Colombia; Colombia, Venezuela and U.S. Strengthen Trade Ties; U.S. Warns of ELN Attack Risks at Colombia-Venezuela Border; CAF Approves USD 1.25 Billion for Colombia Projects.

Friday, October 2, 2026. Colombia Few countries in Latin America manage to combine history, natural beauty, culture and economic importance quite like Colombia. Positioned at the crossroads of Central and South America, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Colombia is one of the region’s largest economies and home to more than 53 million people. It is also considered the second-most biodiverse country in the world, encompassing everything from Caribbean beaches and Amazon rainforest to vast plains, coffee-growing mountains and the soaring peaks of the Andes. Bogotá offers the energy and sophistication of a major international capital, Medellín has transformed itself into one of Latin America’s most fascinating modern cities, Cartagena preserves centuries of colonial history along the Caribbean, and beyond the major cities lies an extraordinary collection of smaller towns, mountains, rivers and landscapes that can make Colombia feel like several countries rolled into one. For the international visitor, however, Colombia offers another attraction: value. A U.S. dollar can still go surprisingly far when converted into Colombian pesos, particularly when it comes to restaurants, transportation, personal services and accommodations outside the most heavily visited tourist districts. That purchasing power is partly the result of the considerable difference between Colombian and U.S. incomes and costs of living. Colombia’s GDP per capita was approximately US$8,562 in 2025, illustrating just how different the underlying economic scale remains from that of wealthier economies. At the same time, visitors should understand that Colombia is changing. The peso strengthened substantially against the dollar during 2026, making the country somewhat more expensive for foreign travelers than it had been previously, while domestic inflation has continued to put upward pressure on prices. That contrast is part of what makes Colombia so interesting. It is a country of enormous natural wealth and considerable economic potential, yet one that continues to confront inequality, regional disparities, infrastructure challenges and the lingering effects of decades of internal conflict. At the same time, Colombia has become increasingly connected to the international economy and international tourism, while cities and regions once known abroad primarily for their difficulties are increasingly being recognized for culture, gastronomy, innovation and natural beauty. The result is a country that is difficult to describe with a single image—and perhaps that is precisely its appeal. Colombia is not simply an inexpensive destination or another stop on the map of Latin America. It is a country of remarkable contrasts: sophisticated and traditional, mountainous and tropical, cosmopolitan and rural, economically ambitious yet still affordable to many international visitors. From a cup of coffee in the Andes to an evening overlooking the walls of Cartagena, Colombia offers the opportunity to experience an extraordinary amount without necessarily spending an extraordinary amount—and, more importantly, to discover a country whose complexity is every bit as compelling as its beauty. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: After Earthquake and Fiscal Crisis, Few Infrastructure Projects Expected to Move Forward This Year in Colombia Colombia enters the final quarter of 2026 with few infrastructure projects expected to make progress, on an agenda shaped by the fiscal crisis, negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and the definition of the National Development Plan 2026–2030. The Development Plan is expected to be defined in late October or early November, as it must be approved by Congress. Which projects will be able to commit future budget appropriations will depend on this plan, Alexandra Jaramillo, a legal advisor specializing in infrastructure, told BNamericas. Additionally, President Abelardo de la Espriella took office on August 7, and three days later a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the western part of the country, which, according to Jaramillo, disrupted the infrastructure agenda. Two projects currently at the pre-bidding stage are Bogotá Metro Line 2 and the Northern Regiotram, both of which should make progress. Progress is also expected in the processes for the Boyacá Railway, the Canoas Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR), and the initiatives aimed at improving navigation on the Magdalena and Meta rivers. Bogotá Metro Line 2 During the final quarter of the year, the international consortia that are prequalified to build the project, whose investment is estimated at 34.9 trillion pesos (approximately US$10.5 billion), should submit their respective financial and technical proposals. The consortia interested in the 5.5-kilometer line, which will have 11 stations, are: APCA ML2 Bogotá (with Portuguese and French participation), comprising: APCA Metro Capital L2 (Chinese consortium), comprising: APCA Bogotá Metro Capital (with Spanish participation), comprising: A specialized team at Metro de Bogotá is currently evaluating the legal and financial capabilities and experience of the applicant consortia. Northern Regiotram The project’s final bidding documents are expected to be published during the final three months of the year. The project is valued at approximately 11 trillion pesos (around US$3.3 billion). The commuter railway will have a 48.9-kilometer route and is expected to serve the current and potential demand of Sabana Centro, including the municipalities of Zipaquirá, Cajicá, and Chía. It will have 17 stations and 26 fully electric trains, which will integrate with the district’s public transportation system: Bogotá’s two metro lines, the TransMilenio trunk routes, and the Western Regiotram. Boyacá Railway The government of the department of Boyacá expects to complete the prefeasibility studies for the Boyacá railway corridor in November. The project is valued at 24 trillion pesos (US$7.2 billion). The corridor is being designed to operate at 120 km/h, with a projected capacity of 22 million passengers per year by 2050 and up to three million tons of freight, starting at 1.1 million tons. Currently, operating at 20 km/h, it transports 41,000 tons. The Boyacá government is contributing 50.5% of the resources required to structure the project and has also allocated funds for the feasibility study. The Boyacá Railway would become Colombia’s first regional railway system to integrate two departments and the country’s capital, covering 12 municipalities in Boyacá and eight in Cundinamarca. Canoas Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR Canoas) During the fourth quarter, the World Bank’s no-objection declaration for

Panamá; Former DGI Deputy Director Faces Detention for Money Laundering; Panama Promotes Sports Tourism; Mulino Seeks International Bank Financing for Panama Projects.

