Bogotá, Colombia – The first global summit on “Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels” kicked off today in Santa Marta, Colombia, with 50 country delegations and dozens of civil society organizations in attendance.

Unlike other climate conferences, the six-day meeting will focus on implementing measures to end dependence on oil, coal, and gas, rather than negotiating international environmental commitments.  The summit comes at a pivotal time for global energy, with conflict in the Middle East restricting oil and gas supplies and creating economic woes for countries reliant on fossil fuels.

Because of the ongoing oil turmoil, the conference came at the “best possible moment” to shift world opinion towards renewables, said Colombia’s environment minister Irene Vélez.

Talking to the UK’s Guardian newspaper this week, the minister, who was a prime mover of the conference, said nations were “at a fork in the road” in their choices between clean power sources such as solar or wind, or continuing to back fossil fuels that created climate crises and conflict.

It promised to be a “coalition of the willing”, said the minister, providing a road map to support nations already dedicated to transitioning from fossil fuels.

The conference organizers were combative in refusing to invite nations and organizations wedded to climate change denial.    “Whatever nations have not yet taken that decision, then this is not the space for them.

We are not going to have boycotters or climate denialists at the table,” Vélez told the Guardian.

Behind the conference is the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, an alliance of nation states, technical bodies, communities and individuals “working to secure a global just transition from coal, oil and gas”.

According to the initiative, globally nations were planning to extract 120% more fossil fuels by 2030 than the “amount consistent with managing the impacts of climate change” – taking warming past the point of survival.   “The science is unequivocal.

For the last decade, oil, gas, and coal have been responsible for 86% of the CO2 pollution heating our planet, as well as causing one in five deaths worldwide from fossil fueled-air pollution.” Delegates at the inauguration of the fossil fuel conference on Friday.

Image credit: @MinAmbienteCo via X For three decades global climate negotiations had focused on managing the symptoms of the crisis — fossil fuel emissions — while ignoring its root cause: the unchecked proliferation of oil, gas, and coal extraction.

This was a theme picked up by Kevin Koenig, director of climate and energy at Amazon Watch, a California-based nonprofit supporting indigenous communities attending the conference.

The last major summit, COP 30, was held last year in Brazil and saw “fossil fuel lobbyists outnumbering country delegates” he told Latin America Reports, adding that declarations at the end of that meeting “barely mentioned fossil fuels at all”.

In Santa Marta he expected things to be different: “This is the conference that is finally going to address the elephant in the room and get to the source of the climate change problem.” Several factors were contributing to a momentum towards renewables, added Koenig, with recent data showing that cities and even whole countries have run for weeks off renewable energy as the Middle East crisis exposes the dangers of oil addiction.

“This is the moment where we are seeing both wars linked to fossil fuels politics and dependencies, but also for the first time renewables energies are not just theoretical, they are real, and decision-makers know they are scalable,” said Koenig.  This was supported by data from the Center for Energy and Clean Air, which reported that global power generation from fossil fuels fell in the first month after the U.S.- Iran conflict closed the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway for oil tankers – while energy generated by solar and wind power increased.

Another conference goal was to identify economic and legal barriers to transitioning to renewables, said Koenig.

An example was the hegemony of interconnected global norms feeding fossil fuel dependence, such as arbitration laws that punished small countries in international courts if they attempted to free themselves from big oil contracts.

This architecture kept countries dependent, he said.

“Countries transitioning get beat up in arbitration courts or penalized by credit rating agencies.

When Ecuadorians voted to keep fossil fuels in the ground, for example, their credit rating went down.” In countries like Colombia, fossil fuels were also linked to localized conflict and armed groups, explained Koenig; over 30 years Amazon Watch has supported many indigenous communities under attack for defending their territories against drilling.

“Some countries use oil extraction as a reason to open areas, saying ‘we can militarize it and it will be safer’.

In fact, oil and energy infrastructure are a magnet for armed groups, for political attacks or blackmail,” he explained.

Inga indigenous guards in Putumayo, Colombia.

Their traditional lands are under threat from oil exploration and illegal mining.

Photo: Steve Hide.

That dynamic was more visible than ever on the world stage.

“Fossil fuels are fueling dictatorships, violence, conflict and authoritarian regimes,” said Koenig.

“The Middle East crisis underscores the urgency to transition.” “Yes, abandoning fossil fuels is about climate – but also about security and democracy.” Featured image description: Delegates register at the fossil fuel conference in Santa Marta on April 24, 2026.

Featured image credit: @MinAmbienteCo via X The post Colombia renewables conference comes at critical moment for global energy appeared first on Latin America Reports.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, presidente de Brasil y aspirante a la reelección, se ha sometido este viernes en un hospital privado de São Paulo a dos intervenciones médicas programadas: la eliminación de una lesión cancerígena leve en el cuero cabelludo y una infiltración para tratar una tendinitis en el pulgar derecho.

Terminado el proceso con normalidad, seis horas después Lula ya tenía el alta y estaba de reposo en su casa paulistana.

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Un atentado fallido contra instalaciones militares ha sembrado de nuevo zozobra en Cali.

Dos cilindros de gas acondicionados con explosivos fueron lanzados al interior del batallón Pichincha, donde opera la Tercera Brigada del Ejército de Colombia, en el sur de la ciudad, aunque no detonaron.

