AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Politics: President Laura Fernández dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” security meeting in New York without notifying her, saying the move caused “great strategic damage”; Trejos named acting foreign minister. Regional Security: The Shield of the Americas’ second meeting also identified 24 armed groups for initial joint action, including Colombia’s FARC dissidents, ELN and Clan del Golfo. Public Health: A pro-vaccine outlet linked recent measles spread in the Americas to high-mobility travel tied to the FIFA World Cup, warning vaccination coverage is slipping. Drug Enforcement: The U.S. Coast Guard said it seized over 25,000 pounds of cocaine in three interdictions in the eastern Pacific, surpassing 260,000 pounds since Operation Pacific Viper began. UN & Diplomacy: UNGA sideline coverage highlighted the race for the next secretary-general, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett emerging as top contenders. Sports: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica with a 4-3 comeback after trailing 3-0 at halftime in the Nations League opener.

ICE Medical Neglect: Costa Rican Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena died in a Louisiana immigration jail after family says guards failed to provide proper insulin for his Type 1 diabetes; ICE says it’s investigating and that he received proper care. UN Human Rights: The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances wrapped its 140th session, reviewing urgent cases and hundreds of additional reports across dozens of countries. Hemispheric Security: Guyana joined a U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” push, with 15 nations adopting a joint declaration to coordinate sanctions and crackdowns on at least 24 narco-terrorist groups. UN Leadership Politics: Washington’s reported veto threat against Guyana’s UN SG nominee Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett over Gaza could block her at the Security Council stage. Costa Rica Migration Rules: Costa Rica’s immigration authority says it can’t remove Venezuelan street solicitors when asylum applications are pending, limiting enforcement options until cases are resolved. Fuel Prices Watch: A potential U.S. diesel export ban is raising alarms for Costa Rica, which relies on imported fuel handled by RECOPE. Local Culture: San José will reopen the former Simón Bolívar Zoo grounds for free International Coffee Day festivities on Oct. 3, including chorreador competitions and tours.

UN Leadership & Reform: As António Guterres prepares to leave the UN on Dec. 31, the race for secretary-general is heating up after Michelle Bachelet withdrew, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among the remaining candidates and no clear front-runner after multiple straw polls. Shield of the Americas: Costa Rica is among 15 countries backing a new US-led coalition to impose sanctions and restrictions on 24 narco-terrorist groups, with the first coordinated action announced at the UN. Costa Rica–UN Security Focus: More than 50 countries, including Costa Rica, backed a joint call for Russia to agree to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, while the US stayed out. Fuel Prices Pressure: Trump’s push to ban US diesel exports is raising alarms for Costa Rica, which imports all fuel and relies on RECOPE—potentially squeezing supplies as prices are set to rise. Sports & National Pride: New Costa Rica coach Fernando Batista says he wants to “rekindle” fan support as the team opens CONCACAF Nations League play vs. Curacao. Local Culture: San José’s former Simón Bolívar Zoo grounds reopen Oct. 3 for free International Coffee Day festivities, including a chorreador championship. Health & Trust: Costa Rica-linked experts at a regional webinar argued that better communication and stronger healthcare trust can lift childhood vaccination rates across Latin America.

UN Diplomacy Under Pressure: More than 50 UN member states backed Ukraine for a full, immediate, unconditional ceasefire and urged Russia to match it, as the Security Council prepares to debate the war. UN General Assembly Spotlight: Commentary says the UN’s Security Council veto system keeps it from acting decisively, while the General Assembly is gaining influence as lobbying shifts toward a more representative vote. Costa Rica in the UN Orbit: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains a top name in informal UN secretary-general straw polls, even as Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett faces reports of possible US veto threats over Gaza. Regional Security Push: Costa Rica is among Shield of the Americas partners pledging sanctions, asset freezes, and visa restrictions targeting 24 “narco-terrorist” groups, with the coalition framed around economic, security, and multilateral coordination. Local Governance: Costa Rica paused school rebuild work in Pérez Zeledón after possible archaeological materials were found, with the National Museum set to inspect and decide next steps. Bilateral Moves: Colombia and Costa Rica leaders met in Barranquilla to deepen cooperation on security, development, and regional stability.

