AGP Executive Report

Court & Environment: A Costa Rican lawyer asked a court to halt exports of three thresher shark species, arguing new international protections took effect June 27 and the government didn’t properly implement them. Elections & Democracy: The U.S. and 12 Latin American partners urged Colombia to ensure a peaceful transition after President Gustavo Petro questioned the June 21 election outcome, with Costa Rica among the signatories. Currency & Cost of Living: The colón strengthened to record highs against the U.S. dollar, with the Finance Ministry acknowledging the move is already hurting tax collection and squeezing dollar-income residents. Coffee Economy: Costa Rica’s Cup of Excellence auction hit major highs, including a $200.10-per-pound winning lot, as the country’s specialty coffee continues to draw top international bids. Local Health Leadership: Unspoken Smiles expanded its fellowship network, adding 30 oral-health leaders from Costa Rica and the region and highlighting school screenings in San José. Media & Training: China International Communication Group opened a three-week training for mainstream media practitioners that included a Costa Rican participant, aiming to shape how China is portrayed abroad. Tourism & Prestige: Three Costa Rican hotels placed in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, reinforcing the country’s pull for high-end nature travel.

Colombia Transition Watch: The US and 12 Latin American partners urged Colombia to follow the constitution and ensure a peaceful, orderly handover after outgoing President Gustavo Petro cast doubt on the runoff vote, warning against statements that undermine trust in the electoral process. Costa Rica Governance & Security: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) will restrict public access to civil registry consultations online, requiring user accounts and anonymizing sensitive details to curb identity theft and scams. San José Nightlife Rules: A proposed San José regulation would limit dancing in restaurants and tighten performance rules by zoning, drawing pushback from nightlife and cultural businesses. Economic Signals: Costa Rica reported negative inflation for a fourth straight year, with CPI down 0.32% year-on-year (July 2025–June 2026). Regional Crime Crackdown: Costa Rica and partners seized 5.4 tons of drugs after intercepting speedboats in the South Pacific, arresting six suspects. Tourism Spotlight: Three Costa Rican hotels ranked among the world’s best in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 awards, reinforcing the country’s high-end nature tourism pull.

Nicaragua Crackdown: Nicaragua stripped hundreds of lawyers of their licenses without notice, a move UN experts called a “purge of the legal profession” that further erodes democratic checks as the Ortega–Murillo government tightens its crackdown on dissent. San José Nightlife Rules: San José City Council is weighing a draft regulation that would ban dancing in restaurants and tighten performance limits by zoning, drawing pushback from nightlife and cultural businesses. E-Gates at SJO: Juan Santamaría Airport will roll out biometric e-gates to speed immigration, starting with Costa Ricans holding biometric passports, with later phases for others. TSE Civil Registry Privacy: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal will restrict public access to civil consultations online by requiring user accounts and anonymizing some data to curb scams and identity theft. Drug Bust at Sea: Costa Rica and regional partners seized 5.4 tons of drugs after intercepting two speedboats in the South Pacific, arresting six suspects. Tourism Shift: Costa Rica is seeing shorter air-arrival stays but higher spending, signaling a move toward higher-value visitors. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Costa Rica-linked rescue and animal relief teams continued work as international logistics ramped up after the June 24 quakes.

Costa Rica Security Showdown: President Laura Fernández is clashing with the judiciary over budget cuts and a plan to shift attorney general appointments to Congress, as she pushes “iron fist” anti-drug policies amid rising violence tied to organized crime. Police Fleet Crisis: The government says it has about 1,500 mobile police units out of service and many more with mechanical issues, leaving roughly 2,000 vehicles to cover the country—one reason patrols and rapid response are under strain. Taxi Permit Fallout: After the July 5 renewal deadline passed, more than 2,000 “red” taxis stopped operating, shrinking the fleet to 6,521; officials say they’re seeking ways to modernize and ease requirements, including allowing app-based dual service. Central America Illicit Trade: A regional report flags weak controls and misuse of free-trade zones as drivers of illegal tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals and electronics, with Costa Rica and Panama scoring highest in the Central America list. Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath: International rescue operations are winding down and shifting toward recovery and reconstruction as death tolls rise, while aid groups continue longer-term support.