En las inmediaciones, la explosión de un autobús hizo eco en toda la zona y desató un incendio.

La acción frustrada, de la que aún no se conocen los responsables.

El Ejército ha informado de que ya tiene el control del área y atiende la situación.

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Caracas, Venezuela — Nearly a month has passed since the 90-day limit on Delcy Rodríguez’s term as acting president of Venezuela expired.

Now, various opposition groups are calling for presidential elections amid political uncertainty in the country.  The matter of how elections should proceed — if at all — is complicated by a number of issues including disputed results in Venezuela’s 2024 elections and the United States’ capture and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.  Roberto Abdul, a political activist who helped organize primary elections for Venezuela’s opposition movement in 2023 and was detained by the government that same year, told Latin America Reports that the legitimacy of Maduro’s presidency plays a role in the current debate surrounding Rodríguez, who was Maduro’s vice president at the time of his capture.  He said that “While the [National Electoral Council] did not present the [voter] tally sheet” to prove Maduro’s victory in elections, the opposition did manage “to present nearly 83% of the tally sheets issued by the machines” showing their candidate, Edmundo González, won the elections.  Because Venezuelan vice presidents are not elected but rather appointed by the president, as a Maduro appointee, the question around the legitimacy of Rodríguez’s position within the government further muddies the waters.  “Therein lies the problem from a constitutional standpoint,” he said.  Further, Article 233 of the country’s Constitution distinguishes between the temporary and permanent absence of a president, while Article 234 outlines the procedure for governing the country in the president’s absence.  According to Article 234, in the event of a temporary absence, the vice president takes control of the government for a period of 90 days — a period which can be extended by the legislature for another 90 days.  However, if the president’s temporary absence lasts for more than 90 days, the National Assembly (Venezuela’s legislature) must decide by a majority vote whether the president’s absence should be considered permanent, which would initiate new elections within a 30-day period.  Abdul explained that the unprecedented circumstances surrounding Maduro’s absence are frustrating the very definition of his absence.  On January 3, U.S.

special forces teams assaulted Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and took them by sea and air to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

The legality of the dictator’s rendition has been questioned by international legal experts.  Maduro’s trial could take months, if not years, far exceeding the time limit for a temporary absence (maximum 180 days) afforded by Venezuela’s Constitution.

Due to this unique circumstance, there is a debate over how to apply Articles 233 and 234 to Maduro’s absence.

Furthermore, Abdul points out that, given the lack of separation of powers, the interpretations of the Supreme Court and other bodies tend to be “biased” in favor of the Chavista government, rather than strictly adhering to the spirit of Constitutional law.  Nicolás Maduro and Delcy Rodríguez at an event in 2023.

Image credit Delcy Rodríguez via X.

The National Assembly slow rolling the debate  The National Assembly, which is controlled by government loyalists, was supposed to begin debates around the expiration of Rodríguez’s first term as acting president between April 6 and 10.

The debate has yet to take place, even though her term expired on April 5.  Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly and Delcy’s brother, has made comments suggesting that the legislature’s main focus is restarting Venezuela’s economy, and not new elections.  “The most important thing right now is the economy.

It’s essential that the Venezuelan economy grows so dynamically that the population feels this entire process has been worthwhile,” the parliamentary leader told Spanish newspaper El País.

“Furthermore, we are engaged in a profound dialogue with all opposition groups that remain within the bounds of the Constitution, including those living abroad.

I couldn’t tell you exactly when, or even what the first election will be, because there’s so much to do.” Other Maduro loyalists are also pushing back on holding elections.

Diosdado Cabello, Minister of the Interior and Justice, said last week during an event, “Now they’re [the opposition] calling for elections because President Nicolás Maduro is completely absent.

Well, you were telling us that Nicolás Maduro didn’t win [elections in 2024], so how is it that now you’re demanding the complete absence of someone who didn’t win?” Even if the legislature declares Maduro’s absence permanent, Abdul argues there is much to do to ensure free and fair elections in Venezuela.  First, he said, the National Electoral Council (CNE) must appoint a new board which is the result of a bipartisan agreement.

“We must try to ensure it adheres as closely as possible to the rules to generate the greatest credibility and the highest possible levels of legitimacy,” he stated.

Another important consideration, Abdul argued, is whether to hold only presidential elections, or a wider “mega-election” that would decide National Assembly seats, governorships, and mayoral offices.

Among other challenges facing any impending elections would be facilitating voting for the 4.5 to 5 million eligible Venezuelans living abroad; technical assistance from a foreign body like the United Nations to facilitate observation; and reversing political disqualifications and reinstating political parties that were banned during Maduro’s administration.  “It is a complex process, but it is achievable; it’s not like you’re sending someone to the moon out of thin air—it’s something we’ve already gone through,” Abdul concluded.

Featured image: Venezuela’s National Assembly votes on a law to streamline administrative procedures in March 2026.

Image credit: The National Assembly of Venezuela via X.

The post Delcy Rodríguez’s term as acting president has expired.

Why haven’t new elections been called in Venezuela?

appeared first on Latin America Reports.

La detención del contraalmirante mexicano Fernando Farías Laguna en Argentina revela un nuevo obstáculo en el cauce de la justicia de la gigantesca trama de contrabando de combustible en México que se destapó en 2025.

