The Latin American Report # 611

U.S. forces deployed along the edges of Venezuela’s maritime border in the Caribbean Sea struck another vessel on yesterday—the sixth one linked to an alleged drug trafficking scheme, supposedly coordinated from inside the Miraflores presidential palace. The distinction in this case, according to CBS News, is that there were reportedly survivors, whereas in the previous five incidents a total of 27 people were said to have been killed, with no survivors.

Several outlets have previously pointed to the plausible theory that at least some of the targeted vessels departed from the Paria Peninsula, located in Venezuela’s Sucre state. Experts also argue that the core of the problem does not actually originate in Venezuela. The legal side of the issue remains unresolved. Caracas refers to these events as “extrajudicial executions.” In this context, AP once again insists on the narrative that Maduro has been seeking some sort of accommodation with Washington—a claim dismissed as fake by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

Cuba

This EFE cable reports on an emergency measure adopted by the Island in an effort to revive its tourism sector. Foreign companies managing hotel facilities will now be allowed to lease the properties and have greater autonomy to improve service. For example, they will be able to set wages independently—an old demand. The State, in turn, rubs its hands at the prospect of revenue from those rental agreements, assuming the sector actually manages to recover.

Nicaragua

In a demonstration of how political dynamics appear not to interfere with or influence economic performance in Nicaragua, this cable reports that exports rose by around 13% in the first half of the current year. Altogether, the nation co-presided over by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo—an absurdity—reached an export volume valued at approximately $3.5 billion. Among the standout economic activities are agriculture and mining.

This is all for today’s report.