AGP Executive Report

Energy Upgrade: President Abinader inaugurated EGE Haina’s Esperanza Renovable, the Dominican Republic’s first large-scale hybrid wind-solar injection into SENI—200 MW total, about 485,000 MWh a year, and a planned 200 MWh battery add-on. Jobs Watch: Early 2026 employment hit 5.24 million workers, up 2.3% year-on-year, but most new jobs still came from the informal sector (82.7%). Construction Push: CONSTRUEXPO 2026 opened in Punta Cana with new construction-permitting reforms, including a revamped Single Window and NORM standardization; construction licenses jumped 93% in the first four months. Regional Politics: Omar Fernández took the Caribbean vice presidency of ParlAmericas, aiming to bring legislatures closer to citizens. Child Safety Online: UNICEF and Dominican authorities flagged online sexual violence risks, citing low “feeling safe online” rates and calling for stronger prevention and prosecution. Tourism Signals: The country surpassed 1.1 million Canadian visitors, while Hilton signed a new Curio Collection resort in Las Terrenas.

Tourism Surge: The Dominican Republic passed 1.1 million Canadian visitors, with Tourism Minister David Collado citing strong repeat intent (92% say they’ll return) and heavy air connectivity between the two countries. Hotel Expansion: Hilton signed Curio Collection’s Almare Beach Resort in Las Terrenas—252 units, opening targeted for 2028—signaling continued investment in Samaná’s beachfront market. Education & Safety: The Education Ministry ordered follow-up after a school bus driver was assaulted in Café de Herrera, Santo Domingo Oeste, as authorities investigate the case. Trade & Exports: ProDominicana highlighted momentum in tobacco and rum exports, with tobacco up 19% in the first quarter of 2026 and rum also showing double-digit growth. Governance & Energy: President Abinader inaugurated a wind-solar hybrid plant in Valverde, adding 200 MW of renewable capacity to the national grid. Migration Crackdown: U.S. Air and Marine Operations intercepted a vessel carrying 64 migrants in western Puerto Rico, including 58 Dominicans. Politics & Culture: PRSC leader Pedro Agustín Bretón Taveras died in Santiago, while the government also unveiled results of a UNICEF/KOICA program aimed at reducing early unions and gender violence.

URBE Leadership Shake-Up: President Luis Abinader has promoted Rocío Vidal Carballo to executive director of URBE, replacing José González Cuadra, as the government pushes forward its urban renewal work around La Nueva Barquita and the Ozama River. Trade With Haiti Stays Resilient: Exports to Haiti rose 23.3% in the first four months of 2026, reaching US$442.7M, even as Haiti’s crisis continues—showing Dominican supply chains are still moving. Cruise Tourism Gets a Boost: Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence finished training Dominican tour operator Xploratur for “Xploratur Access,” aiming to expand inclusive, accessible excursions for cruise visitors. Urban Pressure Point: Architect Cristóbal Valdez warns Santo Domingo is becoming a “no man’s land” as sidewalks and zoning rules are routinely ignored. Tourism Demand Signal: Hilton has signed a new Dominican Republic residential resort, adding to the north-coast development wave.

Airport Security Shock: A Canadian “bag tag swap” scam is leaving innocent travelers detained abroad after airport workers allegedly switch luggage tags so drug-filled bags travel under the wrong names—cases tied to destinations including the Dominican Republic, with some passengers facing harsh penalties before being cleared. Tourism & Real Estate: Hilton has signed a new Dominican Republic residential resort on the north coast, adding to the region’s residential-resort boom. Urban Pressure in Santo Domingo: Architect Cristóbal Valdez warns the capital is becoming a “no man’s land” as developers and businesses take over sidewalks and violate zoning rules. Sports Spotlight: The Dominican men’s volleyball team is building momentum ahead of the Santo Domingo 2026 Games, with 7-foot-2 Moisés Ortiz among the players to watch. Health & Global Recognition: The World Health Assembly honored Dominican Republic health leader Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam for advancing primary health care.

Sports Spotlight: 7-foot-2 Peravia native Moisés Ortiz is turning heads by choosing volleyball over the usual baseball/basketball pipeline, as he and the men’s national team target gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo starting 24 July 2026. Environment & Mining: The Dominican Association of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (ADIS) backed President Luis Abinader’s suspension of exploration tied to the Romero gold project, calling it a “responsible decision” to protect water, food safety, and hydrographic zones. Business & Development: First Lady Raquel Arbaje urged stronger public-private alliances at an AmChamDR luncheon, framing co-responsibility as the route to sustainable development. Tech & Payments: PayPal announced PayPal USD (PYUSD) is now available in 70 markets via PayPal accounts, aiming for faster, lower-cost cross-border transfers. Health & Global Recognition: The World Health Assembly honored Dominican Republic’s Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam among 2026 primary health care champions. Safety & Media: Greece’s “Survivor” was permanently halted after a contestant suffered life-changing injuries in a spearfishing boating accident in the Dominican Republic.

