AGP Executive Report

Energy & Rationing: Venezuela’s National Executive and the Chamber of Shopping Centers (CAVECECO) agreed to extend an eight-week energy savings plan as El Niño pressure grows, with Caracas added to rationing schedules in two daily blocks while authorities aim to stabilize the SEN by October. Community Politics: PSUV chief Diosdado Cabello says renewal of Community Council spokespersons is moving “very well,” with weekly election fairs and a push for broader participation, including condominium boards, ahead of October’s Popular Consultation. Earthquake Recovery Housing: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez delivered 48 new apartments in Caracas for 177 people affected by the June 24 earthquakes, using seismic-resistant construction under the Venezuela Rises plan. Food Access: MERCAL and PDVAL plan weekly distribution of 26,273 tons of food through 416 establishments, positioning community spaces as places to meet as well as shop. Local Development & Agriculture: The Scientific-Peasant Alliance reports technical support and training for 11 agricultural producers and 40 workers in Sucre communities to boost self-sustainable production. International Humanitarian Coordination: Venezuela’s foreign ministry says it met with the ICRC, IFRC, and NGO forums to expand cooperation for long-term recovery after the June earthquakes. Sports/Local Culture: UCV FC announced Daniel Sasso will not continue as coach after the Clausura’s fourth day.

Earthquake Recovery & Community Life: Venezuela is pushing culture as relief continues after the June 24 quakes, with the Children’s and Youth Orchestra System performing in the César Rengifo transitional camp in Caracas and the “Route of Hope” bringing music and recreation to 107 temporary sites. Economic Outlook: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela has logged 21 straight quarters of growth, with UNDP projecting about 6.5% GDP expansion in 2026 despite earthquake damage. Local Democracy: Rodríguez also announced the National Popular Consultation will be held Oct. 11, after it was suspended due to the seismic emergency, with funds routed to community-decided projects. Culture & Youth Mobilization: The government is preparing to attempt a Guinness Record for the biggest marching band, aiming to assemble more than 18,000 young people on Nov. 29. International Humanitarian Links: Cisneros’ Teleton Venevision 2026 “United for Venezuela” is set for Oct. 17 to raise funds for earthquake recovery, in partnership with United Way Venezuela. Energy & Sanctions: ONGC received a U.S. OFAC license to resume full Venezuela operations, potentially expanding production and even operatorship roles.

Earthquake Aftermath in Venezuela: Venezuelan churches are stepping in to make sure quake survivors aren’t forgotten, warning many families still live in tents or with relatives after the June 24 disasters. Local Housing & Infrastructure: The Bolivarian government is pushing waterproofing work in Caricuao under the Venezuela Renace plan, aiming to protect buildings and residents. Caracas School Repairs: BRICOMILES and public works crews are rehabilitating six schools in Caracas and Miranda ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, with structural fixes and ongoing community support. Food Access Push: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says markets nationwide are expanding, including reactivating Mercal Aquiles Nazoa in Caracas, with discounts claimed up to 70% below private networks. Culture & Community: UCV and Villa del Cine signed an agreement to develop film and audiovisual training through internships, joint workshops, and student placements. Religious Message: Maduro sent a peace and coexistence message to Catholics for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, calling for harmony and a “reborn” Venezuela. Political Prisoners: Venezuela’s courts granted alternative detention measures to 131 people as part of a reconciliation push tied to talks with the opposition. Caribbean Disaster Tech: UAE-backed space tech is highlighted as a tool for faster disaster response worldwide, including satellite-based damage assessment.

Judicial & Rights Update: Venezuela’s Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence says courts granted alternative detention measures to 131 people, as part of a push for reconciliation after the Jan. 3 U.S. bombing that followed the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro. Local Recovery in Caracas & Miranda: The Bolivarian government reports rehabilitation work is advancing in six schools across Caracas and Miranda, with structural repairs and classroom conditioning aimed at reopening for the 2026-2027 school year. Community Planning: President Delcy Rodríguez announced a National Popular Consultation for Oct. 11, bringing community councils, communes, and condominium boards together to set priority local projects for funding. Energy & Industry: India’s ONGC says it has received an OFAC license to resume full Venezuela operations, potentially expanding production and taking on more roles in projects with PDVSA. Culture & Heritage: Venezuela marks the 20th anniversary of the Center for Cultural Diversity, created under Chávez to strengthen heritage networks and include traditional cultures nationwide. Regional Context: A report comparing disaster response says Venezuela’s June quakes saw civilians lead rescue amid confusion and equipment gaps, while Colombia’s Aug. 10 quake response drew faster official coordination.

Tax Overhaul in Venezuela: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced measures to simplify tax procedures, including ending the requirement to submit the tax bill and moving toward digital links between SENIAT and SAREN to cut paperwork for citizens and merchants. Caracas Housing Recovery: Rodríguez also delivered financial credits to 157 condominium groups in Caracas for repairs to 68 buildings and 585 homes damaged in the June 24 earthquakes, plus 77 home deliveries for families who returned from temporary housing. Venezuela–Trinidad Energy Boost: Trinidad and Tobago sees new opportunities as Venezuela advances Loran Phase 2 and cross-border gas cooperation, with XRG taking a stake in Venezuela’s offshore Loran gas licence alongside bp and UCC. International Condolences: Venezuela’s foreign minister expressed condolences to Indonesia after a 7.7 earthquake killed at least 47 people in Flores, urging recovery for the injured and families of victims. Diplomatic Rapprochement: Venezuela and Israel agreed to a mechanism to resume consular services after a 17-year hiatus, signaling a wider regional shift in ties.

