AGP Executive Report

Penal Code Overhaul: The Chamber of Deputies approved 32 modifications to the Penal Code reform bill in first reading, including tighter rules on sharing audio or images without consent and reduced penalties for perjury and defamation, while clarifying that defamation provisions won’t apply to expressions spread via media, streaming, or cyberspace. Humanitarian Return: Health Minister Víctor Atallah and the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Medical Team returned after a 12-day mission in Venezuela, treating 2,502 people and delivering a major share of EMT-RD care under Quisqueya Solidaria. Tourism & Safety: Viral footage shows a hotel employee at Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana attacking guests and a coworker, prompting renewed concerns about security and staff conduct at resorts. Air Connectivity: Southwest Airlines announced new Saturday-only Caribbean routes from Nashville (Aruba, Montego Bay, St. Thomas) plus a Saturday nonstop between Columbus and Punta Cana, boosting access to the Dominican Republic’s top tourism hub. Sports Spotlight: Marileidy Paulino won the London Diamond League 400m in 48.97, extending her undefeated streak as Santo Domingo 2026 approaches. Regional Games Build-Up: Cuba presented its flag for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, with more than 500 athletes set to compete. Public Finance Debate: Danilo Medina claimed Abinader’s government has driven public debt higher than any prior administration, challenging the current management of state finances. Business Recognition: Banco Popular Dominicano was named Best Bank in the Dominican Republic for the 11th time by Euromoney.

Banking & Recognition: Banco Popular Dominicano was named Best Bank in the Dominican Republic for the 11th time at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, citing strategy, results, innovation, customer experience, and execution. Energy Costs & Households: A new ranking using International Energy Agency data shows Sweden leads the world in household energy spending, while the U.S. sits mid-pack—highlighting how sharply costs vary across countries. Justice & Penal Code: The bicameral commission studying Penal Code reforms has wrapped up its report and will submit it to the Chamber of Deputies; meanwhile, deputies suspended the session again to give the commission more time, with a Saturday vote expected. Public Safety Preparedness: A seismic engineer urged residents to prepare now for earthquakes—secure heavy furniture, spot safe spots, and use “drop, cover, and hold on.” Tourism & Airlift: Punta Cana’s flight connectivity keeps climbing, with San Juan, Panama City, Miami, and New York among the top weekly sources. Sports & Regional Games: Dominican Republic will host the Elite and Under-23 Caribbean Cycling Championships (Oct. 9-12), and the Central American and Caribbean Games continue to shape local training and rosters. Infrastructure & Mobility: The Ozama River Floating Bridge will close Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for vessel passage, with drivers advised to use alternate routes.

CAFTA-DR Trade Update: The U.S. added certain double-weave polyester/spandex fabric to CAFTA-DR’s unrestricted list, treating it as not commercially available in the region in a timely way—an adjustment that could affect apparel sourcing and origin planning. Sports & Games Watch: INEFI honored 41 education and school-sports figures at the “Professor Virgilio Travieso Soto Excellence Gala,” while Central American and Caribbean Games organizers said Wander Franco’s case could have been handled differently only if requests were made through proper channels before deadlines. Tourism & Policy: The Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills to boost gastronomic tourism and create a National Council for Health Tourism. Public Safety & Justice: President Abinader said authorities are investigating the death of “Miguelito” after he spent days in National Police custody in San Cristóbal. Local Development: Abinader’s Greater Santo Domingo workday includes housing deliveries, school openings, and sports facility upgrades. Identity Clarification: The JCE confirmed the new ID/electoral card includes the National Coat of Arms, after viral claims to the contrary.