Friday, September 25, 2026. Panama: A View of Panama Built Over 36 Years Welcome to this edition of the BM Investigations Panama Newsletter. Panama is a country that can be difficult to understand from statistics, headlines or a few years of living here. I have had the privilege of calling Panama home for 36 years, arriving in 1990 at a time when the country was emerging from dictatorship and entering an entirely new chapter in its history. Since then, I have watched Panama change—sometimes gradually, sometimes almost overnight. I remember when today’s Punta Pacífica skyline did not exist. I watched Costa del Este develop from what was essentially empty land into one of the country’s most important residential and commercial districts. The same can be said for Santa María and countless other areas that today seem as though they have always been there. Long before Multiplaza became one of Central America’s premier shopping centers, the area was associated with the old Paitilla airport. And I remember doing investigations in Panama before Google, smartphones, social media and online public records, when finding information meant knowing where to go, whom to speak with, which document to request and, very often, simply knowing Panama. Today, we live in an entirely different country. Panama is an international banking, logistics, aviation and commercial center connected to virtually every corner of the world. Information that once took days to locate can sometimes be obtained in seconds, and we are now entering an era in which artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate, how criminals operate and, inevitably, how investigations are conducted. That history does not mean I know everything about Panama. Nobody does. What it does provide is perspective. After more than three decades working, living, raising a family and conducting investigations here, I have seen many of today’s issues before in different forms. Understanding where Panama came from often provides valuable context for understanding where it is going. That is part of what we hope to accomplish with this newsletter. We want to provide residents, expatriates, businesspeople and visitors with useful information about what is actually happening in Panama, without sensationalism and without pretending that every headline represents the everyday experience of living here. Security will naturally be part of that conversation. Panama has real crime and security challenges, and they should never be dismissed. At the same time, statistics require context. In this edition, we will take a closer look at Panama’s homicide figures—not simply how many homicides have occurred, but why they occurred, the circumstances surrounding them and what those numbers actually mean for an ordinary resident, expatriate or visitor. We will also examine the developing investigation surrounding Panama’s tax authority, the Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI) and the alleged multimillion-dollar tax fraud scheme that has resulted in arrests and an expanding investigation. Beyond the headlines, cases such as this provide important lessons about fraud, internal controls, access to information and the damage that can occur when systems designed to protect an organization are circumvented. But this newsletter will not be exclusively about crime. Panama continues to grow and change at an extraordinary pace. Immigration and investment rules are evolving. Major infrastructure projects continue. The Panama Canal remains at the center of global commerce. New communities are developing, technology is transforming business, and opportunities continue to attract people from around the world. Our goal at BM Investigations is therefore fairly simple: to periodically step back from the noise and provide some useful perspective on Panama, security, business, investigations, investment, everyday developments and occasionally just something interesting about the country we call home. After 36 years here, I have learned one thing with certainty: Panama never stays still for very long. And that is precisely what makes it worth watching. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Former Deputy Director of the DGI Faces Pretrial Detention for Unjustified Enrichment and Money Laundering Judge Liseth Quintero ordered pretrial detention for Maritza Ureña González, former Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Revenue (DGI), for the alleged commission of the crimes of unjustified enrichment and money laundering, involving a total amount of $4,428,287. The charges and request for detention were presented by Senior Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Azucena Aizpurúa, who is leading the investigation. The case originated from a criminal investigation initiated in August 2026, following an audit report prepared by the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic in May of this year. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the report revealed a significant discrepancy between funds of known origin and those whose origin could not be determined during the audit review. As a result, precautionary measures were imposed on the former official’s assets. The investigation remains ongoing under the supervision of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, in accordance with the principles of transparency and respect for due process. Operation Ureña was apprehended during “Operation Tamías,” led by the Senior Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in coordination with the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ). The operation was carried out in Cerro Viento, within the district of San Miguelito. During the operation, evidence related to the investigation was also located. The criminal investigation was initiated in August 2026 by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office after receiving an audit report from the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic dated May of this year. According to official information, the Comptroller’s analysis detected a discrepancy between funds of known origin and those whose origin could not be determined. Based on these findings, precautionary measures were ordered against the former official’s assets. In July 2025, the Comptroller’s Office ordered precautionary measures against Ureña’s assets totaling $432,152.83, after a forensic audit detected a discrepancy between funds of known origin and the financial transactions analyzed by the agency. According to the ruling, the National Directorate of Investigations and Forensic Auditing determined that Ureña González held funds from identified sources totaling $576,991, including initial bank balances. However, the analysis determined that the total resources used—including investments, disbursements, and bank balances—amounted to $1,009,143.83, resulting in a discrepancy of $432,152.83 between

Suriname; Venezuela and Suriname Enter a New Phase of Economic and Trade Relations; Suriname, the South American Country Being Strangled by China Through Debt and Military Patrols.

