AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Aftermath: Rescuers in Colombia kept calling for silence as the “survival window” narrows after the 7.4 quake killed more than 270 and left hundreds missing, with volunteers in Cali and Pereira still pulling for signs of life. Regional Contrast: A new AP comparison highlights “déjà vu” for Venezuelans: Colombia mobilized rescuers and equipment within hours, while Venezuela’s June twin quakes exposed weaker state capacity and slower response. Humanitarian Aid: Pope Leo XIV sent €100,000 to Colombia’s hardest-hit dioceses, while Singapore Red Cross pledged $50,000 for Colombia and another $50,000 for Venezuela’s quake recovery. Local Culture & Community: In Yaracuy, children joined “El Cuatro en Movimiento,” expanding the Great Mission Viva Venezuela program; in Caracas, the mayor inaugurated a grandparents club in La Vega. Energy & Trade: Curaçao’s asphalt project still hinges on access to Venezuelan crude, keeping the restart timeline uncertain. Diplomacy: Venezuela and Israel moved to restore consular ties after a 17-year rupture, including a mechanism for services and technical cooperation.

Caracas Reconstruction: Under the Venezuela Renace Plan, President (E) Delcy Rodríguez oversaw comprehensive rehabilitation of the Belair building on Avenida Panteón after the June 24 double earthquake, including controlled demolition of fractured walls and deep facade work to stabilize the basement, ground floor, and floors 1–2 for 80 families. Post-Maduro Talks: Venezuela’s interim government and opposition wrapped a first round of post-Maduro talks in Caracas, agreeing to pursue justice reforms and seek access to frozen international reserve funds at the Bank of England for earthquake recovery, with transparency and auditing mechanisms. Election Integrity Scrutiny: CIA declassified files on Smartmatic, reviving questions about Venezuela’s electronic voting systems and how the company’s technology may have influenced election outcomes. Colombia Quake Aid Push: As Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake death toll climbs past 254 and the rescue clock keeps ticking, international groups like World Vision report urgent needs—shelter, safe water, hygiene, and child-focused support—while aid access remains difficult. Regional Solidarity & Culture: A Miami livestream benefit concert (“Unidos por Los Nuestros”) on Aug. 16 will raise funds for both Venezuela and Colombia earthquake victims, with proceeds supporting rebuilding, schools, children, and mental health.

Venezuela–Israel Consular Reset: After 17 years of rupture, Venezuela and Israel have restored consular ties and agreed to a coordination mechanism for services, building on humanitarian cooperation launched after the June 24 earthquakes. Earthquake Aftermath (Regional): Colombia’s 7.4 quake continues to deepen a humanitarian crisis, with search-and-rescue hampered by damaged roads and outages, and hunger risks rising as communities struggle with conflict and climate shocks. Venezuela Relief Efforts for Colombia: South Florida groups, including Doral-based GEM, are organizing volunteers, supplies, and cash donations for quake-hit areas like Cali. Local Reconstruction (Venezuela): Caracas reports progress on National Pantheon restoration, with conservation work underway across more than 1,800 square meters and waterproofing of 1,300 square meters of roof. Culture & Youth: Venezuela’s Youth Day programming highlights missions like Misión Venezuela Joven, while a new call opens for the 5th Photography Vision edition for photographers under 35.

Colombia Quake Response: Colombia’s government asked for international help in the form of supplies after a 7.4 earthquake killed hundreds and left thousands missing, while it said rescue teams are already deployed; El Salvador plans to send cargo planes with aid, and other countries are on standby. Venezuela’s Health Support: Venezuela’s Health ministry and PAHO trained staff for psychosocial care in 111 temporary camps across Caracas and states including La Guaira, Miranda, and Aragua, with faster referral to specialists when needed. Caracas Reconstruction: Caracas crews continued building rehabilitation in San Pedro’s Santa Lucía building, focusing on structural safety and common areas after the June earthquakes. Israel-Venezuela Rapprochement: Venezuela and Israel agreed to a consular coordination mechanism after 17 years, building on technical cooperation tied to earthquake assistance. Community Aid Abroad: South Florida groups and churches mobilized donations for Colombia quake victims, echoing earlier Venezuela relief efforts.