Shield of the Americas: Chile formally joined the US-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition, citing “immediate operational benefits” like shared crime data and tighter border coordination as the bloc targets narco-groups across the hemisphere. UN diplomacy: At UNGA in New York, President Donald Trump pushed coalition members to designate narco-terrorists and move toward sanctions, while Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernández met Colombia’s leader in Barranquilla to coordinate on security and regional stability. Costa Rica politics & rights: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly rejected a ruling-party bid to hold a minute of silence for Carlos Josué Marchena, a man who died in US ICE custody, underscoring tensions over how lawmakers respond to migration and human-rights fallout. Local governance: Costa Rica’s National Museum sent an archaeologist after school rebuild work in Pérez Zeledón surfaced possible archaeological materials, with next steps depending on the inspection. International spotlight: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains a top contender in UN secretary-general straw polls, leading early rounds but without a clear consensus.

UNGA81 Opens in New York: The UN General Assembly’s high-level week kicks off with about 130 heads of state and government expected to address wars, climate, health, human rights, digital governance and AI, with António Guterres delivering what’s set to be his final general debate as the race for his successor continues. Costa Rica–Colombia Security Talks: Presidents Laura Fernández and Abelardo de la Espriella meet in Barranquilla to deepen intelligence-sharing and cooperation against drug trafficking and organized crime. Aviation Oversight Clash: A Costa Rica Air Surveillance Service pilot faces possible suspension or dismissal after criticizing aviation-safety oversight and posting concerns about civil aviation management. HIV Prevention Access: PAHO expands access to long-acting lenacapavir for HIV prevention via regional revolving funds, including Costa Rica. Local Social Policy Pressure: CCSS pledges to clear salary delays for 482 workers after a strike disrupted surgeries and appointments. Diplomacy With Cuba: Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar reiterates Costa Rica’s break with Cuba, calling the regime a “vile tyranny.” Sports & Politics: Costa Rica begins CONCACAF Nations League play against Curaçao, while Keylor Navas and coach Fernando Batista trade public barbs over national team access. Demographics Watch: Fertility projections for Costa Rica fall to 1.12 children per woman in 2026, alongside declining births and school enrollment.

Fertility Watch: Costa Rica’s fertility rate is projected to drop to 1.12 children per woman in 2026, down from 1.20, as births hit 48,414 in 2025 (lowest since 2016), with researchers pointing to economic and family-choice pressures. Child Safety: Authorities warn that suspected child sexual abusers are often known to victims—relatives or people in their close circle—after a Heredia case involving a step-grandfather. Health System Fallout: CCSS says it will fix salary delays for 482 workers after a strike tied to problems in its new personnel system, with most payments targeted for October. Labor Disruption: The same CCSS crisis forced hospitals to suspend 216 surgeries and many appointments, underscoring how admin changes can quickly hit public services. Immigration & Justice: A Costa Rican content creator, Julián Valverde, was released on $250 bail in Florida after detention over an expired license and immigration status. Public Health Alert: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for hepatitis A, with most cases reported in San José province. UN Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains in the lead in the UN secretary-general race as Michelle Bachelet withdraws.

UN Secretary-General Race: Chile’s Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the race, leaving seven candidates and keeping Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan near the top after Security Council straw polls. Costa Rica–U.S. Security: Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar said there’s no formal U.S. proposal for ground military operations in Costa Rica, while intelligence and joint anti-crime cooperation with the DEA and Coast Guard continues. Immigration Deportations: A new report says Trump’s “remigration” push is funding “third-country” deportations—citing at least $410 million tied to agreements with dozens of countries—and includes plans to remove nearly 200,000 immigrant children. AI and Peace: Pope Leo urged AI that strengthens peace and avoids deepening social divisions, as UN-linked efforts push for safer, shared AI governance rules. Local Sustainability Push: Costa Rica announced a first-of-its-kind “State of Sustainability in Costa Rica 2026” project to measure business, social, and environmental performance nationwide. Wildlife Discovery: A Costa Rican-led team filmed Bolivia’s newly identified Tilcayo wild cat hunting behavior, highlighting Latin American conservation and Indigenous naming traditions.