Friday, September 18, 2026. Suriname: Diversity, Opportunity and One of South America’s Most Unique Countries Over the years, my work has given me the opportunity to travel to some interesting places, and Suriname certainly stands out as one of the more unusual countries I have visited. Getting there from Panama was always part of the adventure. Look at a map and Suriname doesn’t seem particularly far away, yet there is no simple direct flight between Panama City and Paramaribo. Once you arrive, there are other reminders that this is not quite the South America most of us are accustomed to. Dutch is the official language, and Suriname is one of only two countries on the South American mainland where vehicles drive on the left. But what really makes Suriname fascinating is its diversity. With a population of only around 634,000 people, Suriname brings together communities of Indian, African, Indonesian, Chinese, European, Indigenous and mixed ancestry. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam all form important parts of the country’s social fabric. Perhaps one of the best visual representations of this diversity can be found in Paramaribo, where the historic Neveh Shalom Synagogue and the Keizerstraat Mosque stand side by side. Beyond Paramaribo lies an entirely different world. More than 90 percent of Suriname is covered by tropical forest, making it one of the most heavily forested countries on Earth. Rivers remain important transportation routes into an interior populated by Indigenous and Maroon communities, and enormous areas remain relatively untouched. Suriname is one of those rare places where the Amazon rainforest is not simply something on the horizon—it defines much of the country. Economically, Suriname is also entering an especially interesting period. Gold has long played an important role in its economy, but major offshore petroleum discoveries have created expectations of substantial new investment, with first offshore oil production currently expected around 2028. That development brings opportunities far beyond the petroleum industry itself: construction, logistics, hospitality, transportation, professional services, technology and supporting industries will all be affected as investment increases. And wherever international investment expands, the importance of understanding exactly who you are doing business with becomes greater. For an investigative firm such as BM Investigations, Suriname is a good example of why international due diligence cannot simply consist of searching databases from an office somewhere else. Corporate records are important, but so are local knowledge, language, culture, reputation, beneficial ownership, political and commercial relationships, and the ability to verify information on the ground. In smaller markets especially, understanding those relationships can make the difference between knowing what appears on paper and understanding what is actually happening. Suriname is small in population, enormous in natural resources, remarkably diverse in culture and potentially approaching one of the most important economic transformations in its modern history. It is also a reminder of something we have learned repeatedly during more than three decades of international investigative work: sometimes the smallest countries require some of the biggest efforts to truly understand them. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Governments of the Dominican Republic and Suriname Sign Cooperation Agreements and Strategic Partnerships in Tourism, Agriculture, and Private Investment President Luis Abinader and his Surinamese counterpart, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, reaffirmed this Monday the bonds of friendship and cooperation between both nations through the signing of agreements and strategic partnerships in the tourism, agriculture, security, and support in international organizations sectors. The leaders also highlighted the importance of air connectivity between both countries as a fundamental factor in bringing their peoples closer together, promoting exchanges, and expanding opportunities for joint development. President Abinader and Geerlings-Simons welcomed the operation of the air route established by Sky High Dominicana between Santo Domingo and Paramaribo. They also emphasized the consolidation of the Greater Caribbean as a region of peace, stability, resilience, and prosperity. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and regional integration. Likewise, the Government of Suriname announced the implementation of a provision that will allow Dominican citizens holding ordinary passports and valid visas for the United States or the Schengen Area to enter Suriname for tourism purposes without having to apply for a visa. Below is the Joint Declaration: Joint Declaration on the Official Meeting between the President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Luis Abinader Corona, and the President of the Republic of Suriname, Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons The President of the Republic of Suriname, Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, paid an official visit to the Dominican Republic on June 1 and 2, 2026, at the invitation of the President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Luis Abinader Corona. The Presidents held a bilateral meeting in Santo Domingo, during which they reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation that unite both countries, as well as their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, mutual respect, international cooperation, reciprocal benefit, and adherence to international law. The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, regional integration, and the consolidation of the Greater Caribbean as a region of peace, stability, resilience, and shared prosperity. The Presidents recognized the progress made in bilateral relations in recent years and agreed that there is significant potential to further deepen cooperation between the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Suriname for the benefit of their peoples. During the meeting, the Presidents agreed on the following: Political Consultations The Presidents reaffirmed the importance of maintaining permanent political dialogue and periodic high-level consultations on bilateral, regional, and international matters of common interest, including regional security, climate change, food security, economic resilience, and other shared challenges. They also agreed to elevate the already strong bilateral cooperation to a strategic economic partnership. Connectivity and Tourism The Presidents highlighted the importance of air connectivity between both countries as a fundamental factor in bringing their peoples closer together and strengthening economic and tourism exchanges. They welcomed the operation of the air route established by Sky High Dominicana between Santo Domingo and Paramaribo. In this

Dominican Republic; Monetary Poverty Falls to 13.75%; Inflation Reaches 5.13%; Informal Worker Income Rises in Poorest Quintile.

Friday, September 11, 2026. This Week: Dominican Republic This week we return to the Caribbean and turn our attention to the Dominican Republica, a country I have had the pleasure of visiting many times over the years and one that I have always particularly enjoyed. Punta Cana and the eastern coastline understandably receive much of the international attention, with their extraordinary beaches and enormous tourism infrastructure, but I have also developed a real affection for Santo Domingo. There is something about the capital, the history, the people, the architecture, the restaurants and the energy of the city, that gives you an entirely different appreciation for the country beyond the walls of an all-inclusive resort. It is also fitting that we visit the Dominican Republic in our newsletter after previously featuring Haiti. The two nations share the island of Hispaniola, yet their modern economic, political and security realities could hardly be more different. Today, the Dominican Republic has emerged as one of the Caribbean’s most important economic and tourism success stories. During just the first six months of 2026, the country received more than 6.6 million visitors, an increase of 7.7% over the same period in 2025, and the government is projecting approximately 12 million visitors for the year. Tourism, foreign investment, construction, exports and remittances have helped transform the Dominican economy and have made the country increasingly important to international business. For those of us in the investigative and security professions, however, there is another side to this extraordinary growth that deserves attention. One of the most interesting examples can be found in Punta Cana with the opening of Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana. This is not simply another Caribbean hotel. It is a development representing an investment of more than US$1.5 billion, with 2,171 rooms and an anticipated workforce of approximately 5,700 direct employees. The scale is so great that the developers are also creating Ciudad Palace, a residential community initially intended to house approximately 4,000 employees near the resort, eventually accommodating more than 12,000 employees and family members. Stop for a moment and think about what 5,700 employees actually means from a security and operational perspective. It is easy to read that number and simply think, that’s a lot of employees. But imagine a shift change involving 1,000, 1,500 or perhaps 2,000 people. Employees have to arrive. Others have to leave. Buses and private vehicles have to enter and exit. Employees must be identified and access-controlled. Attendance must be registered quickly. Uniforms, contractors, vendors and deliveries must be distinguished from hotel guests. Restricted areas have to remain restricted while enormous numbers of people are moving through the property simultaneously. You cannot have 2,000 people standing in line waiting to punch a conventional time clock. Nor can security manually inspect thousands of credentials without creating bottlenecks. Everything, from transportation and employee access to biometric systems, CCTV, visitor management, loss prevention and emergency response, has to function almost simultaneously. And that is before we begin talking about the investigative side. A property employing thousands of people and serving thousands of guests inevitably faces employee screening, internal theft, fraud, procurement irregularities, vendor due diligence, workplace investigations, cyber incidents, organized theft, guest complaints, missing property, insurance claims, background investigations and occasionally much more serious incidents. Add hundreds of suppliers, contractors, transportation providers and other third parties, and a single mega-resort effectively becomes a small city from a risk-management perspective. Multiply that by the continuing development taking place throughout Punta Cana and the eastern Dominican Republic, and an important point becomes clear: the growth of tourism does not simply create opportunities for hotels, it creates opportunities and responsibilities for our profession. The Dominican Republic is also becoming increasingly important internationally. President Luis Abinader, in office since 2020, has pursued an ambitious agenda centered on economic growth, investment and institutional reform. Foreign direct investment reached approximately US$3.28 billion in the first half of 2026, while the country’s position as a bridge between the Caribbean, Latin America, the United States and Europe continues to strengthen. The European Union describes the Dominican Republic as a privileged partner and the largest economy in the Caribbean, while the United States remains deeply connected to the country through trade, tourism, investment and the enormous Dominican diaspora. Of course, rapid growth also brings challenges. Security, migration, the relationship with neighboring Haiti, institutional capacity, corruption, infrastructure and inequality remain part of the Dominican conversation. The extraordinary instability on the other side of Hispaniola makes border security and migration particularly sensitive political and security issues. These are complicated subjects without simple answers, but they demonstrate how geography, politics, economics and security are inevitably interconnected. Perhaps that is what makes the Dominican Republic particularly interesting to investigators. Most people arriving in Punta Cana see turquoise water, palm trees and magnificent resorts, and rightly so. It is one of the world’s great tourism destinations. But an investigator or security professional tends to look a little deeper. Behind every resort are thousands of employees. Behind those employees are transportation networks, communities and families. Behind every hotel are contractors, suppliers, financial transactions, information systems and logistics chains. Behind millions of tourists are billions of dollars moving through an increasingly sophisticated economy. Wherever people, money and opportunity come together on that scale, risk follows. And wherever there is risk, eventually someone is going to need a good investigator. Welcome to the Dominican Republic. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: The Dominican Republic Begins Talks with the U.S. on Bilateral Tariffs The Dominican Republic announced this Wednesday that it has begun talks with the United States regarding the issue of the “bilateral tariff agenda,” following a meeting between Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Goettman. The meeting addressed trade issues of interest to both countries, as well as the next steps in the bilateral dialogue on tariffs, the Dominican Foreign Ministry reported Wednesday. The Caribbean nation is among a list of 66 countries on which the United States imposed new tariffs in July, ranging from 10%

