AGP Executive Report

Popular Consultation Push: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela’s July 12 National Popular Consultation is the fastest way to exercise sovereignty through community projects, arguing it builds legitimacy and keeps priorities local. Amnesty & Justice Reset: Rodríguez and state authorities reviewed the Amnesty and Democratic Coexistence Act, while she urged a “new model” of criminal justice aligned with human rights and warned against politicizing releases. PSUV Community Teams Roll Out: In Lara, Lara’s Simón Planas commune began forming a PSUV Community Political Team; similar nomination assemblies started in Atabapo (Amazonas), Barinas, and Yaracuy. Sports Spotlight: Venezuela’s U-17 team won the Canteras de América Gold Cup final 2-1 over Mexico, finishing undefeated. US-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s government-backed crowds protested the indictment of Raúl Castro as Washington escalates pressure amid fuel and blackout crises.

Cuba Pressure Boils Over: The U.S. escalated its Cuba crackdown again—charging 94-year-old Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of civilian planes, while Marco Rubio warned Havana that diplomacy is “not high” and military action remains on the table. Caribbean Tensions: The move comes as the USS Nimitz heads to the Caribbean and Cuba faces fuel-starved blackouts, with regional leaders watching closely for spillover. Rubio’s Pivot to India: Rubio is set for a three-day India trip focused on energy, trade, and Quad security talks—at a moment when U.S.-India ties are still bumpy. Venezuela Oil Link: India’s crude imports show Venezuela climbing fast again, now a top supplier for May after U.S. easing. U.S. Election Fight: Separately, Congress launched a formal probe into prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi over insider-trading concerns.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. has sent the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz into the Caribbean as Washington unsealed murder charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 downing of two civilian planes—an escalation Cuba calls illegal and Russia/China condemn as coercion. Prediction Markets Under Fire: In the U.S., lawmakers and regulators are moving to rein in prediction markets after claims of insider-style trading that could expose war plans, while Wisconsin and federal authorities clash over who controls the platforms. Venezuela’s Counter-Messaging: In Bolívar, interim President Delcy Rodríguez pushed “zero blockade” messaging and urged expanding communal production exports, while the Treasury Bank rolled out a new pet-themed debit card. Energy Diplomacy: Marco Rubio says Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez may travel to India to pursue oil deals as the U.S. seeks broader energy partnerships. Elsewhere: An Australian tourist died after falling on Peru’s Inca Trail.

US-Cuba Escalation: The Justice Department indicted 94-year-old Raúl Castro on murder and conspiracy charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes, as Washington also moved a carrier strike group into the Caribbean and floated aid with strings—fueling fears of a Venezuela-style playbook. Caribbean Pressure Watch: The USS Nimitz arrival adds to the sense of military options being kept on the table, while Cuba denounces the case as politically motivated. Venezuela Context: Caracas is simultaneously pushing economic openings, including draft oil rules for foreign investment, and a hotel-dealmaking buzz signals investors testing whether the recovery trade is real. Local Politics (Guyana): The Forward Guyana Movement escalated its push to reconvene the 13th Parliament after a legislative freeze nearing 100 days. Business Notes: Shipping firms TEN and United Maritime reported stronger quarterly results and dividends, underscoring how parts of global trade are still moving despite sanctions and conflict.

Cuba-US Escalation: The U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, with prosecutors saying the case stems from the deaths of four humanitarian pilots and that Castro could face prison—while Cuba calls the move baseless and warns of “bloodbath” risk if Washington escalates. Caracas Human Rights: Venezuelan bishops mourn the mother of a dead political prisoner, underscoring the toll of detention and secrecy. Venezuela Economy Push: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says the second phase of the “Pilgrimage” will reach the “productive heart” of the country, spotlighting industry, farming, and entrepreneurship, as officials tour firms and plan a national meeting on the entrepreneurial and communal economy. Local Politics & Mobilization: Diosdado Cabello urged supporters to tune in to his weekly program, while lawmakers and regional leaders staged production-focused mobilizations in Mérida.

Cuba-US Escalation: The U.S. Justice Department is preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro as soon as Wednesday, tied to the 1996 “Brothers to the Rescue” shootdown that killed four exiles, including three U.S. citizens—an action timed around Cuba’s May 20 independence date and likely to ratchet up fears of wider U.S. pressure or military options. Venezuela Prison Grief: In Venezuela, NGO Foro Penal says Carmen Navas died 10 days after the state confirmed her son Victor Quero died in Rodeo I prison, with opposition leader María Corina Machado calling it part of a “terror system.” U.S.-Venezuela Court Fallout: In Miami, former Venezuelan industry minister Alex Saab appeared in federal court facing money-laundering charges linked to alleged bribery around the CLAP food program. Caribbean Diplomacy: Separately, Saint Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre met Morocco’s ambassador after credentials were presented, as regional diplomatic outreach continues. Local Politics (Context): In the U.S., Trump-backed Ed Gallrein beat Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie in a GOP primary, underscoring Trump’s grip on party challengers.