Judiciary vs. Presidency: Costa Rica’s newly elected President Laura Fernández is clashing with the judiciary over budget cuts and a plan to shift attorney general appointments to Congress, leaving drug-fighting coordination in limbo as officials trade corruption accusations. Public Safety Logistics: The police fleet crisis is worsening: the Ministry of Public Security says about 1,500 mobile units are out of service and many remaining vehicles are mechanically unfit, limiting patrol coverage amid ongoing pressure from organized crime. Taxi Crunch: After taxi permit renewals expired, more than 2,000 “red” taxis stopped operating, shrinking the fleet and pushing the government to consider easing requirements and allowing a dual model with app-based service. Cost of Living: A new report highlights how Costa Rica is becoming one of Latin America’s most expensive countries to live in, with housing costs—especially in the Greater Metropolitan Area—driving the squeeze. Environment & Land Use: Monteverde Cloud Forest was added to the IUCN Green List, marking a major conservation milestone for governance and results.

Education Policy: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education issued a mandatory circular tightening rules on political and electoral neutrality for teachers and school staff, banning classroom and institutional resources from being used for partisan or ideological propaganda. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The government’s mega-prison project in Alajuela is already sparking backlash after President Laura Fernández suggested students tour the facility—critics call it “medieval” and argue for parks, universities, and job opportunities instead. Cybersecurity: A new report warns Costa Rica’s corporate identity theft is rising fast, with AI-fueled social engineering hitting SMEs and family businesses hard. Tech & Finance: Catchnex launched a multi-asset copy trading platform in San José, emphasizing verified closed-trade performance stats and a profit-only fee model. Health & Travel: Costa Rica issued a measles-related travel warning amid a surge across the Americas. Tourism & Mobility: San José airport rolled out “Fast Track” access, and vehicle restrictions tied to school holidays were suspended.

Education & Elections: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Education issued a mandatory circular tightening rules on political and electoral neutrality for teachers, banning classroom and school resources from being used for propaganda or to pressure students toward parties or candidates. Public Safety & Crime Policy: President Laura Fernández suggested taking students to tour a new maximum-security prison under construction in Alajuela; PLN lawmaker Claudia Dobles and others called it discriminatory and urged exposure to parks, universities, and job opportunities instead. Cybersecurity: A new report warns Costa Rica’s trust gap is being exploited by AI-enabled voice fraud, with small and mid-size firms hit hardest by social engineering. Local Government & Mobility: San José vehicle restrictions were suspended for school holidays, while the airport rolled out “SJO Fast Track” to speed departures and arrivals. Regional Politics: Nicaragua activists say Bishop Abelardo Mata’s whereabouts remain unknown after a brief detention, raising fears of de facto house arrest. Humanitarian Relief: International rescuers detailed the complex 180-hour “miracle” rescue of a Venezuelan security guard, as quake recovery continues.

Cybersecurity & Governance: A Costa Rica SME story shows how AI-fueled social engineering can drain funds fast when internal controls are weak, with cyberattacks reported up sharply this year. Tourism Policy: Costa Rica is pushing a higher-value travel model—longer stays and experience-based trips—while easing away from mass tourism messaging. City Mobility: San José suspends vehicle plate restrictions for the school holiday period, returning the weekday system on July 20. Airport Operations: SJO launched “Fast Track” to speed international departures and arrivals through priority access before immigration and customs. Public Health & Safety: Costa Rica issued a travel warning amid a measles surge in the Americas, and also posted new beach and river crocodile warnings. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Panama approved more than $14.1M in studies and consulting for the Panamá-David-Frontera railway, including feasibility work and an AECOM update. Human Rights Enforcement: An international crackdown on human trafficking reported 2,070 victims identified and 1,024 arrests across 59 countries. Sports & National Pride: Spain set a World Cup clean-sheet record with goalkeeper Unai Simón extending his scoreless streak, while Costa Rica’s football presence remains in the World Cup spotlight.