Puerto Rico; Puerto Rico Drought Crisis; New York Sends Water Aid; Groups Demand Fiscal Board’s Removal.

Friday, September 4, 2026. Puerto Rico: An Island With an Identity All Its Own Puerto Rico is one of those places that has always fascinated me, not only because of its beauty, culture, and people, but because of the rather unique position it occupies in our hemisphere. My own experiences with Puerto Rico go back to the 1990s, during a period when the U.S. military presence in Panama was beginning to change dramatically. As the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade began packing things up and elements of the U.S. Southern Command presence were being relocated, Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, on the eastern side of Puerto Rico, became part of that changing landscape. I was actually given the opportunity to relocate to Puerto Rico and continue working there. As attractive as the idea was, the economics simply didn’t make sense for my family at the salary being offered, and ultimately we decided against it. Nevertheless, I traveled to Puerto Rico on a number of occasions and always found it to be a wondrous place. It is a beautiful island with beautiful people, a tremendous sense of culture and history, and an identity that is very much its own. Its political identity, however, has always made Puerto Rico particularly interesting. It is not an independent country, but an unincorporated territory of the United States whose residents are U.S. citizens. It has its own constitution, elected government, traditions, symbols, and, yes, its own very recognizable flag. Yet Puerto Ricans living on the island do not vote for President in the general election and their representative in Congress, the Resident Commissioner, does not have a vote on final passage of legislation on the House floor. Years ago, while working with colleagues in the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, we used to joke about whether Puerto Rico could really be called a “country” and what that meant for things such as maps, flags, and national identity. The humor reflected a much more complicated reality: Puerto Rico doesn’t fit neatly into many of the categories we normally use to describe the nations and territories of our region. Geographically, Puerto Rico sits squarely in the Caribbean. Culturally and linguistically, its connections to Latin America and the broader Hispanic world are unmistakable. Politically and economically, however, its relationship with the United States has shaped much of its modern history. Questions of statehood, independence, and the continuation or modification of its current territorial status remain part of an ongoing political conversation. Perhaps that is what makes Puerto Rico so fascinating. It is American, Caribbean, Latin American, and distinctly Puerto Rican all at once. And anyone who has spent time there quickly realizes that its identity cannot really be explained by looking at a political map alone. This week, we turn our attention to Puerto Rico—not simply as a beautiful Caribbean island, but as a place whose geography, history, politics, security environment, and people have given it a character unlike anywhere else in our region. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Dolly Brings Slight Relief: Extreme Drought Eases in Puerto Rico Recent rainfall provided some relief to several of the areas most affected by drought in Puerto Rico, reducing the extent of the extreme drought category, although 82.91% of the territory remains under some level of dryness or drought. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought (D3) now covers 40.99% of the territory, down from the 44.45% reported last week. The reduction amounts to 3.46 percentage points. The Drought Monitor attributed the improvement to rainfall recorded over the past several days, particularly from the passage of the remnants of former Tropical Storm Dolly. According to the weekly summary, some areas in the southeast received more than 15 centimeters of rainfall, while much of the eastern region accumulated between 5 and 7.5 centimeters. As a result, areas in the northeast and southeast that had been under extreme drought improved to severe drought (D2). Likewise, in a small portion of the southeast, conditions improved from severe drought to moderate drought (D1). Despite the improvement, extreme drought remains the most widespread classification in Puerto Rico, with large areas of the south, east, and northeast still under this category. Municipalities that appear entirely within the extreme drought zone include San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Carolina, Canóvanas, Loíza, Humacao, Juncos, Las Piedras, Gurabo, Lajas, Guánica, Peñuelas, Juana Díaz, Villalba, Coamo, Santa Isabel, and Aibonito. The D3 classification can result in crop losses, shortages of feed for livestock, deterioration in water quality, and declining groundwater levels. It can also disrupt daily routines and, in more severe scenarios, lead to changes in school schedules or business closures. Meanwhile, severe drought (D2) now covers 21.27% of the territory, a decrease from 22.16% last week. The difference represents 0.89 percentage points. Under this classification, the agricultural sector may face planting delays and hay shortages, while livestock producers may be required to supplement their animals’ feed. Signs of stress in trees and plants may also be observed, along with stricter water conservation measures. Meanwhile, the portion of the territory under moderate drought (D1) increased from 8.60% to 12.95%, a difference of 4.35 percentage points. This increase does not necessarily represent a deterioration in conditions, as part of the expansion of this category reflects areas that were previously under more severe drought levels and improved following the recent rainfall. Moderate drought can cause crop stress, increase the risk of wildfires, and lead to declining water levels in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and streams. On the other hand, 7.70% of the territory remains abnormally dry (D0), unchanged from last week’s report. In Puerto Rico, this classification may reflect river and stream flows below their usual levels. Although the total area under some category of dryness or drought remains at 82.91%, the data show a reduction in the intensity of conditions in some areas of the island following the rainfall of the past several days. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE New York

Belize; World Bank Approves New Strategy for Belize; Belize Targets Stronger Economic Growth; Belize Tackles Energy and Workforce Challenges.