UN Secretary-General Race: Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the UN top job bid after a third Security Council straw poll left her near the bottom, while Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains in the lead in the informal process to succeed António Guterres. Sustainability Data Push in Costa Rica: Costa Rica will launch the “State of Sustainability in Costa Rica 2026” to build a national baseline measuring business, social, and environmental performance—aimed at improving public policy and competitiveness. Costa Rica-Cuba Diplomatic Tension: Cuba says Costa Rica’s foreign minister told a U.S. outlet that ties were severed, despite Cuba claiming it was never formally notified of any rupture. Local Infrastructure Watch: Rosarito’s Bulevar Real de Rosarito expansion and repaving is at 45% completion, widening the road to improve traffic and access for nearby neighborhoods. Travel & Connectivity: British Airways announced new Tanzania routes (Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar) starting May 2027 and a year-round extension of flights to San José, Costa Rica.

UN Secretary-General race: Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the UN chief bid after a third Security Council straw poll left her near the bottom, clearing the field as Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains the narrow frontrunner in the informal process. Costa Rica diplomacy: Cuba says Costa Rica’s foreign minister told a Miami outlet that diplomatic relations were severed—an allegation Havana says it was never formally notified about—after Costa Rica previously closed its embassy and reduced Cuban staff. Data privacy: Costa Rica’s Prodhab opened a new investigation into an alleged massive personal-data leak after Micitt confirmed a sample of leaked records appears real, widening a probe already underway with other institutions. Sustainability policy: Costa Rica will launch the first national measurement of business, social, and environmental sustainability to create a baseline for better public policy and competitiveness. Climate & risk: Tropical Storm Fay formed in the Atlantic with no immediate threat to land, while Central America continues to face El Niño-driven drought and food insecurity.

UN Secretary-General Race: Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet withdrew her bid, leaving Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan still leading in the UN Security Council’s latest straw poll, though no clear consensus has formed and more candidates could still enter. Costa Rica–Cuba Diplomatic Rift: Cuba’s foreign ministry accused Costa Rica’s Manuel Tovar Rivera of effectively taking cues from Washington after he told a US outlet that relations had broken—while Cuba says it was never formally notified. Immigration & Travel Links: The US expanded Global Entry partner countries, including Costa Rica, speeding entry for eligible travelers; separate lists also cover faster UK border clearance and New Zealand transit waivers. Local Tech & Privacy: Costa Rica investigates alleged massive data exposure tied to a dark-web leak, while another report warns users about privacy risks when uploading photos to AI tools. Regional Health & Environment: A study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, warning of mounting public health impacts.

UN Leadership Race: Former Costa Rican vice president Rebeca Grynspan is back on top after the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll for the next secretary-general, edging Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (nine “encourage” votes vs. eight) but still without a clear consensus as veto-wielding members remain split. Diplomatic Rift With Cuba: Costa Rica’s foreign minister says the country has broken relations with Cuba, while Havana’s foreign ministry disputes that it was ever formally notified, escalating a dispute that began with Costa Rica closing its Havana embassy. Local Governance & Courts: Costa Rica’s judiciary overhaul continues to draw public pressure, with thousands rallying in defense of the courts as President Fernández pushes reforms. Security & Migration: A U.S. appeals court ruled DHS’s third-country deportation process is unlawful without meaningful notice and a chance to raise persecution or torture claims. Tech & Privacy: Costa Rica is investigating an alleged massive data leak tied to a credit reporting agency, raising new privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan bounced back to the top in the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll, winning 9 “encourage” votes versus 8 for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett—though no clear front-runner has emerged and veto powers still loom. Digital Rights & Privacy: Costa Rica’s data protection authority opened an investigation after claims of a massive dark-web leak tied to a credit reporting agency, with possible exposure of hundreds of millions of records. Foreign Policy & Refugees: Costa Rica’s foreign minister reiterated the country’s “open doors” for people fleeing repression, while confirming a full diplomatic break with Cuba and discussing the possibility of receiving deported Cubans from the U.S. Regional Tech & Industry: A Costa Rican NASA robotics engineer is helping drive the Central American Space Congress, aiming to connect regional talent with real industry needs beyond academia. Aviation & Service Standards: Juan Santamaría International Airport renewed top-tier Level 5 passenger experience accreditation, placing it among just 12 airports worldwide. International Holocaust Remembrance: Costa Rica is preparing to apply for IHRA membership and name an antisemitism envoy under the Foreign Ministry.

