AGP Executive Report

Farm Labor Shock: Washington’s Borton & Sons plans 928 permanent layoffs of H-2A seasonal farmworkers starting Nov. 8, with no clear recall dates for 2027—another sign of how fast harvest-driven staffing can flip. International Justice Clash: The ICC’s next phase faces fresh U.S. sanctions targeting its president and senior lawyer, as Washington argues the court threatens sovereignty and could pursue U.S. actions abroad. UN Leadership Politics: Uganda’s Olara Otunnu bid for UN secretary-general is drawing pushback, with supporters urging voters to look past criticism tied to his record and Museveni’s backing. Regional Security & Rights: New reporting says ICE expanded “third country” deportations, sending more than 100 people from Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua and others to multiple African states. Costa Rica Links: Costa Rica is named among countries involved in third-country deportation arrangements, and the country also appears in a new IRENA call for renewable energy project financing across Central America and the Caribbean. Education Watch: Ghana’s GTEC released a list of 100 unrecognized universities, including Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica.

UN & Human Rights: A new report says the Trump administration expanded “third country” deportations, sending more than 100 people—including Afghans and others—to multiple African countries over 10 days, raising fresh concerns about due process and ties. Costa Rica & International Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry sent condolences to Norway after King Harald V’s death, underscoring the country’s diplomatic ties during a period of mourning. Local Governance & Public Services: ICE says it will demolish the historic Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón building in La Sabana Norte to replace it with a modern 21-story facility, citing structural hazards. Law & Politics: Frente Amplio lawmakers push a bill to require proof that money used for legal defense in drug cases is lawful, aiming to cut off organized crime’s “untraceability” in court. Education & Credentials: Ghana’s education regulator published a list of 100 unrecognized universities, including Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, warning students to verify recognition before enrolling. Tourism & Economy: Hilton announced its LXR Hotels & Resorts debut in Costa Rica—Maravé Manuel Antonio—slated to open in 2029, betting on high-end, nature-focused demand.

UN Secretary-General Race: A second UN Security Council straw poll puts Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among the leaders, but both remain below the “critical threshold” needed to clinch the job. Costa Rica Courts & Crime: Frente Amplio lawmaker Antonio Trejos proposes tighter rules on how suspected drug-trafficking defendants pay legal fees, limiting cash and requiring proof the money is lawful. Electricity & Infrastructure: ICE says it will demolish the historic Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón building in La Sabana Norte and replace it with a modern 21-story facility, citing structural hazards. Renewables Funding: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica, for possible support via its climate and transition financing platforms. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica pushes sustainable tourism projections for 2026 while Limón prepares for the Grand Gala Parade on Aug. 31, a major Afro-descendant heritage event. Retiree Reality Check: A new explainer warns Costa Rica’s retirement pitch can clash with spreadsheets—especially Medicare coverage and exchange-rate pressure. Holiday Watch: Aug. 31 becomes a Monday holiday for the first time in years, with specific pay rules for domestic and hourly workers. Education Compliance: Ghana’s GTEC lists 100 “unrecognised” universities as of Aug. 28, 2026, including one Costa Rican institution.

UN Diplomacy & Costa Rica’s UN race: President João Lourenço met UN candidates Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in Luanda, as the African Union summit weighs conflict-prevention measures. Renewables for Central America: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across the region, including Costa Rica, with possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Costa Rica’s drug-violence politics: A Wall Street Journal report links rising homicides to a widening clash between President Laura Fernández’s government and the judiciary, while official figures show killings easing in 2026. Wildlife & road safety: Costa Rica approved rules requiring wildlife crossings for roads that disrupt habitat, with citizen science urged to identify where bridges are needed. Energy infrastructure update: ICE decided to demolish the historic Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón building in La Sabana Norte and replace it with a new 21-story facility. Agriculture health coordination: Belize and other OIRSA members, including Costa Rica, agreed to strengthen cross-border surveillance for threats like avian influenza and African swine fever. Tourism & culture: Hilton signed to debut its LXR brand in Costa Rica (Maravé Manuel Antonio, opening expected in 2029), and Limón’s Grand Gala Parade on Aug. 31 spotlights Afro-descendant heritage.

