AGP Executive Report

Nicaragua Elections Crackdown: Former Costa Rican presidents are intensifying condemnation of Daniel Ortega after Managua moved to bar “traitors to the homeland” from voting, with Costa Rica, the U.S., and others calling it a step toward dictatorship. Prison Security in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s Penitentiary Police removed TVs and related devices from seven prisons as the Justice Ministry tightens control, while authorities also moved “Diablo” alias Alejandro Arias Monge and his daughter’s case remains under heightened scrutiny near La Reforma. Energy & Infrastructure: ICE has started grid-connection tests for a 20 MW solar plant in Guanacaste, part of a broader push to add solar capacity and diversify power amid hydrological swings. Agriculture Watch: El Niño warnings are driving farmers to delay planting and prepare for rain shortages, with Costa Rica-linked regional coordination through IICA. UN Leadership Race: Uganda nominated Olara Otunnu for UN secretary-general, adding to a crowded field that includes Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan. Trade Policy Ripple: The U.S. finalized new forced-labor Section 301 tariffs affecting 60 economies, with Costa Rica in the LATAM list.

UN Leadership Race: Uganda’s Olara Otunnu has formally joined the race to replace Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general, adding to a crowded field that includes Argentina’s Rafael Grossi and Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, as the Security Council moves into its next phase of behind-closed-doors straw polling. Renewables & Grid: ICE has started connecting a 20 MW solar plant in Guanacaste (Los Tecales) to Costa Rica’s national grid, with technical tests now underway before commercial operation. Agribusiness: Costa Rica is pushing a quality-first mango strategy, aiming to win better prices by targeting its export window and focusing on premium varieties. Public Health for Centenarians: President Laura Fernández formalized “Costa Rica Centenaria,” expanding home-based medical visits for Nicoya’s 100+ residents and reducing the need to travel for routine care. Security & Justice: Costa Rica arrested “El Diablo,” its most-wanted drug trafficker, after a long manhunt and a violent operation in Sarapiquí. Energy & Food Security: A regional food-supply meeting is set for Santo Domingo in August, with Costa Rica among expected participants, while El Niño warnings are reshaping planting plans across the region.

UN Leadership Race: Uganda’s Olara Otunnu has formally entered the race for UN secretary-general, joining a crowded field that includes Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, as the Security Council moves into a more secretive straw-poll phase. Costa Rica Security: Authorities arrested “El Diablo,” Alejandro Arias Monge, after an hourlong firefight in Sarapiquí; officials say the operation also netted key suspects and recovered weapons and drones. Detention Confusion: Costa Rican officials gave conflicting accounts over whether “Diablo’s” daughter was detained after being stopped near La Reforma prison, raising questions about how the case was handled. Public Health: CDC issued a Level 2 travel health notice for Guanacaste’s Playa Langosta after a confirmed chikungunya outbreak, with local mosquito spread now a concern. Local Governance & Care: President Laura Fernández formalized “Costa Rica Centenaria,” putting Nicoya centenarians on a home-visit medical program to cut travel barriers for routine care. Drug Bust: Police in Guanacaste seized 202 kilos of apparent cocaine hidden in a vehicle compartment, along with cash and the car. Trade Policy Impact: The U.S. finalized forced-labor tariffs affecting Costa Rica among 60 economies, with new rates set to take effect after the Section 122 expiration.

UN Leadership Race: Uganda late-nominated diplomat Olara Otunnu as the seventh candidate to replace António Guterres, pitching UN reforms, conflict-ending priorities, an AI oversight body, and climate action that won’t derail development. Costa Rica Security: Police arrested “El Diablo,” Alejandro Arias Monge, after an armed operation in Sarapiquí that left one suspect dead and eight injured; the U.S. had offered a $500,000 reward. Local Justice & Prisons: Authorities suspended general visits at La Reforma and other centers for the weekend and set a strict containment regime for Arias Monge and another detainee. Governance & Crime Control: Separate operation in Guanacaste led to the seizure of 202 kg of apparent cocaine and cash after a hidden-compartment find. Environment & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s wildlife-crossing monitoring shows crossings are used by many species, but roadkill persists—highlighting the gap between connectivity and safety. Global Rights & Politics: A commentary argues Nicaragua’s Ortega has moved from election manipulation to one-party rule, framing it as fear of genuine competition.

