AGP Executive Report

World Cup Shockwaves: England’s World Cup squad announcement is turning into a full-blown debate after Thomas Tuchel left out big names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire, while surprising fans with Ivan Toney—Tuchel says the goal is chemistry, not star power. Ghana’s Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars fell 2-0 to Mexico in Puebla as Brian Gutiérrez scored early and Guillermo Martínez added a second; it’s Ghana’s third straight loss and Queiroz’s debut came with an inexperienced lineup. Panama Canal Leadership: Panama’s Canal Authority has selected Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to administer the Panama Canal, with the appointment coming amid rising global pressure and major operational stakes. Regional Security Watch: A new RAND report argues the U.S. can boost influence in Latin America more cheaply by training and equipping partner forces—explicitly naming Mexico and Panama. Shipping Tension: Iran’s push to charge a toll for Strait of Hormuz passage is rattling global trade planners, even as analysts warn it would violate shipping norms.

Prediction-Market Crackdown: House Oversight Chair James Comer says he’s launching a formal insider-trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket, demanding identity and trading records by June 5 and asking what safeguards stop government insiders from cashing in on nonpublic info tied to elections and military actions. Panama–Costa Rica Tension: Panama escalated its trade fight by suspending electricity sales to Costa Rica after criticism from President Laura Fernández, as both sides trade accusations over agricultural restrictions. U.S.–Cuba Pressure: The U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder and conspiracy charges, ratcheting up a broader campaign of sanctions and threats. Local Spotlight (U.S. military ties): An Air Force security forces airman became the first Air Force graduate of the Army’s revived Jungle Operations Training Course–Panama. World Cup Politics: England’s coach Thomas Tuchel left out stars like Foden and Palmer, while recalling Ivan Toney—setting up a selection debate that will follow the squad into June.

Panama Canal Leadership Shake-Up: President José Raúl Mulino named engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta as the Canal’s first female administrator, starting Oct. 1 for a 2026–2033 term, as traffic rises and global shipping pressure mounts. Gambling Crackdown: Panama’s National Assembly approved Bill No. 403, tightening rules for land-based and online gambling and requiring operators to set aside 10% of profits to fund treatment and rehab for gambling addiction. Ghana World Cup Prep: With Carlos Queiroz absent, assistant coach Desmond Offei will lead the Black Stars in Friday’s friendly vs Mexico in Puebla. England Squad Drama: Reports say Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer are among major names left out as Thomas Tuchel finalizes England’s World Cup squad. Cuba Tensions: The U.S. indicted Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of exile planes, escalating Washington’s pressure on Havana.

Energy Retaliation: President José Raúl Mulino abruptly suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica, calling it a counterpunch to Costa Rican public attacks tied to long-running agricultural trade fights. Canal Leadership: Mulino also named Ilya Espino de Marotta to lead the Panama Canal starting Oct. 1, making her the first woman to run the interoceanic waterway. Cuba Pressure, US Posture: As the U.S. weighs how to bring Raúl Castro to justice, a Nimitz carrier strike group moved into the Caribbean, underscoring how quickly Washington’s legal moves are turning into regional pressure. Gambling Rules: Panama approved Bill No. 403, tightening land-based and online gambling rules, including a 10% profit contribution to mental health programs for gambling addiction. World Cup Ripples: Beyond sports, the tournament is driving policy and politics—New York rolled out $50 ticket lotteries for residents, while Panama’s own matchups keep showing up in host-city planning.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. Justice Department unsealed a murder indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes, as Washington ratchets up its campaign for change in Havana. Caribbean Show of Force: The same day, the USS Nimitz carrier strike group entered the southern Caribbean for days of presence and drills, signaling deterrence rather than major operations. Diplomatic Pressure Ripple: Separately, the U.S. threatened visa revocations for a Palestinian UN delegation unless a UN General Assembly vice-presidency bid is dropped. Panama Trade Watch: Panama’s government projected about 7.8% export growth in 2026, highlighting agro-industrial, fisheries, and manufactured goods momentum. Local Policy: Panama approved Bill No. 403 tightening gambling rules, including a 10% profit contribution to mental health programs and biometric checks to keep minors out.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder-related charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes operated by the Miami exile group Brothers to the Rescue—an effort prosecutors say has been in the works for more than 30 years, with charges including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, murder counts, and destruction of aircraft; Castro, 94, is not in U.S. custody and there’s no sign he’ll be extradited. Diplomacy in Motion: Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy accepted credentials from Panama’s ambassador, alongside Mongolia and Peru, discussing trade and agriculture and thanking Panama for backing Ukraine in UN votes. World Cup Watch (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams warned fans not to pay “agents” promising 2026 World Cup travel, as the Black Stars press on with preparations and coach Carlos Queiroz finalized his 26-man squad without André Ayew. Regional Governance: Curaçao will host the first official PARLATINO Caribbean Commission meetings, with Panama among expected delegations.

