AGP Executive Report

Ride-hailing Law Clash: Costa Rica’s Congress is moving a bill that would bar Uber drivers from picking up or dropping off passengers at airports, ports, docks, and international maritime terminals unless the site operator grants express permission—an approach that could push travelers back toward the orange taxi concession system at Juan Santamaría, though Uber says it’s testing a workaround by placing orange taxis inside its app. Prison Rules Under Fire: A judge in Pococí ordered changes to the isolation regime for “Diablo” alias Alejandro Arias Monge and another detainee at La Reforma, restoring one hour of daily sunlight and allowing weekly calls and family visits—setting up a direct Executive vs. Judiciary fight over preventive detention conditions. UN Leadership Watch: The UN Security Council begins a first confidential straw poll to gauge support for seven candidates to replace António Guterres, including former Costa Rican VP Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Local Economy & Jobs: Auxis opened a new knowledge process outsourcing center in Bogotá, signaling continued nearshore hiring momentum across Latin America.

Organized-Crime Crackdown: Costa Rica lawmakers advanced a bill that would let prosecutors treat illegal mining and other serious environmental offenses as organized-crime cases, aiming to hit the networks behind operations like those tied to Crucitas gold extraction. Justice & Public Safety: The “Diablo” case moved forward with preventive detention ordered after his capture, while separate court news includes a 20-year sentence for a Heredia man convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter. Child Support Reform: President Laura Fernández’s proposal would replace jail for child support debtors with electronic ankle monitors, alongside travel restrictions tied to payment compliance. Local Politics & Community Fight: In Pavones, locals are still battling development after earlier demolitions, with property owners stuck in legal limbo over access and land disputes. Human Interest With Policy Angle: Costa Rica’s Civil Registry spotlighted 119-year-old José Flores, as relatives seek certification—another reminder of how the country’s “blue zone” model is tied to public support and health policy.

UN Leadership: The UN Security Council will hold its first closed-door “straw poll” on Thursday to gauge support for seven candidates to replace António Guterres, with ballots kept secret and likely multiple rounds through late September or early October. Costa Rica Justice: “Diablo” (Alejandro Arias Monge) will face precautionary detention for three months and 22 days in a case tied to multiple homicides and alleged illicit association, while co-defendant “Tan” (Jonathan Pérez Méndez) gets five months and 26 days. Public Health: The CDC warns travelers about a chikungunya outbreak in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste, especially around Playa Langosta, urging vaccination where available and strict mosquito protection. Regional Policy: At IICA in San José, Americas officials pushed for agri-food rules that are transparent and science-based, warning an EU proposal on maximum residue limits could become a trade barrier. Digital Health: Costa Rica joined SNOMED International to adopt SNOMED CT, aiming to improve interoperability and diagnostic accuracy. Climate Governance: A UNEP report says countries are turning “just transition” promises into law and policy, stressing rule-of-law approaches that protect people and the planet.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council will hold secret, informal “straw poll” ballots on Thursday to gauge support for seven candidates to replace António Guterres, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among them; no clear front-runner yet, and more rounds could run into late September or early October. Costa Rica Justice: A Heredia court sentenced a man surnamed Rojas Campos to 20 years for sexually abusing his stepdaughter, with prosecutors saying he exploited his authority in the household between 2017 and 2019. Health & Travel: The CDC issued a Costa Rica travel advisory tied to chikungunya activity in Guanacaste, urging vaccination where available and strict mosquito protection. Regional Diplomacy: Cuba condemned Colombia’s president-elect plan to cut diplomatic ties, accusing it of aligning with a US-backed confrontation policy. Digital Health: Costa Rica joined SNOMED International, adopting SNOMED CT to improve clinical data interoperability and patient care. Trade Policy: IICA officials in San José urged Americas governments to push for science-based, transparent agri-food rules after EU maximum residue limits proposals drew import-barrier concerns.

Digital Health & Standards: Costa Rica joined SNOMED International, adopting SNOMED CT to boost interoperability and diagnostic accuracy as part of its 2023–2030 digital health push. Telecom Strategy: The US NTIA backed a 6G Leadership and Security Call to Action, with Costa Rica among the participating governments aiming for open, secure, AI-ready networks. Public Policy & Poverty: A National University (UNA) report says 557,000 minors in Costa Rica live in basic or extreme poverty, while National Care Network coverage reaches only about 12% of those who need it. Security & Courts: Costa Rican authorities moved “Diablo” (Alejandro Arias Monge) and “Tan” (Jonathan Pérez) for a San José hearing tied to homicide charges and possible pretrial detention. Economy & Investment: Costa Rica ranked 8th globally for greenfield FDI projects per million inhabitants, placing it in the world’s top 10 for investment momentum. International Politics: Former Costa Rican presidents condemned Daniel Ortega’s push to end elections in Nicaragua, calling it a slide toward dictatorship. Culture & Tourism: Gorillaz announced its first-ever Costa Rica concert for Nov. 14, 2026, at Parque Viva in La Guácima.

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.