Organized Crime Crackdown: Costa Rica arrested “El Diablo,” Alejandro Arias Monge, after an hourlong firefight in Sarapiquí; the most-wanted fugitive had a decade-long manhunt and U.S. ties, with authorities also detaining an alleged lieutenant and reporting multiple police injuries. Public Safety & Health: CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Guanacaste’s Playa Langosta after confirmed local chikungunya transmission, warning visitors to take enhanced mosquito precautions. Wildlife Enforcement: SINAC, OIJ and prosecutors rescued an endangered squirrel monkey from illegal trade in Coto Brus, with the animal headed to an authorized care center. Environment & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s wildlife-crossing monitoring found many species use underpasses and canopy bridges, but roadkill still persists—showing connectivity gains without fully stopping collisions. International Trade: U.S. forced-labor tariffs now cover 60 economies, including Costa Rica, with new 10%–12.5% duties kicking in after the Section 122 expiration. UN Politics: Six candidates for UN secretary-general faced a town hall on reform, Security Council deadlock and funding, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among the contenders.

Organized Crime Crackdown: Costa Rican police arrested Alejandro Arias Monge, “El Diablo,” after an hourlong firefight in Sarapiquí; authorities say the 41-year-old is a transnational cocaine trafficker tied to hundreds of homicides, with officers wounded and weapons recovered. Drug Bust in Guanacaste: Separate operation led to the arrest of a Guatemalan suspect and seizure of 202 kilos of apparent cocaine hidden in a vehicle, plus cash and the car. Forced-Labor Tariff Shock: The U.S. finalized Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting 60 economies, with Costa Rica listed among those hit; rates range 10%–12.5% depending on country and product rules. Health Alert for Travelers: CDC issued a Level 2 notice for Guanacaste’s Playa Langosta after confirmed local chikungunya transmission, urging enhanced precautions. Wildlife Protection: SINAC, OIJ, and prosecutors rescued an endangered squirrel monkey from illegal trade; it’s now headed for veterinary care and possible reintroduction. UN Leadership Watch: Six candidates, including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, faced a UN town hall on reform, Security Council deadlock, and restoring trust. Regional Diplomacy: Belize’s agriculture minister Rodwell Ferguson attended Central American agricultural council talks in San José on food security and climate resilience. Press Freedom Debate: Coverage highlights Costa Rica’s shift from a regional press-freedom beacon, raising questions about what changed.

UN Leadership Race: Six candidates for UN secretary-general—Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and Senegal’s Macky Sall—fielded tough questions in a UN town hall on Security Council deadlock, cash strain, and restoring trust, with Grynspan pitching a UN back at the table in conflicts. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. rolled out forced-labor tariffs under Section 301, hitting Costa Rica and other countries with 12.5% rates (and 10% for those deemed to have stronger enforcement), as legal challenges and political fallout spread across the region. Regional Agriculture: Belize’s Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson joined Central American Agricultural Council talks in San José, focusing on food security, climate resilience, and preparing for the 2026–2027 El Niño. Public Safety: Costa Rica’s OIJ confirmed the capture of “Diablo,” Alejandro Arias Monge, in a high-risk operation near the Nicaragua border, with multiple arrests and an officer fatality reported. Press Freedom Watch: A new analysis highlights Costa Rica’s sharp drop in press freedom rankings, linking the decline to democratic backsliding, polarization, and pressure on independent media. Local Culture & Industry: Costa Rica’s Film Commission and partners hosted the Costa Rica Media Market in San José, drawing major regional and Hollywood players to boost the audiovisual sector.