Political Prisoner Death in Cuba: Ernesto Brieva Sempé, jailed after the 11J protests, has died in Havana’s Combinado del Este prison, with Cubalex citing “severe malnutrition” while saying the official cause hasn’t been verified. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly preparing to seek an indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown—an escalation that could further inflame the standoff. Iran Sanctions Pressure: Washington rolled out fresh “Economic Fury” sanctions, targeting Iran-linked financial networks and adding 19 vessels, including a Panama-flagged tanker, as the Strait of Hormuz crisis continues. Panama Biodiversity Move: Panama’s environment ministry signed an MOU to update the country’s Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) network, feeding into Kunming-Montreal goals and the 30x30 target. Local Safety Strain: In San Miguelito, violence near health centers has forced reduced hours and added police security at facilities like Torrijos Carter.

Ukraine Grain Tracing: Ukraine says it can now pinpoint the origin of tens of millions of tons of grain shipped out of occupied areas, using lab testing and satellite data to confirm where crops were grown. Global Food Risk: A forecast for a potentially “Super El Niño” raises alarms that climate shocks could worsen supply disruptions and food insecurity worldwide. Panama Trade Watch: A fresh trade dispute between Costa Rica and Panama keeps simmering, tied to long-running dairy and meat access fights. Maritime Spotlight: Panama’s maritime economy is getting attention again, with coverage highlighting the country’s role in global logistics and the push to modernize rules. World Cup Politics: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams and coach Carlos Queiroz’s camp are in full World Cup mode, while Croatia’s squad buzzes with Luka Modrić’s return after surgery. Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s leader warns a U.S. attack would mean a “bloodbath,” as Washington tightens sanctions.

Hormuz Pressure Builds: With the Strait of Hormuz disruption now bigger than the 1970s oil shocks, the UAE is doubling down on bypass routes—AD Ports and Borouge signed a deal to explore a new east-coast export hub anchored on Fujairah Terminals, even as drone attacks have already disrupted loadings there. World Cup Focus: Ghana Sports Minister Kofi Adams says the Black Stars’ target is the knockout stage—specifically the Round of 32—after naming Carlos Queiroz’s new technical team; Ghana opens Group L vs Panama in Toronto on June 17. Panama in the Crossfire: Ukraine says Russian drones hit a Panama-flagged civilian vessel near Odesa, adding to a day of strikes on multiple foreign-linked ships. CMB.TECH Update: Antwerp-based CMB.TECH reported Q1 2026 results, including $368.8M profit and a $3.26B contract backlog.

Cuba–U.S. Tensions: Cuba’s leader Miguel Díaz-Canel warned of a “bloodbath” if the U.S. attacks, after U.S. media claims Havana has bought 300+ drones and is weighing strikes tied to Guantánamo Bay and targets in Florida. Washington also moved to tighten pressure with new sanctions aimed at Cuba’s main intelligence agency and top leaders. Regional Politics: In Bolivia, protests and road blockades are now in a third straight week, with the U.S. backing President Rodrigo Paz and condemning efforts to destabilize his government; several neighboring countries, including Panama, issued a joint declaration rejecting destabilization. Maritime Fallout: Russia struck multiple commercial ships near Odesa, including a Panama-flagged vessel, underscoring how the conflict is hitting shipping tied to global partners. World Cup Politics: Croatia named Luka Modrić in its 26-man squad for Group L—where Panama is also set to play—while FIFA broadcast rights talks in India remain unresolved.

Oil & Shipping Shock: With the Strait of Hormuz still “managed” and opaque, tanker rates and earnings are spiking again as governments and traders lean into secretive, direct deals to keep crude and LPG moving. Panama Angle: That pressure is colliding with Panama Canal congestion, nudging some cargo toward longer routes and raising the odds of slower recovery for Asia-bound imports. Public Health Policy: Panama’s Health Ministry is backing Law 523, requiring fast-food combo meals to offer bottled water at no cost—aimed at cutting sugar intake, even as officials warn the rest of the meal still matters. Politics & Governance: Former President Martín Torrijos is back in the spotlight with a new UNE political platform and a push for a mine plebiscite ahead of 2029. Local Safety: A bus crash in Río Hato killed one and injured several after a political event.