Friday, August 28, 2026. Belize Belize is one of those countries that is difficult to fully appreciate until you have spent some time there. I’ve had the opportunity to travel there many times over the years, both professionally and personally, and my work has taken me into just about every corner of the country. I’ve provided security services for Eddie Bauer there on several occasions, conducted investigations throughout the country, from the Cayo area to Placencia and north toward Corozal, and our company has also conducted polygraph examinations in Belize for American Airlines. As a result, Belize is a place I’ve come to know quite well. What has always struck me about Belize is just how different it feels from the rest of Central America. English is the official language, a legacy of its history as British Honduras, and British influence remains visible in its institutions, legal traditions, and culture. At the same time, Belize is unmistakably Caribbean and Central American, with a remarkable mixture of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna and other cultures that gives such a small country an unusually rich identity. Geography has also shaped Belize in profound ways. Much of the country is extremely low-lying, particularly along the Caribbean coast, making communities especially vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surge and flooding. Anyone who has spent time there understands just how devastating a major storm can be. Yet Belize has repeatedly rebuilt and carried on, and that resilience says a great deal about the people who live there. And the people are perhaps what I remember most. In my experience, Belizeans are genuinely friendly, welcoming and remarkably easy to talk to. There is a relaxed quality to the country that can sometimes disguise the fact that Belize has a fascinating political and historical story of its own, from its British colonial past and independence in 1981 to the longstanding territorial dispute with neighboring Guatemala. Its politics and history often receive far less international attention than those of the larger countries around it. Belize may be small, but it should not be overlooked. It is a beautiful, unusual and historically fascinating country that has managed to retain a character entirely its own. Having worked from one end of Belize to the other, it remains one of those places that I always enjoy returning to, and a country whose history, people and unique place in our region are well worth exploring in this week’s newsletter. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Taiwan Expands Its Cooperation with Belize Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (right) exchanges gifts with Henry Usher, Belize’s Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, on August 21 in Taipei. (MOFA) The visit, from August 19 to 23, by a delegation led by Henry Usher, Belize’s Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, was warmly welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Ministry, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met with the delegation on August 21 in Taipei. In his remarks, Lin highlighted that since Taiwan and Belize established diplomatic relations 37 years ago, the two sides have collaborated on numerous projects. He added that the government has partnered with the University of Belize to launch the Taiwan Caribbean Academy, aimed at developing talent in the allied nation’s hospitality, healthcare, nutrition, smart agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors. The Foreign Minister stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages domestic companies to invest in and purchase products from the Central American ally in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation. In response, Usher expressed his gratitude for Taiwan’s long-term assistance in the development of agriculture, education, and infrastructure, as well as in improving the quality of life in Belize. During a meeting with the delegation that same day, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stated that the two countries have made significant progress in personnel training, public health, and women’s empowerment over the past three decades, while Usher expressed his hope of further deepening exchanges with Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added. During their stay, the delegates also visited the Executive Yuan’s Civil Service Development Institute, the National Academy of Civil Service, and the Ministry of Education in Taipei; the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction in New Taipei City; and the National Fire Agency’s Training Center in Nantou County, as well as Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Show 2026, held from August 19 to 22 in the capital, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. As part of its integrated diplomacy policy, Taiwan is committed to promoting the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project to benefit the people of both sides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Joint Statement by the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Guatemala We, the Governments of Belize and the Republic of Guatemala, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, Science and Technology and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties,” meeting on June 24, 2026, in Panama City, on the occasion of the Fifty-Sixth Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), Have agreed to issue the following Joint Statement: Reaffirming our full respect for the purposes and principles of the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States; the prohibition of the threat or use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes; Recalling the set of agreements signed between the Parties within the framework of the process, including the 2003 Agreement to Establish a Transition Process and Confidence-Building Measures; the 2005 Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence-Building Measures; and the 2008 Special Agreement to submit Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final adjudication, as well as its 2015 Protocol; Reiterating our full respect for

Haiti; Displacement in Haiti Reaches 1.5 Million; Gang Violence Intensifies in Haiti; OAS Warns Haiti Needs Electoral Assistance.