Colombia Earthquake Relief: A 7.4-magnitude quake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, killing at least 132 and injuring hundreds, with thousands missing as rescue teams and volunteers dig through collapsed buildings in Cali, Pereira, Chocó and Manizales. Humanitarian Aid Links: South Florida groups are sending cargo flights and supplies, while the UN says it stands ready and NGOs warn children are at extreme risk. Venezuela’s Response at Home: Venezuela is also keeping relief and recovery moving after the June earthquakes, including FANB distributing 54 tons of food to indigenous communities in Apure and the “Route of Hope” bringing cultural activities to families in temporary camps in Caracas. Youth, Culture & Science: Cojedes hosted a Science and Technology Vacation Plan for 80 children, and Venezuela marked the legacy of composer Vicente Emilio Sojo. Diplomacy: Israel and Venezuela agreed to renew consular relations and coordinate on emergency and reconstruction after the June earthquakes. Community Support: Amerant Bank raised over $100,000 for Venezuela earthquake relief with partners in the Venezuelan American business community.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4-magnitude quake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, Chocó, and the death toll climbed to 111 with 87 injured as President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and ordered rescue teams to prioritize people trapped under rubble. Regional Impact: The shaking was felt across Colombia and also reached Venezuela, alongside Ecuador and Panama, with reports of major building damage in cities like Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales. Venezuela Aid & Solidarity: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez ratified sending the Simón Bolívar Brigade to help with humanitarian aid and rescues, while the government said it’s coordinating through military education and health brigades. Humanitarian Support: Groups including AdventHealth and Global Empowerment Mission mobilized meals and relief supplies for quake-affected families, and Hanjin was selected to transport emergency tents for Venezuela’s June earthquake recovery. Local Life: In Nueva Esparta, officials pushed ahead with a regional surf and bodyboard event, aiming to boost tourism and youth activity.

Colombia Earthquake: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar in Chocó, collapsing buildings and trapping residents in cities including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales; officials reported at least 47 deaths, with the toll rising as rescue teams search for survivors and warn of aftershocks. Regional Impact: The quake was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama, and tremors were also reported in Venezuela, where the country is still recovering from deadly earthquakes in late June. Emergency Response: Colombia’s government convened an emergency committee and set up coordination efforts as airports in affected areas suspended flights and authorities assessed damage across more than 20 municipalities. Venezuela Watch: Separate reporting says Venezuela’s power crisis is spreading deeper into Caracas, with repeated outages exposing weaknesses across the grid beyond isolated faults.

Earthquake Recovery Watch: Venezuela’s power grid recovery is gaining momentum after the June twin quakes, with Corpoelec restoring 600 MW and repairing key transmission and generation damage, including work at Termocarabobo. Health Services: The Vargas Hospital in Caracas has reactivated a specialized ERCP gastroenterology service to expand complex, free care for biliary and pancreatic conditions. Local Governance & Aid: La Guaira Governor José Alejandro Terán joined families affected by the quakes for prayer under the Venezuela Renace Plan, which also includes psychosocial support in transitional camps. Public Opinion: A Hinterlaces poll says 61% back the government’s social protection policies after the earthquakes, and 69% support Plan Venezuela Renace. Diplomacy & Community: Venezuela’s foreign minister met the chief rabbi of Venezuela to request re-establishing diplomatic and consular relations with Israel, citing support after the earthquakes. Sports: The Venezuelan women’s basketball team finished runner-up at the FIBA 2026 South American Championship, earning a spot in the 2027 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.

Venezuela Dialogue: Opposition and government-linked political leaders say the new Caracas negotiation track must protect national sovereignty and include social and economic needs—not just political bargaining—warning against foreign “tutelage” and control of oil, gold, and laws. Earthquake Recovery: Corpoelec recovery work after June’s twin quakes is back on track, with engineers restoring generation and transmission; officials say a third unit at Termocarabobo is expected soon to add 450 MW toward the 600 MW lost. Local Governance & Food Security: Caracas authorities held Food Supply Days, with Mayor Carmen Meléndez saying distribution continues despite the earthquakes, alongside medicines and community services. Indigenous Rights: Venezuela marked the UN International Day of Indigenous Peoples, highlighting constitutional recognition for more than 40 indigenous groups and bilingual intercultural education. Sports & Resilience: Olympic weightlifter Julio Mayora turned earthquake rescue work into a medal run, winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.

