AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: Costa Rica issued a yellow alert for heavy rains affecting the Pacific and Central Valley, with forecasters tracking a possible tropical system and warning of flood and landslide risk. Wildlife & Health: A flesh-eating New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas after decades away, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife and prompting renewed containment efforts. Sports (Costa Rica in the spotlight): England began World Cup warm-ups with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Florida, and attention now turns to their upcoming friendly vs Costa Rica in Orlando. Culture & Tourism: Costa Rica’s documentary “Latidos en la Lluvia” is set to reach Amazon Prime Video later this year, following five cancer survivors on a coast-to-coast journey across the country. Local Life: Costa Rica also unveiled a new Vida Mía Longevity Centre at The Retreat Costa Rica, adding physician-guided longevity programming to its wellness offerings.

World Cup Warm-Up (England): Harry Kane scored in stoppage time as England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa, with Thomas Tuchel rotating heavily at halftime and testing a newly relaid pitch in 34C heat. Local Sports (Costa Rica): England’s next friendly is set for Wednesday vs Costa Rica, putting the spotlight on Costa Rica’s role in the Three Lions’ final tune-up. Tourism & Travel (Costa Rica): Southwest will add a weekly Nashville–Guanacaste nonstop in 2027, boosting direct access to Liberia during peak season. Weather Watch (Costa Rica): Costa Rica faces a wet, unstable weekend as forecasters monitor a possible tropical depression forming near the Pacific, with storms and flood risk. Public Access (Costa Rica): Playa Blanca near Punta Leona has reopened 24/7 after a municipality removed a long-restricted barrier, ending a yearslong access fight. Health & Safety (Costa Rica-linked): A flesh-eating screwworm fly has reached Texas, raising livestock and wildlife concerns across the region. Aviation Business: U.S. low-cost carrier Breeze Airways targets a 2027 IPO and is expanding international service, including Costa Rica.

Tourism & Travel: Southwest Airlines will add a weekly nonstop from Nashville to Liberia (Guanacaste) in 2027, running Feb. 13–Mar. 6, giving more U.S. visitors easier access to Costa Rica’s northwest beaches and parks. Local Access & Community: Playa Blanca near Punta Leona in Garabito is now open 24/7 after the municipality removed a long-restricted barrier, ending a yearslong dispute and triggering police-resort confrontations. International Spotlight: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar raised concern about a “significant presence” of Russian military personnel in Nicaragua during talks in Paris. Culture: Costa Rica will crown its Miss Universe representative tonight, with the pageant still a major national media moment. Global Context: A new study on hummingbird pollination highlights Costa Rica cloud-forest research, while FIFA’s World Cup rules briefly shifted on water bottles before a reversal.

Wildlife & Safety in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s courts backed a crackdown on howler-monkey electrocutions from power lines, holding agencies responsible and ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara. Weather Watch: The National Emergency Commission issued a nationwide green alert as heavier rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risk through June 9. Regional Security & Politics: A US-backed “Shield of the Americas” statement condemned Bolivia unrest and “ongoing efforts” to overthrow President Rodrigo Paz, calling out “dirty money” funding protests. Trade Policy: The US proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting 60 economies, with Costa Rica-related CAFTA-DR textile/apparel duty-free carveouts noted. Health Threat in the Region: The New World screwworm is spreading from Central America into Mexico and now Texas, prompting heightened animal-health surveillance and concern for livestock and wildlife. World Cup Angle for Ticos: Costa Rica will watch the 2026 tournament as La Sele misses out for the first time since 2006.

Weather & Risk: Costa Rica is under a nationwide green alert as heavy rains and saturated ground raise flood and landslide risk, with unstable conditions expected through Tuesday, June 9. Wildlife Protection: A Costa Rican court ruling holds agencies responsible for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines and orders infrastructure changes in Nosara. Public Access Clash: Garabito’s Playa Blanca access fight turned physical as municipal crews removed a barrier and police detained people after clashes tied to Punta Leona Beach Club. Tourism & Environment Watch: Camiguin’s sewage discharge probe is a reminder of how quickly “pristine” destinations can face backlash when waste management fails. Health & Logistics: Costa Rica’s HPV vaccination push highlights the last-mile challenge of convincing parents and keeping rollout on track. Sports & Travel: Iran’s World Cup trip to Mexico continues after visa uncertainty, while England’s warm-up schedule includes Costa Rica ahead of the tournament.

