AGP Executive Report

Earthquake: Panama’s 7.7-magnitude quake was felt in San José, and aftershocks could continue shaking Costa Rica for weeks; tsunami alerts have been lifted. Crime: OIJ arrested four U.S. nationals over alleged fraud at a spiritual retreat in Pérez Zeledón. Complainants say they lost about $600,000 in a scheme involving property sales; authorities are also investigating allegations of coercion and sexual offenses. Climate Funding: More than $30 million earmarked to help Guanacaste producers adapt to climate change remains unused, despite the region facing a severe El Niño dry season. Water and Development: A new artificial beach near Liberia Airport draws water from concessioned wells in one of Costa Rica’s driest areas, raising questions about groundwater use as drought looms. Road Safety: OIJ warns that motorcycle groups are blocking roads and attacking drivers; motorcyclists account for 58% of traffic deaths.

Climate Finance: More than US$30.6 million earmarked to help Costa Rican producers adapt to climate change remains untapped, despite growing risks in Guanacaste. Road Safety: The OIJ warns that motorcycle groups are blocking roads, performing dangerous stunts and sometimes attacking drivers; motorcyclists made up 58% of people killed at crash scenes last year. Earthquake Risk: After Panama’s powerful quake and continuing aftershocks, Costa Rica could feel further shaking for weeks. Infrastructure: A landslide has again forced the closure of the road to Limón, disrupting a key route to the Caribbean coast. Water and Tourism: A new artificial beach near Liberia draws on groundwater in drought-prone Guanacaste, as forecasters warn of a severe El Niño dry season.

Regional Quake: Panama’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami alerts that included Costa Rica. The alerts were later lifted, but aftershocks could continue for weeks. Public Services: Costa Rica sent ₡1.5 billion to the Red Cross as branches continue to face financial pressure. Economy: Fuel prices are set to rise by as much as ₡89 in November, while Pandora has closed all five of its Costa Rican stores. Security and Politics: More than 200 Costa Rican police officers are reportedly under investigation in a narcotics probe, and a fugitive wanted by authorities attended a party hosted by the president. Fisheries: Costa Rican scientists and regional partners are reviving research into fish eggs and larvae to help protect fish populations and guide sustainable management.

Panama Quake: A 7.7-magnitude earthquake and more than 100 aftershocks damaged homes, roads and public buildings in Panama. No deaths had been reported, but at least 27 people were injured. Costa Rica felt the shaking, and seismologists warn aftershocks could continue for weeks. Police Probe: More than 200 Costa Rican officers are under investigation for suspected links to drug cartels. The probe is drawing added scrutiny after reports that a U.S.-wanted money launderer attended President Laura Fernández’s election celebration. Marine Research: Costa Rican scientists are reviving fish egg and larva research to help identify breeding grounds and improve fisheries management. A five-day course brought together 18 participants from Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama. Red Cross Funding: Costa Rica is sending ₡1.5 billion to the Red Cross as branches continue to face financial pressure.

Earthquake Alert: Panama’s magnitude 7.7 quake shook much of Costa Rica, and seismologists warn aftershocks could continue for weeks or longer. Panama reported 27 minor injuries and no deaths; tsunami alerts were lifted. Security Scandal: More than 200 Costa Rican police officers are under investigation over suspected cartel ties, while a U.S.-wanted fugitive was reportedly at President Laura Fernández’s election celebration. Fuel Costs: Gasoline, diesel and cooking gas prices are set to rise in November under a preliminary proposal, with regular gasoline up as much as ₡89 per liter pending regulatory approval. Cross-Border Travel: Transnica has resumed daily buses between San José and Managua while a court ruling temporarily allows the company to operate during a permit dispute.

Regional Emergency: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama damaged buildings and roads and was felt in San José. Tsunami alerts initially included Costa Rica, but the threat was later lifted; no tsunami warning remains in effect. Transport: Landslides closed Route 32 between San José and Limón, disrupting a key link to the Caribbean coast. Education: OECD projections show Costa Rica’s population aged 5–14 will shrink 28% by 2033, raising pressure to adapt schools as enrollment falls. Economy: Coffee producers warn that the strong colón is forcing job cuts. Government: Ana Elena Pinto was named Costa Rica’s new foreign minister.