Friday, August 21, 2026. Haiti Few countries in our hemisphere have endured as much, or been misunderstood as often, as Haiti. Its modern story is too frequently told through images of political instability, poverty, corruption, natural disasters and, more recently, the extraordinary growth of armed gangs that have challenged the authority of the state itself. Governments have risen and fallen, international missions have arrived and departed, promises of reform have repeatedly been made, and yet ordinary Haitians continue to live with an uncertainty that has persisted for generations. Today, Haiti once again finds itself at a crossroads. Political institutions remain fragile, insecurity continues to affect large portions of the country, and the struggle to establish functioning democratic government has proven enormously difficult. Corruption, weak institutions and decades of political mismanagement have contributed to the crisis, while the international community, including the United States, continues to wrestle with the question of what meaningful and sustainable engagement with Haiti should actually look like. But there is another Haiti that deserves to be remembered. Haiti was born from one of the most extraordinary struggles for freedom in human history. In 1804, it became the world’s first independent Black republic and the first nation created through a successful revolt of enslaved people. The Citadelle Laferrière, rising dramatically above the mountains of northern Haiti, remains a physical monument to that independence and to the determination of a people who refused to surrender their freedom. Beyond the headlines lies an extraordinarily beautiful Caribbean country. There are the mountains surrounding Cap-Haïtien, the historic ruins of Sans-Souci, the artistic traditions and colorful architecture of Jacmel, spectacular coastlines, waterfalls and beaches, and a culture expressed through music, painting, food, craftsmanship and traditions unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. That contrast is perhaps what makes Haiti so compelling. It is a nation possessing tremendous cultural wealth while suffering extraordinary political and economic hardship. And behind every discussion of governments, gangs, international interventions and political failures are millions of Haitians who simply want what people everywhere want: security, opportunity, functioning institutions and the ability to build a better future for their children. One hopes that there will come a day when Haiti is no longer introduced to the world primarily through tragedy. Perhaps someday the conversation will instead be about visiting Cap-Haïtien, standing beneath the walls of the Citadelle, discovering the art of Jacmel, exploring its coastline and experiencing firsthand the history, culture and extraordinary resilience of the Haitian people. This week, we turn our attention to Haiti, a nation born from an extraordinary fight for freedom, tested repeatedly throughout its history, and still waiting for the stability and opportunity its people so deeply deserve. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama The Intensification of Gang Violence in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac Area and Cité Soleil Underscores the Urgent Need to Strengthen the Protection of the Population Since March 2026, the area known as the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac and several neighborhoods in the commune of Cité Soleil have experienced a resurgence of armed violence. Gang clashes have unfolded in a context marked both by the reconfiguration and weakening of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition and by increased pressure from security forces in other parts of the capital. Between 6 March and 31 July 2026, at least 613 people were killed and 375 others injured, primarily during confrontations between criminal gangs. More than one third of the victims were persons not associated with gangs, including 111 women and 77 children. In addition, more than 176 women and girls were subjected to rape, including gang rape, by gang members, often as a form of “punishment” because they lived in areas controlled by rival gangs. “The particularly heavy human toll of the gang clashes in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area in recent months underscores the urgent need to strengthen the protection of the population, notably by ensuring that the Gang Suppression Force is provided with the resources necessary for its full and rapid deployment”, said Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of BINUH.The gangs also attacked public and private buildings, leading to the suspension of most commercial activities and basic services in the neighborhoods affected by the violence, including schools and health services. The humanitarian and socio-economic impact has been severe, with more than 18,000 people forced to flee their homes. According to information collected by the Human Rights Service (HRS) of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), several of the acts documented during these periods of violence – including killings, gang rapes, and the destruction of property and buildings housing essential service providers – could constitute serious violations of international human rights law. For example, on the evening of 13 June, shortly after the FIFA World Cup match between Haiti and Scotland, a gathering of more than 300 people, including a traditional musical group, was attacked by gang members, leaving at least 61 people dead and 20 others injured. Among the victims were at least seven children, the youngest of whom was just seven years old.This level of gang fighting and human rights violations had not been documented in this part of the capital since January and February 2024. However, this area remains highly sought after by gangs because it is home to several commercial businesses and is crossed by two strategic roads that allow trucks coming from the capital’s container port and the Varreux fuel terminal to reach the country’s main highway linking the north of Haiti.In this context, the persistence of high levels of violence in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac and Cité Soleil, coupled with the absence of a sustained police presence, has had serious consequences for human rights, economic stability, and State authority. BINUH reiterates the need to strengthen the operational capacities of the Haitian security forces, ensure the effective protection of the population, and combat impunity for human rights violations. BINUH also underscores the critical importance of continuing efforts to ensure the full deployment of the Gang

Cuba; Cuba Faces Blackouts Affecting 69% of the Island; Extreme Poverty Reaches 94% in Cuba; U.S. Does Not Rule Out Military Action in Cuba.

Friday, August 14, 2026. Cuba Few countries in Latin America and the Caribbean carry the historical, political and emotional weight of Cuba. For more than six decades, the island has stood almost frozen in a geopolitical struggle that began during the Cold War but, remarkably, continues to shape its future today. In 2026, however, Cuba may be approaching one of the most consequential moments in its modern history. The United States has significantly increased pressure on the Cuban government, and discussions that once seemed largely theoretical, including the possibility of fundamental political change on the island, have moved increasingly into the public conversation. At the same time, Cuba is confronting a profound economic and energy crisis. For years, Venezuela provided the island with heavily subsidized petroleum, helping sustain an economy that could not independently meet its energy requirements. With that lifeline dramatically reduced, fuel shortages, electrical blackouts and economic hardship have exposed just how fragile the Cuban system has become. Yet Cuba should never be viewed solely through the lens of politics. It remains one of the most fascinating and beautiful islands in our hemisphere, a country of extraordinary beaches, historic cities, music, architecture, culture and, above all, people whose warmth and resilience have survived generations of political and economic uncertainty. Walking through Havana can sometimes feel like walking through another era, while beyond the capital lies a remarkably diverse island stretching more than 1,200 kilometers across the Caribbean. Whatever one’s political perspective, the people of Cuba deserve the opportunity to determine a future that offers greater prosperity, stability and opportunity. Perhaps we are witnessing the beginning of a new chapter. Perhaps change will come gradually, or perhaps events will move considerably faster than anyone expects. But one can hope that someday Cuba will no longer be discussed primarily in terms of sanctions, ideology, shortages and political confrontation. Instead, perhaps we will simply talk about visiting Havana, walking the Malecón, enjoying its music and food, exploring the countryside, and rediscovering one of the Caribbean’s truly remarkable islands. This week, we turn our attention to Cuba, an island with an extraordinary past, an uncertain present, and hopefully, a much brighter future. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Cuba Commemorates Fidel Castro’s Centennial with the Presence of His Brother, Raúl Castro Cuba commemorated this Thursday, August 13, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro (1926–2016) with a political and cultural event at Havana’s Karl Marx Theater, attended by his brother and former president Raúl Castro (2008–2018), as well as relatives of the leader of the Cuban Revolution. Raúl Castro, who has retired from his official positions and is now described in official terminology as the “leader at the helm of the Cuban Revolution,” was accompanied by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and senior representatives of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC, the country’s only legal political party) and the government, as well as relatives of both brothers, including Fidel Castro’s widow, Dalia Soto del Valle. During the cultural event, which featured the Cuban children’s theater company La Colmenita, a presentation through images and songs traced the life of the man who served as the Caribbean nation’s president for nearly half a century. Díaz-Canel spoke during the event, highlighting Fidel Castro’s legacy and stating that he dedicated his life “to fighting for all just causes.” The president said that Castro “lives forever” as a “warrior, rebel and a just [man] (…) of Humanity,” adding that Cuba carries forward his legacy of “independence, revolution, values and the achievements represented by socialism.” Under these principles, Díaz-Canel said, “we are undertaking a process of economic and social transformations,” referring to a package of 176 reforms approved this June aimed at liberalizing and decentralizing the island’s economy, which has been mired in a deep crisis for more than six years. Díaz-Canel again criticized the U.S. government, accusing it of being a “fascist regime” that is “tightening the screws” on the Caribbean nation through a “brutal and immoral imperial siege aimed at the extermination of our people.” The political and cultural event at Havana’s Karl Marx Theater also marked the closing of the First International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” which had been held since August 10 at the capital’s Convention Center and was attended by more than 1,000 Cuban and foreign delegates. This week on the island has been marked by various activities centered on the figure of Fidel Castro. On Thursday, the centenary of his birth also prompted tributes from countries such as Russia. On Thursday, hundreds of Russians gathered in front of the statue of the leader of the Cuban Revolution in Moscow. During the event, Communist Party of Russia (CPR) leader Gennady Zyuganov said that “Fidel Castro is a model and an example to follow (…) in these difficult times, to achieve victory over the most evil forces in history.” Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent messages to Raúl Castro and Díaz-Canel in which he described Fidel Castro as a “symbol of freedom, justice and patriotism both for Cubans themselves and for millions of people in different countries around the world.” Meanwhile, Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping, also sent a congratulatory message to Cuba on the occasion of Castro’s centenary, highlighting his role “in laying the foundations for and promoting” relations between the Caribbean nation and China, which, he said, “have become a model of cooperation among socialist countries.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for his part, expressed gratitude on Wednesday for “the encouragement” Fidel Castro had given to his political career and called for “fraternity and justice to endure amid adversity” for the Cuban people, in a message delivered to Havana by intellectual and theologian Frei Betto. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Cuba’s Largest Blackout Will Affect Up to 69% of the Island at the Same Time The island has been experiencing a deep energy crisis since mid-2024, which has

