AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Publishing/Arts & Culture: Delcy Rodríguez marked the 20th anniversary of the Dr. Gilberto Rodríguez Ochoa Latin American Children’s Cardiological Hospital by promoting 2026 modernization plans and spotlighting a new book/record project, “Twenty Songs for the Heart of a People.” Colombia Publishing/Policy: A Colombian legislator introduced a bill to ban surrogacy, arguing it enables “reproductive tourism” and women’s exploitation, pointing to specific agencies and clinics operating in Bogotá. Gaming/Indie Publishing: Colombian studio Madbricks launched its first original game, Mexican Ninja (published by Amber Studio), a neon-beat-em-up now on major platforms with a free Steam demo. Caribbean/Books & Community: The Hyannis Public Library will join the Cape Cod Jerk Fest with book giveaways, tying Caribbean culture, music, and local vendors into a community event. Travel/Resorts (Caribbean): Hyatt debuted adults-only Hyatt Vivid Cancun, rebranding the former Dreams Vista property with an all-inclusive, reservation-light model. Caribbean/Travel (Turks & Caicos): BermudAir announced new nonstop Newark–South Caicos flights starting Dec. 20, 2026, aimed at boosting sustainable tourism.

Publishing & Books: Latine Lit spotlights a big fall slate of Latine fiction to preorder/hold, from YA fantasy and magical realism to horror. Literary Culture: Women in Translation Month gets a reality check on gender gaps in translated fiction and who actually reads bestselling women. Book Fairs & Community Reading: Good Books for All’s floating bookshop (MV Logos Hope) docks in Cork, with volunteers sharing how the ship pairs book fairs with school and community support. Local Journalism & Media: Folha de São Paulo defends independent journalism, arguing it’s hard to “make a newspaper for people with heart problems” without taking risks. Politics & Books/Publishing Context: Colombia’s Petro-era corruption allegations keep feeding new reporting and bookish political discourse, while Fidel Castro centenary coverage continues to circulate through essays and symposium-style writing. Regional Book Ecosystem: FILH 2026 updates include Ediciones La Luz commenting on new literary works presented at the fair.

Cuba Publishing: Ediciones La Luz (Holguín) says it’s keeping its full catalog in print despite shortages, while pushing ebooks and audiobooks as reader choices; it also runs long-running contests like the Celestino Short Story Prize and New Voices of Poetry. Colombia Transparency & Disaster Response: After a 7.4 earthquake, journalists say Colombia’s new government pulled detailed UNGRD disaster tables from public view, with figures shifting between the president, UNGRD bulletins, and other agencies. Colombia Politics & U.S. Role: A report claims President Abelardo de la Espriella is rapidly reshaping Colombia into a “neo-colonial outpost,” including U.S. security access tied to the drug war. Colombia Private-Sector Aid: Valle del Cauca companies pledged COP 220 billion (about US$71.4M) for Cali and surrounding reconstruction via ProPacífico. Latin Music Honors: Colombian producer Kike Santander will be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2026 in Miami. Brazil Fraud Case: A Brazilian woman accused of posing as a 12-year-old for 15+ years faces fraud and identity theft charges.

Colombia Accountability Push: President Abelardo de la Espriella delivered a 135-page “Book of Truth” to the Attorney General, compiling 82 alleged corruption cases tied to the Petro administration (2022–2026), with claims spanning disaster risk management, health, state firms, and social programs. Venezuela Foreign-Agent Case: A U.S. judge sentenced political consultant Esther Nuhfer to five years and ordered about $4.7M in payments after convictions tied to failing to register as a foreign agent for Venezuela’s government; her co-defendant, former Rep. David Rivera, faces sentencing next. Publishing & Culture (Cuba): As Fidel Castro’s centenary is marked, a symposium piece revisits Castro’s legacy and Cuba’s revolutionary framing—alongside mentions of an International Book Fair and cultural events. Education Demographics: A report highlights how falling birth rates are already reshaping enrollment in Latin America, with Colombia seeing school closures and warning signs for future university demand. Sports/Media Tech: Premier League broadcasters will be allowed to air selected referee audio clips during matches, bringing more transparency to on-pitch decisions.

