AGP Executive Report

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept her lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes but still short of a clear consensus as veto powers remain decisive. Drug Enforcement & Extradition: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction, while authorities also extradited an alleged meth ringleader to Florida. U.S. Visa Rumors: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied social media claims that it revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials, calling them false rumors. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport and ICT announced new Southwest routes from Austin and Nashville to begin in 2027. Local Economy & Cost of Living: A new OCF study says only half of Costa Rican households save consistently, with debt and low income cited as major barriers. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuts as Costa Rica coach in a Nations League match against Nicaragua with relegation pressure looming. Environment & Conservation: Prize-winning photography highlights tapir-tree relationships in Costa Rica’s rainforest, and a long-running orange-waste restoration story shows how degraded land regrew into forest.

UN Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Secretary-General race after the Security Council’s fourth straw poll, with diplomats saying she topped the vote but still lacks a clear consensus as veto-wielding powers weigh in. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica extradited an alleged meth ringleader, “Beto” Farid Alberto Morales Araya, to Florida, tied to a major 2025 crystal meth seizure. U.S. Visa Rumors: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied social media claims that Washington revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials, calling them false rumors. Drug Bust Cooperation: Costa Rica also sent about 45 tons of seized drugs to the U.S. for destruction, citing budget limits for doing it at home. Economy & Households: New research says over 90% of Costa Ricans value saving, but only about half manage to save consistently due to debt and low incomes. Tourism & Culture: A new free “Discover Costa Rica” interactive map launches in Spanish and English, and Costa Rica was named a top pick in National Geographic Traveller UK awards for adventure and responsible travel.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept topping the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, leading with 10 “encourage” votes, though still short of a clear consensus as veto powers could block any candidate. Local Politics & Diplomacy: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied fresh rumors that Washington revoked visas for serving Costa Rican officials, while critics like Óscar Campos urged the Prosecutor’s Office to act amid the chatter. Drug Enforcement: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction, with a U.S. Air Force C-17 handling the transport, citing budget limits for doing the work at home. Immigration Pressure (US): Tom Homan said ICE will “surge resources” in sanctuary cities. Sports: Bryan Ruiz debuted as Costa Rica’s coach with Nations League survival on the line after early losses. Tourism: Skyscanner data shows rising Canadian interest in Liberia, Costa Rica, and National Geographic Traveller UK ranked Costa Rica No. 1 for responsible travel. Household Economy: New research says over 90% value saving, but only about half manage to do it consistently due to debt and low incomes.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Security Council’s informal straw polls, topping the fourth round with 10 “encourage” votes, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi trail behind; the process is non-binding for now, but the five veto-wielding permanent members still hold the final say. Drug Trafficking Cooperation: Costa Rica sent about 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction via a U.S. Air Force C-17, citing local budget limits; the U.S. Embassy says the shipment is worth about $1.25 billion. Diplomatic Tensions at the UN: The U.S. Embassy in San José denied social media rumors about revoked visas for Costa Rican officials, as critics also urged scrutiny of President Rodrigo Chaves amid the fallout from the “Shield of the Americas” meeting. Ukraine Child Return Talks: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly speaker met Ukraine’s parliament chief in Madrid to discuss the return of abducted Ukrainian children and tighter sanctions on Russia. Local Politics & Governance: Former Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar disputed the reasons for his dismissal after President Laura Fernández removed him over alleged communication failures about the UN-linked summit.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is again leading the UN Security Council’s fourth informal straw poll, winning 10 “encourage” votes, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi trail behind; the process still hinges on veto power from the US, China, Russia, France and the UK. Nearshoring & Jobs: Costa Rica is being highlighted as a fast-rising nearshore manufacturing and innovation hub as global supply chains shift toward resilience, talent and high-value exports. U.S. Visa Rumors: Costa Rica’s U.S. Embassy denied social media claims that Washington revoked visas for Costa Rican officials, calling the posts false. Drugs Sent for Destruction: Costa Rica transferred 45 tons of seized drugs to the United States for destruction, citing local budget limits, with DEA and the U.S. Air Force involved. Local Politics Shake-Up: Former foreign minister Manuel Tovar is facing fallout after his dismissal, with competing accounts about the “Shield of the Americas” meeting and what he told President Laura Fernández. Immigration Crackdown (U.S.): Tom Homan says ICE will intensify enforcement in sanctuary cities, promising a surge of resources.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan kept her lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll, with diplomats reporting she topped the vote but still lacks a clear consensus; the process will narrow the field before a formal recommendation to the General Assembly. Diplomatic Push: Costa Rica used its UNGA 81 address to back Grynspan for the top UN post and flag concerns over Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. Nigeria Weighs In: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima said Abuja will support a UN chief who advances Africa’s aspirations, and he met Grynspan in New York ahead of that decision. Local Politics: President Laura Fernández dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the “Shield of the Americas” meeting without informing her, sparking questions over communication and timing. Health & Science: Costa Rica will host an unprecedented heart surgery technique for a rare condition, while a new study suggests the country may have over 40,000 fungal species. Economy & Tourism: UN-linked and domestic business coverage also points to Costa Rica’s evolving economy, plus tourism rivalry debates and a warning that the dollar could face renewed downward pressure late in 2026.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is edging ahead in an informal UN Security Council poll, with sources saying she’s narrowly in front as the race stays tight among seven candidates. Diplomacy Watch: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima says Abuja will back a UN chief who supports Africa’s aspirations, and he met Grynspan in New York to discuss equity, justice, and multilateral reform. Local Politics: President Laura Fernández dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in NYC without informing her, raising fresh questions about internal coordination. Health & Innovation: Costa Rica will host a rare congenital heart surgery this week using a modified Cone repair technique not previously performed in the country, with international specialists training local teams. Economy & Cost of Living: Costa Rica set maximum prices for 517 medicines, aiming for near-30% reductions starting in December. Tourism & Travel: Yellow fever vaccination documentation will be required for travel to eight new destinations starting Oct. 1. Sports: Bryan Ruiz takes over as Costa Rica’s national team coach after Fernando Batista’s firing, with Concacaf Nations League matches vs Nicaragua and Haiti ahead.