La presidenta, Claudia Sheinbaum, ha asegurado este viernes en rueda de prensa que se están haciendo todos los esfuerzos para hacer que Farías Laguna regrese al país para poder sentarse en los tribunales.

“Se está solicitando la deportación y, en caso de que no fuera así, pues ya se establecerían las condiciones de extradición, pero estamos esperando que haya deportación dado que entró de manera ilegal a Argentina”, ha indicado la mandataria sobre el proceso, sin establecer los plazos de espera para que el contraalmirante pise suelo mexicano.

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By Felicia J.

Persaud News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri.

April 24, 2026: At a time when immigration rhetoric in the United States has reached a fever pitch, a new report from the Pew Research Center offers a powerful reminder: the story being told about immigrants – particularly Black immigrants – is often not the truth.

The data tells a very different story.

According to Pew’s latest analysis, there are now 5.6 million Black immigrants living in the United States, making up roughly one in ten Black people in the country.

That alone should shift the conversation.

Because Black immigrants are not a small or marginal group.

They are a significant and growing part of the American story.

And yet, they are rarely at the center of the national immigration debate.

Even more telling is their legal status.

Despite narratives that often conflate immigration with illegality, the Pew data shows that 79% of Black immigrants are in the United States legally, while a majority – 61% – are naturalized U.S.

citizens.

That means most Black immigrants are not only here lawfully, but they are also Americans who can vote.

Fully.

Legally.

Permanently.

And still, they are often treated as outsiders, with xenophobic talk about “eating cats and dogs,” committing crimes, or worse of all, being from “S-Hole” countries.

The data also challenges assumptions about education and contribution.

Today, 35% of Black immigrants hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, a rate that exceeds that of U.S.-born Black Americans.

Among African-born immigrants, that number is even higher, with some of the most highly educated immigrant populations in the country coming from nations like Nigeria.

These are not communities on the margins.

They are doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, educators, and caregivers.

They are part of the infrastructure of American life.

And their numbers are growing.

African-born immigrants, according to the data, are now the fastest-growing segment of the Black immigrant population, increasing fourfold since 2000.

At the same time, Caribbean immigrants remain a dominant force, making up a similarly large share of the Black immigrant population.

Together, African and Caribbean immigrants account for the overwhelming majority of Black immigrants in the United States.

That is not incidental.

It reflects a deep and ongoing relationship between the United States and the Black diaspora – one that has shaped culture, labor, politics, and identity for generations.

And yet, despite these contributions, the policy environment is moving in the opposite direction.

Immigration crackdowns are intensifying.

Temporary protection is being challenged.

Legal pathways are becoming more uncertain.

Huge bonds are being tacked on to simple visitors and business visas.

And Black immigrants – like other immigrant groups – are increasingly caught in that shift.

This disconnect between reality and rhetoric is where the real story lies.

Because the data makes one thing clear: Black immigrants are not a burden on the United States.

They are part of its growth.

Part of its workforce.

Part of its future.

And yet, the question of belonging continues to linger.

Who gets to be seen as American?

Who gets to be protected?, Who gets to stay?

These are not new questions.

But they take on new urgency in a moment where facts are often overshadowed by fear.

Because when a group that is largely legal, highly educated, and deeply embedded in the fabric of the country is still viewed through the lens of suspicion, it suggests that the issue is no longer just immigration.

It is perception.

And perhaps something deeper.

Because the data tells a story.

The question is whether America is willing to listen.

Felicia J.

Persaud is the founder and publisher of  NewsAmericasNow.com, the only daily syndicated newswire and digital platform dedicated exclusively to Caribbean Diaspora and Black immigrant news across the Americas.

RELATED: 11 Immigrants Now Dead In ICE Custody In 2026 As Questions Mount Over Care and Release Practices

By NAN TRAVEL EDITOR News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri.

April 24, 2026: The Caribbean may not have landed a spot in Tripadvisor’s global top 10 best beaches for 2026, but the Caribbean region continues to shine with some of the world’s most sought-after coastal escapes.

Here are the top 10 best Caribbean beaches for 2026 Tripadvisor has released its latest Travelers’ Choice Awards for beaches, highlighting the top-rated destinations based on traveler reviews and ratings over the past year.

While no Caribbean beach made the global top tier, several standout locations across the region secured top honors within the Caribbean category.

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 BEST CARIBBEAN BEACHES 1: Eagle Beach In Aruba Leading the list is Eagle Beach in Aruba, known for its powdery white sand, calm waters, and consistent ranking among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

It is one of Aruba’s less crowded beaches that still boasts the same soft white sands, warm waters, and spectacular sunset views that the island’s known for.

All your favorite beach day activities are on the menu, like swimming, snorkeling, and jet skiing -and amenities like bathrooms and free parking make it even more appealing.

2: Tobacco Bay Beach Tobacco Bay Beach in Bermuda grabbed the second spot.

Known among travelers as the ultimate fish-spotting haven, Tobacco Bay Beach offers calm, warm waters ringed by coral rocks – perfect for beginner snorkelers.

With shallow waters in many areas and snorkel rental available, this beach is a great place for kids too.

Don’t miss out on great views from the nearby beach bar.

3: Playa Varadero The Beach of Varadero, Cuba Playa Varadero beach in Varadero, Cuba took the third spot.