Venezuela–Israel Rapprochement: Venezuela and Israel agreed to restart consular services after a 17-year diplomatic freeze, with officials framing it as a limited but meaningful step toward broader coordination. Judicial Reform Talks: Venezuela’s government and opposition representatives said they reached early agreements on judicial overhaul and on recovering Venezuelan gold held abroad, alongside measures tied to the Amnesty Law. Earthquake Solidarity: Venezuela’s foreign minister sent condolences to Indonesia after a 7.7 quake off Flores killed at least 47, while noting damage and urging recovery for the injured. Disaster Response Contrast: A Reuters report comparing Venezuela and Colombia’s recent quakes highlights how civilians and volunteers helped in Venezuela, while Colombia’s response reportedly mobilized multiple official bodies faster in the first critical days. Humanitarian Fundraising: Venezuelan-linked community and sports initiatives continue pushing aid efforts, including a sweepstakes tied to humanitarian support.

Political Prison Releases: Venezuela’s interim authorities announced the release of 131 political prisoners under the Amnesty Law framework, with the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence coordinating legal review; opposition Vente Venezuela says it verified 43 releases so far, while rights groups continue checking individual cases. Diplomatic/Asset Talks: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said new agreements target recovering sovereign assets abroad, including Venezuelan gold held in England, to fund reconstruction after the country’s double earthquake. Energy Deal: Venezuela granted an offshore natural gas concession for the Loran field’s second phase to a consortium including BP, XRG, and Qatar’s UCC, with PDVSA not listed as a stakeholder. Earthquake Aftermath (Venezuela): Psychologists and volunteers are addressing trauma among survivors of June’s quakes in La Guaira, focusing on children’s anxiety and grief. US Policy Shift (Cuba): The Trump administration is reportedly moving away from military options toward tighter sanctions and economic pressure. Regional Solidarity: Tampa-based groups organized aid shipments to Colombia after the devastating quake.

Energy & Investment: XRG says it’s expanding its global gas push by entering Venezuela’s offshore Loran-Manatee licence, aiming to connect Venezuelan gas to established infrastructure and regional LNG routes. Culture & Community: Caracas’ Museum of Contemporary Art Armando Reverón (MACCAR) is offering free “Maccarcionales 2026” workshops for kids and teens, from creative recycling and painting to puppetry and traditional dance. Disaster Relief (Regional): A Miami-based Cultural Awareness Fund launched an equipment-focused Colombia earthquake relief drive, prioritizing tools to cut and remove concrete and reach people trapped under rubble. Diplomacy & History: Venezuela and Cuban diplomats marked Fidel Castro’s 100th anniversary at Caracas’ National Pantheon, with officials stressing solidarity and shared revolutionary legacy. Sports & Tourism (Regional): Latin music stars Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Feid and others will headline a Miami benefit concert to support earthquake victims in Venezuela and Colombia.

Venezuela–Israel Diplomacy: Venezuela and Israel restored consular ties after 17 years, with officials marking the renewed channel for humanitarian and diplomatic cooperation. Fidel at 100: Caracas hosted a ceremony at the National Pantheon honoring Fidel Castro’s centenary, with Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez and Cuban diplomats laying a floral tribute. Energy & Investment: XRG secured an interest in Venezuela’s offshore Loran gas licence, positioning the project to connect Venezuelan gas to established infrastructure and LNG routes. Caracas Culture for Youth: MACCAR’s “Maccarcionales 2026” offers free creative workshops for children and teens, running Aug. 12–29. Regional Disaster Relief Link: A Miami benefit concert, “Unidos por Los Nuestros,” will raise funds for earthquake-hit communities in both Venezuela and Colombia, including rebuilding homes and mental health support. Climate Preparedness: Venezuela’s government pushed community-based early warning and climate monitoring training amid El Niño impacts.

Earthquake Reality Check: A new report says South America’s recent quakes may feel “more frequent,” but experts warn there’s no proof of an abnormal regional surge—while Colombia’s 7.4 disaster keeps worsening, with the death toll reported at 281 and hundreds missing. Colombia Rescue Pressure: In Cali and other hard-hit cities, rescuers are still listening for signs of life as the critical early survival window narrows, with hospitals and services overwhelmed. Venezuela Recovery & Community Life: In the wake of June’s twin earthquakes, Caracas is rebuilding evacuated buildings in Ciudad Caribia, while La Guaira’s Nevado Mission opened a new animal-care headquarters and the National Theater Company held a cultural day for families in transitional camps. Local Governance & Prevention: Aragua launched Holiday Sports Camps 2026, Yaracuy cleared power lines under Plan Pica y Poda, and UASD rolled out a prevention protocol for possible natural phenomena. Hydrocarbons & Gas Push: Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela is advancing gas production at the Lorán field, aiming to become a gas-exporting country.

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.