Tourism Lawmaking: The Senate Tourism Commission is moving two bills to boost gastronomic tourism and create a national advisory body, CONDETUSA, to develop health tourism. Local Governance & Services: Residents in Los Arqueanos, Villa Mella report prolonged power outages and water shortages, saying spoiled food and high bills are piling up. Sports & Santo Domingo 2026: Dominican sprinter Marileidy Paulino heads to the Diamond League in London as a final tune-up before Santo Domingo 2026; meanwhile, a Venezuela taekwondo delegation of 16 athletes is set for the Games. Immigration & Legal Pressure (US): A Dominican baseball player, Johan Sandoval, was freed from ICE custody after a $20,000 bond. Electoral Integrity: The JCE says the new ID/electoral card includes the National Coat of Arms, after viral claims it was removed. Public Safety: A 16-year-old in Hato Nuevo died after an alleged gasoline-related fire. Human Trafficking Probe: The Attorney General’s Office carried out 20 raids tied to a transnational trafficking and money-laundering network.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: The Attorney General’s Office, with Belgian partners, carried out 20 raids tied to an alleged transnational human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and money-laundering network, including rescues of five women and claims that proceeds were funneled back into the Dominican financial system via real estate. Public Safety Tragedy: A 16-year-old in Hato Nuevo, Manoguayabo, died after allegedly catching fire while handling gasoline and matches; authorities say the case is still under investigation. Local Services Under Pressure: Residents of Los Arqueanos in Villa Mella reported prolonged power outages and water shortages, saying spoiled food and high bills are compounding the hardship. Courts & Politics: The Superior Electoral Court declared an amparo action against President Luis Abinader inadmissible, citing abstract claims. Aviation & Tourism: DR welcomed a record 1.6 million air passengers in May, up 9.2% year-on-year, while the tourism ministry promoted Jarabacoa as an adventure hub. Cross-Border Marine Plan: DR and Haiti launched the Blue Hispaniola project to protect marine ecosystems and support coastal communities.

Anti-Corruption Spotlight: President Luis Abinader announced the Dominican Republic will host the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in December 2026, aiming to strengthen transparent institutions and international cooperation in the fight against graft. Education & Law: The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) submitted observations to deputies on the new Penal Code, warning some provisions could restrict teachers’ roles while still needing strong protection for minors. Tourism & Heritage: FEDA and the State Sugar Council (CEA) launched a heritage tourism project in Hato Mayor to preserve the sugar industry legacy and build a new route linking historic mills and museums across provinces. Sports & National Pride: Dominican athletes’ medal incentives for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games were set by the Sports Ministry, with gold at RD$300,000, silver RD$150,000, and bronze RD$100,000. Infrastructure & Safety: Seismic experts and insurance leaders warned of a major earthquake risk tied to an 80-year seismic lull along the Septentrional Fault, urging stronger building safety and preparedness. Local Mobility: Santo Domingo Este firefighters received a new 1,500-gallon firefighting unit to boost emergency response capacity.

Tourism Trade: Asonahores announced its 38th Trade Exhibition 2026, set for Sept. 2–4 at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ stands spanning food, tech, finance, furniture, kitchen equipment and energy solutions—another push to keep tourism driving wider business links. Public Safety: Santo Domingo Este firefighters took delivery of a new 1,500-gallon firefighting unit to boost response for structural, forest and rescue emergencies. Sports Incentives: The Ministry of Sports confirmed medal payouts for Santo Domingo 2026—RD$300,000 for individual gold, RD$3.2 million for team gold, plus coach and federation incentives. Energy & Research: UT Austin geologists, with the Dominican Ministry of Energy and Mines, visited Azua to study hydrocarbon potential and collect samples, including from older Maleno wells. Legal Accountability: A Dominican court authorized enforcement of a U.S. judgment ordering the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to pay Latin Events more than US$906,000 for unpaid overseas logistical services. Investment Outreach: Vice President Raquel Peña heads to Spain to meet business leaders and promote new investment and trade partnerships.

Tourism & Business: Asonahores says its 2026 Tourism Trade Show will run Sept. 2–4 at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ exhibitors and a focus on tech, finance, food, and sustainability. Sports & Events: Santo Domingo 2026 Games logistics ramp up as Las Américas Airport prepares to welcome about 6,500 arrivals starting July 17, with coordinated immigration, customs, and security. Health Diplomacy: Vice President Raquel Peña and Health Minister Víctor Atallah met U.S. HHS chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington to expand prevention, research, and health-system resilience under a new MoU. Public Safety: New York’s DOCCS donated 849 bulletproof vests to Dominican penitentiary and justice agencies to protect prosecutors and support anti-drug operations. Law & Governance: Finjus warns the Constitutional Court not to overstep in the Penal Code debate. International Relations: Abinader signed a condolences book for Qatar’s late emir and said the DR won’t deploy troops to Haiti’s UN-backed anti-gang force, offering logistical and medical support instead. Travel Disruption: Royal Caribbean extended its Labadee Haiti port suspension through June 2027, rerouting cruises that would have stopped in the Dominican region.