Government: Career diplomat Ana Elena Pinto has been named Costa Rica’s foreign minister, replacing Manuel Tovar, dismissed after attending a U.S.-linked regional event without informing President Laura Fernández. Transport: Landslides have closed Route 32, the main highway between San José and Limón; authorities are assessing damage, with no reopening time announced. Drivers can detour via Turrialba or Bajos de Chilamate–Vuelta de Kooper. Tourism: Southwest plans seasonal weekend flights from Austin to Guanacaste starting June 5, 2027, and service from Nashville is also planned. UN Race: Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan remains in first place in the latest Security Council poll for secretary-general, despite a dip in support. Fishing Oversight: The U.S. has flagged Costa Rica over gaps in monitoring longline vessels, particularly the lack of required onboard observers. The finding starts consultations, not sanctions. Getting Around: A fare comparison found Uber’s red-taxi option cost about 2.5 times UberX for a 27-kilometer trip; taxi fares follow the official meter rate.

Fishing Oversight: The U.S. has again flagged Costa Rica over gaps in monitoring its longline fleet, citing missing independent observers from 2022 to 2024. The finding starts a consultation period, not sanctions. Money-Laundering Probe: New details link detained concert producer Don Stockwell to past in-kind donations to a presidential campaign, and producer Hugo Benavides to a meeting with President Laura Fernández. Authorities have not alleged wrongdoing by the politicians or party. Getting Around: Red taxis booked through Uber can cost up to 2.5 times more than UberX; fares follow the official taxi meter, so compare prices before booking. Retirement: Costa Rica’s Pensionado visa ranked fourth in a global retirement index, with a minimum lifetime pension requirement of $1,000 a month. Tourism: JW Marriott has opened its first all-inclusive resort worldwide on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, with 415 rooms.

Money-Laundering Probe: New details show a concert producer detained in Costa Rica’s alleged drug-money laundering investigation donated about ₡14.16 million to a party that ran in the 2026 election; another producer met President Laura Fernández. Authorities have not linked the political figures or party to the alleged scheme. Retirement Visas: Costa Rica’s Pensionado visa ranked fourth among 46 retirement residency programs worldwide, with a minimum lifetime pension requirement of $1,000 a month. Environmental Crime: An Interpol-led regional operation reported 233 arrests across nine countries, including Costa Rica, where authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide, mercury and shark fins. Jobs and Business: Coffee producers warn that the strong colón is forcing job cuts, adding to wider reports of companies reducing operations. UN Leadership: Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan is leading the latest Security Council poll for the next UN secretary-general. Security: Costa Rica plans to inaugurate its maximum-security prison on October 14, modeled on El Salvador’s facility.

UN Race: Costa Rican former vice president Rebeca Grynspan remains the frontrunner to become the next UN secretary-general after a fifth Security Council poll, though her support slipped and the contest remains unsettled. Jobs and Coffee: Producers warn the strong colón is squeezing export earnings and forcing farms to cut workers and replace manual labor with machinery. Crime and Justice: A Chinese-born Costa Rican man wanted by the U.S. over alleged drug trafficking and money laundering will stay in maximum-security custody during extradition proceedings. Separately, Costa Rican concert producers were arrested in an $850,000 money-laundering probe. Trade Debate: The opposition National Liberation Party says it will oppose joining the Trans-Pacific trade pact, citing risks to local farmers and dairy producers. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries led to 233 arrests and recovered more than 1,000 animals; Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide.

UN Leadership: Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan led the latest Security Council poll for UN secretary-general, though her support weakened slightly and the race remains unsettled. Trade Debate: The opposition National Liberation Party says its 17 lawmakers will oppose Costa Rica joining the Trans-Pacific trade pact, citing risks to local farmers and producers. Child Poverty: More than 557,000 minors live in poverty, according to a new study drawing on 2024 social-aid data. Justice and Politics: Authorities have suspended an investigation into who ordered the killing of exiled Nicaraguan activist Roberto Samcam and opened a probe into the political ties of a man wanted by the U.S. DEA. Tourism: JW Marriott has opened its first all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste, transforming the former Dreams Las Mareas property into a 415-room destination.

Security & Justice: Costa Rica is set to inaugurate its maximum-security megaprison on Oct. 14, aiming to contain organized crime—but critics warn the real test is whether the state can reclaim safe streets without weakening investigations and courts. Environment & Conservation: Monteverde’s privately run cloud forest reserve has become the first private protected area in Latin America to be recognized on the IUCN Green List for effective, equitable management. Climate & Regional Trade: A new report says El Niño could intensify in late 2026 and raise costs across Central America in 2027, with potential knock-on effects for the Panama Canal and shipping routes. Wildlife & Land Use: A former cattle ranch near Tenorio Volcano National Park in northern Costa Rica is now a wildlife haven, restoring habitat for tapirs and hundreds of bird species. Tourism & Luxury: JW Marriott opened its first-ever all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica—Costa Elena in Guanacaste—bringing 415 rooms, 17 pools, and a new “Griffin Club” tier. International Spotlight: The U.S. and allies, including Costa Rica, jointly condemned Iran’s “terrorist actions” and proxies in the Western Hemisphere.