Food Security Push: Caracas held a “Food Supply Day” in La Vega, with Mayor Carmen Meléndez saying distribution continues through 500+ simultaneous days, including medicines and community services. National Distribution: Food Minister Carlos Leal Tellería said more than 20,000 tons will be delivered nationwide this weekend, supported by logistics for up to 35,000 tons. Earthquake Recovery Governance: Ombudsman Eglée González Lobato met La Guaira Governor José Alejandro Terán to coordinate recovery, risk management, and on-the-ground technical follow-up after the June 24 disaster. Local Safety & Infrastructure: A near-miss in La Guaira’s wider recovery context also echoes broader transport risk coverage, including reports of a massive lorry wheel falling from a bridge and narrowly missing drivers. Culture & Identity: Afro-Venezuelan researcher Meyby Ugueto-Ponce discussed structural racism, restorative justice, and how ancestral knowledge fuels memory and resistance. Sports Spotlight: Venezuela’s Naryury Pérez won snatch gold and teammate Naryury Pérez took silver in the clean and jerk at the Central American and Caribbean Games, while Cuba’s Marifelix Sarría claimed gold.

Earthquake Recovery in Caracas: Caracas says it has completed 22,241 structural inspections after the June 24 quakes, using a color-coded habitability system; 88% were deemed habitable or needing partial repairs, while 12% are red-flagged for deeper evaluation, with reconstruction priorities set for the most damaged buildings. Housing Plan: Habitat and Housing Minister Paola Posani says the government is moving ahead with a national plan to deliver and build 4,000 homes, tied to a census and efforts to regularize property documentation for families affected by housing contingencies. U.S.-Linked Pressure on Venezuelans: A U.S. report highlights ICE detaining a Venezuelan woman in Texas and the backlash it sparked online, while another item claims Venezuelans released into the U.S. by the Biden administration later faced theft charges and were taken into ICE custody. International Diplomacy: Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares held talks with regional counterparts and spoke by phone with Venezuela’s Félix Plasencia, reiterating Spain’s support for humanitarian response after the earthquakes. Connectivity for Venezuela: Liberty Networks and CANTV announced a new submarine cable system, Fénix, linking Camuri (near Caracas) to Willemstad (Curaçao). Culture & Community: A “Route of Hope” effort brought cultural activities to children in Venezuela’s Monagas vacation plan, as the country continues rebuilding and social programming.

Earthquake Recovery in Caracas: Caracas reported 22,241 structural inspections after the June 24 earthquakes, using a color-coded habitability system; officials say 88% of reviewed buildings were green or yellow, while 12% were red and need deeper evaluation. Housing Plan: Habitat and Housing Minister Paola Posani said the government’s national plan targets 4,000 homes nationwide, with families relocated based on census findings and technical studies, plus steps to regularize property documentation. Tourism Restart in La Guaira: Tourism Minister Daniella Cabello visited Chichiriviche de la Costa to assess tourism operators after the quake slowdown, pushing for gradual reactivation under security and planning criteria. Cultural Support for Kids: The Route of Hope brought reading and creative activities to children in Monagas and Caracas temporary camps, including puppet shows, origami, and community leisure programs. Connectivity Upgrade: Liberty Networks and CANTV announced “Fénix,” a 378 km submarine cable linking Camurí (near Caracas) and Willemstad (Curaçao) to boost regional connectivity. Diplomacy: Chile and Venezuela formalized the resumption of consular relations in a new phase of constructive dialogue. International Justice: The ICC urged Chad and Venezuela to reconsider withdrawals after Venezuela announced it would leave the Rome Statute. Regional Security: Reports say Trinidad and Tobago may join a US-led regional security initiative, raising debate over legal and diplomatic risks.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s recovery effort after the twin quakes continues, with reports of repairs and housing restoration underway as the death toll remains in the thousands and thousands still need help. National Dialogue & Transition Talks: In Caracas, Venezuela’s political transition talks with opposition figures moved forward, with new rounds of dialogue and calls for elections shaping the next steps. La Guaira Reconstruction & Planning: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez ordered a logistics and tourism master plan for La Guaira while officials push inspections, repairs, and demolition work tied to quake damage. Social Programs & Community Access: The government marked the anniversary of the National System of Great Missions, aimed at coordinating social programs through mission bases reaching communities. Culture & Film: The National Cinemateca will host a seminar in Caracas honoring Margot Benacerraf’s centenary, featuring film screenings and talks. Regional Context: U.S. policy toward Venezuela is described as running on two tracks—negotiations with broader opposition and congressional pressure—while international reporting highlights how that split affects election timelines.