Costa Rica Tourism & Mobility: Costa Rica is pushing a higher-value tourism model with longer stays and experience-led travel, highlighted by the ICT’s European campaign “Empieza a vivir, Pura Vida,” while San José eases holiday traffic rules by suspending vehicle plate restrictions for the school break and the airport rolls out “SJO Fast Track” to speed international departures and arrivals. Regional Infrastructure & Governance: Panama’s government has authorized more than $14.1 million in studies and consulting for the Panamá–David–Frontera rail line, including feasibility work and an AECOM update to the master plan. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica-linked regulators took action against illegal gambling operators, and NOAA flagged Costa Rica among six countries tied to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Humanitarian Spotlight: Costa Rican rescuers were among the international teams involved in the “miracle” rescue of Venezuelan security guard Hernán Gil after 183 hours trapped in earthquake rubble.

Constitutional Court: Costa Rica’s Sala IV upheld the arrest and extradition process for a citizen linked to Hamas, rejecting a habeas corpus petition and confirming authorities acted with due process while deportation steps continue. Public Health: The Ministry of Health issued a travel alert as measles cases surge across the Americas, noting Costa Rica has only seen imported-related cases so far and urging travelers to be fully vaccinated. Women’s Safety: INAMU warned that World Cup finals have coincided with spikes in domestic violence reports to 9-1-1, urging stronger prevention and faster response on high-profile match days. Disaster Response: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez publicly thanked international rescue teams, spotlighting the Costa Rican Red Cross after the rescue of Hernán Gil, a security guard trapped for eight days. Crime & Exploitation: A Costa Rican study warns criminal gangs are recruiting minors through schools and colleges, especially in areas marked by poverty, exclusion, and drug trafficking. Tech & Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s AI minister met Costa Rica’s science and telecom leadership in Geneva to expand cooperation on AI governance and the digital economy.

Constitutional Court: Costa Rica’s Sala IV upheld the arrest and extradition process for a citizen allegedly linked to Hamas, rejecting a habeas corpus petition and saying due process was followed. Public Health: The Ministry of Health issued a travel alert over a surge in measles cases across the Americas, noting Costa Rica has only seen imported cases so far this year. Violence Watch: INAMU warned that World Cup finals have coincided with spikes in domestic violence reports, urging stronger prevention and rapid response. Humanitarian Response: Costa Rican firefighters returned from Venezuela after an international USAR mission following the twin earthquakes, while Costa Rica continues organizing donated supplies through the National Emergency Commission. Regional Security: A UCR-linked report says criminal gangs are recruiting minors through schools in parts of Puntarenas and the Central Pacific, tied to poverty, exclusion, and drug trafficking. International Spotlight: Costa Rica’s role in regional rescue efforts drew public thanks from Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, who specifically credited the Costa Rican Red Cross. Business & Trade: The Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit is set to bring 400+ buyers and investors to connect with local exports and investment opportunities.

Venezuela Relief Effort: Costa Rica’s aid drive for Venezuela’s earthquake victims is ramping up, with donations being sorted and prepared through the National Emergency Commission (CNE) and the Fire Department as the death toll nears 3,000. Regional Rescue Updates: International teams are increasingly demobilizing, but rescuers still report major operations underway, including the high-profile rescue of a trapped security guard after more than a week. Costa Rica Infrastructure & Heritage: Costa Rica completed an archaeological rescue excavation tied to the future Southern International Airport in the Diquís Delta, documenting everyday settlement evidence from AD 800–1200 and 1300–1500. Public Safety on the Coast: Costa Rica Traffic Police are warning drivers not to take cars, motorcycles, or ATVs onto beaches, citing fines and injury risks. Global Governance Watch: A new report on UN Secretary-General nominations highlights Costa Rican trade official Rebeca Mayufis among candidates, keeping Central America in the spotlight.