Severe Weather Watch: Heavy rains since Wednesday have pushed rivers higher and flooded areas, prompting Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) to issue a nationwide green alert through June 9, with Cartago, San José (Los Negritos creek lagoon), and Alajuela hit hardest. Public Safety & Security: President Laura Fernández says she “sleeps like a baby” despite an alleged plot to assassinate her; the Ministry of Justice confirmed it received a report and is not commenting on security matters. Economy & Taxes: The IMF is urging Costa Rica to raise revenue with proposals including VAT changes (including on the basic food basket), applying VAT to the school bonus, and adjusting income tax exemptions and corporate tax rules. Climate & Finance: Costa Rica’s insurance market has topped $2.4 billion in annual premiums and is shifting toward voluntary coverage, but faces new pressure from climate impacts and operational demands. Agriculture & Health Risk: The “new world” screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, reviving fears for livestock and wildlife; officials are moving to contain it with testing and response measures. Travel & Environment: Authorities at Liberia’s airport have confiscated nearly 8,900 kilograms of illegally taken seashells from travelers, warning of fines and possible prison under wildlife rules. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake struck Costa Rica’s southern zone near Puerto Jiménez; monitoring continues with no reported damage or injuries. Aviation: Southwest Airlines plans its longest-ever international route later this year: direct flights between Las Vegas and San José (SJO).

Costa Rica Travel & Safety: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake rattled Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula and the southern zone near Puerto Jiménez, with OVSICORI reporting no injuries or damage and only routine monitoring afterward. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after reports of animals being killed on power lines, with new legal action aimed at reducing harm. Tourism & Connectivity: Southwest Airlines says it will launch its longest-ever international route later this year—direct flights between Las Vegas and San Jose (SJO), a first for the airport pair. Public Health Watch: The U.S. confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, raising concerns for livestock and travelers; officials are testing and quarantining as the pest spreads north from Central America. Immigration Policy: Costa Rica will let Cubans live and work legally under a regularization program, outlining requirements for those seeking lawful status. Business & Trade: U.S. proposed Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies could push up prices, and Costa Rica is among the listed countries.

Immigration & Courts: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a U.S. judge in testimony that he’d be “happy to send” Salvadoran deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, after lawyers argued Costa Rica had agreed to accept him—potentially reshaping his high-profile legal fight. Work Authorization for Cubans: Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category allowing thousands of Cubans (plus some from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Colombia) to live and work legally even with rejected or pending asylum cases, starting Sept. 1, 2026. Trade & Forced Labor: The U.S. proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement failures, listing Costa Rica among 60 economies under review. Public Health: PAHO warned measles is rising across the Americas ahead of the World Cup, naming Costa Rica among countries with reported infections. Extradition: Costa Rica’s appeals court ordered deferred extradition to the U.S. for “Macho Coca” (Gilbert Hernán Bell Fernández), contingent on his local case being resolved. Tourism & Business: Canada is highlighted as one of Costa Rica’s fastest-growing tourism markets, while Grupo Éxito named a Costa Rica-educated executive to lead digital and tech roles.

Public Health Watch: PAHO is urging countries across the Americas to tighten measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 World Cup, warning cases have surged fourfold in 2026 and noting infections have been detected in Costa Rica among other countries. Local Justice: Costa Rica’s authorities detained four Fuerza Pública officers in Guanacaste over an alleged Santa Cruz raid and robbery tied to a shooting, with prosecutors alleging possible cover-up steps. Startup Push: Costa Rica launched LEAPCR, a new national program to accelerate startups, draw investment, and create jobs, run with support from the Inter-American Development Bank and local partners. Tourism for Pets: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport reported a record number of pets arriving in early 2026, highlighting the region’s growing pet-friendly travel infrastructure. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposed new tariffs under forced-labor rules, with rates up to 12.5% and public hearings set for July 7. World Cup Prep (England): England’s Thomas Tuchel is giving Alex Scott a shot in warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica despite his World Cup squad omission.

Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica announced an extraordinary regularization program letting thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants with pending or rejected cases apply for a special temporary category—aimed at legal stay and the ability to work. Tourism & Consumer Alerts: Foreign visitors using cards in Costa Rica may be hit with a voluntary 6% fee if they accept dynamic currency conversion, and travelers are also being warned about an optional dollar-card fee. Energy & Cost of Living: At the pump, Costa Rica’s “super” gasoline is currently cheaper than regular, a pricing quirk tied to RECOPE purchase timing, while officials warn fuel costs remain pressured by global oil conditions. Public Health: PAHO says measles cases are rising across the Americas ahead of the 2026 World Cup and urges stronger surveillance and vaccination. Weather Watch: INAMEH reports tropical waves moving through the region, with systems expected to increase instability near the coast of Guiana Essequiba. Agriculture Biosecurity: The U.S. warns New World screwworm is nearing the Texas border, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife.

Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica will let thousands of Cubans, plus other eligible migrants, regularize status and work legally starting September 2026 under a new “Special Temporary Category,” with applications opening Sept. 1, 2026 and free access to formal employment. Security Crackdown: President Laura Fernández says Costa Rica is pushing tougher penalties for owners of properties with clandestine airstrips, after a second Elite Force meeting focused on coordinated action against organized crime. Sports—La Sele’s World Cup Exit: Costa Rica’s national team fell 3-1 to Colombia in a World Cup farewell friendly in Bogotá, ending another painful stretch after elimination from 2026 World Cup contention. Diplomacy & International: A joint statement signed by 56 countries and the EU condemned a Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace, with Costa Rica among the signatories. Culture & Film: Costa Rican director Paz Fábrega secured additional funding for her hybrid doc “To the Future,” pitching at ECAM Forum in Madrid.

