AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath: Two months after the June 24 disasters that left 6,509 dead, Venezuela says it has inspected 60,785 homes but 11,001 remain high-risk, with more than 24,000 people still without shelter as heavy rains again flooded communities in Caracas, Miranda and Aragua. US-Venezuela Talks: Washington convened talks between Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s team and 2015 opposition lawmakers, with reports saying Maduro and Cilia Flores were not raised. Caracas Human Rights: Rodríguez announced the plan to eliminate police checkpoints in cities, but rights groups want proof it will curb extortion and repression and call for a new amnesty law. Judicial Symbol Shift: Chávez and Bolívar portraits were removed from the Palacio de Justicia facade and replaced with “Plan Venezuela Renace” banners, raising election-year questions. UN Coordination: Rodríguez met new UN resident coordinator Álvaro Rodríguez to shift from emergency aid toward sustainable development and social protection projects. Science & Health: IVIC researchers are developing a skin regeneration therapy using hair-follicle-derived cells to speed wound healing in animal models. US Deportation Case: ICE deported a former Venezuelan National Guard lieutenant colonel accused of torture of political dissidents.

Venezuela-US Tensions: Chavista-aligned leaders in Caracas’ 23 de Enero warned that U.S. agencies are planning a “large-scale operation” to target and remove grassroots leadership tied to the Simón Bolívar Coordinator. Earthquake Recovery & Housing Finance: Venezuela’s Treasury Bank convened public and private banks to unify loan-valuation criteria for housing restitution under the Venezuela Renace Plan, outlining a two-phase credit process for families whose buildings collapsed. Health & Science: IVIC is developing skin regeneration therapy using hair follicle stem cells, moving from animal standardization toward future clinical protocols for burns and wound healing. Amazon Cooperation: OTCA countries met in Brasilia to advance South-South and triangular cooperation rules for Amazon protection, with Venezuela reaffirming its role in shared governance. Telecom Sanctions Update: OFAC issued general licenses 61 and 62 to allow Venezuela’s telecom entities to buy U.S.-linked goods and services and negotiate new contracts, aiming to speed infrastructure modernization. Energy Deal: BP is returning to Venezuela’s upstream gas sector with Loran Phase 2, partnering with Gulf investors to develop a major offshore gas resource. Caracas Culture: A Misión Cultura camp in Caracas hosted a hands-on photography workshop for children, focused on creativity and learning through practical shooting.

Housing & Education Support: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said new housing rules are meant to boost private investment and speed up construction, while also announcing an affordable school-supplies and uniform plan for the September 14 return, including 120 school fairs with discounted prices for families. Anti-Corruption Training in Mining: MINERVEN and the Venezuelan Mining Corporation (CVM) completed a workshop with Supreme Court judges on criminal responsibility in public asset management, focusing on corruption definitions and ethical duties for officials. Earthquake Recovery & Preparedness: Seismologists pushed back on fears of a “surge,” saying global quake rates are normal and warning that most injuries come from falling objects and unsafe behavior during tremors. U.S.-Iran Sanctions Ripple: A new U.S. “economic D-Day” sanctions push targets Iran’s oil-related networks and sectors, with analysts warning the pressure could reshape trade flows toward China. Immigration Pressure in the Region: Colombia ordered raids and deportations of undocumented migrants, raising concerns for the millions of Venezuelans living there. Caracas Lens: The week’s Venezuela coverage keeps circling back to reconstruction, governance, and the economic squeeze—while regional migration crackdowns add fresh pressure on Venezuelan communities.

Venezuela-Barbados Ties: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met Barbados PM Mia Mottley in Caracas, highlighting solidarity and a joint declaration covering energy, agriculture, education, culture, tourism and transport, including a Field Hospital visit after the June 24 earthquakes. Oil & Economy: Rodríguez said Venezuela’s oil output hit 1.23 million barrels per day, the highest since Feb. 2019, after easing U.S. sanctions and reforms that opened the sector to international private investment. Earthquake Recovery (La Guaira): Two months after the twin quakes, La Guaira is still restarting—many businesses remain closed, and local residents are rebuilding livelihoods from tents and community support. Caracas Culture: Venezuela showcased more than 150 titles at the XXXIV Havana International Book Fair (FILHAV 2026), with the fair dedicated to Fidel Castro’s centenary. Public Health for Migrants: In Colombia, community groups reported nearly 7% HIV positivity among Venezuelan migrants, with many reaching viral suppression despite legal and administrative barriers. Regional Security Pressure: Colombia’s new president ordered police and immigration to identify and deport migrants without legal status, starting in Barranquilla. Port & Trade: Guanta port handled three ships at once, mobilizing over 7,000 tons of merchandise and containers tied to the national oil sector.