It has everything you’d expect from a picture-perfect beach: Golden sand, turquoise-blue water, and stunning sunsets.

Hop on a catamaran, go fishing, play a round of beach volleyball, walk along the shore—there’s lots to do.

Or just kick back and enjoy the beautiful, natural scenery.

4: Cas Abao Beach Three white beach chairs on the sand, blue sea in the background Cas Abao Beach in Curacao came in at fourth.

With its soft, white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning rock formations, Cas Abao Beach delivers on natural beauty.

Small waves and plenty of fish make it a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving, and if you want to hang out on the shore, you can even treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

5.: Bavaro Beach Bavaro Beach in Bavaro, Dominican Republic took the fifth spot.

It is known for soft, white sand, warm, clear waters, and shady palm trees.

The waves are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to the natural barrier reef.

But if staying shore-side is more your speed, there are also plenty of spots to relax and soak up the sun.

6: Palm Beach Aerial view of the beach Palm Beach on the island of Aruba.

Place where most of the large hotels are located.

(Photo by: VWPICS/Jimmy Villalta/UIG via Getty Images) Palm  Beach in Aruba came in at sixth.

It is known for its warm, calm water that makes swimming easy.

There’s barely a wave in sight.

You’ll spot vibrant fish if you snorkel, or you can just unwind on the sand.

Food stands and souvenir shops are close by, too.

7: Carlisle Bay Storm clouds at the horizon of Brownes Beach, on the southwest coast of Barbados.

The beach is just few minutes away from the downtown Bridgetown.

Carlisle Bay beach in Bridgetown, Barbados came in at 7th for its soft, white sand, turquoise-blue waters, and lush vegetation.

Carlisle Bay is a picture-perfect escape.

Spend the day relaxing on a sunbed or swimming or snorkeling in the calm, warm water, then treat yourself to a beachfront massage.

Bonus: there’s free Wi-Fi.

8: Seven Mile Beach Coming in at 8th in  the Top 10th ranking is Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands.

It  is known for it miles of ultra-white sand and crystal-clear water make up Seven Mile Beach.

It’s a relaxing, family-friendly spot, perfect for barefoot walks and catching beautiful sunsets.

There are endless water sports – from snorkeling to diving – plus amenities like free parking and restrooms.

9: The Baths National Park The Bath – a dreamlike beach on Virgin Gorda The Baths National Park in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands came in at number 9.

It is known for massive granite boulders on powdery sands, spilling out into the Caribbean sea.

Go snorkeling around the unique rock formations (there’s plenty of fish to see), or kick back and enjoy the stunning views.

And when you’re feeling peckish, tasty snacks await at the nearby shops.

10: Playa Porto Marie Playa Porto Marie in Sint Willibrordus, Curaçao rounded out the Top 10.

The gentle slope of this beach makes swimming easy and it’s a solid pick for snorkeling, too, with lots of marine life to spot.

On land, you can catch more wildlife from observation points – plus, lounge chairs, showers, and a bar.

The rankings reflect traveler experiences, factoring in water quality, scenery, accessibility, and overall visitor satisfaction.

Despite missing out on the global top 10 beaches, the Caribbean remains one of the world’s premier beach destinations, consistently drawing millions of visitors each year.

For Caribbean nations, the recognition underscores the region’s enduring appeal – from luxury escapes to cultural beach experiences — even as competition from destinations in Europe and Asia continues to grow.

Tourism officials across the region are expected to leverage the rankings as part of ongoing efforts to attract visitors in 2026, particularly as global travel demand continues to rebound.

For travelers, the message is clear: while the Caribbean may not top the global list this year, it remains home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches anywhere in the world.

RELATED: Canada Issues Travel Warnings For Three Caribbean Destinations

Colombian President Gustavo Petro will meet at midday on Friday in Caracas with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez, in what marks the first official meeting between a head of state and the Venezuelan leader since she took office on January 5, following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation on January 3 of this year.

By NAN Business Editor News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri, April 24, 2026: Caribbean economies are set to follow sharply different growth paths in 2026 and 2027, with oil-producing nations surging ahead while tourism-dependent economies face slower expansion, according to new data from the World Bank.

The latest Latin America and Caribbean Economic Update shows that while the Caribbean economic growth overall continues to struggle with slow growth, the Caribbean is increasingly split between high-growth and moderate-growth economies.

At the center of this divergence is Guyana, which remains the region’s fastest-growing economy, driven by its oil boom.

Growth is projected at 16.3% in 2026, rising further to 23.5% in 2027, far outpacing every other Caribbean nation.

Suriname is also emerging as a strong performer, with growth expected to reach 4.0% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027, supported by energy-related investments and future oil production expectations.

By contrast, many tourism-dependent economies are seeing more modest expansion.

The Bahamas is projected to grow at 2.2% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027, while Barbados is expected to post 2.7% growth in 2026 and 3.0% in 2027.

Jamaica, however, stands out on the downside, with the economy expected to contract by -1.0% in 2026 before recovering to 3.2% in 2027, reflecting ongoing economic pressures and recovery challenges.

Smaller economies like Grenada, Dominica and St.

Vincent and the Grenadines are expected to maintain steady but moderate growth in the 2.8%–3.1% range over the next two years.