National Pilgrimage, Bolívar: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez doubled down on the push for a “Venezuela without sanctions and in peace,” telling peasant and community leaders the Chávez-and-Bolívar project won’t be “handed over,” and framing the campaign as a fight to free the economy from blockade pressure. Productive Economy Drive: She announced a First Grand National Meeting on Entrepreneurial and Community Economics, urging communes to bring products and become “exporters” and “economic ambassadors.” Cabimas, Zulia Security & Amnesty: In Cabimas, Diosdado Cabello backed an amnesty proposal aimed at social peace and warned border criminal groups with Colombia that Venezuela will “kick them out,” while also stressing July consultations and communal priorities. Human Rights & Detentions: Venezuela’s National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez said the government plans to release 300 detainees this week, amid scrutiny tied to the in-custody death of Víctor Hugo Quero. Caracas Economy Strain: Reports from Caracas say inflation keeps biting even in a highly dollarized market, with prices shifting fast and wages lagging.

Saab’s U.S. case escalates: Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab has been formally charged in federal court in Miami over an alleged money-laundering and bribery scheme tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food program and PDVSA oil money, with prosecutors saying fake companies, falsified invoices, and shell transactions helped divert hundreds of millions through South Florida banks. Cuba pressure mounts: As Washington weighs tougher steps, Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel warns any U.S. military action would mean a “bloodbath,” while the U.S. adds new sanctions on Cuban officials. Local life and politics: In Caracas, Delcy Rodríguez announced a new “Girls and Boys Producers Expo” for children, while Venezuela also faces fresh scrutiny over the death of a political prisoner in custody. Europe’s backdrop: A separate debate in Spain highlights how Venezuela-linked deals keep echoing far beyond the region.

Venezuela-US Legal Shock: Alex Saab, a key Maduro-era fixer, appeared in Miami after being deported and was charged with money laundering tied to alleged bribery in Venezuela’s food import contracts, with prosecutors describing fake companies and falsified shipping records. Cuba-US Tensions: Cuba’s president warned any U.S. attack would trigger a “bloodbath,” after Axios reported Havana has acquired 300+ drones and discussed strikes on U.S. targets; Washington also moved to sanction Cuban intelligence and senior officials. Caracas Politics & Grief: In Caracas, protesters clashed with police over the death of political prisoner Víctor Quero Navas and his mother Carmen Navas, whose death came days after authorities confirmed his death in custody. Local Economy Push: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said food and goods supply is fully covered, while “Venezuela Tech Week” drew 50+ entrepreneurship applications and Fedeindustria Expo 2026 is set to bring 100+ companies to Caracas. Energy/Policy Watch: Venezuela circulated draft oil-law regulations for companies, signaling a new framework for investment and operations.

CIA ultimatum on Cuba: CIA chief John Ratcliffe landed in Havana and met Cuba’s intelligence leadership in a public, photo-posted session, delivering Trump’s message: Washington will engage on security and economics only if Cuba makes “fundamental changes.” Cuba-U.S. drone standoff: Cuba’s leaders rejected Axios claims that Havana has 300+ attack drones and discussed strikes on Guantánamo and Key West, calling it a “fraudulent pretext” for aggression. Energy pressure hits politics: As the Strait of Hormuz remains jammed amid the Iran war, U.S. gas prices are expected to average about $5 a gallon, with analysts saying the only real relief lever is reopening the chokepoint. Venezuela purge escalates: Venezuela deported Maduro ally Alex Saab to the U.S. for criminal proceedings, reviving questions about how Caracas’ new leadership is aligning with Washington. U.S. signals in Caracas: The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is reopening after years, and investors are quietly scouting Venezuelan real estate.

Human Rights Shock: Carmen Teresa Navas, mother of political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero, died in Caracas days after identifying his exhumed body—closing a case that had dragged for 16 months through prisons and courts after Quero vanished following detention in January 2025. Deportation Pivot: Venezuela also moved to deport former Maduro ally Alex Saab to the U.S., framing it as migration action tied to U.S. criminal investigations—an abrupt reversal after Saab’s earlier Biden-era pardon in a prisoner swap. Cuba Pressure Spillover: The week’s Venezuela-U.S. legal cooperation sits alongside intensifying U.S.-Cuba pressure, including fresh claims about Cuba’s drone capabilities and continued fuel/blackout fallout. Energy Policy Watch: Venezuela circulated draft regulations for its new hydrocarbons law, spelling out operating rules for private oil and gas firms. Local Politics: PSUV began training Community Political Committees in Cojedes, pushing tighter territorial organization.