Earthquake Recovery: Venezuela updated the June 24 double-quake toll to 6,509 dead and said 580,000 tons of debris have been cleared (28%), with housing progress including 335 new homes delivered and 1,001 buildings rehabilitated, aiming for 4,000 more before year-end. Digital Housing Loans: Bank of Venezuela says real-estate loan procedures for quake victims can now be done fully online via the Venezuela Renace Fund, with two subsidy/loan plans and a response in up to five days. Caracas Rains Response: PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello said the party is deployed in communities to help with rain impacts and energy issues, including in La Guaira where he denied access limits were political. Telecom Sanctions Relief: The US Treasury issued OFAC general licenses easing certain telecom-related permissions for CANTV/CONATEL under sanctions waivers. Science & Training: IVIC opened registrations for 2027 postgraduate programs, with deadlines varying by track. Regional Migration Pressure: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police-and-migration raids to identify irregular migrants, starting this week, with deportations expected—mainly affecting Venezuelans.

Tourism & Trade: Venezuela and Türkiye agreed to deepen cooperation after a meeting between Tourism Minister Daniella Cabello and the Türkiye-Venezuela Business Council, with plans to boost tourist flow and attract investment. Banking Update: Workers’ Digital Bank (BDT) climbed to 7th in Venezuela’s banking ranking, holding a 3.7% market share and reporting major year-on-year growth in assets. Food Security in Puerto Cabello: The “Venezuela Eat Fish” plan reached 10 communities in Bartolomé Salom, delivering fish protein through Corpesca with government support. Caracas Flood Aftermath: Heavy rains across Caracas and nearby states left at least six people missing, with rescue teams searching after rivers swept homes and vehicles. Security & Migration Pressure (Region): Colombia’s president ordered a crackdown on illegal migration, directing detentions and deportation steps for undocumented foreigners convicted of crimes. U.S.-Venezuela Link (Immigration): A Venezuelan man detained by ICE after a mistaken identity claim won a habeas ruling highlighting alleged failures in procedures. Cyber/Defense Spillover: U.S. Army Cyber Command said it replicated a cyber coordination model used during a Venezuela mission for “Epic Fury.”

Caracas Metro Recovery: Caracas Metro restored full commercial service on Aug. 23 after Tropical Wave 40 flooding, with underground and surface stations back online while Metrocable stayed closed for preventive maintenance; meanwhile, mayoral brigades kept clearing roads and removing fallen trees as INAMEH warned of continued instability and heavy showers. Amnesty Law Progress: National Assembly monitoring commission head Jorge Arreaza said the Amnesty Law is moving forward, citing 15,037 requests received and 8,743 positive responses, including humanitarian releases for some detainees and people affected by the earthquake, with periodic legal reviews for others. PSUV Community Push: PSUV leadership carried out weekend territorial deployments in Aragua, Cojedes and Apure focused on “Climate and Energy Awareness,” plus evaluations of communal renewal plans and community political teams. Dollarization Debate: Economist Steve Hanke, dubbed the “Money Doctor,” again urged full U.S. dollar adoption for Venezuela to curb inflation, while PSUV and other officials continue promoting local economic and social programs. Crypto in Volatile Economies: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said USDT use is rising in Venezuela and other developing markets as people seek dollar-like savings amid currency instability.

Caracas Metro Recovery: Caracas Metro restored full commercial service after Tropical Wave 40 flooding, with underground and surface lines back online while Metrocable stays shut temporarily for maintenance; meanwhile, mayoral brigades keep clearing roads and fallen trees as INAMEH warns of continued instability. Venezuela Politics: The National Assembly removed opposition deputy Ecarri from a “friendship” group amid rumors of a U.S. “money doctor” role, as lawmakers also moved on real estate developer protections and other legislative steps. U.S.-Iran Tensions With Venezuela Echoes: Iran’s President Pezeshkian said Tehran is in a “full-scale economic, military and security war,” arguing Washington tried to turn Iran into “another Venezuela” but failed—while Iran warns it may retaliate against countries joining U.S. “economic war.” Immigration Shockwave: A court effectively ended Temporary Protected Status for the last of 13 nationalities, setting up removal for more than a million people in the U.S. Regional Trade Push: Guyana’s World Trade Centre will host an Oct. 19-23 International Trade and Investment Conference to attract investment across energy, infrastructure, trade, and services.

