AGP Executive Report

Telecom Expansion: Vietnam’s Viettel approved a $560M investment to enter the Dominican mobile market via Viettel Dominicana, aiming to become the fourth operator against Claro, Altice, and Viva. Public Safety & Justice: The U.S. Embassy and DNCD completed specialized training to help Dominican authorities dismantle clandestine drug labs, targeting synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Legal Reform: Senator Antonio Taveras introduced a bill to modify the Penal Code’s defamation rules, removing prison terms and limiting sanctions that could restrict media operations. Energy Push: Energy Minister Joel Santos says the DR is set for its largest energy expansion in decades, with firm capacity expected to rise over 50% by 2028 and renewables already at about 2,000 MW. Regional Leadership: The DR assumed the First Vice-Presidency of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, boosting its role in port sustainability and logistics modernization. Sports Infrastructure: MIVHED reports nine sports facilities delivered ahead of Santo Domingo 2026. Agriculture Policy: The Senate approved in first reading the creation of a Dominican Institute of Cassava to support production, processing, and exports. Health & Business: VVT Med entered the DR through Antilles Medical as exclusive distributor for ScleroSafe.

Energy Push: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos says the Dominican Republic is set for its biggest energy expansion in decades, with generation capacity rising more than 50% by 2028 as renewables, natural gas and storage scale up to meet surging demand. Sports Infrastructure: MIVHED reports nine sports facilities already delivered for Santo Domingo 2026, including pavilions and stadiums at Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Ports & Regional Role: The DR was elected First Vice President of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, boosting its influence on port sustainability, tech and logistics. Environment & Oceans: The Environment Ministry marked World Oceans Day with a coastal cleanup and marine conservation panel, highlighting protected areas and species programs. National Identity Upgrade: The new Dominican ID and voter card won “Best Identity Document 2026” for security and tech features. Health & Biosecurity: Texas confirmed New World screwworm, with the DR listed among endemic countries, raising vigilance for livestock and pets. Crime & Justice: U.S. authorities say two Dominican nationals were convicted in a counterfeit pharmaceutical fentanyl scheme that killed a victim. Culture & Tourism: Casa de Campo wrapped its first Fashion Week, positioning the resort as a new Caribbean fashion hub.

Border Security: President Luis Abinader unveiled a “Strong Border” plan to defend the DR against armed gangs in Haiti, adding 1,500 soldiers to the frontier and expanding the smart perimeter fence, drones, and real-time monitoring, alongside binational market upgrades and new vocational training. Regional Diplomacy: The DR chaired an extraordinary SICA foreign ministers meeting and will hand over the Pro Tempore Presidency to Belize at month’s end. Public Spending Debate: The 2026 budget sets aside RD$193.6 million for Parlacen participation, drawing criticism over whether the regional body delivers value. Cyber & AI Risks: A state AI workshop for journalists highlighted rising cyberattack threats as digital services expand, urging stronger protocols and investment. Health Innovation: Cedimat in Santo Domingo performed the first Allegra “Valve-in-Valve” aortic implant in Central America and the Caribbean. Tourism & Travel Costs: Travelers are noticing more “access fees” as overtourism drives new entry charges, including in the Dominican Republic. Aviation Safety: Dominican pilot leaders say the DR must keep control of the investigation into a fatal US-registered Gulfstream crash at La Romana. Governance & Rights: UNDP praised the DR as a regional model for democratic strengthening and poverty reduction. Local Protests: Tireo community leaders protested at the Presidential Palace over unfulfilled 2022 promises.

Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Dominican Republic is pushing growth through more air seats and hotel capacity, citing a boost of 100,000+ airline seats from Canada and noting occupancy still runs around 95%–98%, with about 30,000 new rooms needed (16,000 under construction). Disaster Risk Protection: The government, via Supérate and UNDP, launched parametric insurance for 3,030 vulnerable families in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to speed payouts after heavy rains and hurricanes. Digital Skills Boost: DR’s Vocational Schools of the Armed Forces and National Police won top honors at the Latam Digital Awards 2026 in Bogotá, including first place in Edutech. Public Health at Airports: The Civil Aviation Board approved new mandatory health surveillance rules to prevent Ebola entry, including denying boarding to confirmed/probable/suspected cases and exposed travelers. Social Programs: UNICEF reports 2,200+ DR families reduced physical punishment through positive parenting guidance. Bilateral Business: Israel’s embassy relaunched the Dominican-Israeli Chamber of Commerce to expand investment and partnerships. Aviation Tragedy: A U.S.-registered private jet crashed near La Romana during an emergency landing attempt while en route to pick up MLB star Yadier Molina; two pilots died.