Judicial Independence Under Strain: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court president Orlando Aguirre says he won’t seek a new term, stepping down amid a public standoff between President Laura Fernández’s government and the judiciary over crime-fighting, case speed, and budget pressure. Drug-Finance Crackdown: A Frente Amplio lawmaker proposes tighter rules on how suspected traffickers can pay legal fees, limiting cash and requiring proof the money is lawful to stop “untraceability” in court. Public Works, Public Safety: ICE plans to demolish the historic Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón building in La Sabana Norte and replace it with a modern 21-story facility, citing structural hazards. Wildlife Protection on Roads: Lawmakers approve regulations requiring wildlife crossings for road projects that disrupt habitat connectivity, with citizen input and environmental oversight shaping approvals. Health Watch: Dengue is rising again, with cases up year-over-year and intensified vector control efforts underway.

Drug-Defense Cash Limits: Frente Amplio lawmaker Antonio Trejos Mazariegos filed a bill to curb drug money laundering in court by requiring proof funds are legal and limiting cash payments for legal fees to about ¢4.6 million, with larger amounts paid via traceable methods. Public Safety vs. Courts: President Laura Fernández ordered extra police deployment in Cartago after 51 homicides, while renewing her sharp attacks on the judiciary for releasing suspects—fueling a widening standoff between branches. Judiciary Leadership Change: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court president Orlando Aguirre said he won’t seek another term, staying on as a magistrate, as tensions with the executive continue. Infrastructure Overhaul: ICE decided to demolish the historic Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón building in La Sabana Norte and replace it with a modern 21-story facility, citing structural hazards. Wildlife Protection Rule: Lawmakers approved a requirement for wildlife crossings on roads when connectivity is disrupted, with enforcement tied to environmental approvals. Health Watch: Costa Rica reported dengue cases above 3,400 (up 30% year-on-year) and flagged malaria concerns as vector control ramps up. International Diplomacy: India and Costa Rica discussed deeper cooperation, including possible Quick Impact Projects and payment-tech links. UN Politics: A leaked Security Council straw poll put Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett ahead, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan also in the mix as the secretary-general race heats up.

Judiciary vs. Executive: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court President Orlando Aguirre says he won’t seek a new term, as tensions with President Laura Fernández’s government keep boiling over amid criticism of court handling of crime and budget fights. Security in Cartago: Fernández ordered more police deployment in Cartago after a spike in violence and said she’s heard gunfire near her home, renewing her public clash with the judiciary over releases of suspects. Drug violence spotlight: The Wall Street Journal warns Costa Rica’s homicide surge is fracturing the political system, pointing to the Moín port’s role in cocaine transshipment while noting official homicide figures show a recent slowdown. Wildlife protection: Lawmakers approved rules requiring wildlife crossings on roads when infrastructure disrupts animal movement, with enforcement tied to environmental technical review. Public health: Dengue cases are rising fast (over 3,400 through week 32) and malaria concerns are resurfacing, as health teams ramp up home visits and mosquito control. Environment & conservation: Osa Conservation moved 13 white-lipped peccaries back to Piedras Blancas National Park to restore a wiped-out population. International ties: India and Costa Rica discussed deeper bilateral cooperation, including finance and “Quick Impact Projects.” Labor & society: Costa Rica’s Aug. 31 Black People’s Day holiday rules clarify who gets paid and how overtime is handled.

Judiciary vs. the Presidency: Costa Rica’s security and drug-violence surge is now driving a direct political fight over the independent judiciary, with President Laura Fernández and her ruling party accusing judges of enabling organized crime while opponents warn of a power grab. Media Freedom: CPJ and IAPA are warning lawmakers that a proposed broadcast-spectrum fee could push radio and TV stations off the air, raising fresh concerns about freedom of expression. Immigration Policy: Starting Sept. 1, Costa Rica’s DGME will roll out a Special Temporary Complementary Category (CETC) to help certain Nicaraguans, Cubans, Venezuelans, and Colombians regularize status; the rules hinge on proof of ties and long-standing applications. U.S. Consular Update: The U.S. State Department is temporarily suspending immigrant visa appointment interviews in San José for staff training, while tourism and other non-immigrant categories remain unaffected. Road Disruption: Route 32 is closed in both directions for a short stretch near km 55 this morning for an on-site Fiscalía procedure, forcing detours via mountain routes. International Spotlight: India and Costa Rica discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, including finance and “quick impact” projects.