Judicial Crisis: The Dominican Republic’s courts are in open revolt, with about half of judges backing a national strike set for 21 May, after a small protest snowballed into a manifesto calling for structural changes and highlighting tensions between lower courts and the Supreme Court leadership. Tourism & Air Links: Breeze Airways announced new nonstop flights from Tampa to Punta Cana starting July 2, plus Tampa-to-San José, Costa Rica from Oct. 3—another sign of continued Caribbean demand. Travel Demand: New data shows Americans are still flocking to the region this summer, with Cancún, Punta Cana and Aruba among the top destinations. Climate Governance: The government approved a National Climate Transparency System to track emissions, adaptation and climate finance—aimed at unlocking more international funding. Infrastructure & Safety: DP World says it has completed a first phase electrifying internal port vehicles at Caucedo, cutting diesel use and CO₂. Road Safety Data: Santo Domingo hosts the 8th Ibero-American Meeting on Data and Road Safety this week, running through 23 May.

Real Estate Regulation Push: The Dominican Republic is moving toward a major overhaul of its property market with proposed legislation that would require licensing and set rules for real estate agents, agencies, developers, and even advertising—aimed at curbing unlicensed brokerage, misleading listings, and fraud risks. Judicial Crisis: Judges are escalating their fight inside the court system, with a national strike call set for 21 May after hundreds sign a manifesto demanding structural changes. Road Safety Data Summit: Santo Domingo is hosting the 8th Ibero-American Meeting on Data and Road Safety (20–23 May), bringing 14 countries together to share traffic-accident strategies. Mobility Shift: Motorcycle imports keep surging—103,774 units in the first four months of 2026, up 32% year-on-year—raising fresh concerns about enforcement and safety. Health Diplomacy: The DR has been elected to preside over the 79th World Health Assembly, with Health Minister Víctor Atallah taking the lead. Energy & Logistics: DP World says it has completed a first phase electrifying Port of Caucedo operations, adding electric internal transfer vehicles to cut diesel use and emissions.

World Health Assembly Leadership: Dominican Republic Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah has been unanimously chosen to preside over the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, a first for the country, with the agenda set for 18–23 May. Climate Governance: Santo Domingo approved a National Climate Transparency System to track emissions, adaptation and climate finance—aimed at unlocking more international green funding. Aviation & Tourism Links: Arajet keeps expanding, receiving its 15th Boeing 737 MAX (“Isla Catalina”) and launching Mendoza–Punta Cana service three times weekly, boosting South America–Caribbean connectivity. Port Decarbonization: DP World advanced electrification at Port of Caucedo with 12 new electric internal transfer vehicles, cutting diesel use and CO₂. Economy & Costs: Inflation is reported at 5.1% year-on-year, with April’s rise tied to fuel pressures. Health & Rights Debate: Amnesty says DR’s WHA role must translate into healthcare access without racial discrimination, especially for Haitian communities.

Diplomacy & Investment: Spain’s ambassador says ties with the Dominican Republic run deep, pointing to Spanish FDI of US$1.086B in 2025 (21.5% of the total) and highlighting both the Dominican community in Spain and Spanish citizens living in the DR. Aviation Boom: Arajet took delivery of its 15th Boeing 737 MAX, “Isla Catalina,” expected to arrive Monday, as the airline pushes the DR as a faster-growing air hub. Freedom Message: President Abinader in Miami urged that freedom needs responsibility, accepting the Champion of Freedom Award for free-market reforms and stronger institutions. Cost Pressure: Inflation is edging up to 5.1% year-on-year, with April’s rise tied to fuel costs. Citizenship & Sovereignty Debate: 149 people became Dominican citizens, while the U.S. “third-country” deportation deal continues to spark backlash at home. Tech & Security: ITLA and Fortinet sign up to strengthen digital defense and help Dominican talent land international remote work. Tourism Safety Watch: A “Survivor Greece” contestant was seriously injured off Saona Island, putting filming on pause.

Survivor Greece Shock in the DR: A 21-year-old contestant, Stavros Floros, was seriously injured while spearfishing near Saona Island during a break from filming; reports say a tourist boat struck him with its propellers, leaving him with a partial left-leg amputation and severe right-ankle trauma. Local Justice Moves: Dominican authorities have opened a criminal case against the boat captain, with a hearing to decide whether he stays detained or gets bail or house arrest. Tourism Pressure Point: In the Senate, Rafael “Cholitín” Duluc warned La Altagracia is “punished by success,” citing unplanned growth, poverty, and strain on services, pushing for a special census. Energy & Cost of Living: The government announced RD$1.435 billion in subsidies to freeze LPG prices and partially offset fuel increases for May 16–22. Road Safety Update: Abinader extended driver’s license validity for older drivers, with new renewal schedules for those over 65. Telecom Security: Indotel and the Defense Ministry signed a pact to boost cyber defense and border monitoring.