Aviation Safety: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 jet crashed during an emergency landing attempt near La Romana after declaring an in-flight emergency while en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and family; both American pilots were killed and no passengers were aboard. Public Health & Travel: The Civil Aviation Board approved new mandatory health surveillance rules to prevent Ebola entry via international air travel, requiring airlines to deny boarding to confirmed, probable, or suspected Ebola cases and to report symptomatic travelers. Economy & Prices: President Luis Abinader met with business, industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors to review the national price table and coordinate steps to blunt global oil and natural gas volatility. Tourism Recognition: The Dominican Republic won top Caribbean visitor satisfaction honors for a third straight year at the WAVE Awards, and Secrets Playa Esmeralda in Miches took best new/renovated resort in the Caribbean. Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister visited to study the Dominican Republic’s Joint Task Force coordination model and C5i command capabilities. Diplomacy: Abinader appointed Héctor Pastor Vásquez Frías as Consul General in Caracas, Venezuela.

Energy & Economy: President Luis Abinader met with commercial, industrial, business, and agricultural leaders to track a “price roundtable” and coordinate steps to protect the Dominican economy from swings in oil, gas, and other external costs. Renewables Push: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said non-conventional renewable capacity could hit 2,600 MW by 2028, with nearly 2,000 MW already in production and about $3 billion in investment, plus new storage projects. Public Safety & Security: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful hosted Costa Rica’s security minister to study DR’s Joint Task Force coordination model, praised for helping drive homicide rates to record lows. Seismic Preparedness: Onesvie, with Bahoruco and Neiba officials, launched a province-wide effort to reduce seismic risk, including the “Voices that Prevent” awareness campaign. Judicial Transparency: The Judiciary opened public feedback on the new Open Justice policy until June 25, aiming for more transparency and citizen participation. Education: The final stage of the teacher performance evaluation begins June 9, bringing in 115,000+ teachers across 122 centers. Aviation Tragedy: A U.S.-registered private Gulfstream G200 crashed at La Romana while attempting an emergency landing, killing both pilots; reports say it was en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina.

Aviation Tragedy: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing attempt at La Romana International Airport, killing both pilots after the jet declared an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport; video shows the aircraft skidding off the runway and erupting into a massive fireball, and Dominican aviation authorities have launched an investigation. Baseball & Travel Link: Former MLB star Yadier Molina said the flight was en route to pick him up in Texas to return to Puerto Rico, adding to the shock as the crash left no passengers aboard. Tourism & Connectivity: Iberojet announced direct Barcelona–Punta Cana flights for summer 2026, weekly on Sundays through September, boosting Spain–DR air links. Trade & Tariffs: Conep defended Dominican efforts against a proposed U.S. 10% tariff tied to forced-labor concerns under Section 301, while the business group urged diplomatic pushback. Public Safety: President Abinader enacted “Alertas RD,” a real-time missing-person alert system requiring police and prosecutors to trigger public alerts within 24 hours when danger is assessed. Urban Mobility: Santo Domingo Metro Line 2C riders no longer need to transfer at Franklín Mieses, with through-service continuing to María Montez. Tech & Jobs: ITLA graduation celebrated 642 new professionals, highlighting new Semiconductor and Tech degrees as the country ramps up AI-era workforce training.

Aviation Tragedy at La Romana: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed on the runway at La Romana International Airport while attempting an emergency return after mechanical trouble, killing two pilots and leaving no passengers aboard; IDAC says the jet declared an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest and authorities have opened an investigation as video shows the aircraft skidding and erupting into a massive fireball. Emergency Response & Safety: Fire and airport teams rushed to contain the blaze and secure the area, while officials continue to piece together what happened during the return attempt. Tourism Under Pressure: Sargassum seaweed is thickening on major Dominican beaches, with decomposing piles driving away visitors and hitting vendors and resort operations in Boca Chica and Guayacanes. Weather Watch: Indomet warns of downpours, thunderstorms, gusts, and flooding/landslide risk, keeping multiple provinces under alerts and warnings. Missing-Persons System: The Alerta RD law is now in place to speed joint police and prosecutor action within 24 hours after a complaint. International Ties: Tourism Minister David Collado visited the USS Nimitz with US Ambassador Leah Campos, highlighting Dominican-U.S. cooperation. Tech & Education: PUCMM students won a top prize at the Huawei ICT Global Competition, boosting Dominican higher-ed visibility.