Colombia Anti-Corruption Push: President Abelardo de la Espriella handed the attorney general a 135-page “Book of Truth” compiling 80 complaints tied to alleged corruption during Gustavo Petro’s administration, stressing it won’t replace justice but will be used by authorities. Mexico Brand vs. Trump: Tecate’s new Gulf of Mexico campaign mocks President Donald Trump’s “Gulf of America” rename, including a commercial line telling him to “go fuck himself,” while Heineken argues proposed tariffs on Mexican beer would hurt both countries. AI in Biotech: A new wave of “biofoundries” is letting AI run the design-build-test-learn cycle end-to-end, accelerating drug discovery and cancer-targeting research. Venezuela/Caribbean Memory & Politics: A Fidel Castro centenary piece highlights how Cuban internationalism shaped African liberation narratives, including remarks from Djibo Sobukwe. Brazil Culture & Publishing: A profile of Venezuelan writer Aníbal Nazoa recalls his sharp, self-taught journalism and enduring influence on social critique. Cybersecurity Index: Morocco ranks 43rd in a global national cyber security ranking, with Brazil at 56th and China at 61st.

Digital Publishing & Print Tech: 55printing.com launched a new fast-turnaround store platform with 1–2 day color/B&W copies, variable data, free file conversion tools, AI auto design, and delivery tracking—plus free design setup and a free PDF proof for qualifying orders. Book & Audio Releases: Jamaican author Queen Simone Maghanza expanded her self-help title Give Birth to Yuh AUTHENTICITY into an audiobook for Caribbean listeners via Odiyō, published by Bambu Sparks Publishing. Libraries & Community Reading: Brazil’s Jewish Society of Ceará inaugurated a new library named for David Rosenthal, turning remembrance into a daily reading space for children, youth, and adults. Cultural Memory (Castro centenary): A symposium on Fidel Castro’s legacy included remarks by Djibo Sobukwe, revisiting Castro’s framing of Cuba as both Latin American and Latin African. Publishing-Adjacent Media: Call Sheet Media acquired the crime-thriller pilot Into the Grey (writer Jacob Tillman), developing a serialized story mixing cartel conflict, addiction, and spiritual mythology. Tech Freedom (GNU/Linux-libre): FSF Latin America-backed GNU Linux-libre 7.2-gnu released driver sanitization to keep kernels fully free by stripping proprietary firmware and blobs.

Caribbean Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank is asking shareholders to approve issuing nearly 12 million new shares tied to its ~$1.8B purchase of CIBC Caribbean, a Barbados-based bank—an NYSE/Bermuda requirement that could reshape ownership of the enlarged group. Cultural Memory & Publishing: A new book on Maya-Puuc history, Xcalumkín, History of a Maya-Puuc Centre. Volume 2, was presented at Mexico City’s FILAH, adding fresh archaeological detail on Puuc architecture and even a possible dual governance system. Caribbean Media Leadership: The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) named seven new 2026 Leadership Laureates, spanning aviation, cruise tourism, hospitality, sustainability, destination leadership, and media. Guatemala Art Spotlight: Rosa Elena Curruchich’s work is finally getting wider attention, with a museum exhibition in Guatemala and a forthcoming book documenting her life and legacy. Brazil Politics: Brazil’s 2026 general election campaign officially kicked off, with rules on rallies, advertising, and the Oct. 4 first round.

Renewables & Grid Limits: A Reuters report says China rejected 360 TWh of clean power in the first half of 2026—enough to power Mexico for a year—as grids hit capacity, with curtailments tied to weak transmission and contract rules. Digital Payments for Latin America: Xsolla says it added 15+ local payment methods across the Americas and beyond, aiming to help game publishers convert more players without extra integrations. Cultural Publishing/Events: Los Alamos Public Library’s Atomicon 2026 (Aug. 29) spotlights Latin American comics with “Cuentos Infernales: Frightening Folklore from Latin America,” plus creator talks and vendor sales. Sports & National Pride: Malawi’s women’s team, the Scorchers, won WAFCON silver after a 3-0 final loss to Cameroon, but still secured a 2027 World Cup spot in Brazil. Caribbean Media: Caribbean Media Exchange named final 2026 Leadership Awards honorees, spanning tourism, aviation, cruise, hospitality, sustainability, and media. Book/Film Culture: Pixar shared first concept art for “Coco 2,” with Benjamin Bratt reprising Ernesto de la Cruz and Miguel returning to the Land of the Dead (Nov. 2029).