UN Secretary-General Race: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima met Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan and said Abuja would back a candidate guided by equity, justice, and fairness, with support tied to Africa’s representation and gender inclusion. Global Politics: China says the next UN chief must be competent, impartial, and upright, and it’s weighing whether to support Grynspan or Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett. Foreign Affairs: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar was dismissed after missing a key Shield of the Americas meeting in New York, raising questions about government coordination. Health & Safety: Doctors in Costa Rica will perform a rare congenital heart surgery (modified Cone repair) for the first time in the country, while Panamanian authorities rescued three Costa Rican fishermen missing for six days at sea. Economy & Policy: Costa Rica caps prices on 517 medicines, and starting Oct. 1 requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travel to eight new destinations. Sports: Bryan Ruiz takes temporary charge after Fernando Batista was fired following Costa Rica’s Nations League start. Tourism: ICT says Costa Rica’s real tourist rivals are far beyond the region, and it marked World Tourism Day with nationwide guided walks.

Yellow Fever Rules: Starting Oct. 1, Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers heading to eight new higher-risk destinations, with the shot taken at least 10 days before travel and exemptions for specific age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, and severe immunosuppression. Medicine Costs: The government set maximum prices for 517 medicines, aiming for cuts of nearly 30% from Dec. 23. Dollar Watch: UNED warns the colón could see renewed pressure against the dollar in late 2026 as year-end “aguinaldos” and other payments boost foreign currency availability. UN Leadership Race: China says the next UN secretary-general should be “competent, impartial and upright,” and reports suggest it’s weighing support for Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan versus Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Diplomatic Fallout: President Laura Fernández fired foreign minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the Shield of the Americas meeting in New York without notifying her. Sports: Haiti beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the Concacaf Nations League opener, while Curaçao stunned Costa Rica with a 4-3 comeback.

UN Secretary-General Race: China says the next UN chief must be “competent, impartial and upright,” while attention stays on Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as the vote remains wide open. Costa Rica Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the Shield of the Americas meeting with Trump without notifying her, naming Indiana Trejos as acting foreign minister. EV Tax Proposal: Costa Rica’s finance ministry has proposed ending key electric vehicle tax breaks, which could raise costs for buyers if lawmakers approve changes. Digital Rules Push: A new private tech group unveiled an 808-provision proposal to regulate AI, blockchain, digital assets, and personal data in Costa Rica. Human Rights & Migration: Costa Rica is playing a growing role in U.S. third-country deportations, while Amnesty International renewed calls to abolish ICE amid custody deaths. Public Safety: Costa Rica reported a record high for human trafficking victims in 2025, with women and young people heavily affected. Environment & Access: A court temporarily suspended access to the Playa Blanca Marine Wetland pending a carrying-capacity study. Tourism & Inclusion: World Tourism Day brought nationwide guided walks, and Playa Pelada in Nosara added an accessible beach path and amphibious wheelchair support. Sports: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica with a historic 4-3 comeback after trailing 3-0 at halftime.

World Tourism Day: Hundreds of Costa Ricans joined free, ICT-guided walks across all seven provinces, from historic city tours in Heredia, San José and Puntarenas to nature stops like Laguna Don Manuel and Laguna Doña Ana Cleto, with special access efforts for seniors and community leaders. Human Rights & Immigration: Amnesty International urged the U.S. to abolish ICE, pointing to abuses and deaths in custody; in a separate case tied to Costa Ricans, families and detainees allege a Louisiana ICE facility failed to provide proper diabetes care before a man’s death. Diplomacy Shock: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the Trump-led “Shield of the Americas” security meeting without notifying her, naming Indiana Trejos as acting foreign minister. Security & Tech: Researchers reported an AI-powered CARBONATO botnet that steals credentials and may be linked to Costa Rica infrastructure. Environment & Access: A Costa Rican court temporarily halted visitor and vehicle access to the Playa Blanca Marine Wetland pending a carrying-capacity study. Sports & Culture: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica 4-3 after a 3-0 halftime deficit; and a free outdoor photo exhibition brings Gaudí’s Casa Batlló to San José through Nov. 15.