UN Leadership Race: Six candidates for UN secretary-general, including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, faced nearly two hours of questions in a televised General Assembly town hall, pitching how to restore credibility and keep the UN relevant amid Security Council deadlock. Press Freedom Watch: A new analysis highlights Costa Rica’s steep slide in the RSF press freedom rankings—from 5th in 2021 to 38th in 2026—linking the drop to democratic backsliding, polarization, and disinformation. US Tariff Shock for Costa Rica: The US is rolling out Section 301 forced-labor tariffs covering 60 economies; Costa Rica is listed for a 12.5% duty, replacing expiring temporary levies and raising new costs for importers. Regional Football: Curaçao was drawn into Concacaf Nations League Group A alongside Costa Rica and Haiti, with promotion and relegation stakes tied to the 2027 Gold Cup.

UN Leadership Race: Six candidates for UN secretary-general, including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, faced a public debate ahead of Security Council voting, as the UN grapples with a budget and trust crisis. Costa Rica Accountability: Costa Rica’s Comptroller says the Junta de Protección Social failed to properly report beneficiaries, including thousands of deceased people still listed, raising questions about how lottery funds reach social programs. Prison Security Crackdown: Costa Rica ordered TVs removed from prison cells and tightened conjugal visit rules, aiming to cut organized crime influence behind bars. Trade & Tariffs: The Trump administration announced new 10%–12.5% tariffs targeting countries accused of forced labor, a move critics call a legal and political overreach that could hit Latin America, including Costa Rica. Regional Sports: CONCACAF Nations League draw set for July 23 includes Costa Rica in League A, while the Women’s World Cup 2031 bid race keeps Costa Rica in the spotlight via a joint US-Mexico-Costa Rica-Jamaica submission. Local Legal Fallout: A California man was sentenced to federal prison for running an illegal gambling and money-laundering operation tied to Costa Rica.

UN Leadership Race: Six candidates for UN Secretary-General will face a televised 90-minute debate at the UN General Assembly Hall on Thursday, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among the contenders. Costa Rica in Global Spotlight: Reports also say U.S. President Trump is pushing FIFA chief Gianni Infantino as a possible UN top job—an idea that would clash with the usual regional rotation expectations. Nicaragua Elections Crisis: Daniel Ortega says there will be “no more elections,” while the U.S. warns it won’t “stand idly by” as Nicaragua moves toward tighter one-party control. Local Travel & Infrastructure: San José’s Juan Santamaría airport is getting a Marriott Moxy hotel with a pedestrian bridge to the terminal, aiming for mid-2027 operations. Aviation Links: Southwest is adding a nonstop Austin–San José route starting March 13. Health System Pressure: Korea’s longevity story highlights a paradox—excellent prevention but a severe physician shortage—while Costa Rica is cited as having similarly low doctor density.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly shut down key information systems after an attempted cyberattack, forcing lawmakers to publish the day’s agenda in La Gaceta and raising concerns opposition could challenge decisions made without normal access. Healthcare Pressure: A CCSS audit says public hospital waiting lists are worsening fast, climbing from 1.09M to 1.44M cases between Dec. 2024 and Mar. 2026, with average waits stretching to 441 days for surgeries and 540 days for outpatient care. Travel & Connectivity: San José’s Juan Santamaría airport is getting its first on-foot hotel link: a $20M Moxy by Marriott with 173 rooms connected by a pedestrian bridge, targeting mid-2027 operations. Tourism Growth: WestJet will add a new Ottawa–Guanacaste direct route starting Dec. 20, 2026, boosting Canada links for the high season. International Politics: The U.S. warns it won’t “stand idly by” after Nicaragua’s Ortega moves to end elections, escalating pressure amid fears of deeper repression. UN Leadership Watch: Reports say Trump is pushing FIFA chief Gianni Infantino as a potential next UN secretary-general, though procedural hurdles remain.

Estate Fight in the Spotlight: Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, filed a lawsuit against his mother and successor trustee Pamela Warner, seeking about $1.27 million tied to alleged unmet prenuptial promises after the actor’s July 2025 drowning in Costa Rica. Sports & Youth Development: Costa Rica will debut a youth national team at the Youth World Cup New York 2026 (U-10 and U-12), with at least six matches and a group that includes Portugal, Luxembourg, and Colombia. Regional Politics Watch: Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega says the country will hold no more elections, drawing sharp condemnation from the U.S. Co-op & Labor Policy: Ibero-American states adopted a 2026–2030 commitment to strengthen the social and solidarity economy, aiming for new regulatory, fiscal, and procurement tools.

