AGP Executive Report

Haiti World Cup Return: Haiti’s “Grenadiers” are finally back at the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year wait, and Port-au-Prince fans say the mood has shifted from decades of Brazil-watching to homegrown pride—street games are breaking out and jerseys are selling on corners as the team prepares for Group C, including a June 19 clash with Brazil in Philadelphia. Brazil World Cup Build-Up: Brazil kept momentum with a 6-2 friendly win over Panama at the Maracanã, with Vinícius Júnior starring early and Neymar still a major presence despite sitting out as he works back from injury. Scotland Squad Shake-Up: Scotland’s World Cup plans took a hit when Billy Gilmour was ruled out with a knee injury, prompting the call-up of Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher. Caribbean Spotlight: Caribbean tourism ministers and commissioners are gathering in New York for Caribbean Week, with Haiti among the confirmed delegations. Local Sports Culture: In the diaspora, Haitian Heritage House in Trenton is helping families navigate life in the U.S. while preserving culture—part of the broader wave of World Cup-linked community energy.

Public Safety & Police Reform: Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé presided over the graduation of the 36th Haitian National Police class—1,192 new officers (238 women) from the P4000+ program—part of a push to restore state authority and expand security capacity, with officials reiterating “zero tolerance” toward armed groups. Security Flash: “Zapping Haiti” reports clashes in Carrefour Robert (Verrettes road) where three PNH officers and a civilian scout were killed during an operation against the Gran Grif gang, and a separate Delmas incident where an illegal diesel distribution sparked an explosion injuring at least five family members, including children. Economy & Living Conditions: The BRH’s monetary policy note flags a tough period: economic activity down 1.1% in the first quarter, inflation at 20.6% (March 2026), nearly 1.45 million displaced, and 5.83 million people facing food insecurity. Water & Infrastructure: DINEPA monitored the Port-au-Prince metro drinking-water network project funded by the IDB, with 5,759 of 17,654 connection units completed and a target to finish by end of August 2026. Jobs & Gender at ILO: Haiti’s social affairs and labour minister heads to Geneva for the ILO’s 114th conference, focusing on decent work, social dialogue, and gender equality. Environment & Youth: The Ministry of Environment launched the 4th Eco-Genius competition in Pétion-ville, backed by UNESCO and partners, aiming to train young people to tackle Haiti’s climate and environmental risks. World Cup Culture in the Diaspora: In Miami, Haitians celebrated the national team’s return to the World Cup after 52 years, while local fans struggle to find official jerseys—driving some designers to fill the gap.

Haiti–U.S. Security & Elections: Washington’s Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé at the National Palace, signaling full U.S. support on armed-group pressure and the push for reliable general elections. Religious Leaders’ Peace Pact: Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs closed a national conference where religious leaders adopted a joint declaration focused on violence prevention, civic education, support for vulnerable communities, and youth reintegration. Public Safety & Health Logistics: Haiti’s Armed Forces (FAd’H) took part in a UNDP-Haiti public services and employment fair, while health authorities and PAHO/WHO highlighted ongoing leprosy cases in Artibonite and the Southeast and warned about silent transmission. Gangs & Displacement Watch: “Zapping Haiti” reports continued police operations, including weapons and ammunition seized in Bel Air, alongside ongoing instability tied to gang control and displacement. Sports With Haiti in the Group: Scotland’s World Cup warm-up vs Curaçao ended 4-1, but midfielder Billy Gilmour was ruled out after a knee injury—Scotland open Group C against Haiti on June 14.