Regional Security: The U.S. and 9 other countries, including Costa Rica, jointly condemned Iran’s “terrorist actions” and proxy operations across the Western Hemisphere, pledging tighter coordination to counter alleged plots and influence campaigns. Immigration Court: In the U.S., Kilmar Ábrego Garcia returns to federal court as authorities push to lift an injunction and deport him to Liberia after a mistaken deportation to El Salvador last year. Sports (CONCACAF): Haiti and Costa Rica both shaped the Nations League quarterfinal picture, with Haiti advancing after a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica; the U.S. is set to face Haiti in the next round. Costa Rica & Travel: Southwest Airlines expands summer 2027 service, including new nonstop flights to San José (Costa Rica) from Austin. Local Spotlight: Iron Maiden fans have been camping at La Sabana ahead of the band’s Costa Rica return.

Regional Security: The U.S., Canada, and eight Latin American and Caribbean countries accused Iran and “proxies” of terrorist and malign operations, pledging tighter coordination; Costa Rica is among the signatories. Diplomacy: Costa Rica named Ana Elena Pinto as its new foreign minister, stepping in after Manuel Tovar was dismissed for attending a regional security meeting led by Trump without notifying President Laura Fernández. Public Safety: Costa Rica will inaugurate a maximum-security organized-crime prison on Oct. 14, while the Red Cross is weighing cuts to overnight shifts at 20 branches due to a growing funding gap. Economy & Jobs: Costa Rica’s job losses are mounting as major firms cut operations, with at least 6,000 jobs gone over three years amid weaker investment and higher costs. Travel & Tourism: Canadians are arriving in Costa Rica in record numbers, up 24% in early 2026, as travelers shift away from the U.S. Sports: Costa Rica beat Haiti 2-0 in Nations League group play, but Haiti still advanced to the quarterfinals.

Public Safety: Costa Rica will inaugurate its High-Security Center against Organized Crime (CACCO) on Oct. 14 at 12:30 PM, with President Laura Fernández saying it’s a “small prison” aimed at hitting criminal networks. Border Health & Work: Costa Rica’s Health Ministry will step up screenings for Indigenous migrants entering from Panama during the coffee harvest—about 15,000 people a year—testing for malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases. Tourism Access: Costa Rica opened a new pier at Isla San Lucas (Sept. 29) to make the former prison island easier to visit, with accessibility features and capacity for four boats. Emergency Services Funding: The Costa Rican Red Cross is considering ending overnight shifts at 20 branches due to a growing deficit, with coverage shifting to neighboring sites. Crime & Politics: A U.S.-sought alleged drug trafficker linked to DEA claims attended a private ruling-party electoral celebration in Costa Rica, raising questions about how he got in. Sports: Costa Rica beat Haiti 2-0 in CONCACAF Nations League Group A, while the Red Cross and tourism updates dominated local headlines.

Landfill Fight in Mora: Costa Rica’s Mora municipal administration issued a new land-use certificate for the proposed Parque Industrial Jateo waste project, reigniting a dispute over road capacity for garbage trucks and risks to water sources and nearby ecosystems. School Sanitation Gap: A Ministry of Public Education census found 26 public schools with substandard toilet systems in outhouses, including 12 in the Sulá regional directorate serving Indigenous territories in Talamanca and Limón, and six in Turrialba. Protected Area Concern: Authorities say they found a dock inside the protected Río Tárcoles area, raising fresh questions about enforcement in sensitive zones. Cacao Harvest Hit by Heavy Rains: In the Caribbean, intense rainfall is damaging cacao plantations and knocking flowers off trees, with some Talamanca producers reporting losses of 50% to 60% and warning of reduced harvests months ahead. Public Health Innovation: A UCR student developed an eco-friendly disinfectant tablet that dissolves in water in nine minutes or less and claims 99.99% pathogen reduction on treated surfaces. Sports Spotlight (Costa Rica): Costa Rica closes Concacaf Nations League group play against Haiti at Saprissa, with Bryan Ruiz now interim coach after a 3-0 win over Nicaragua.