Venezuela Political Talks: US-backed negotiations between Venezuela’s interim government and opposition deputies kicked off in Caracas, with Dinorah Figuera representing the opposition and Maria Corina Machado notably absent; both sides set a work agenda aimed at restoring democratic institutions, but the timeline for elections remains unclear. Earthquake Recovery & Local Economy: In La Guaira, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez backed reconstruction financing for quake-hit businesses and entrepreneurs, while Governor José Alejandro Terán said the Venezuela Renace Plan started “day one” to address the emergency; Rodríguez also ordered a logistics-and-tourism master plan for the state. Consular Reset: Chile and Venezuela formalized the restart of consular relations, moving toward normalization after the 2024 rupture. Culture & Tourism: Venezuela showcased its film at the Ibero-American Film Festival in Namibia, with officials highlighting cultural diplomacy and tourism potential. Education & Science: The National Bicentennial Reading Plan expanded from transitional camps into schools, and Venezuela’s science registry surpassed 21,108 registered research projects. Sports: Venezuelan pair Ray Acuña and Cristian Canache won gold in the K2 500 meters at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Earthquake Housing Recovery: Venezuela Renace is moving families back into repaired homes, with the first 60 restored apartments delivered at Ana Victoria in La Guaira and repairs continuing on more than 13,000 earthquake-damaged houses nationwide, aiming to help 66,000 people. Humanitarian Aid From Abroad: In Miramar, Florida, city leaders sent three truckloads of earthquake donations to Venezuela via the Global Empowerment Mission, reporting millions of pounds of aid shipped and ongoing collections. Opposition Dialogue Kickoff: Dinorah Figuera, an opposition figure living in exile, arrived to begin reconciliation talks with the ruling party, with the agenda focused on earthquake response and restoring democratic rights. Energy Investment Push: Venezuela Energy Week 2027 has been rescheduled to Feb. 22–25, 2027 in Caracas, as organizers cite growing international investor interest in hydrocarbons and new commercial agreements. Local Culture & Learning: La Grita’s Santa Cristo de la Grita pilgrimage draws thousands, while CENDIT’s scientific “Semillero” activities bring hands-on magnetism lessons to children and adults in temporary camps in Caracas. Controversy Over Travel Spending: South Africa’s Democratic Alliance is pushing a censure motion over a Gauteng speaker’s costly Venezuela trip, alleging inflated allowances tied to a short conference.

Venezuela Earthquake Recovery: President (E) Delcy Rodríguez said 47,369 inspections have been carried out on quake-hit housing and infrastructure, with 58% of homes deemed ready to inhabit, 23% in need of Venezuela Renace work, and 19% marked red. Health in Camps: The Health Ministry kept medical brigades active in Caracas transitory camps, providing preventive care, early disease detection, and psychosocial support. Housing Rents Law: The Real Estate Chamber (CIV) backed the newly approved Law on the Special Regime for Housing Leases, arguing it restores private-property trust through contract autonomy, deposit guarantees, indexed terms, and dispute resolution. Dialogue Politics: PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello said dialogue is welcome only within the Constitution, while opposition figure Dinorah Figuera arrived from Spain to push a post-quake agenda and talks on electoral and judicial reinstitution. Connectivity Boost: Curaçao and Venezuela are set to link via a new submarine fiber-optic cable, Fenix, partnering Liberty Networks and CANTV to improve regional internet capacity. Culture & Support: A Concert for Venezuela at the Hollywood Bowl will raise funds for earthquake recovery, with artists including Beck and Natalia Lafourcade joining Gustavo Dudamel.