Media Freedom Clash: CPJ and IAPA warn Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly is considering a bill that could charge broadcasters up to 7.73% of gross revenue for spectrum use—raising fears outlets could be forced off air and chilling freedom of expression. Immigration Regularization: Starting Sept. 1, DGME will roll out a Special Temporary Complementary Category (CETC) to help thousands of Nicaraguans, Cubans, Venezuelans and Colombians with pending or denied refugee applications regularize status and access work permits. Tax Enforcement Overhaul: Costa Rica’s proposed “express seizures” face legal challenges, with experts saying deadlines, appeal rules and joint liability could violate constitutional guarantees. Road Access Disruption: Route 32 is partially shut today near La Unión de Guápiles for a court-ordered on-site procedure in a negligent injury case, with drivers routed via alternatives. Tourism Demand Shift: Canada is driving record growth in Costa Rica arrivals, up 25.1% Jan–July, with much of the surge landing in Guanacaste via Liberia. UN Leadership Watch: A new UN Security Council straw poll puts Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett narrowly ahead in the race to succeed António Guterres. Sports & Culture: The National Stadium in San José announces a record run of major concerts Aug–Dec, while Panam Sports’ Lima 2027 forum highlights women’s leadership in sport.

Tax Enforcement Overhaul: Costa Rica’s proposed “express seizures” plan is drawing legal pushback, with experts warning it could violate constitutional guarantees unless key details—appeals deadlines, joint liability rules, and auction procedures—are rewritten. Surveillance and Accountability: The Pegasus spyware debate is resurfacing in Costa Rica’s political arena after lawmakers discussed whether government security actions are being treated as state secrets, amid documented regional use against journalists and politicians. Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic announced it will adopt the IHRA antisemitism definition, joining Costa Rica and other Latin American countries already using the framework. UN Leadership Race: A second UN Security Council straw poll keeps Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett narrowly ahead, with former Costa Rican VP Rebeca Grynspan still in the mix as multiple rounds narrow the field. San José Spotlight: The National Stadium is set for a record run of major international concerts, promising a tourism and jobs boost for the San José metro area. Local Governance & Economy: Costa Rica’s literacy rate is under scrutiny, with critics pointing to self-reported survey methods rather than tested reading skills.

Stadium & Tourism: Costa Rica’s National Stadium (La Sabana) is locking in a record run of major international concerts from August to December, with big names like Iron Maiden, Karol G, Romeo Santos, and Ricardo Arjona—expected to boost hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic, and thousands of event jobs around Mata Redonda and Paseo Colón. Air Travel & Connectivity: British Airways is expanding winter routes, adding San José service plus more flights to Tokyo, Cape Town, and other destinations, while a separate report highlights how weather diversions can spiral into major delays for travelers. UN Politics (Costa Rica’s role): In the race to replace Antonio Guterres, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett narrowly leads in a second UN Security Council straw poll, with former Costa Rican vice president Rebeca Grynspan still in contention. Local Governance & Rights: The Dominican Republic announced it will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, joining Costa Rica and several neighbors. Public Debate: A new critique challenges Costa Rica’s widely cited 98% literacy rate, arguing the figure is based on self-report rather than reading tests.