Education & Tech Pride: PUCMM students won the Grand Prize in the Computing category at Huawei’s ICT Global Competition 2025-2026, the first Latin America/Caribbean win in that track, with the team of Marco Reyes, Yira Tavarez, and Diego de Jesús Peralta Mora. Public Safety Law: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful hailed the new Alerta RD system law (25-26), setting a joint police–prosecutor activation within 24 hours to speed up missing-person searches. Weather Watch: Indomet says a trough plus a tropical wave will keep unstable conditions going Sunday, with downpours, thunderstorms, gusts, and alerts/warnings across multiple provinces. Tourism Demand: Dominican tourism continues to gain traction with Canadian arrivals rising, as Tourism Minister David Collado reported over 1.1 million Canadians in 2025 and highlighted Quebec and Ontario as key source markets. Travel Security: Authorities warn of a luggage tag scam tied to drug trafficking cases involving flights to places including the Dominican Republic. Travel Documents: The Dominican electronic passport earned a High Security Printing Latin America award for its new ID/travel document security design.

AI in Education: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA are bringing an “AI adoption in education” webinar series to Dominican TV via T al Cubo®, airing Sundays on CDN Channel 37 (June 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 4:00 p.m.), aiming to help teachers and school leaders move from basic AI use toward better classroom and school management decisions. Road Safety Lawmaking: Deputies will study a bill dubbed “Safe Helmet RD” that would push use of homologated motorcycle helmets by cutting ITBIS and import duties, offering subsidies for lower-income riders, and setting a 10-year framework with possible extensions. National Identity & Justice: The Duarte Institute says it will pursue legal action in San Francisco de Macorís over alleged improper use of the national flag on a coffin, calling on prosecutors and police to investigate. Electricity Maintenance: ETED scheduled preventive work at the Los Mina substation, with power interruptions in Santo Domingo Este communities including Los Mina, Boreal and Los Tres Brazos from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sports (Women’s Basketball): Club San Carlos notched a second win in the 40th Women’s Superior Basketball Tournament (TBSF District 2026), beating La Ciénaga 78-62.

Power & Services: ETED says it will shut off electricity Saturday (10am–2pm) for preventive maintenance at the Los Mina substation, affecting multiple Santo Domingo Este communities and some businesses. Public Safety: Edeeste warns families to keep children away from kites near power lines and to avoid unsafe charging habits to prevent electrocution risks. Legal/Justice: The Duarte Institute says it will pursue action in San Francisco de Macorís over the alleged improper use of the national flag at a funeral, calling for investigations into police non-intervention. Travel Security: A luggage tag swap scheme tied to drug trafficking charges has reportedly hit at least 17 travelers, with destinations including the Dominican Republic—authorities urge travelers to protect bags and tags. Economy/Trade: The U.S. proposes Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting 60 economies; the Dominican Republic is mentioned among CAFTA-DR duty-free textile exceptions. Sports: Marileidy Paulino opened her 400m season with a win in Moscow, breaking into the sub-50-second club. Regional Business: DR and the Netherlands boosted ties via a forum on logistics connectivity, blue economy, and innovation in The Hague.

U.S.-DR Trade & Labor Scrutiny: The National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) says the Dominican Republic is engaging with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Section 301 forced-labor probe, stressing it’s part of a wider review of 60 economies and not a direct accusation. Weather & Safety: The Dominican Emergency Operations Center extended a green alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms across seven provinces and the National District, urging people to avoid rivers and ravines. Transport Reform Push: Senator Antonio Marte proposed creating a Ministry of Transport to unify traffic and mobility responsibilities and tackle street chaos. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation to boost productivity and water efficiency. Prison Mental Health: Mescyt, Albizu University, and the penitentiary system advanced a pact to expand mental-health training and academic programs for prison staff. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 good practices across 15 entities to improve services and protections for affiliates. Local Economy: Gold exports and mining activity are driving strong 2026 export and tax revenue growth.