Mental Health Push: The National Health Service (SNS) says it’s expanding mental health care, with 314 crisis intervention beds now in place and a goal to top 500 specialized beds by end-2026, alongside new psychosocial centers in Higüey and Moca and prevention efforts. Electoral ID Clarification: The JCE president says the coat of arms on the new national ID card was validated by patriotic institutions and approved by the relevant bodies, urging citizens to rely on official channels amid social-media confusion. Health Alliance With U.S.: Vice President Raquel Peña and Health Minister Víctor Atallah met U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to deepen cooperation on prevention, research, health systems, mental health, and medicine supply chains. Tourism Demand Rising: Canada and Europe are driving a stronger tourism year, with Canadian and European arrivals up sharply in the first quarter, adding to the Dominican Republic’s momentum. Penal Code Timeline: Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco says a Thursday plenary session will review the bicameral commission’s report on Penal Code reform, with possible continuation on Friday. Electricity Fraud Case: A court sentenced an accused man to six months in prison and ordered RD$2 million in damages to Edeeste for electricity fraud. Central American Games Build-Up: MINERD and INEFI received the Games torch, with school sports highlighted as a pipeline for athletes ahead of Santo Domingo 2026. Trade & Investment Roadshow: The DR Trade & Investment Road Show 2026 wrapped up in Houston, Columbus, and Raleigh, pitching industrial parks and free zones to U.S. investors. Local Streets Upgrade: Santo Domingo’s sidewalk recovery program is expanding, reclaiming obstructed public space and launching new linear parks and beautification in multiple neighborhoods.

Solid Waste Reform: President Luis Abinader enacted Law 36-26, overhauling the Solid Waste Management and Co-processing framework with a new 12-tier company contribution system, higher recycling incentives, and tighter rules on single-use plastics. Public Works & Cities: Santo Domingo expanded its sidewalk recovery program, turning long-blocked public walkways into linear parks with lighting, murals, trees, benches, and cleanup efforts, including a new phase planned for Viuda de la Cruz Street. Public Health Diplomacy: Vice President Raquel Peña heads to Washington to meet U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aiming to strengthen prevention-based health policies and chronic-disease strategies under the MAHA initiative. Security & Migration: The Dominican Army arrested three men in Valverde and Santiago Rodríguez for transporting 28 undocumented Haitians. Tourism & Heritage: The Ministry of Tourism says the Alcázar de Colón Museum restoration is complete and announced RD$86 million for Colonial City lighting upgrades. Economy: ProDominicana reported exports hit US$7.89B in the first half of 2026, up 14.8% year-on-year. Sports: Reales de Santiago and Granjeros de Moca lead the National Summer Baseball League after two weekends.

Disaster Response: The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Medical Team treated over 1,200 earthquake victims in Venezuela, delivering hundreds of general, pediatric, gynecological and mental health consultations plus medicines, vaccines, safe water and sanitation support. Public Health & Rights: The Superior Administrative Court ordered Andeclip not to suspend elective services for Primera ARS and ARS Futuro affiliates while a collective legal action is heard, citing the right to health. Infrastructure & Risk Prevention: Onesvie graduated 281 new building evaluators, expanding the REED network to 950 certified professionals to strengthen seismic vulnerability assessments. Local Governance & Transparency: Fedodim announced nominees for the 11th Juan Pablo Duarte Awards, with the gala in Santiago for the first time, recognizing municipal best practices. Security & Justice: A court sentenced a man to 15 years for trafficking Colombian women into prostitution using false job offers. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Dominican Republic hosts the 31st International Congress of Caribbean Archaeology in Santo Domingo through July 18, drawing 237 researchers from 23 countries.