World Tourism Day: Hundreds of Costa Ricans joined free, ICT-led guided walks across all seven provinces, from historic city tours in Heredia, San José and Puntarenas to nature trails at Laguna Don Manuel, Laguna Doña Ana Cleto and Palmares’ Madre Verde Foundation, with special access efforts for seniors and community groups. Human Rights & Immigration: Amnesty International urged the U.S. to abolish ICE, citing abuses and a growing death toll; locally, Costa Rica also faced renewed attention after reports of a Costa Rican man dying in Louisiana ICE custody amid family claims of missed insulin and meals. Diplomacy Shock: President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar for attending the Trump-led “Shield of the Americas” meeting without notifying her, naming Indiana Trejos as acting foreign minister. Security & Tech: Researchers flagged an AI-powered CARBONATO botnet tied to Costa Rica-linked infrastructure, exploiting exposed Docker setups to steal credentials. Environment & Access: A court temporarily suspended access to Playa Blanca Marine Wetland pending a carrying-capacity study. Sports: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica with a historic 4-3 comeback in the Nations League opener.

ICE Abolition Push: Amnesty International has joined the growing #Not1More movement, calling on the U.S. to abolish ICE amid allegations of deadly abuses in detention. Diabetes Death in U.S. Custody: Costa Rican Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena’s family says he repeatedly missed insulin and meals before he died in a Louisiana ICE facility; ICE says he received proper care, while officials investigate. Costa Rica Diplomacy Shake-Up: President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the Trump-led “Shield of the Americas” security meeting without notifying her, naming Indiana Trejos as acting foreign minister. Human Trafficking Alarm: Costa Rica recorded 83 trafficking victims in 2025, the highest since at least 2010, with women and young people most affected. UN Leadership Race: China is weighing Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan versus Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the next UN secretary-general. Environment & Tourism: A court temporarily halted access to the Playa Blanca Marine Wetland in Garabito pending a carrying-capacity study. Sports: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica 4-3 after trailing 3-0 at halftime in the Nations League opener.

UN Diplomacy: A week of UNGA talks delivered no big breakthroughs, but Iran–US shuttle talks inched forward and global leaders debated AI risks. UN Secretary-General Race: China is weighing Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan versus Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, with the US signaling it could veto Rodrigues-Birkett over Gaza comments. Costa Rica Politics: President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the US-led “Shield of the Americas” security meeting with Donald Trump without notifying her; Indiana Trejos takes over as acting FM. Human Rights & Justice: Costa Rica reported a 16-year high in human trafficking victims (83 in 2025), hitting women and young people hardest. ICE Deaths in Louisiana: Families and detainees allege a Costa Rican man with type 1 diabetes died after missed insulin and poor care in ICE custody; ICE says it provided proper treatment. Economy & Environment: Pineapple exporters warn El Niño and a stronger colón could pressure volumes and costs. Sports: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica 4-3 after trailing 3-0 at halftime, drawing international headlines. Public Access & Conservation: A court temporarily halted access to the Playa Blanca Marine Wetland pending a carrying-capacity study.

Human Trafficking: Costa Rica reported 83 trafficking victims in 2025, the highest since at least 2010, with women and young people hit hardest and many cases involving Costa Ricans as well as foreigners. Diplomacy Shake-Up: President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” security meeting with Donald Trump without notifying her, naming Indiana Trejos as acting foreign minister. UN Secretary-General Race: China is weighing whether Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan or Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett becomes the next UN chief, while the U.S. signals it could veto Rodrigues-Birkett over her Gaza stance. Immigration Deaths in the U.S.: A Costa Rican man with type 1 diabetes, Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena, died in ICE custody in Louisiana after family alleged missed insulin, meals, and water; ICE says he received proper care. Security & Tech: A Costa Rica-linked AI botnet, CARBONATO, is accused of stealing credentials and spreading via exposed Docker systems. Environment & Tourism: A court temporarily halted access to the Playa Blanca Marine Wetland pending a carrying-capacity study, while Playa Pelada in Nosara added an accessible, removable beach path. Sports: Curaçao stunned Costa Rica 4-3 after a 3-goal halftime deficit in the Nations League opener.

Diplomacy & Security: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” security meeting with Donald Trump without notifying her, saying the move caused “strategic damage.” UN Politics: At the UN General Assembly, Guyana’s Irfaan Ali urged support for Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as next UN secretary-general, while Reuters reports Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is an early frontrunner in a Security Council straw poll. Immigration & Health: In Louisiana, a Costa Rican man with type 1 diabetes, Carlos Josue Marchena Marchena, died after family alleges missed insulin, meals, and water in ICE custody; ICE says he received proper care. Environment: A Costa Rican court temporarily froze visitor and vehicle access to the Playa Blanca Marine Wetland in Garabito, citing lack of a management plan and ordering a carrying-capacity study. Tourism & Culture: Playa Pelada in Nosara opened as an accessible beach point, and Origins Luxury Lodge earned a MICHELIN Key; meanwhile, a free outdoor photo exhibition brings Gaudí’s Casa Batlló to San José.