Power Crisis in Port-au-Prince: Krisla’s gang seized EDH Power Plant #2 in Carrefour, demanding at least eight hours of electricity daily—leaving the metro area even more dependent on limited private supply. Elections Security Prep: The CEP met the Electoral Security Unit with FRG, PNH, MJSP, UNDP and UNOPS to plan safe transport of ballots, protection for staff, and security for voters and candidates. Local Governance: A new municipal commission was installed in Cité Soleil, tasked with running the commune until the next elections amid violence and displacement. Women’s Safety: The government launched the first shelters for women and girls victims of gender-based violence in West, Grand’Anse, Central and Artibonite. Gangs and Children: UN child-rights chief warned that children now make up nearly half of gang members in areas controlled by armed groups, with recruitment and abuse rising sharply. Water Diplomacy: Haiti’s environment minister joined a high-level water conference in Tajikistan to push water governance, climate resilience, and support for Haiti’s hydraulic resources institute. Health Support: Nippes health authorities began supplying hospitals with medical and pharmaceutical equipment to strengthen care across municipalities. Culture Plan: Haiti’s culture ministry published an action plan through Sept. 30, 2026, including audits, restoring cultural sites, and strengthening national media.

Haiti World Cup Visa Crunch: Woodensky Pierre, Haiti’s only player based in Port-au-Prince, is still waiting on a U.S. visa to join the squad in Florida, as Trump-era travel restrictions keep slowing paperwork; he’s training in Pétion-Ville while much of the team plays abroad. Neymar Injury Shock (Group C): Brazil’s Neymar has a grade-two calf injury and is expected to miss 2–3 weeks, putting his June 13 opener vs Morocco in doubt—an early shake-up for the same group that includes Haiti and Scotland. World Cup Security & Immigration Anxiety: U.S. DHS says it won’t “round up” immigrants en masse at World Cup events, but immigration arrests and airport processing disruptions remain possible, leaving fans uneasy—especially in host cities like Boston. Haiti Displacement Update: The UN reports nearly 1.5 million displaced in Haiti, with 95,000 newly displaced since December and violence in the Port-au-Prince area driving surges, including Cité Soleil clashes. CARICOM–Italy Diplomacy: CARICOM and Italy strengthened ties by accrediting a new Italian ambassador, highlighting cooperation on energy, sustainable development, and academic partnerships.

Haiti World Cup Return: Haiti’s “Les Grenadiers” have arrived in New Jersey to set up their official training camp at Stockton University, with a new world-class field installed for the squad’s base-camp preparations ahead of their June opener. Visa Pressure on Players: One Haiti-based player, defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre, is still waiting for a U.S. visa, while the federation says the process is underway amid expanded Trump-era travel restrictions. Security and Displacement: UN reporting highlights how gang control and violence in Port-au-Prince have disrupted youth sports and training spaces, underscoring the stakes of Haiti’s return to the tournament. Scotland vs Curacao Warm-Up: Scotland hosts Curacao at Hampden Park on Saturday (BBC One Scotland, 1pm), with the match serving as a final tune-up before Scotland’s Group C opener against Haiti. Brazil’s Neymar Injury Update: Neymar is ruled out for two to three weeks with a grade-two calf strain, putting Brazil’s World Cup opener in doubt. Regional Border Security: CARICOM officials met in Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen coordinated border screening and fight cross-border crime, with Haitian travelers flagged as part of the pre-vetting flow.

Haiti in the World Cup spotlight: Haiti’s Group C opener is set for June 13 vs Scotland, with the match drawing major attention in the U.S. sports calendar—Philadelphia also has a key Haiti game on June 19 (Brazil vs Haiti). Brazil squad shock: Neymar’s World Cup plans took a hit after scans confirmed a grade-two right calf strain; Brazil says he could miss two to three weeks, putting his June 13 opener vs Morocco in doubt. Local fan plans in the U.S.: Massachusetts communities including Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Lexington and Revere have received FIFA approval for World Cup watch parties, easing last-minute uncertainty for fans. Regional diplomacy on Haiti crisis: The Dominican Republic and the UN held a political dialogue on Haiti’s crisis and its spillover effects on border management, security, human rights and stability. Culture and identity: A new album traces the history of a nearly 300-year-old Haitian Creole song (“Lisette”), linking Haiti’s musical roots to wider diaspora audiences.