Political Shake-Up: Former President Martín Torrijos has launched UNE, pitching it as a break from “traditional” party politics and signaling he’s gearing up for the 2029 race—another sign Panama’s voters are hungry for alternatives. Mine Plebiscite Push: Torrijos also floated a direct public vote on the mine, keeping the country’s resource and jobs debate front and center. Trade Tensions: Costa Rica escalated its dispute with Panama, calling Panama’s agricultural curbs a “trade blockade” and directing its foreign minister to pursue international action—raising the stakes in a fight that’s been simmering since 2019. Regional Pressure: In Bolivia, clashes around La Paz left 57 detained as blockades choke supplies, while neighboring countries—including Panama—issued concern. Foreign Policy Crosswinds: A migration pact backlash is spreading across the region, with partners in Panama and beyond warning about sovereignty and human-rights impacts. World Cup Media: FIFA and YouTube are set to give Africa a broader free viewing “window,” a potential boost for fans watching Panama’s matches.

Bolivia Unrest: Bolivia says 57 demonstrators were detained after clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces around La Paz, with tear gas, stones and Molotov cocktails reported; officials say a 3,500-strong operation is working to reopen roads for food, medical supplies and oxygen, after three deaths tied to blocked hospital access. Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rica escalated its trade fight with Panama, directing its foreign minister to pursue “international actions” over Panama’s long-running restrictions on Costa Rican meat, dairy and fruits/vegetables. Panama Security: President Mulino reiterated Panama will not negotiate with gang leaders amid a violence surge, pointing to criminal structures operating from prisons and calling for tougher pretrial detention. World Politics: South Korea and the U.S. say there’s little gap on the OPCON handover timeline, framing timing as a “political decision” while a road map is set for later this year. Global Shipping: Panama Canal transit pricing is spiking as Middle East turmoil reshapes routes, with Hormuz conditions still tightening.

Bolivia Unrest: Bolivia’s government struck a deal with protesting miners, but La Paz is still hit by roadblocks and clashes as other worker groups keep access routes shut. Police used tear gas to stop miners reaching the main square, while demonstrators hurled stones and explosives. Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment of former Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 downing of planes, a move that could sharply raise tensions and fuel expectations of tougher U.S. action. Panama-Linked Trade Tension: Costa Rica’s president Laura Fernández says she’s escalating an international response to Panama’s 2019-era restrictions on agricultural imports, pushing the dispute beyond Comex talks. Regional Spotlight on Panama: Panama’s OAS role is in focus as the OAS faces a “moral test” over efforts to block a proposed declaration on the rights of persons of African descent ahead of the General Assembly in Panama next month. World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars local squad has departed for a Mexico friendly as preparations intensify for the June 17 opener vs Panama.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, tied to the 1996 shootdown of planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue—an escalation that could raise expectations of tougher U.S. action against Havana. Regional Fallout: The reporting frames it alongside Trump’s January move against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, with legal experts warning an indictment could be a “fig leaf” for force. Panama Business & Governance: In Panama, NEPZA’s managing director was re-elected to the WFZO board, signaling continued momentum for special economic zone oversight. World Trade & Security: Separately, shipping disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz keep spilling into global logistics, with Panama-flagged vessels still in the mix. Sports Spotlight: World Cup build-up continues, including base-camp confirmations and fresh concerns about unsold seats.

Church-State & Justice: A priest at Holy Trinity Cathedral was placed on leave as the archdiocese investigates, adding to a week of scrutiny around institutions. Immigration Pressure: Florida immigrant families face “chaos” after loved ones were detained, while a separate case shows how immigration enforcement can upend whole households. Politics in Motion: Former President Martín Torrijos will launch a new national political project Sunday, May 17, aiming to set a roadmap for a fresh organization in the electoral landscape. Panama’s Economy: First Quantum says Panama has lost about $3.5 billion since the Cobre Panamá mine closure—another reminder that the fallout is wider than jobs. Maritime Security: South Korea says debris from the HMM Namu attack near the Strait of Hormuz has arrived for analysis, as Seoul keeps investigating what happened and who was behind it. U.S.-China Leverage: Trump and Xi met, but major issues—especially Taiwan—were left without clear commitments.