Healthcare Watch: Costa Rica’s CCSS is under fresh scrutiny after an internal audit flagged massive public health waiting lists—1.44 million “cases” across surgery, specialist visits, and diagnostics—prompting a Legislative Assembly demand for answers and a plan to fix the backlog. Public Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste, citing an active chikungunya outbreak in Playa Langosta/nearby areas. Nicaragua Power Grab: Daniel Ortega declared there will be “no more elections,” tightening the opposition’s path and drawing renewed U.S. condemnation of authoritarian rule. Costa Rica Tourism & Investment: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo announced major end-2026 upgrades, including new suites and a revamped restaurant and event spaces. Local Economy/Infrastructure: A new San José-area angle on mobility and growth is emerging as regional travel demand shifts, while aviation route expansions keep reshaping travel patterns.

Nicaragua’s Election Ban: President Daniel Ortega declared there will be “never again” elections in Nicaragua, formally shutting the door on any opposition electoral challenge as his term ends next year and power remains tightly shared with Rosario Murillo. UN Leadership Race: China’s Wang Yi met UN Secretary-General candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in Beijing, underscoring the stakes for global governance and the Security Council’s influence over the next UN chief. Costa Rica Investment Push: PROCOMER led an investment promotion mission to South Korea and Japan, pitching Costa Rica as a stable regional platform for supply-chain expansion and new FDI. Guanacaste Air Connectivity: WestJet will launch a new Ottawa–Guanacaste (LIR) direct route starting Dec. 20, 2026, adding another Canadian link to the Pacific coast. Trade Tensions Watch: New Zealand’s Todd McClay said the US is expected to raise tariffs on NZ goods to 12.5% this week, a reminder of how quickly policy shifts can ripple through trade. Local Governance/Justice: A report says Costa Rica’s impeachment case against Rodrigo Chaves has stalled due to a shortage of substitute constitutional court judges.

Nicaragua’s Election Crackdown: President Daniel Ortega says there will be “no more elections” in Nicaragua, moving to block opposition challenges as term rules and constitutional reforms keep him in power. Costa Rica Courts & Politics: Costa Rica’s impeachment case against Rodrigo Chaves remains stalled because nine alternate Constitutional Court magistrates still haven’t been appointed, leaving dozens of related cases in limbo. Energy & Mobility: Electric vehicles kept climbing in Costa Rica—over 20% of new vehicle sales in early 2026—alongside new charging investments. Investment Push: PROCOMER is stepping up outreach in South Korea and Japan to attract new foreign direct investment and expand regional business links. Public Safety & Health: UNICEF and PAHO warn that more than 53,000 children and adolescents were murdered across Latin America and the Caribbean in seven years, with violent discipline still widespread. Local Life in San José: The municipality turned La Sabana into a World Cup celebration hub, broadcasting the final with markets, kids’ activities, and live music. Tourism Connectivity: Guanacaste’s first nonstop Washington-Dulles route launches Dec. 17, 2026, boosting U.S. access during peak season.

Tourism Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s Route 235 bridge to Manuel Antonio is flagged for “imminent failure” after Lanamme found severe corrosion, raising near-term collapse concerns for a key tourism corridor. Tourism Push: The Costa Rican Tourism Board is targeting Argentina and Chile with a 2026-2027 strategy and a delegation of Argentine digital creators to revive South American arrivals after a mid-year slowdown. Climate-Ready Tourism Finance: Banco de Costa Rica launched BCR Pyme Acción Turismo, offering dedicated credit lines for tourism SMEs to boost productivity and climate adaptability. Tourism Numbers: ICT reports 1,605,360 tourists by air in H1 2026, up 7.8%, with North America leading and the U.S. still the top source market. Humanitarian Crisis at the Border: Reports highlight deadly conditions for Indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé children from Panama working coffee harvests in Costa Rica, including unsafe housing, pesticide exposure, and lack of birth registration. Public Safety & Mobility: Costa Rica ranks second-worst globally for traffic congestion in Numbeo’s 2026 mid-year index, underscoring daily commute strain.