AGP Executive Report

World Cup Build-Up: England coach Thomas Tuchel has added Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri to the Three Lions’ pre-tournament camp in Florida, joining Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, Fulham’s Josh King and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as the squad prepares for warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica before the June 17 opener vs Croatia. Costa Rica Risk Alert: Costa Rica’s earthquake and volcano monitoring network is at risk of losing coverage as permanent funding has dried up since 2023, with OVSICORI warning stations could fail one by one without money to replace and upgrade equipment. Cannes Culture: Austria’s Sandra Wollner won Cannes Un Certain Regard with Everytime, while Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog took the Jury Prize—both spotlighting intimate human stories, including grief and transgender lives. Legal Fallout (US): A federal judge dismissed the Trump DOJ’s criminal case against wrongly deported Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling it vindictive prosecution.

Courtroom Shock: A federal judge in Tennessee tossed the Trump-era human smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego García, calling it “vindictive” and tied to his fight over a wrongful deportation—DOJ says it will appeal. Costa Rica Politics: President Laura Fernández escalated her feud with top judicial officials, calling the attorney general a “national disgrace” after earlier praise for a summit—now it’s open confrontation. Trade Tension: Fernández also pushed back hard on Panama’s agricultural restrictions, warning she won’t allow “blocks” without legal basis as producers claim major losses. World Cup Build-Up: England coach Thomas Tuchel named a Florida camp squad that includes Liverpool’s Nigeria-eligible teen Rio Ngumoha, with friendlies set vs Costa Rica and New Zealand. Nature & Culture: Costa Rican wildlife photographer Felipe Vega won at Santiago Wild with a one-minute film on tent-making bats from Sarapiquí.

Panama–Costa Rica Energy Clash: Panama has ordered an immediate, indefinite halt to electricity sales to Costa Rica, escalating a long-running trade fight over agricultural products after President Laura Fernández’s public comments. World Cup Fallout: In England’s World Cup squad drama, manager Thomas Tuchel left out big names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire—while recalling striker Ivan Toney; Scott will still travel for warm-ups, including a friendly vs Costa Rica. Local Culture & Tourism: Costa Rica is set to host WGI Latin America 2026 this weekend in Heredia, bringing elite marching arts groups from across the region. Conservation Spotlight: A National Geographic Traveller feature highlights how Cahuita National Park’s shared community management helps protect the Caribbean coast’s wildlife and reef. Business & Health: A biotech IPO story and a new Rhythmlink production plant in El Coyol, Alajuela, point to continued momentum in regenerative medicine and medical manufacturing.

World Cup Shock: England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man World Cup squad, but Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are out—and Harry Maguire says he’s “shocked and gutted” after learning he won’t travel. Ivan Toney is back in after a year away from international action, as Tuchel makes bold calls ahead of the Wembley announcement. Costa Rica–Panama Trade Clash: The fight over farm access is escalating: Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernández is pressing Panama over what she calls an agricultural “blockade,” while Panama has retaliated by suspending electricity sales to Costa Rica. Travel Watch: JetBlue is ending its Orlando–San José nonstop route on July 8, shrinking options after Spirit already pulled out earlier this month. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago joined a U.S.-led group urging calm in Bolivia amid protests and blockades, backing democratic institutions and lawful public order.

Medical Tourism Expansion: Bogota-based Medical Tourism Packages (MTP) says it’s building new coordination routes from Caribbean hubs into JCI-accredited hospital networks in Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica—aimed at elective and non-emergency care for U.S. and Caribbean patients who often face higher out-of-pocket prices at home. Severance Fight: Edith Sánchez, Luis Miguel’s former personal assistant of 25 years, is publicly pressing for severance she says she’s owed, while the singer’s team says it will pursue legal action. Weather Emergency: A tropical wave hit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast hard, triggering flash flooding and road closures in Limón, with rivers rising fast and communities reporting significant damage. Football Offseason: Joel Campbell’s Alajuelense contract is not being renewed, leaving his next move open as the club shifts to a new coach. Ecosystem Payments: Costa Rica is expanding its Payment for Ecosystem Services 2.0 beyond forests to mangroves, coral reefs, and ocean conservation.

Flood Emergency: A tropical wave slammed Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast overnight, sending rivers over their banks in Limón and triggering flash flooding, evacuations, and road closures across cantons including Matina and Talamanca. Central Bank Collectibles: The Banco Central de Costa Rica is selling the final ₡25 “Sitios Emblemáticos” coin today, honoring San José’s Teatro Nacional, with limited collectible units and a matching non-colored version entering circulation. Money-Laundering Crackdown: The OIJ carried out a major Lusso operation, detaining eight people and seizing luxury assets tied to alleged narcotics-linked money laundering, including properties, vehicles, cash, and firearms. Football Offseason: Joel Campbell’s Alajuelense exit is official after the club declined to renew his contract, leaving his next move open as speculation swirls. Security Focus: President Laura Fernández says she’ll personally oversee weekly monitoring of actions against crime and homicides through a new task force. Tourism Boost: Lufthansa is adding more flights between Frankfurt and San José for the 2026-2027 season, signaling continued demand for Costa Rica travel.