Cultural Commemoration (Cuba): A new Camagüey poetry volume, On His Shoulders, the Dawn, gathers 29 authors and was published by Editorial Ácana to mark Fidel Castro’s centenary, showing how a political figure becomes collective memory through literature. Publishing & Memory (Cuba): The centenary theme also surfaces in remarks tied to the Cuban Revolution symposium, reinforcing how books and speeches keep shaping public narratives. Politics & Campaigning (Brazil): Lula launched his bid for a fourth term, framing the race around security, education, and healthcare—plus a direct challenge from Bolsonaro’s jailed son. Regional Connectivity (Belize): Belize joined an IDB ministerial dialogue in Panama City focused on Central America’s trade routes, border crossings, and customs modernization, including the Cargo Pass idea for safer, faster movement of goods. Tourism Skills (Mexico): La Paz’s Ecoparque is training certified bird-watching guides with partners from UABCS and local conservation groups, aiming to professionalize aviturismo. Book Culture (Venezuela): Venezuela is set to participate in the 34th Havana International Book Fair.

Fidel Castro Centenary & Publishing/Memory: A symposium piece revisits Castro’s 1975 Havana speech framing Cuba as both “Latin American” and “Latin African,” underscoring how revolutionary history keeps getting repackaged for new audiences. Cuba-US Security Narrative: A new report-style essay claims the U.S. State Department has assessed Cuba as a “21st Century Communism” hub, arguing Havana runs a wide proxy ecosystem closer to U.S. shores than many realize. Mexico City Culture Tech: Mexico City launches an interactive Cat Museum using animation, VR, and sensory exhibits to teach visitors about feline evolution and behavior—an arts-and-learning model that fits the region’s growing “experience” publishing scene. Brazil/Publishing-Adjacent Politics: A Lula campaign update notes his return to political roots to kick off a fourth-term push, keeping political storytelling front and center for readers. Book/Ideas in Translation: A review of Marie Darrieussecq’s “How to Make a Woman” highlights how translation and literary craft can still shock and travel across languages. Market Watch (Latin America): MercadoLibre’s growth push continues to dominate investor chatter as the company prioritizes expansion over near-term profit.

Mexico–U.S. Diplomatic Clash: President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the U.S. revocation of Andrés Manuel López Beltrán’s visa as “interference,” after he called it a “crude and perverse act” in an open letter to Trump. Caribbean Tourism Pressure: Mexico’s Quintana Roo is battling a record sargassum surge, with officials collecting 105,000 metric tons this year—already above 2025’s total—and warning the season could run into October. Publishing & Culture: Netflix’s Argentinian drama “Moria” spotlights Moria Casán’s life across decades, with a character/actor guide for readers tracking Latin American screen stories. Books & Ideas: A new Fidel Castro centenary symposium piece revisits his 1975 remarks on Cuba as both Latin American and “Latin African,” tying history to today’s debates. Collectibles (Pop Culture): Iron Studios expands its Avengers: Doomsday 1/10 Art Scale line with Doctor Doom and Professor X pre-orders, signaling continued demand for Latin American-adjacent pop-culture fandom.

Argentina–UK Memory Politics: A new look at “Las Malvinas” and the 1986 Argentina–England World Cup rivalry ties football to the afterlife of the Falklands War and renewed calls for justice. Publishing & Culture: Téa Obreht shares a Western-focused reading list for her next novel, while Cuba’s Fidel centenary continues to drive book-fair and literary programming. Books & Art Theft (Brazil): Police recovered eight stolen Henri Matisse “Jazz” engravings after phone records led to a suspect tied to rare-book theft. Education Access (Caribbean): In Trinidad and Tobago’s Debe, children received free book bags and stationery ahead of the new school term. Immigration Policy (Argentina): Argentina published two student visa categories for foreigners, split by study length over or under 365 days. Health & Food Research: A review links higher ultra-processed food intake with lower levels of key nutrients, including vitamin A and selenium.