Guyana; ExxonMobil Recovers Stabroek Block Costs; Guyana Emerges as a New Oil Power; Migration Drives Guyana’s Growth.

Friday, August 7, 2026. Guyana — Small Country, Big Moment Guyana may be one of South America’s smallest countries by population, but economically, it is playing in an entirely different league these days. With just over one million people, Guyana has rapidly emerged as a major oil-producing nation and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The IMF currently projects real GDP growth of approximately 16% in 2026, an extraordinary number by almost any international standard.The driving force is offshore oil. Production has now climbed above 900,000 barrels per day, with additional projects expected to push output even higher. Perhaps even more significant, the consortium developing the massive Stabroek Block has now recovered its initial development costs sooner than expected, potentially allowing a greater share of future oil revenues to flow to Guyana.But Guyana’s story is becoming about more than oil. Construction, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services have also expanded rapidly. Government figures indicate that the non-oil economy grew by more than 14% in 2025, while construction alone expanded by roughly 31%. Billions are being directed toward roads, bridges, energy, housing and other infrastructure as the country attempts to convert its petroleum windfall into longer-term development.Politically, however, Guyana remains a country worth watching closely. President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C government face the enormous challenge of managing unprecedented national wealth while addressing concerns surrounding transparency, inequality, the cost of living and whether the benefits of the boom are reaching ordinary Guyanese. The political environment has also been complicated by legal proceedings involving opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed, whose U.S. extradition case concerning allegations of gold smuggling and money laundering continues to move through the courts.And then there is Guyana’s neighbor to the west. The longstanding territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region continues to add a geopolitical dimension to Guyana’s economic rise, particularly because some offshore petroleum areas are affected by the dispute.For international businesses, investigators and professional service providers, Guyana represents something increasingly rare: a small market undergoing enormous transformation at remarkable speed. Energy, construction, logistics, financial services, compliance, security, infrastructure and professional services are all evolving alongside the economy.Guyana therefore enters 2026 with an enviable challenge: it has the resources and economic momentum that many countries spend generations trying to achieve. The real test will be what it does with them.Guyana is no longer simply an emerging market to watch — it is quickly becoming a market that is difficult to ignore. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: ExxonMobil Selects Sercel’s Marlin Vessel for Offshore Operations in Guyana ExxonMobil Global Projects has selected Sercel’s Marlin solution to support the management of simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) for the Whiptail project, located in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana. Under a one-year contract, Sercel will deploy the Marlin platform to support pipeline-laying campaigns and mooring system installation activities for the offshore development project. According to Sercel, the Marlin platform provides a suite of tools designed to optimize maritime operations. For simultaneous operations (SIMOPS), it offers a real-time geospatial view of concurrent offshore activities, enabling teams to plan, coordinate, and execute operations in high-activity environments. The deployment includes system configuration, onboarding of new users, operational reviews, and 24/7 operational support. “With offshore activity accelerating across Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and West Africa, our field-proven Marlin SIMOPS solution enables operators to better manage their most complex offshore projects,” said Jérôme Denigot, CEO of Sercel. The Whiptail project is located in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where ExxonMobil is conducting offshore development activities. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Guyana Is Becoming the New Oil Star of the Western Hemisphere Since ExxonMobil discovered significant offshore oil reserves in the Stabroek Block in 2015, Guyana has transformed into one of the fastest-growing crude oil producers in the world. In less than a decade, its production has risen to more than 600,000 barrels per day, with forecasts pointing to more than one million barrels per day before the end of the decade. For a country of its size, the leap is monumental. An Oil Boom That Is Changing the Rules The economic impact has been immediate. Guyana has recorded GDP growth rates exceeding 40% annually in some recent years, figures unprecedented even among emerging economies. Oil revenues have boosted public reserves and fueled a sovereign wealth fund designed to manage this new source of national wealth. However, President Irfaan Ali has made it clear that the country’s ambitions extend beyond simply exporting oil. “Our goal is to structurally transform the economy,” he has stated in various public appearances. The message from Georgetown is clear: oil is only the starting point. The government wants the associated gas from these offshore fields to play a central role in the next phase of development. Rather than exporting the entire resource, the strategy is to bring some of that gas onshore to drive local industry. Gas as a Bridge to Industrialization Guyana is preparing a second gas pipeline project even before the first one is fully operational. The plan calls for bringing more gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore fields to the coast, with a development in the Berbice region that could be finalized soon. The first gas pipeline to bring gas onshore is expected to become operational by the end of this year, supplying approximately 300 megawatts to a new power plant near the capital. For a country that has experienced high energy costs and periodic power outages for years, this infrastructure represents much more than a technical project. It provides the foundation to reduce electricity prices and improve the competitiveness of local businesses. The government believes that gas can serve as a catalyst for attracting manufacturing, agro-processing, and eventually petrochemical projects. Potential cooperation with Suriname is also being explored to expand the reach of the second pipeline and turn it into a regional initiative. The Business Vision and Remaining Challenges ExxonMobil has expressed its willingness to accelerate gas development, although it acknowledges that the process is more complex than oil extraction.