Water & Sanitation Push: President Luis Abinader urged Latin American and Caribbean leaders to treat water and sanitation as a regional development priority, citing links to public health, tourism, climate resilience, and inequality—pointing to major Dominican investments like the Verón-Punta Cana water and sewerage project. Trade Under Pressure: The U.S. is scrutinizing whether the Dominican Republic is doing enough to prevent forced labor in supply chains, a review that could raise costs for exports to the U.S., especially for free zone industries. Agriculture & Exports: Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat said Dominican mango exports are on track to reach nearly 10 million boxes in 2026, with growth driven by producers, modernization, and expanding processing and export infrastructure. Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and Belgium held their first Bilateral Political Consultations Meeting, covering politics, trade, agribusiness, academic exchange, and security cooperation. Sports Spotlight: Brazil beat the Dominican Republic 3-1 in the Volleyball Nations League, while MLB’s 2026 All-Star ballot features 33 Dominican-born or Dominican-descended players.

Local Governance: President Luis Abinader is leaning on a “permanent presence” model, repeatedly visiting all 31 provinces and the National District to personally supervise public works and keep direct lines open with communities. Consumer Protection & International Role: The Dominican Republic wrapped up its 2025-2026 term leading ICPEN, handing the consumer-enforcement network’s presidency to Georgia and highlighting stronger cross-border coordination on e-commerce and deceptive practices. Aviation & Connectivity: Curaçao’s economic development minister met Dominican aviation authorities and airlines to expand air links and position Curaçao as a regional hub, aiming to boost tourism and business travel. Sports & Youth: A Dominican U-21 goalkeeper, Diego Peña, received an invitation to a national training camp as part of the selection process for the Central American and Caribbean Games. Culture & Diaspora: The Dominican Republic will bring its 2026 Book and Culture Festival to New York (July 10-12), with panels, readings, an artisan bazaar, and youth-focused activities. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariffs include the Dominican Republic in the 12.5% tier, following USTR findings on enforcement gaps.

Missing-Persons Safety Net: President Luis Abinader signed Law 25-26 creating Alertas RD, a faster national system for missing persons with four alert types (Amber, Silver, Blue, Pink) and a new National Registry managed by the National Police. Prison Mental Health Push: Abinader also swore in a Dominican Committee for Penitentiary Mental Health, aiming to expand care for inmates and staff, including new specialized mental health prisons in Azua, La Vega, and San Pedro de Macorís. Identity & Travel Security: The Dominican electronic passport won an international High Security Printing Latin America award for its security and design features. Aviation Connectivity: Curaçao’s economic development minister met Dominican aviation authorities and airlines to strengthen air links and position Curaçao as a Caribbean hub. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and boost irrigation and sustainable farming tech. Tourism Trade Incentive: Marella Cruises will send 23 travel agents from La Romana on a 2027 Caribbean sailing as part of its “Make it on Marella” promotion. Public Health Alert: The USDA confirmed flesh-eating screwworm detections in Texas, raising concerns for broader regional spread.

Prison Reform Push: President Luis Abinader swore in a Dominican Committee for Penitentiary Mental Health to expand mental-health services for inmates and staff, including new specialized prisons in Azua, La Vega and San Pedro de Macorís. Education & Literacy: MINERD held the third National Reading Festival, spotlighting early literacy progress with students from all 18 education regions. Health Access Crisis: The family of lymphoma patient Manuel de Regla Arias Martínez is seeking public help after months without high-cost medication, estimated at RD$560,000 for a supply. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 good practices from 15 entities to humanize services and strengthen oversight in the social security system. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technical irrigation to boost productivity and protect water use. Tourism & Environment: The Ministry of Tourism delivered 42 heavy-equipment units to Boca Chica to fight sargassum, including trucks and beach sweepers. Sports & Community: Abasado announced the II Women’s Superior Basketball Tournament 2026 for Aug. 12 in Santo Domingo Este. International Links: Aerodom welcomed ITA Airways’ new Rome–Santo Domingo direct flights starting Nov. 30.