World Cup Spotlight: Colombia hosts Costa Rica in a pre-World Cup friendly tonight at Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín, with Colombia aiming to use the home send-off to build momentum after recent friendlies. Sports & Travel: England’s World Cup squad has landed in Miami for training, including a warm-up against Costa Rica next week—another sign Costa Rica is firmly on the tournament travel map. Local Culture & Tourism: Def Leppard confirmed its first-ever Costa Rica concert, Oct. 27, 2026 at Parque Viva in Alajuela, with Extreme joining as special guests and tickets via Eticket.cr starting June 12. Weather Watch: This week’s “green season” pattern stays on track: mostly dry mornings, then afternoon clouds and thunderstorms—heaviest in the South Pacific. Business & Governance: Costa Rica extends corporate email rules through end of 2026, while a separate report highlights a Costa Rica travel-rights case ending with compensation for a removed passenger. Nature & Safety: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported hearing a faint hiss before a venomous pit viper strike—another reminder to keep distance on trails.

Education & Credentials: Ghana’s Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) warns the public about 70 unrecognised institutions, including 14 operating in Ghana, saying certificates may not be accepted for academic or work purposes. Weather & Travel Planning: Costa Rica’s “green season” pattern continues: mostly dry mornings, then afternoon clouds, rain, and thunderstorms—heaviest in the South Pacific—so plan outdoor activities early. Coastal Risk: Ocean scientists in Costa Rica warn unusually warm Pacific waters are raising sea-level and flooding/erosion risks as the country heads into the more storm-prone months. Tourism Spotlight: Costa Rica lands on the cover of National Geographic Traveller (UK), with a major feature highlighting parks, volcanoes, wildlife, and sustainability. World Cup Build-Up (Costa Rica): Colombia hosts Costa Rica in a Monday friendly in Bogotá as both teams fine-tune ahead of the 2026 tournament. Aviation/Connectivity: Lufthansa expands Allegris service with new winter routes that include direct flights to San José, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel & Courts: A man says he was removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight after a child-support “travel ban” was wrongly left active in the system, and the State may have to compensate him—prompting another guide on how to check an “Impedimento de Salida” online via the Poder Judicial portal. Security & Governance: President Laura Fernández expanded her polygraph requirement, saying judicial-branch staff attending her “Fuerza Élite” security meetings must also take lie-detector tests. Business Regulation: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved extending the deadline to register corporate notification emails until Dec. 31, 2026, easing costs and paperwork for companies. International Partnerships: Israel’s Isaac Accords are set to expand with Latin American meetings, including Costa Rica, focusing on maritime security, police modernization, and organized-crime fighting. Public Safety: INTERPOL-backed operation Orga XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the region. Local Life: TikTok star Max Klymenko brought his “Career Ladder” format to San José’s Teatro Nacional area. Nature & Tourism: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported hearing a faint hiss before a pit viper strike—another reminder to keep distance from venomous snakes.

Costa Rica Travel & Justice: A Costa Rica–Mexico traveler says he was removed from his flight after a child-support payment system error, and the State may have to compensate him; the Judiciary also shared how to check an “Impedimento de Salida” travel ban online via pj.poder-judicial.go.cr or its app, listing case details and contact info. Anti-Crime & Oversight: President Laura Fernández expanded polygraph testing to judicial-branch staff attending her weekly “Fuerza Élite” security meetings, framing it as building “mutual trust” in the fight against organized crime. Business Compliance: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved extending the deadline for companies to register an official email for legal notifications to Dec. 31, 2026, easing costs and paperwork for firms. Public Safety: A coordinated INTERPOL-backed operation across the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs. Nature & Tourism: Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes and conservation model keep drawing attention, with renewed focus on its protected areas and renewable energy.

Court Case Update: Former Costa Rican president and OAS secretary general Miguel Ángel Rodríguez says he feared he’d never see justice after a 25-year INS reinsurance trial, as a court acquitted him in the latest stage. Public Safety & Crime: Costa Rica’s OIJ arrested a migration civil servant in “Caso Sombra” over alleged child sexual exploitation material, seizing devices after a Meta alert. Aviation & Tourism Infrastructure: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is pushing a $6 million modernization, including a new VIP lounge and expanded terminals, with work scheduled from late 2026 into mid-2027. Weather Watch: Costa Rica braces for unstable conditions through June 3, with warm mornings and afternoon rain and thunderstorms, especially in the Central Valley and Pacific. Energy Costs: ARESEP fuel-rate adjustments tied to recent RECOPE shipment costs are set to raise prices next week, adding pressure to household budgets. Local Travel Disruption: Route 27 traffic is facing major detours after a sinkhole collapse. Global Mobility Trend: A report highlights rising “Plan B” migration, noting Costa Rica among destinations seeing more high-earning arrivals.