Central Bank Pushes Back on Colón: Costa Rica’s Central Bank (BCCR) set a new record for exchange-rate stabilization, buying $774 million since Feb. 19 to slow the colón’s slide—pushing the reference dollar to a fourth straight historic low at ¢453.20 on May 18. Security Overhaul: President Laura Fernández says she’ll run weekly meetings with top security and justice officials through a new “Task Force,” focusing on actions against crime and homicides. Politics and Language Slip: A meeting with Frente Amplio leader José María Villalta sparked controversy after Rodrigo Chaves allegedly called Fernández “minister” instead of “president,” quickly reframed as a slip. Tourism Connectivity: Lufthansa will add flights between Frankfurt and San José, raising service to five weekly trips in the 2026–2027 winter season. Regenerative Luxury: Hotel Belmar’s new Artista villas open June 1 in Monteverde, built as a low-impact, car-free enclave.

Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica’s 2025 air arrivals ended nearly flat (+1% to 2.69M), but the story is the rebound: November jumped 12.2% and December surged 13.6%, and 2026 is carrying that wave with Q1 arrivals up 12.9% to 959,738. New Flights, More Capacity: Breeze Airways adds Tampa–San José nonstop starting Oct. 3, and Lufthansa boosts Frankfurt–San José to five weekly winter flights from Oct. 25, using a Boeing 787-9 with its new Allegris cabin. Infrastructure Relief: A five-lane bridge over the Corrogres River on the Lindora bypass is now fully open, aiming to cut a major Santa Ana–Lindora bottleneck. Environment With Proof: A new ETH Zurich study uses sound recordings to show restored forests under Costa Rica’s Payment for Ecosystem Services are becoming more wildlife-like than pastures. Local Watch: Scams are targeting drivers with fake Transito/Cosevi “traffic fine” texts—don’t click links.

Bolivia Crisis: Protests and road blockades have tightened around La Paz, emptying markets and even disrupting hospital oxygen supplies, as clashes between police and rival political forces grow and President Rodrigo Paz faces fresh calls for his resignation. Costa Rica–Panama Trade: Costa Rica and Panama remain locked in a tariff and phytosanitary fight tied to Panama’s import blockade of Costa Rican dairy and meat, with the dispute still rooted in a long-running WTO battle. Local Security: Costa Rica is warning about Transito/Cosevi phishing scams that push fake “outstanding fine” links to steal card and personal data. Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are forecast nationwide, with the Central Valley partly cloudy and the Pacific more storm-prone—plan beach time early. Infrastructure & Energy: MOPT is starting a modular bridge replacement near San José airport, while Costa Rica’s clean grid is increasingly pulled into the AI data-center debate.

Infrastructure Update: Costa Rica’s MOPT is starting Monday the May 18 bridge replacement near Juan Santamaría International Airport on Route 1 (El Coyol–San José), with crews assembling the modular structure outside active lanes first, then traffic controls and possible closures later. AI + Energy Pressure: Costa Rica’s near-total renewable electricity (98.6% in 2025) is now being pitched to AI data centers—but the real question is whether the grid and local water supplies can absorb the new demand. Crime Crackdown: The OIJ launched “Caso Lusso,” with 17 raids and arrests tied to an alleged money-laundering network, seizing luxury cars and high-value properties. Tourism Accessibility: Barceló apologized after a couple said an assistance guide dog was refused at an Occidental Papagayo hotel, sparking a public debate on disability access. Digital Shift: TikTok has overtaken Instagram as Costa Rica’s second-most-used social network, hitting 58% adult use.

World Cup Roster Anxiety: With May 26 looming, the USMNT roster picture is tightening as injuries open spots—especially the fitness question around center back Chris Richards after an ankle knock. Port Leadership in the Region: Aqaba Container Terminal named Jose Rueda as its new CEO, with prior Costa Rica port experience highlighted. Tourism Accessibility Test: Barceló apologized after a Guanacaste hotel barred a certified guide dog, turning a birthday trip into a public debate on disability access. Trade Tensions: Costa Rica escalated its dispute with Panama, calling Panama’s agricultural restrictions a “trade blockade” and pushing for international action. Migration Pipeline: Costa Rica received a fourth U.S. deportation flight under the March migration deal—12 foreign nationals, bringing the total to 95 since April 11. Tourism Boost via Infrastructure: The new Caño Negro bridge is cutting travel time between La Fortuna, El Castillo and Monteverde, reshaping routes for visitors. Digital Shift: TikTok has overtaken Instagram as Costa Rica’s second most used app, with 58% adult usage reported.