UN Secretary-General Race: A third closed-door UN Security Council straw poll on Friday put former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan narrowly ahead, with diplomats saying she’s the slim frontrunner among eight candidates to replace António Guterres. UNGA 81 Context: The UN’s high-level General Assembly week begins amid conflict overload and funding strain, while the Security Council’s next steps are expected to feed into a General Assembly “rubber stamp” vote. Costa Rica in US Travel Rules: The U.S. published its Global Entry fast-track partner list, which includes Costa Rica, letting eligible travelers skip standard immigration queues at U.S. airports. Local Court Ruling: Costa Rica’s appeals court said child support orders for parents paid in dollars must use a clear, checkable exchange rate when converting to colones. Political Allegations: Costa Rica’s Evangelical Alliance asked opposition lawmaker Abril Gordienko to specify a pastor she claims offered votes for money during the last campaign. Justice & Crime: A new report argues crime across Latin America and the Caribbean is fueled by weak justice systems, illegal guns, and dirty money.

Opposition Pressure on Chaves: Costa Rica lawmakers grilled former President Rodrigo Chaves over a Sept. 14 Cartago incident involving security checks and mocking remarks, with some calling for his resignation from President Laura Fernández’s cabinet. Judicial Protests: Thousands rallied across Costa Rica in defense of the courts as Fernández pushes a judicial overhaul. Health System Fix: The Medical Association backed a UNIDOS platform to route private doctors into CCSS waiting lists, aiming to cut outpatient and surgery backlogs. Cybersecurity Alert: Costa Rica’s science and cybersecurity authorities opened an investigation into an alleged massive data leak tied to credit reporting firm Cero Riesgo, with claims of hundreds of millions of records still unverified. Economy Watch: The colón hit a new record low dollar exchange rate, raising fresh pressure for businesses already squeezed since 2022. El Niño Food Crisis: Central America’s Dry Corridor is facing severe drought and hunger affecting over 10 million people, with Costa Rica included in the hardest-hit region.

Costa Rica Politics: Opposition legislators renewed calls for Rodrigo Chaves’ resignation after videos from Cartago’s Sept. 14 Independence events showed him mocking a citizen over security checks, escalating tensions ahead of the Sept. 27 vote. Public Finance & Business Climate: The colón hit a new low against the dollar, with the Central Bank recording ¢446.93 at Monex, and companies citing exchange-rate pressure as a top problem. Security & Justice: Costa Rica’s new high-security organized-crime prison (CACCO) is set to be handed over within 15 days and begin operating in October, built inside La Reforma using El Salvador’s CECOT plans as a reference. Demography Watch: Registered births in Costa Rica fell 33% over a decade, dropping to 48,414 in 2025, a trend already showing up in schools. Regional Human Rights: At the UNHRC in Geneva, Qatar and Costa Rica-backed initiatives focused on protecting women and children in conflict and post-conflict settings. Digital Trade: Costa Rica joined the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), adding new rules for digital trade, identities, data flows, and AI cooperation. International Drug Policy: The U.S. named Costa Rica among 23 major drug transit/producing countries, while also saying inclusion doesn’t necessarily reflect current cooperation levels. Climate Stress in Central America: El Niño continues to choke the Dry Corridor, with drought killing livestock and crops and prompting food aid plans across the region.