Port-au-Prince Security Crisis: New gang violence in the capital has forced hundreds to flee, with families scattering near the main airport as homes burn and MSF evacuates its Cité Soleil hospital after treating dozens of gunshot victims. Press Freedom Under Threat: Two Haitian journalists—Junior Célestin and Osnel Espérance—were abducted in Port-au-Prince and are now presumed executed, according to RSF, leaving families with no confirmed information. Haiti at the World Cup: Haiti’s only squad member based in Port-au-Prince, midfielder Woodensky Pierre, is still waiting on a U.S. visa to join the team in Florida, as travel restrictions delay paperwork. Diaspora Watch Parties: In Boston, FIFA has approved licenses for six community watch parties, including Brazil vs. Haiti, giving Haitian fans a rare chance to gather around the match. Global Sports Context: Neymar’s World Cup participation remains uncertain after calf tests, while FIFA continues rolling out tournament logistics and base camps across North America.

Cité Soleil Crisis: Residents of Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil protested Tuesday, demanding police protection after weekend gang violence forced hundreds to flee; people described gunshots, killings, and burned cars, with many now sleeping in the streets. Humanitarian Response: Doctors Without Borders said it evacuated its hospital in Cite Soleil after intense clashes, treating 40+ gunshot victims and sheltering about 800 people. Haiti at the World Cup—Visa Hold-Up: Haiti’s Woodensky Pierre, the only player based in Haiti, is still awaiting a U.S. visa to join the squad in Florida, as travel restrictions continue. Diaspora Matchday Plans: Boston announced six FIFA World Cup watch parties, including Brazil vs. Haiti on June 19 at Parkman Bandstand, reflecting large Haitian and other communities. Local Pride: Massachusetts declared May 26 “Frantzdy Pierrot Day,” honoring the Haitian striker’s role in Haiti’s World Cup return and launching a foundation to connect young players with overseas academies.

Haiti’s World Cup push meets fresh travel barriers: Massachusetts honored Haitian striker Frantzdy Pierrot with “Frantzdy Pierrot Day,” but a U.S. travel ban is still blocking many fans in Haiti from attending the matches in person. World Cup schedule focus (Group C): Haiti opens against Scotland at Foxborough/Boston Stadium on June 13, with Morocco also in the group—meaning the diaspora spotlight is set to be intense even without full in-person support. Local reality check: The UN says Port-au-Prince’s capital region is seeing worsening displacement, with about 17,500 people pushed out in two weeks amid gang clashes, straining access to food, water, and medical care. A new connection for Northern Haiti: Sunrise Airways announced a direct Cap-Haïtien–Newark flight starting June 1, aiming to make travel easier for the diaspora. Sports backdrop: Scotland’s World Cup return is drawing major attention in Boston as teams finalize squads and camps across the U.S.

World Cup squads locked in: Morocco has named its final 26-man World Cup roster, keeping faith with key stars from the 2022 run while adding new faces; the Atlas Lions will be based in New Jersey and open against Brazil on June 13, then face Scotland and close group play vs Haiti in Atlanta. Haiti in the spotlight: Haiti’s World Cup campaign is still being framed by the same big question—can fans finally feel included after the long absence since 1974—while the wider tournament build-up keeps rolling in the U.S. Diaspora travel gets easier: Sunrise Airways says it will start a direct Cap-Haïtien–Newark route on June 1, cutting connections for northern Haiti travelers. Security and humanitarian pressure: A UN update says conditions in Port-au-Prince are still deteriorating as gang violence spikes. Sports beyond football: In the U.S., the Knicks are back in the NBA Finals after a sweep—adding another major crowd event to the World Cup travel crunch.