Haiti remains one of the region’s most fragile economies, with growth projected at just 0.6% in 2026, rising to 1.9% in 2027, underscoring continued structural challenges.

Overall, the World Bank warns that despite pockets of strong performance, the Caribbean’s outlook reflects a broader pattern across Latin America and the Caribbean, where growth remains constrained by limited investment, global uncertainty, and structural weaknesses.

“Stagnation in economic growth and persistent difficulties in creating high-quality jobs have moved industrial policy back to the radar of the policy debate,” the Bank noted.

As global conditions remain uncertain, the report emphasizes that long-term growth across the Caribbean will depend on stronger institutions, improved investment climates, and the ability to attract capital into productive sectors.

Invest Caribbean CEO, Felicia J.

Persaud, noted that “for investors, the takeaway is clear: growth is not uniform – and capital must be deployed strategically.” Understanding where growth is accelerating – and where it is constrained – will be critical for deploying capital effectively across the Caribbean in 2026 and beyond.Assess your project’s funding readiness now.

RELATED: U.S., China Tensions Rise Over Bahamas Hospital Project

By NAN Business Editor News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri.

April 24, 2026: The upcoming AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026) is being positioned as a key platform to deepen trade and investment ties between Africa and the Caribbean – but a persistent challenge remains: project readiness.

Afreximbank has signed a hosting agreement with the Government of St.

Kitts and Nevis for the fifth edition of the forum, scheduled for July 29–31, 2026 in Basseterre.

The event is expected to bring together governments, investors, development finance institutions, and private sector leaders from across both regions.

ACTIF has emerged as a leading platform for mobilizing capital and advancing Africa–Caribbean economic cooperation.

The 2025 edition resulted in five Caribbean deals totaling approximately US$291 million, while Afreximbank has approved more than US$700 million in financing across CARICOM markets in recent years.

The 2026 forum is expected to focus on identifying priority projects and accelerating execution across sectors including infrastructure, tourism, energy, and trade.

But while opportunity is expanding, access to capital is not automatic.

Across the Caribbean, many projects continue to face challenges in securing financing – not due to lack of investor interest, but due to gaps in structure, financial clarity, and overall investment readiness.

Invest Caribbean CEO Felicia J.

Persaud noted that “the challenge is not just access to capital – it is qualification.” Many otherwise promising projects fail to secure funding due to gaps in financial clarity, collateral structures, and execution planning, she added.

Still others struggle to understand the differences between debt and equity financing, or the stages of capital – from pre-seed to Series A – often approaching investors without the level of structure or documentation required to support multi-million-dollar raises.

To put that into perspective, institutional lenders like Afreximbank require far more than an idea or concept.

Financing consideration typically depends on a fully developed project package – including feasibility studies, ownership and governance structures, land title and regulatory approvals, detailed financial models, and clearly defined debt and equity frameworks.

Projects must also demonstrate market demand, operational readiness, environmental compliance, and realistic revenue projections backed by data.

As global institutions like Afreximbank expand their footprint in the region, the demand for bankable, well-structured projects is increasing – but the supply of investment-ready opportunities remains limited.

Without that alignment, opportunities risk remaining announcements rather than funded deals, Persaud said.

ACTIF2026 is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Africa–Caribbean partnerships and advancing the concept of “Global Africa,” but translating interest into actual investment will depend heavily on the quality and readiness of projects presented.

Assess your project’s funding readiness through Invest Caribbean and AI Capital Exchange RELATED: US Travel Warning Issued For Trinidad and Tobago

Manuel Roberto y Fernando Farías Laguna eran militares de alto rango en la Marina.

Aunque eran hermanos, dentro de la Armada se referían a ellos como Los Primos.

Quizá por ser sobrinos políticos de Rafael Ojeda Durán, que fue secretario de la Marina en el Gobierno de Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Su relación con el poderoso funcionario le dio un gran impulso a su carrera.

Pese a su juventud, Manuel Roberto llegó a vicealmirante y Fernando, a contralmirante.

Detrás de la reputación intachable de la Marina, los Farías Laguna llevaban una doble vida como criminales.

La Fiscalía mexicana les acusa de comandar una gigantesca red contrabando de combustible a través de los puertos que debían custodiar, en la que quizás ha sido la mayor trama de corrupción del sexenio de López Obrador.

Tras meses dado a la fuga, el contralmirante Fernando Farías Laguna fue capturado este jueves en Argentina para ser extraditado a México.

Su hermano el vicealmirante Manuel Roberto lleva meses en prisión.

Ambos están acusados de delincuencia organizada y blanqueo de activos.

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La supuesta trama de fraude desplegada por Metaxchange Capital ha dejado tras de sí más de un millar de clientes afectados, unos 2.000 millones de pesos en depósitos y más de un centenar de denuncias.

El caso cobró relevancia a fines de febrero pasado cuando la actriz y cantante Sandra Echeverría denunció en sus redes sociales el quebranto económico que sufrió a manos de la empresa.

Tras meses del rastreo de cuentas y análisis de testimonios y pruebas, la directora de la firma, Nazaret Rodríguez, fue detenida la semana pasada en un exclusivo barrio de Ciudad de México y este jueves ha sido vinculada a proceso.

“Todos los discursos que la señora ha sustentado sobre su inocencia y sobre tratar de culpar a gente que fue inversionista son completamente falsos”, indicó la intérprete después de acudir a la segunda audiencia sobre el caso en Ciudad de México.