Havana Book Fair Spotlight: Venezuelan poet José Javier Sánchez debuted “From being language to not being forgotten,” published by Monte Ávila Editores, at the 34th FILH in Casa de las Américas, with Cuban writers also joining the exchange. Caribbean Culture in Libraries: Brooklyn Public Library announced “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition,” opening Aug. 22 and celebrating Machel Montano with artifacts, vinyl listening, and a Sept. 3 documentary projection. Art Theft Crackdown: Italian police recovered three high-value paintings stolen from the Magnani Rocca Foundation, while Brazil recovered eight Matisse works tied to a separate library theft. Tourism & Real Estate Signals: The Dominican Republic’s North Coast is seeing momentum from a capital gains tax cut, record tourism, and a major new resort push. Publishing/Books & Media: A new Spanish-language magazine is launching, and a book review round-up highlights Latin American literature. Sports With Latin Ties: Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez salvaged a late draw for Wolves, keeping the spotlight on Mexican talent abroad.

Brazil Art Crime: Police recovered eight stolen Matisse illustrations from a São Paulo library heist, arresting a suspect tied to the stash; five Portinari works remain missing. Venezuela Publishing: Venezuela is taking part in the 34th Havana International Book Fair, signaling continued regional cultural exchange. Cuba Legacy & Books: Multiple pieces mark Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday, including new presentations of his selected works in Havana—another reminder of how publishing and politics stay intertwined on the island. Food & Health Research: A review links higher ultra-processed food intake with lower key nutrient levels, while a separate Brazilian study flags a higher death risk when abdominal obesity and vitamin D deficiency overlap. Amazon Climate Risk: Scientists warn El Niño could peak during the Amazon’s driest months, raising drought and fire danger for the rainforest and global food systems. Mexico Food Culture: A roundup spotlights how Mexico’s “golden age” of food is booming—while also getting complicated by modern pressures. Publishing Industry Watch: A printing/packaging equipment manufacturer touts expanded global capabilities for bookmaking and rigid packaging lines.

Venezuela at FIL Havana: Venezuela is sending a delegation to the 34th Havana International Book Fair, highlighting 150+ titles from public, private and independent publishers and featuring poetry presentations by Casa de las Américas Prize winner Esmeralda Torres. Caribbean Publishing/Arts Spillover: The fair’s Fidel Castro centenary theme and Russia guest-country spotlight underline how regional culture events keep feeding the book ecosystem. Digital Culture & Policy: Australia’s under-16 social media ban is still sparking debate worldwide, with teens and researchers arguing about real-world impacts on connection and wellbeing. Crime & Media Glamor: Ecuador police seized 1,000+ pounds of cocaine packaged with stickers of soccer star Erling Haaland—another reminder of how celebrity imagery gets weaponized in trafficking. Mexico Digital Extortion: Authorities in Los Cabos arrested a woman accused of photo extortion, a growing online crime pattern. Argentina Inflation Watch: Argentina’s July inflation ticked up to 2.1% monthly, a small setback for Milei as prices rise again.

Cuba Centenary & Publishing: Cuba marked Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday with major cultural events, including the International Book Fair, as his legacy remains split between reverence and blame amid a deepening economic squeeze. Brazil Election Soundtracks: Brazil’s presidential race is turning campaign jingles into a cultural battleground, with Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro leaning on funk and faith/rural rhythms to win attention. Central Asia Books in Latin America: A Kyrgyz film screening in Buenos Aires launched a Central Asian cinema-and-book series, pairing Kurmanjan Datka: Queen of the Mountains with a related English-language book presentation. Venezuela Migrants Mourning by Video Call: Venezuelans are using video calls to identify loved ones and grieve long-distance after disasters, including the June earthquake aftermath. Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Books & Culture Angle): Malawi booked the WAfCON final with a 3-1 win over Algeria, setting up a Cameroon showdown. Tech & Reading Culture: Apple is reportedly seeking new deals to mix AI and news—after prior AI news-summary errors that sparked backlash. Indigenous Knowledge & Books: In Brazil, an Indigenous ethnobotanist is documenting medicinal plant knowledge with elders and moving it into a book project to protect it for future generations.