Paraguay; Moody’s Reaffirms Investment Grade; Ecuador and Paraguay Forge Security Alliance; Paraguay Climbs to Sixth in Business Tourism.

Friday, July 31, 2026. Paraguay This week, we’re heading to the very heart of South America to shine a spotlight on Paraguay, a country that may not always make international headlines but has a remarkable story to tell. Often referred to as the “Heart of South America” not only because of its central location but also because of the warmth of its people, Paraguay is a nation where tradition, resilience, and opportunity come together in fascinating ways. One of the few countries in the world with two official languages, Spanish and Guaraní, Paraguay proudly embraces its indigenous heritage while continuing to grow as a modern economy. From the bustling streets of Asunción to the tranquil beauty of the Chaco and the Paraná River, the country offers an incredible blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Paraguay is also home to one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants, the Itaipú Dam, a testament to the country’s ability to think big and collaborate across borders. Its expanding agricultural sector, growing manufacturing base, and increasingly attractive business environment have positioned Paraguay as one of the quieter success stories in Latin America. Of course, no visit to Paraguay, real or virtual, would be complete without mentioning its passion for football, its world-famous tereré (a refreshing cold herbal drink perfect for warm weather), and the genuine hospitality that visitors often remember long after they’ve returned home. So, whether you’ve visited Paraguay before or are discovering it for the first time, we hope this week’s newsletter offers an enjoyable glimpse into a country whose greatest strength may simply be the character and spirit of its people. ¡Bienvenidos a Paraguay! Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Presidents of Ecuador and Paraguay Forge Alliance to Combat Crime The presidents of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, and Paraguay, Santiago Peña, announced on Wednesday what they described as a “strategic alliance” to combat organized crime and address other shared challenges facing their countries. The visit marks President Peña’s first official trip to Ecuador since taking office in 2023, although the two conservative leaders have met previously during international events. Both also attended the inauguration of Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori earlier this week. During a joint press conference, Peña said the leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues, emphasizing that “Paraguay and Ecuador clearly understand that there can be no development or prosperity unless we are able to provide security for our citizens.” President Noboa stressed the importance of regional unity, stating that Latin American nations have a responsibility to work together to strengthen competitiveness and confront common threats, rather than allowing criminal organizations to exploit divisions. The two governments signed several agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas including public security, defense, technical and military cooperation, cybersecurity, and public order. According to Ecuador’s presidency, the agreements also include an extradition treaty designed to streamline judicial cooperation, along with measures covering air services, the reciprocal recognition of driver’s licenses, and expanded trade relations. Both Ecuador and Paraguay are members of the “Shield of the Americas” initiative, launched by the United States to strengthen regional cooperation against narco-terrorism and transnational organized crime. Ecuador has experienced a sharp rise in organized crime over the past five years, with criminal groups linked to international drug trafficking networks taking advantage of the country’s strategic location along Pacific drug trafficking routes to North America, Central America, and Europe. The country recorded more than 9,000 violent deaths in 2025, one of the highest homicide figures in the region. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Moody’s Reaffirms Investment-Grade Rating In its assessment released on Friday, Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, citing the country’s credible monetary policy, consistent record of price and external stability, and political stability as key strengths supporting its credit profile. The rating agency stated that these factors help maintain Paraguay’s relatively low exposure to risks that could significantly affect its ability to meet its financial obligations. Moody’s also highlighted Paraguay’s recent economic performance, noting that strong economic growth remains one of the country’s key credit strengths. The agency forecasts GDP growth of approximately 4.5% in 2026, supported by continued public infrastructure investment and significant private-sector projects that are expected to promote higher value-added industries and further diversify the economy. The stable outlook reflects Moody’s assessment that the country’s credit risks remain balanced. According to the agency, increasing economic diversification, sustained public and private investment, and effective fiscal and monetary policies provide Paraguay with greater resilience to potential external shocks. However, Moody’s also pointed to climate-related risks, given the country’s reliance on agriculture and hydroelectric power generation, as factors that could affect future economic performance. On the fiscal front, the agency identified Paraguay’s relatively low and stable public debt as a major strength, while noting challenges such as the government’s limited revenue base and the share of debt denominated in foreign currency. Moody’s also emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen public financial management and institutional capacity. The agency further acknowledged the government’s plans to regularize outstanding obligations recognized in 2026 and improve public financial management by better aligning the national budget with financial planning and enhancing spending oversight and control mechanisms. With the confirmation of its Baa3 rating and stable outlook, Paraguay remains within Moody’s investment-grade category. The country also holds a BBB- rating with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s, while Fitch Ratings maintains a BB+ rating with a positive outlook. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Expo Paraguay Showcases Livestock Genetics and Strengthens Agribusiness Opportunities Expo Paraguay has established itself as the country’s premier event for showcasing the progress of Paraguay’s livestock industry, a sector that not only drives beef exports but also creates significant business opportunities through advances in animal genetics. As the exhibition continues, industry leaders have highlighted the steady improvement in the quality of livestock presented at the event, noting that these genetic advances are translating into stronger commercial results for breeders and producers. Silvio Vargas, coordinator of the