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Two commercial aircraft collided on the ground at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport on Wednesday evening in an incident that left no injuries but forced the rescheduling of both affected flights.

The collision occurred at around 8:00 p.m.

local time, when a LATAM Airlines Airbus A321 struck a stationary Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 737 that was holding on the apron awaiting clearance for take-off.

Medellín, Colombia – Argentine President Javier Milei banned some 60 journalists from the country’s Presidential Palace today.

The formerly accredited reporters had their fingerprint access withdrawn from the building’s security system today, with Milei citing claims of espionage and Russian funding.  This is the latest in a pattern of repression of press freedom during Milei’s presidency, with rights groups denouncing increased harassment against members of the media.  According to local media, the journalists who once reported from the government headquarters daily were told that they would not be permitted entry to la Casa Rosada on Thursday morning.  Milei attacked journalists on his X account, calling them “corrupt, bribed” and accusing them of “breaking security laws”.  The president and his followers have since circulated the slogan #NOSALP via X, meaning “No odiamos lo suficiente a los periodistas” (“We do not hate journalists enough”).  Milei justified the ban by citing a recent criminal complaint by the Casa Militar, the presidential security unit, against journalists from Todo Noticias (TN), a local news station.  Two TN journalists were accused of espionage after pictures from the interior of la Casa Rosada were broadcast on the news channel, something the Casa Militar claims could expose political or military secrets.  Javier Lanari, a member of Milei’s communications team, similarly claimed via X that today’s ban was a “precautionary measure following allegations of illegal espionage made by the Casa Militar.” No further details explaining the move were given and no official statement has been released.  This latest blanket ban also follows the prohibition earlier this month of journalists from various Argentinian outlets who were reported to have been involved in an alleged Russian disinformation campaign in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.  In the wake of Milei’s decision, members of Congress from across the political spectrum denounced the move, presenting a draft resolution calling for the immediate reopening of la Casa Rosada to the media.  Marcela Pagano – a lawmaker and former member of Milei’s party La Libertad Avanza – also filed a criminal complaint against the libertarian president later in the day, comparing the exceptional decision to the repression of the country’s military dictatorship.  “Restricting journalists’ freedom of expression is the first step towards silencing any dissenting voice, a situation we in Argentina have experienced during our country’s darkest hours,” she said via X.  Her criminal complaint accuses Milei, Lanari, and Sebastián Ignacio Ibáñez (head of the Casa Militar) of supporting a decision that constitutes “continuous and irreversible damage” to the “republican system, to freedom of the press, to the right to public information and to the professional practice of journalism.” Featured image credit: AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko.

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By Nyan Reynolds News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs.

April 23, 2026: In a move that signals a significant shift in federal drug policy, on Thursday, the administration of Donald Trump has delivered on marijuana rescheduling, reclassifiying medical marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III drug.

This decision, formalized under the direction of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, does not legalize marijuana at the federal level.

However, it marks a pivotal transition in how the government perceives its risk, utility, and place within the broader healthcare and legal framework of the United States.

At face value, this policy shift appears administrative, even overdue.

But beneath the surface lies a far more complex and uncomfortable question.

What does this reclassification mean for the thousands of individuals, disproportionately Black, Brown, and Caribbean, who were incarcerated, deported, or otherwise destabilized under the very laws that are now being softened?

This is not an argument for or against marijuana use.

It is an examination of policy evolution, historical consequences, and strategic accountability.

The War On Drugs: Policy Without Perspective To understand the significance of this moment, one must revisit the architecture of the War on Drugs.

For decades, marijuana was categorized alongside substances considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

This classification justified aggressive enforcement policies that reached their peak during the 1990s.

The passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 under Bill Clinton, commonly associated with the three strikes provision, intensified penalties for repeat offenders.

While not exclusively about marijuana, its enforcement disproportionately impacted individuals whose offenses included nonviolent drug related charges.

The result was not merely incarceration.

It was systemic disruption.

Families were fractured.

Economic mobility was halted.

Entire communities, particularly Black and Caribbean communities, found themselves entangled in a justice system that treated possession as a gateway to long term punishment rather than rehabilitation or medical consideration.

In many Caribbean cultures, marijuana was not introduced as a recreational vice, but as a traditional remedy.

It was used for stress, pain, and spiritual grounding.

For immigrants who carried these cultural norms into the United States, the clash between cultural practice and legal restriction became a high stakes risk, one that many paid for with their freedom or their residency.

Cultural Context Vs.

Legal Reality In cities like New York, where Caribbean populations are deeply rooted, marijuana use existed in a complex space.

It was normalized within households, often framed as medicinal or therapeutic, yet criminalized within the broader legal system.

This disconnect created a silent tension.

Individuals who viewed marijuana as a tool for managing anxiety, chronic pain, or emotional distress found themselves labeled as offenders.

The law did not differentiate between cultural context and criminal intent.

It operated with rigidity, and in doing so, it erased nuance.

The consequences extended beyond incarceration.

For non-citizens, a marijuana related conviction could trigger deportation proceedings.

Families who had built lives in the United States were suddenly uprooted, not because of violent behavior, but because of a substance that is now, in 2026, recognized as having medical value.

