team faces a must-win against Venezuela after a loss to Peru, while China advanced past Mexico in the same tournament.

Colombia Earthquake Disaster: A powerful 7.4 quake hit western Colombia near San José del Palmar in Chocó, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87, with dozens of buildings collapsed and survivors trapped in rubble; President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and took direct charge of the response as evacuations spread and several airports suspended flights. Regional Solidarity & Aid: The EU activated Copernicus for rescue support, and countries including Venezuela, Spain, and the UAE expressed condolences and offered help, while South Florida leaders and a Doral-based humanitarian group mobilized to send aid. New Government Under Pressure: The quake is the first major crisis for Colombia’s newly sworn-in administration, with damage reported across multiple departments and ongoing searches amid aftershock fears. Israel-Golan Move: Hours around the disaster, Colombia’s government recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a policy shift tied to the new administration’s pro-Israel stance. Drug Case (Mexico/US): A Mexican national was sentenced to 30 years for aggravated fentanyl trafficking in the US, underscoring ongoing cross-border enforcement.

FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF hit back at Gianni Infantino over the proposed World Cup stake sale, demanding an independent review and warning against leadership that “serves football” not personal control. Peru-Russia War Fallout: Peru’s foreign ministry says 11 citizens fighting with Russia were killed, 114 are missing and three were captured, urging people to avoid fake recruitment offers. Colombia Security Crackdown: President Abelardo de la Espriella says forces killed six armed-group members in early operations, as bomb attacks marked the new right-wing government’s first days. Argentina Church vs Milei: Pope Leo XIV’s November trip to Argentina is framed as hope for Catholics amid austerity pressures and rising hardship. Bolivia Politics: President Rodrigo Paz says he has restored traffic after a blockade crisis, splitting the protest coalition. Mexico Violence: Zacatecas residents found bodies hanging from a bridge, renewing fears of gang-linked terror tactics. Brazil Business & Tech: Telecom Argentina reported strong H1 results, while Brazil deepens ties with Sweden and Ghana. Sports: South Africa edged Argentina 17-10 in Buenos Aires; Mexico won the CONCACAF U-20 title over the U.S. 2-0.