Tourism & Tech: A Costa Rica hotel apology is the latest reminder that accessibility can’t be treated like a “nice-to-have.” Barceló said it mishandled a case where a guide dog was refused entry, sparking public backlash and renewed scrutiny of disability rules in tourism. Infrastructure Boost: A new Caño Negro bridge is cutting the La Fortuna–Monteverde drive to about 1 hour 50 minutes, giving El Castillo a fresh stop on the main inland route. Migration & Diplomacy: Costa Rica received its fourth U.S. deportation flight under the migration deal, bringing 12 people on Friday and lifting the total since April 11 to 95. Trade Tensions: President Laura Fernández escalated her dispute with Panama, calling the restrictions on Costa Rican farm exports a “trade blockade” and pushing for international action. Wildlife & Community: Costa Rica’s Cubujuquí corridor logged 2,366 birds across 183 species in its first 2026 census, reinforcing the value of urban conservation corridors.

Trade War Escalation: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández has ordered her foreign minister to pursue “international actions” after Panama kept restrictions blocking Costa Rican agricultural exports, calling it a “trade blockade” and naming products like beef, pork, poultry, dairy, bananas, plantains, pineapples and strawberries. Birding Tourism Push: Costa Rica will host the North American Bird Fair 2026 in Sarapiquí from June 4–7, aiming to turn the wildlife hotspot into a year-round nature destination. Conservation Check-In: A first 2026 bird census in the Cubujuquí Interurban Biological Corridor counted 2,366 birds across 183 species, highlighting urban conservation corridors. Regional Uncertainty: A migration pact between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic is sparking unrest and sovereignty worries across Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador. Global Science Buzz: NASA’s James Webb telescope delivered its clearest look yet at exoplanet LHS 3844 b—named Kua’kua in a Costa Rica indigenous language.

Trade Clash Escalates: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández has ordered her foreign minister to pursue “international actions” against Panama over a years-long agricultural trade blockade, saying the issue is now beyond Comex negotiations and hitting producers of beef, pork, poultry, dairy, bananas, plantains, pineapples, strawberries and more. Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica opened 2026 strong, topping one million international visitors in the first quarter (1,033,777), up 11.3% from 2025, even as a strong colón and weaker dollar squeeze travel budgets. Conservation in the City: The Cubujuquí Interurban Biological Corridor logged 2,366 birds across 183 species in its first 2026 census, reinforcing its role as a key urban wildlife bridge. Volcano Watch: Globally, Kilauea eased while Taal rose to Alert Level 2; activity elsewhere stayed mixed, with Indonesia’s Dukono and Semeru standing out.

Costa Rica–Panama Trade War: President Laura Fernández says she’s escalating her dispute with Panama over restrictions on Costa Rican dairy, meat, bananas, plantains, pineapples and strawberries—moving the fight beyond Comex and sending it straight to Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar for diplomatic and international action. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Costa Rica’s legislature is set to consider a bill that would raise penalties for illegal gold mining up to 10 years and target the whole supply chain, including fuel, transport and logistics. Currency Watch: The U.S. dollar hit another historic low versus the colón, keeping pressure on tourists and expats paid in dollars. World Football: FIFA finally agreed a China broadcast deal for the 2026 World Cup reported at $60M, and Costa Rica’s women’s youth team is drawn in a tough group for the U-20 tournament in Poland. Local Culture & Travel: A new documentary spotlights Osa’s community shift from hunting to protecting pumas and tapirs, while travel coverage keeps pushing Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle appeal.

Mining Crackdown: Costa Rica’s National Assembly is moving to jail illegal gold miners for up to a decade, with new penalties aimed not just at the diggers but also the fuel, transport, and logistics that keep the operation running. Justice Push: Families of Brothers to the Rescue victims are pressing for accountability as the U.S. weighs indicting Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown. Immigration Detention Debate: A group of chaplains argues conditions at one Arizona detention facility are being misrepresented, pushing back on critics who say detention hides suffering. Tourism & Culture: A Costa Rican film lands at Cannes again—this time with Valentina Maurel’s “Forever Your Maternal Animal”—as the country ramps up global production. Sports Business: FIFA finally locks in China’s World Cup broadcast deal at about $60M. Money Watch: The dollar hits another historic low against the colón, squeezing anyone paid in dollars but spending locally.