Venezuela-US Telecom Deal: The U.S. eased parts of its sanctions by issuing OFAC general licenses tied to Venezuela’s telecom sector, letting companies invest in equipment, software, and services for connectivity upgrades, with CONATEL explicitly naming CANTV and the regulator’s modernization push. Currency Debate in Caracas: Venezuela’s National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez removed Antonio Ecarri from the U.S. parliamentary friendship group after Ecarri backed a formal dollarization push linked to economist Steve Hanke, citing constitutional limits on monetary policy and the bolívar. Housing Law Update: The National Assembly unanimously approved a new housing construction promotion and protection law to replace the 2012 real-estate fraud framework, setting rules for contracts, developer responsibilities, and oversight. Seismic Monitoring: FUNVISIS reported 103 earthquakes across Aug. 14–20, including one above magnitude 4 near La Guaira, as officials warned about a prior false alarm. Local Economy & Youth Training: Delcy Rodríguez highlighted the communal economy as a pillar for supply and territorial development during a visit to a youth training center in Caracas, stressing community production’s impact on household costs.

Seismic Watch: FUNVISIS says Venezuela logged 103 earthquakes nationwide between Aug. 14-20, with 55 in the central region (including a >4 quake near La Guaira on Aug. 18) and 38 in the west. Telecom Regulation: CONATEL approved new certificates, renewals, and operational changes for telecom providers via SIGESTEL, covering high-speed internet, data transport, and IPTV/OTT services. Parliamentary Politics: Venezuela’s National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez removed Antonio Ecarri from the Venezuela-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group after he backed a formal dollarization proposal tied to economist Steve Hanke, citing constitutional and internal-regulation violations. Local Party Mobilization: PSUV met in Barinas to update community structures, prepare for the Oct. 18 popular consultation, and push energy-saving awareness. Oil & Sanctions Pressure: Oil prices rose as Trump vowed sanctions on Iran partners, with analysts warning supply risks could grow amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Online Influence Probe: Venezuelan media report a suspected influence operation on X and fake outlets targeting coverage of businessman Alejandro Betancourt.

Venezuela Oil Exports: Reuters reports Venezuela’s dilapidated ports are forcing tankers to wait up to 30 days to load crude, with outages and quality problems capping export momentum. US Immigration Deal: The NYT says the US approved a $5 million payment to Liberia after Monrovia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees, with the first flight bringing 20 migrants including Venezuelans and Cubans. Venezuela Politics: Venezuela’s National Assembly denied hiring economist Steve Hanke, launching an investigation into lawmakers who spread the false rumor. Local Recovery Watch: Falcón and Plan Venezuela Renace inspected Boca de Aroa restoration work after seismic damage, including house assessments and service restoration. Agriculture & Food Security: Confeagro says Guárico planted over 2,300 hectares of sorghum, with more planned in Portuguesa and Anzoátegui to diversify cereals. Identity Poll: Hinterlaces finds 96% of Venezuelans say they’re proud of their national identity, with resilience framed as cultural.

Deportations & regional fallout: Trump’s administration began deporting Venezuelans, Cubans and Colombians to Liberia under a third-country deal, with reports that some deportees refused to leave the plane. Earthquake recovery & trust: A new look at Caracas shows how neighbors built bridges and solidarity after long-standing stereotypes—an angle that lands hard as Venezuela’s June 24 quakes left thousands dead and many still missing. Security & politics: Research says Venezuela’s armed forces kept loyalty not just through perks, but by tying the military to the country’s economy through dozens of defense-linked companies and boards. EU diplomacy: The EU backed Venezuela’s dialogue track between the 2015 National Assembly and the 2026 Assembly, calling it a path toward democratic transition and elections led by Venezuelans. Oil & business: Venezuela signed new oil-related deals with U.S. firms and energy services companies, while tankers still face delays in the country’s export revival. Science & environment: Venezuelan researchers are surveying fish in mangroves in Sucre and Anzoátegui to protect breeding grounds tied to the fishing economy. Health milestone: Venezuela marked 20 years of the Gilberto Rodríguez Ochoa children’s cardiology hospital, highlighting more than 15,400 procedures and approved equipment modernization.