Regional Diplomacy on Hate Speech: The Dominican Republic says it will formally adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, joining Costa Rica and other Latin American countries, and Abinader also announced plans for a Jewish heritage museum. Costa Rica Tourism Economics: Costa Rica is setting tourism records, but hotels and restaurants are feeling the squeeze as a stronger colón against the dollar erodes revenue. Culture Access: Costa Rica launched a free “Pasaporte Cultural Costa Rica” stamp program covering 35 heritage sites across all seven provinces, with a phone chip for details and a prize for completing all stamps. Disaster & Safety Watch: Seismologists reported strong quakes in the Coronado area and explained why two networks gave different magnitudes for the same events. Public Health Reporting: A new investigation highlights mesoamerican nephropathy as a growing kidney disease crisis affecting people along the Pacific coast of Central America, including Costa Rica. Security Cooperation: Fuerzas Comando 2026 began in Paraguay with 17 nations, including Costa Rica, in a special-operations skills and leadership competition.

UN Politics: Uganda’s UN secretary-general candidate Olara Otunnu is ramping up a capital-to-capital push in Washington and beyond, meeting key U.S. officials and planning stops at Security Council capitals as the race moves toward consensus. Costa Rica Governance & Policy: President Laura Fernández announced plans to expand STEM education with at least 10 new scientific high schools, while the government also moved to change official time rules, ending a century-old method. Local Economy & Tourism: Costa Rica’s tourism data show air arrivals up 122,014 in Jan–Jul 2026, with Guanacaste driving two-thirds of the growth and North America still dominating demand. Environment & Science: A Princeton-linked study highlights how orange-peel waste in a Guanacaste national park helped restore degraded land, boosting organic growth dramatically—another reminder that conservation can be both practical and measurable. Regional Security/Training: Fuerzas Comando 2026 kicked off in Paraguay with 17 participating nations, including Costa Rica, as U.S. Southern Command sponsors the special-operations skills competition.

UN Politics: The Security Council held its second closed-door straw poll for the next UN secretary-general, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett taking the lead (8 encouraged votes) as Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan slips slightly from the first round. Costa Rica Governance & Policy: Costa Rica’s new executive decree updates the country’s official time standard using atomic clocks, improving precision without changing everyday time zones. Tourism & Economy: Costa Rica’s tourism data show Guanacaste driving two-thirds of 2026 air-arrival growth, with Liberia airport capturing most of the net increase. Environment & Land Use: A Princeton-linked study revisits how orange-peel waste helped restore degraded pasture inside Guanacaste’s conservation area, boosting forest biomass and tree diversity. Regional Security: Fuerzas Comando 2026 begins in Paraguay with 17 nations, including Costa Rica, competing in special-operations skills and leadership training. Sports: XTERRA Costa Rica crowns Sullivan Middaugh as winner while local runners claim continental trail titles.

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett surged to the lead in the UN Security Council’s second closed-door straw poll, edging past Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and keeping the race wide open as more candidates gain or lose support. Costa Rica Governance: Costa Rica’s new executive decree updates how the country sets its official time reference with higher-precision atomic-clock standards—no clock changes, but a modernization of the technical legal framework. Justice & Fraud (Costa Rica): Prosecutors are investigating a San José nursing home owner accused of collecting a North American woman’s pension for decades after she died, allegedly using forged documents and false paperwork to keep payments flowing. Regional Economy (ECLAC): ECLAC projects Latin America and the Caribbean will grow 2.2% in 2026, with 2.5% in 2027, warning the pace is too weak to lift living standards. Public Safety/Health: Canada’s wildfire season remains active with 582 fires reported and elevated risk expected into September, as heat and dry conditions continue to drive outbreaks.

UN Politics: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett surged to the top in the UN Security Council’s second secret straw poll for the next secretary-general, taking eight “encourage” votes and edging past Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, as the process stays closed-door and non-binding. Costa Rica Governance: Costa Rica updated its official time rules via Executive Decree 45790-MEIC, shifting the technical time standard to atomic-clock precision without changing the country’s time zone. Public Safety & Justice: An Ohio mother says her 18-year-old son’s body parts were removed as “anatomical gifts” without her consent while she was in Costa Rica, after she claims the hospital never contacted her despite her emergency-contact status. Regional Economy: ECLAC held Latin America’s 2026 growth forecast at 2.2%, warning the pace is too weak to lift living standards and urging more investment, productivity, and formal job creation. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s new ambassador presented credentials to President Laura Fernández, briefing on investment ties and progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agenda.