Venezuela-US Fallout: Venezuela deported Maduro ally Alex Saab to the United States on May 16, citing U.S. criminal investigations and framing the move as compliance with immigration law—an abrupt reversal from years of chavismo presenting him as a “diplomat” and sovereignty symbol. Cuba Energy Crisis: Cuba confirmed it has run out of fuel oil and diesel, with Havana blackouts stretching past 20 hours a day and daily life buckling under shortages. Cuba “Enemy Attacks” Prep: As the island reels, provincial sites posted a “Protect, Resist, Survive, and Win” family guide after a CIA chief visit to Havana. Regional Security Spending: SIPRI says Brazil leads South America’s military build-up while Uruguay’s rise is among the steepest. Sports & Culture: Tyson Fury’s 16-year-old daughter Venezuela married Noah Price on the Isle of Man, while golf and football coverage continues across the day.

Deportation Shock: Venezuela says it deported Maduro ally Alex Saab to the U.S. for criminal proceedings, reversing a Biden-era pardon and raising the stakes for cases tied to Maduro’s inner circle. Oil & Sovereignty: At the same time, Venezuela’s draft oil regulations say the Hydrocarbons Ministry will set royalties and taxes project-by-project under the new hydrocarbons law—signaling a major shift from decades of PDVSA monopoly. Regional Diplomacy: Caracas also moved to deepen ties with Suriname, mapping cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, tourism, energy, and pushing for renewed air links. Security Spillover: Elsewhere, the U.S. and Nigeria said they killed an Islamic State leader in a joint mission, while the wider Iran conflict continues to rattle global shipping with reports of massive GPS jamming near the Strait of Hormuz. Military Return: The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group came home after an 11-month deployment that included operations tied to Iran and Venezuela.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly preparing to seek an indictment of Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 “Brothers to the Rescue” shootdown, as CIA chief John Ratcliffe makes a rare, public trip to Havana to deliver Trump’s message: engagement only after “fundamental changes.” Cuba Energy Crisis: Cuba says it has run out of oil, with blackouts and protests intensifying as Washington’s blockade squeeze deepens. Venezuela Spotlight: Trump again floated making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state, and Caracas’ acting president Delcy Rodríguez rejected it, vowing to defend sovereignty. Regional Finance Check: Venezuela and the World Bank held an exploratory meeting on economic advances and the challenges tied to the blockade. Security Spillover: In the U.S.-Nigerian fight against ISIS, Trump says a top leader was killed in a joint operation.

Cuba Pressure Campaign: The U.S. Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, tied to the 1996 shootdown of exile planes “Brothers to the Rescue,” with charges expected to be announced next Wednesday after a grand jury process in Miami—an escalation that could raise fears of renewed U.S. military pressure. Cuba Energy Crisis: As Washington tightens the squeeze, Cuba says it has run out of fuel, with blackouts and protests flaring across Havana, while the CIA director reportedly delivered Trump’s message that the U.S. will engage only if “fundamental changes” are made. Venezuela-World Bank Reset: In Caracas, Venezuela and the World Bank resumed talks after a seven-year pause, agreeing to define areas for technical cooperation. Regional Resources: The U.S. is also turning toward Guyana’s bauxite and other minerals as it hunts for Latin America’s supply. Local Politics: Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claims María Corina Machado is behind a media push around a custodial death case.

Iran-Backchannel Watch: Norway’s deputy foreign minister visited Tehran for quiet talks with Iran, stressing Oslo has no formal negotiating role but is trying to help where it can—an “Oslo-style” listening mission as the Iran war grinds on. US-China Friction: In Beijing, Trump brushed off Xi’s “Thucydides Trap” warning and claimed Xi meant Biden-era decline, while both sides praised talks on Iran and trade but offered few concrete details. Venezuela Debt Reset: Venezuela launched a sweeping public debt restructuring, targeting about $60B in defaulted bonds, with analysts warning total liabilities could top $150B. Cuba Energy Collapse: Cuba says it has run out of fuel oil and diesel, triggering rolling blackouts and street protests in Havana as the CIA director met Cuban officials amid the crisis. Nuclear Security Move: The US says it removed highly enriched uranium from Venezuela’s shuttered RV-1 reactor, citing faster-than-planned progress with partners.