The Strategic Shift: From Schedule I To Schedule III The reclassification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug represents a fundamental change in federal posture.

Schedule III substances are defined as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, and importantly, recognized medical use.

This shift aligns federal policy, at least partially, with the direction many states have already taken.

Dozens of states have legalized medical marijuana, and several have gone further to permit recreational use.

From a strategic standpoint, this alignment reduces friction between state and federal systems.

It also opens the door for expanded research, which has long been hindered by marijuana’s previous classification.

According to statements surrounding the decision, the intent is to facilitate scientific inquiry into the safety and efficacy of marijuana.

This is a critical development.

For decades, policymakers cited a lack of research as justification for prohibition, while simultaneously restricting the very research that could provide clarity.

Now, that barrier is being lowered.

The Human Cost Of Policy Evolution Policy shifts are often measured in legislative language and institutional outcomes.

But they must also be measured in human impact.

What happens when a substance once deemed dangerous and illegal is later acknowledged as medically beneficial?

The answer is not simple, but it is necessary.

There are individuals who served years in prison for offenses that, under today’s framework, might not result in incarceration at all.

There are families who endured separation, financial hardship, and emotional trauma as a direct result of policies that are now being reconsidered.

This raises a difficult but unavoidable question.

Were these individuals casualties of a flawed system, or were they, in some sense, contributors to a broader societal shift?

The term martyr may feel heavy, but it captures the tension.

These individuals did not set out to change policy.

Yet their experiences, their cases, and the cumulative weight of enforcement outcomes have shaped the national conversation around marijuana.

Public Perception And The Role Of Influence Cultural narratives have also played a role in this shift.

In a recent reflection, Rosie Perez shared a story about a moment with Tupac Shakur in the 1990s, where they smoked marijuana privately at a time when such behavior was heavily stigmatized, especially for public figures.

This anecdote is not isolated.

It represents a broader pattern of hidden use among individuals who feared legal and reputational consequences.

Over time, as more voices emerged, both public and private, the perception of marijuana began to shift.

It moved from being seen solely as a recreational drug to being recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits.

This evolution in perception has influenced policy, but it has also highlighted the disparity between those who could engage in such behavior discreetly and those who faced immediate legal consequences.

Policy Lag And Its Strategic Implications One of the most critical lessons in this transition is the concept of policy lag, the delay between emerging societal realities and the laws that govern them.

For years, states began to recognize the medical benefits of marijuana, implementing their own legalization frameworks.

Meanwhile, federal policy remained static, creating a fragmented system where legality depended on geography.

This lag had strategic implications.

It undermined trust in institutions, created enforcement inconsistencies, and placed individuals in precarious legal positions.

Now, with reclassification, the federal government is beginning to close that gap.

But the question remains.

How does it reconcile the consequences of that delay?

Beyond Reclassification: What Comes Next?

Reclassification is not resolution.

It is a step.

From a leadership and policy perspective, this moment demands a broader conversation about restorative justice.

If the system acknowledges that its previous stance may have been overly punitive or misaligned with emerging evidence, then there must be consideration for those who were impacted.

This could take many forms.

Expungement of past convictionsReview of sentencing for nonviolent drug offensesSupport for communities disproportionately affected by enforcementPathways for those previously incarcerated to participate in the legal cannabis industry These are not acts of leniency.

They are strategic decisions that address long term system integrity.

A Balanced Lens: Law, Accountability, And Evolution It is important to maintain balance in this discussion.

At the time these laws were enforced, marijuana was illegal.

Individuals who violated those laws did so within a known legal framework.

Accountability, in that sense, cannot be dismissed.

However, leadership requires the ability to reassess decisions in light of new information.

It requires acknowledging when policies, though legal, may have produced unintended or disproportionate consequences.

The reclassification of marijuana is an example of that reassessment.

It reflects a shift not only in scientific understanding, but in societal values and priorities.

As the United States moves forward with a more nuanced approach to marijuana policy, it must resist the temptation to focus solely on present outcomes.

Progress without memory is incomplete.

The communities that bore the weight of past policies, Black, Brown, and Caribbean communities, must be part of the conversation moving forward.

Their experiences are not peripheral.

They are central to understanding the full impact of the War on Drugs.

This moment is not just about reclassification.

It is about recognition.

Recognition that policies evolve.

Recognition that systems can be imperfect.

And recognition that leadership, at its highest level, is not just about making new decisions, but about understanding the cost of old ones.

In that understanding lies the opportunity to build something more just, more informed, and more aligned with the realities of the people those policies are meant to serve.Top of Form EDITOR’S NOTE: Nyan Reynolds is a U.S.

Army veteran and published author whose novels and cultural works draw from his Jamaican heritage, military service, and life experiences.

His writing blends storytelling, resilience, and heritage to inspire readers.   RELATED: The Healing Rhythm: How Reggae Transcends Struggle And Tells Jamaica’s Story Bottom of Form

On Monday, El Salvador’s Attorney General announced the beginning of a mass trial of 486 alleged members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, who are accused of more than 47,000 crimes committed between 2012 and 2022.

Among the defendants, 413 are already detained in different penitentiary centers, while 73 have arrest warrants issued against them.  The Attorney General said that 22 historical kingpins of the Ranfla, MS-13’s top leadership structure, will be prosecuted in the trial, along with 212 other Ranfla members and 152 program coordinators.