World Cup logistics lock-in: FIFA has finalized base camps for all 48 teams, spreading squads across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—Haiti included (Stockton University, Galloway, NJ). Local fan access: Philadelphia’s Lemon Hill is set for a free, registration-required FIFA Fan Festival (June 11–July 19) with road closures already underway. Haiti spotlight, but with a sting: Haiti’s return since 1974 is fueling pride, yet some Haitian fans in the U.S. say Trump-era immigration enforcement makes them afraid to travel to matches. Scotland’s momentum: FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent a message to Scotland, and Bank of Scotland unveiled a limited-edition £20 note featuring Scott McTominay’s Denmark overhead kick. Regional legal win: The CCJ ruled in favor of Derek Ramsamooj, reinforcing that CARICOM treaty rights need baseline human-rights protections.

Gang Suppression Force: Haiti’s new anti-gang deployment is moving into the spotlight again, as the country braces for what the force can actually change on the ground amid ongoing violence. World Cup Countdown: Haiti’s national team is back on the World Cup stage after 52 years, and the tournament draw has them in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland—starting June 11. IMF Watch: The IMF approved the third review of Haiti’s staff-monitored program and extended it to 2027, pointing to reforms continuing despite security and political fragility. Capital Pressure: A UN update this month put the spotlight on deadly gang fighting in and around Port-au-Prince, with hundreds killed and homes burned between March and May. Diaspora Culture: Haitian Flag Day celebrations kept culture front and center abroad, including major community events in the U.S. Sports & Media: Even far from Haiti, World Cup hype is building—Scotland’s return is being marked with a limited-edition banknote tied to qualification, while Haiti fans are still pushing for full inclusion.

Humanitarian Pressure: World Central Kitchen says it’s cutting Gaza meal deliveries to the pre–last-October ceasefire level, blaming financial strain—not falling need—while still promising “hundreds of thousands” of hot meals daily. Haiti Economy & Reform: The IMF approved Haiti’s third staff-monitored program review and extended it to June 19, 2027, citing reform progress despite insecurity and delays. Local Governance: Cap-Haïtien has a new interim municipal commission after ex-mayor Michel Saint-Croix returned to tackle sanitation, flooding, and crumbling infrastructure. World Cup Spotlight: Haiti’s Grenadiers are back in the World Cup after 52 years, with training camps in Florida and growing fan energy—while immigration crackdowns in the U.S. are raising fears for immigrant communities near venues. Global Context: A new SIPRI report warns UN peacekeeping troop levels have plunged to their lowest in decades, as funding gaps and political deadlock bite.

World Cup momentum in Haiti’s orbit: New York’s “Little Haiti” is buzzing again as officials push FIFA watch parties and neighborhood events, even as people stay wary after Trump-era deportation crackdowns dampened foot traffic. Scotland squad buzz: Rangers are closing in on Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, with a medical expected soon—timed so he can join Scotland preparations before the June 14 opener vs Haiti. Humanitarian alarm: A new study says hunger is increasingly used as a weapon of war, tallying 20,000+ incidents of food-related violence since 2018, including in Haiti. On the pitch, elsewhere: Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 with Bruno Fernandes setting a Premier League assists record, while CAF confirmed Africa’s 10 teams for the 2026 U-17 World Cup.

Haiti Violence, Human Cost: In Cul-de-Sac Plain near Port-au-Prince, 11-year-old Josué Saint-Vilus was killed by gunfire during clashes between rival gangs and police, cutting short his dream of becoming a goalkeeper and leaving his father, Phélisnord, grieving that “they took Josué’s life from me.” World Cup Hope Meets Reality: As Haiti prepares for its first World Cup since 1974, fans in the diaspora say ticket and travel costs are keeping many away, even as “Little Haiti” in Brooklyn leans into matchday energy. Food as a Weapon: New analysis says “food-related violence” is rising, with supplies and markets targeted in places including Haiti—an added layer of pressure on civilians already trapped by insecurity. Health Cooperation: Separately, PAHO and the Carter Center signed a technical deal to push back river blindness and other diseases across Hispaniola.