Venezuela Quake Response: Venezuela’s acting leadership says international rescue teams are demobilizing as local civil protection takes over, with the death toll now reported at 2,954 and 16,500+ injured; officials also say 942 aftershocks have been recorded and 80 temporary shelters are operating. Costa Rica Infrastructure: The transport ministry is lining up major road and rail works—starting with the San José–San Ramón corridor expansion tender—warning that multiple projects could collide and worsen traffic across the Greater Metropolitan Area. Airport Convenience: SJO Fast Track is now available at Juan Santamaría, offering paid priority access lanes for eligible international travelers (one-time use, $100). Public Safety for Tourism: Costa Rica has begun installing 55 crocodile/caiman warning signs ahead of the midyear school break, urging visitors not to enter risky areas or approach reptiles. Regional Diplomacy & Aid: Costa Rica is among the countries recognized for quake assistance as Venezuela awards “Heroes of Venezuela” medals to international brigades. World Cup Politics-by-Weather: Mexico–England last-16 coverage is dominated by thunderstorm risk at the Azteca and FIFA’s handling of kickoff timing, while Mexico fans stage overnight disruption outside the England hotel.

Airport & Mobility: Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría Airport rolled out SJO Fast Track, a $100 paid priority lane option for select immigration and customs checkpoints starting July 1. Infrastructure & Congestion: The transport ministry is lining up seven road and rail projects, including major corridor expansions around San José that could worsen traffic across the Greater Metropolitan Area. Public Safety: SINAC moved to cut Corcovado’s Sirena visitor capacity after sewage issues, then reassigned the park director—sparking protests over how the change was handled. International Cooperation: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez honored foreign rescue brigades and K9 teams with “Heroes of Venezuela” medals, including Costa Rica’s contingent, after the June 24 earthquakes. Tech & Business Links: Costa Rica’s foreign minister called India a “silent giant” for software, tech, and pharma, and floated cooperation in AI and medicine. Travel Season Warnings: Costa Rica installed 55 new crocodile/caiman warning signs ahead of the July school break, urging visitors not to enter risky areas or approach reptiles.

World Cup Round of 16: Mexico tells England it’s “the best game” they’ll ever play, leaning on Azteca altitude and a dominant home record (only two losses in 89 matches) as kickoff drama swirls. Match Scheduling Chaos: FIFA reportedly debated moving England–Mexico six hours earlier due to an 80% storm risk, then left fans in limbo before the original 6 p.m. local time was expected to hold. Venezuela Earthquake Diplomacy: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez honored international rescue brigades and K9 teams with “Heroes of Venezuela” medals, including Costa Rica’s Red Cross and rescuers from multiple countries. Regional Security Politics: A rightward shift continues across Latin America, with Peru’s runoff declaring Keiko Fujimori the winner on a tough-on-crime platform. Anti-Drug Operations: U.S.-led partners seized about 20,334 pounds of cocaine in maritime interdictions, including a Costa Rican Coast Guard operation off Osa Peninsula. Trade & Tech: Bloomberg reports Israeli AI cybersecurity firm Dream is eyeing Latin America expansion as pro-U.S. leaders win elections.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez praised the “Canine Heroes of Venezuela” and thanked international rescuers—including Costa Rica’s Red Cross—for the multi-country rescue effort after the June 24 quakes, as teams kept searching and celebrated survivors pulled from rubble. Costa Rica Infrastructure & Tourism: President Laura Fernández assigned former President Rodrigo Chaves to coordinate the next execution phase of the Limón marina and cruise terminal project, after new law expanded Japdeva’s ability to form strategic alliances with partners. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica’s high-security CACCO prison for organized crime will miss the end-of-July finish date, with delivery now expected in stages—first sections late July and full completion around September. Regional Trade Policy: Vietnam, as CPTPP chair for 2026, advanced expansion talks and reviewed Costa Rica’s accession process alongside Uruguay. Governance Debate: A bill would change how Costa Rica’s Attorney General is selected, shifting appointment power toward legislators—sparking controversy given the proposer’s pending criminal cases. Local Economy & Aging: New reporting highlights the steep cost of private elder care in Costa Rica, with monthly prices often far above what many pensions cover.