Charges include aggravated homicide, disappearance of persons, extortion, arms trafficking, and femicide.MS-13 was founded in Los Angeles as a street gang in the 1980s by Salvadoran refugees who fled the civil war.

It spread to Central America when many of its members were deported to their home countries during the 1990s and has been designated as a terrorist organization both by El Salvador and the U.S.

The trial takes place amid El Salvador’s state of emergency, which President Nayib Bukele declared in March 2022 under Article 29 of the country’s Constitution.

Under the emergency act, security forces have broader powers to arrest and detain suspects, while certain constitutional protections have been suspended.   Once among the most violent countries in the world, El Salvador has managed to reduce its murder rate to 1.3 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in the whole continent.  More than 91,000 suspected gang members have been arrested since the implementation of the state of emergency, according to the government.

These measures have drawn criticism from several human rights organizations, which accuse Bukele’s government of rights violations and abuses.In a statement published on April 21, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expressed concerns that the prolonged state of emergency “suspends the rights to a legal defense and to the inviolability of communications, and also extends administrative detention timelines.”In a report published last March, Salvadoran rights group Cristosal said that critics of the government, including journalists, activists, and opposition figures, have faced increasing criminalization since 2021.

Despite the critics, the latest data published by CID Gallup show that Nayib Bukele has reached a 94% approval rating, the highest level since he came into power in 2019.

Featured image description: MS-13 gang members sat through a mass trial on April 20.

Featured image credit: El Salvador Attorney General’s Office.

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Bogotá, Colombia – Mexican authorities have said they will tighten security around tourist sites following a shooting on Monday that killed a Canadian tourist and injured twelve others.

The attack at the Teotihuacan pyramids by a lone gunman has renewed concerns about fan safety ahead of the 2026 World Cup Games, which will be co-hosted by Mexico.  But Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to re-assure visitors, maintaining that mass shootings are rare in the country and describing the incident as a one-off.

“Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again,” said Sheinbaum on Tuesday morning.

Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch added that state security forces had been ordered to “immediately strengthen security” at tourist destinations across the country.   The Teotihuacan pyramids are a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological complexes.

But Sheinbaum was also careful to stress that attacks like the one on Monday are incredibly rare in Mexico: “Clearly, we all know — Mexicans know — that this is something that had not previously taken place.” Claudia Sheinbaum pictured in 2020.

Credit: Maritza Ríos / Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México Unlike in the United States, guns are difficult to obtain legally in Mexico and mass shootings targeting members of the public are uncommon.

While Mexico has grappled for years with high homicide rates, shootings tend to happen in specific areas marked by cartel violence and rarely affect tourists.

Ideological motivations Rather than a sign of broader security struggles, authorities maintain that Monday’s shooting was perpetrated by a ‘lone wolf’ actor driven by extremist views.

Sergio Ortiz Borbolla, head of campaigns and communications at the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, maintained that Julio César Jasso Ramírez, 27, was a Nazi sympathizer inspired by other mass shootings.  “Although the investigation is still ongoing, several factors point to an ideological motive,” said Ortiz.

He noted that Monday’s shooting happened on Adolf Hitler’s birthday and the anniversary of the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in the U.S., which killed 14.  The perpetrator’s social media included posts where he performed a Nazi salute and a framed AI-generated photo of him side-by-side with the Columbine shooters was found at the scene of the attack, according to authorities.  “The incident… highlights the growing influence of extremist online communities on acts of violence, a trend that transcends national borders,” noted Ortiz.  Mexican Attorney-General Cervantes also described “a psychopathic profile of the attacker, characterized by a tendency to imitate situations that occurred in other places, at other times, and involving other individuals – this tendency can be referred to as copycat behaviour”.

Countdown to the games Monday’s shooting is the latest headache for the Mexican government ahead of this summer’s soccer competition.  A wave of cartel violence in February, including in World Cup host city Guadalajara, sparked concerns about the threat posed by organized crime in the country.  But the government has been engaged in a push to assure visitors that the country is safe, announcing plans to mobilize 100,000 security forces this summer.

It also said it will deploy an additional 2,100 military vehicles, 24 aircraft, and 33 drones.

But, as Ortiz noted, the type of violence seen in Mexico this week is “not common.”  “There is no indication that this type of attack poses a widespread risk to tourists,” he concluded.

Featured image description: The Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan – one of the largest in Mesoamerica, México.

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Brazilian group BTG Pactual, Latin America's largest investment bank, is awaiting authorisation from Uruguay's Central Bank (BCU) to begin operating in the local financial market following its $175 million acquisition of HSBC Uruguay, agreed in July 2025.

Group executives expect regulatory approval to come through by mid-year, allowing them to begin operations gradually in the second half of 2026.

Piero Corvetto resigned as head of Peru's National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) on Tuesday, ten days after the April 12 first-round presidential vote, amid judicial investigations and an institutional credibility crisis deepened by the logistical failures recorded during the election.

The National Justice Board (JNJ) accepted the resignation unanimously.

A week after remarks by Argentine Rear Admiral Hernán Montero on the eastern mouth of the Strait of Magellan went viral, the Chilean government has consolidated a unified stance in defense of its sovereignty, while internal debate has shifted toward the executive's handling of the communications response.