US-Venezuela Cultural Aid: The US says it will work with Congress to provide $57mn for Venezuela’s El Sistema music institute, funding a teacher training center and arts programming as Caracas seeks long-term recovery. Earthquake Recovery & Environment: Venezuela’s Ecosocialism ministry says it has collected and treated 2.1 million tons of debris since the June 24 quakes, aiming to turn rubble into reconstruction inputs under the Venezuela Renace Plan. Health Access: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez marked the 20th anniversary of the Children’s Cardiology Hospital, stressing there is no waiting list and responses come within weeks. Transport & Tourism: Aeropostal has restarted the Maracaibo–Margarita route to boost travel and local commerce. Regional Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Canada’s FM Anita Anand, discussing emergency earthquake assistance to Venezuela and broader Western Hemisphere priorities. Construction Jobs Push: The government is urging communities to join the National Training and Construction Program to certify and employ construction workers for major projects.

Oil Deals & Diplomacy: Venezuela’s oil minister Paula Henao signed new agreements with U.S. firms Hunt Oil and SLB, pitching investment as the country courts foreign operators to revive production. Economy Watch: Venezuela’s GDP grew 7.14% in Q2 2026, marking 21 straight quarters of expansion, with oil up 9.10% and non-oil up 5.79%. Tax Modernization: SENIAT unveiled a refreshed institutional logo as part of a push to modernize and digitalize the tax system. Dialogue & Courts: Diosdado Cabello backed the government-opposition dialogue, while a civil society statement warned that Supreme Court reform could entrench repression unless rule-of-law safeguards change. Health After Quakes: A WHO/UNICEF-linked report says Venezuela’s immunization coverage remains below targets, with key vaccines not reaching adequate levels since 2016 for some. Regional Links: Venezuela joined COP17 efforts to fight land degradation and participated in Congo’s independence events. Travel Disruption: United Airlines delayed its Houston–Caracas return to January 12, citing earthquake impacts and ongoing airport closures.

Venezuela Energy Push: Acting petroleum minister Paula Henao told a Houston audience Venezuela is “an entire world waiting to be discovered,” pitching hundreds of exploration opportunities beyond heavy crude and highlighting major gas potential. Oil Deals: Caracas signed oil-related contracts with SLB and Hunt Oil, aiming to boost output and attract foreign capital. U.S.-Venezuela Oil Ties: Reports say U.S. refiners are taking nearly half of Venezuela’s oil output, underscoring Washington’s growing leverage as companies line up new agreements. Earthquake Recovery in La Guaira: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reopened strategic businesses and delivered 478 loans to entrepreneurs, while Deputy Minister William Castillo said abroad-held Venezuelan assets will be monetized for reconstruction and earthquake victims under oversight. Political Prisoner/Dialogue Claims: Diosdado Cabello attacked opposition figures over alleged long-running deception, while other coverage says government and opposition are moving on justice-system overhaul and prisoner releases. International Court Clash: The ICC condemned new U.S. sanctions on ICC president Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as a “flagrant attack” on court independence.

Venezuela–Opposition Talks: The opposition’s hopes of a quick path to power after Maduro’s fall are colliding with a more ambiguous U.S. approach, as Washington works through Delcy Rodríguez and leaves the opposition sidelined. Venezuela–Gold: Venezuela’s 31–48 tonnes of gold are being framed as a bargaining chip in power talks, with England at the center of the dispute. Venezuela–Energy & Industry: Venezuela is reactivating the Tocoma hydro plant to add 160 MW with U.S. support, while U.S. refineries are taking about half of Venezuela’s oil output; meanwhile, U.S. oil firms are preparing new PDVSA production deals and Houston is set to host signing. Venezuela–Politics & Governance: Venezuela is set for an Oct. 11 national popular consultation, and the government says it has granted alternative detention measures to 131 people amid talks. International Law: The ICC condemned new U.S. sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence, drawing pushback from Japan and the EU. Regional Crime: Colombia’s president says the leader of Los Costeños in Barranquilla was arrested in Valledupar for hitmen and extortion.