Tourism Surge: The Dominican Republic welcomed 1,653,129 cruise passengers in the first half of 2026, up 1.36% year-on-year, with 482 ship calls across eight ports; Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian together accounted for over 84% of visitors. Public Transport Costs: Fenatrano president Juan Hubieres warned that fare hikes in Greater Santo Domingo may become unavoidable as fuel prices squeeze operators, urging expanded Bonogás support and pension payments. Local Governance & Protests: Demonstrations at Plaza de la Bandera pushed back against changes in the new Penal Code, as the government moves to manage tensions ahead of the Santo Domingo 2026 Games. Security & Drugs: U.S.-led maritime operations seized about 2,040 pounds of cocaine and nearly 5,800 pounds of marijuana in three interdictions involving Dominican partners. Health Research: A new study finds dementia rates rose in several Latin American and Caribbean sites over two decades, while the Dominican Republic and Cuba held steady. Digital Access: ONE reports 92.7% of Dominican households have at least one smartphone, showing mobile connectivity is driving the country’s digital shift.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic logged a historic 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, driven by stronger air connectivity and a cruise surge, cementing its lead as the Caribbean’s top travel magnet. Public Security & Police Reform: President Luis Abinader defended the independence of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, pushed for faster police reform after recent deaths during interventions, and said reforms now include longer training and human-rights focus. Penal Code Debate: Abinader acknowledged the Penal Code review started too late and announced adjustments before it takes effect, as opposition leader Gonzalo Castillo demanded a delay and broader national discussion. Housing & Permitting: MIVHED reported RD$330.191 billion in private investment tied to construction projects in the first semester, with building permits and licenses up sharply. Earthquake Preparedness: The government is reinforcing and rehabilitating strategic infrastructure, including work on dozens of bridges nationwide. Women’s Economic Empowerment: MICM and the Ministry of Women launched Women Who Lead to expand women’s leadership and economic autonomy in industry and MSMEs. Regional Spotlight: Japan added the Dominican Republic to its visa-free eligible list for short stays, boosting travel and business links.

Penal Code Debate: PLD leader Gonzalo Castillo asked to postpone the Penal Code’s entry into force on Aug. 3, arguing last-minute changes keep prison penalties for defamation and could chill freedom of expression, calling for at least a year of national debate. Anti-Fraud Push: President Luis Abinader visited the Comptroller General’s Office to highlight the strengthening of the Anti-Fraud Unit, expanding its structure to prevent, detect and investigate irregularities. Tourism & Jobs: JP Morgan raised the Dominican Republic’s growth forecast to 4.3%, citing tourism momentum, while a study on the Punta Bergantín project estimates 7,000–11,000 direct jobs annually (2025–2030). Air Connectivity: Frontier launched a daily San Juan–Punta Cana route, boosting Caribbean links as the airline reconfigures its network. Public Safety & Migration: The Army intercepted two vehicles carrying 30 undocumented Haitian migrants in Valverde and turned them over to migration authorities. Weather Alert: Saharan dust is expected to push heat to 37–38°C with a heat index up to 45°C, with calls to hydrate and limit sun exposure. Sports (DR in focus): The Dominican Republic beat China 3-1 in Volleyball Nations League action.

Anti-Fraud Push: President Luis Abinader visited the Comptroller General’s Office to strengthen the Anti-Fraud Unit, expanding its structure for prevention, risk management, monitoring, and investigations. Public Oversight: COBA reported it exceeded its 2025 supervision goal by 163%, carrying out 266,937 checks and regulating 56,487 alcohol-selling establishments nationwide. Tourism & Growth: JP Morgan raised its Dominican Republic growth forecast to 4.3%, citing resilient domestic demand and a tourism surge, with 6.62 million visitors in Jan–Jun 2026. Free Zones Boost: A new study says DR free trade zones generate up to seven times the value of tax incentives, supporting major sectors and millions of jobs across the region. Local Development: Banreservas Volunteers opened its first Northern office in Santiago to expand social programs beyond Santo Domingo. Sports & Pride: Santo Domingo Este and Santo Domingo Oeste hosted torch relays for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. Weather Alert: Saharan dust is expected to push heat to 37–38°C and a heat index near 45°C, with hydration and sun-safety urged. Migration Enforcement: The Army intercepted two vehicles carrying 30 undocumented Haitian nationals in Valverde, turning them over to migration authorities.

Digital Transformation Win: The Dominican Republic’s GEALC network, chaired through OGTIC, won the WSIS Prize 2026 in Geneva for regional digital cooperation and people-centered public innovation. Energy Costs Watch: ECLAC warns 2026 oil prices will stay higher than 2025, pressuring inflation and trade balances across the Caribbean and Central America, including the Dominican Republic. Migration Enforcement: The Army stopped two vehicles in Valverde carrying 30 undocumented Haitians; passengers were transferred for migration processing. Border Reality Online: A viral video shows 20 Haitian migrants packed inside a small SUV after a checkpoint stop near Macheteros, with authorities citing irregular status and detention for investigation. Public Safety & Law Reform: Eduardo Saint-Hilaire urged vigilance as the Penal Code revision could affect freedom of expression, especially defamation penalties. Culture & Tourism: David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched new public lighting in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City to boost safety and visitor experience. Civic Protest: Pot-banging demonstrations continued for a fifth straight day across Greater Santo Domingo as residents protest high living costs and demand answers.