Rare Earth Push: Minister José Ignacio Paliza says Dominican Republic rare-earth studies should deliver updated estimates of quantity and quality by year-end, with early figures suggesting deposits could be far larger than first projected, and with exploration already advancing through thousands of meters of boreholes and test pits. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new report highlights how rising food, rent, and everyday expenses in the U.S. are straining Dominican and other Latino families, even as they try to support relatives back home. Migration Pact Backlash: Social unrest is spreading over the U.S.-DR migration transit deal, with concerns about sovereignty and human-rights monitoring echoing across the region. Tourism & Safety: A luxury festival is set for Casa de Campo—cigars, rum, and golf—while separate entertainment news notes “Survivor Greece” filming has been paused after a contestant was seriously injured in the Dominican Republic. Road Rules Update: President Abinader issued a decree adjusting driver’s license validity periods, including longer renewal options for people over 65.

Survivor Greece Shock: A contestant, Stavros Floros, was seriously injured in the Dominican Republic while spearfishing off Saona Island—reports say a tourist boat struck him, leading to a partial amputation and severe ankle damage—prompting production to pause and authorities to investigate. Luxury Tourism Buzz: Casa de Campo in La Romana is set to host the “Cigars in Paradise” festival June 25–28, pairing premium cigars, rum and golf across the resort. Road Safety Update: President Luis Abinader issued Decree 330-26 to extend driver’s license validity for older adults and adjust renewal timelines by age and vehicle category. Air Travel Shift: Dominican aviation officials say Spirit Airlines’ exit will have only a “moderate” impact on low-cost capacity, with other carriers expected to absorb routes. Local Governance Watch: Senator Rafael “Cholitín” Duluc warns La Altagracia is “punished by success,” pushing for a special census to fix gaps in public services planning.

Road Safety Update: President Luis Abinader issued Decree 330-26, extending driver’s license validity for people over 65—licenses now last longer before renewal, with tighter rules if health conditions could affect safe driving. Energy & Cost of Living: The government says it is keeping LPG prices frozen and partially absorbing fuel increases for May 16–22, while some aviation and industrial fuel prices will fall. Citizenship & Migration: 149 people from over 30 countries were sworn in as Dominican citizens in Santo Domingo. Tech & Security: Indotel and the Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to boost cyber defense, spectrum monitoring, and border surveillance, including a binational monitoring center. Justice: The Attorney General ordered an investigation into the killing of entrepreneur Esmeralda Moronta de los Santos. Culture & Tourism: Santo Domingo launched its Long Night of Museums 2026, with free activities across major sites nationwide. Sports & Travel: Arajet resumes nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador flights from October 2026, and the Survivor Greece filming incident involving a contestant’s severe leg injury has led to a broadcast suspension.

Fuel Shock: The Dominican government raised fuel prices by up to RD$8.00 per gallon for May 16–22, while subsidizing LPG with RD$1.435 billion to soften the impact as WTI crude hovers near US$105. Citizenship Drive: 149 foreign nationals from 30+ countries were sworn in as Dominican citizens in Santo Domingo. Justice in the Spotlight: Prosecutors opened criminal proceedings against the captain of a tourist boat linked to the serious injury of “Survivor Greece” contestant Stavros Floros near Saona; a closed-door hearing will decide detention or bail. Cybersecurity Push: Indotel and the Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to strengthen telecom infrastructure, cyber defense, and border monitoring. Aviation & Tourism: Arajet resumes nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador flights from October 2026. Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s Tianna Guy won 5-0 to reach the Copa International final in the Dominican Republic.

Foreign Investment Shift: Spain overtook the US as the Dominican Republic’s top foreign investor in 2025, putting $1.086B into the country (21.5% of total FDI) as the DR posted a fourth straight FDI record year. Tourism Skills Boost: Infotep took over the former Legislators’ Club in Santo Domingo Este to turn it into a hospitality and tourism training center. Justice Move: The Attorney General ordered an investigation into the killing of entrepreneur Esmeralda Moronta, shot by her ex-partner after she sought help for harassment and stalking. Energy Talks: Abinader returned from Panama and Guyana after pushing new oil-exploration cooperation; the DR and Guyana also signed an agreement tied to the Berbice Block, with the DR seeking a 10% stake via Refidomsa. Regional Connectivity: The Senate approved an air services deal with Greece, aiming to expand passenger and cargo links. Culture Spotlight: The DR kicked off the Long Night of Museums with free activities nationwide.

Deportation Deal Sparks Sovereignty Pushback: Dominican opposition leaders are attacking a new U.S. agreement that would let the DR temporarily receive “third-country” deportees, calling it non-transparent and a threat to national sovereignty, while Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez insists it’s non-binding and “nothing to hide.” Integration & Language Moves: Antigua and Barbuda approved a Spanish-language expansion tied to deeper regional ties with the DR, and the DR’s own Cabinet backed a Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP) to better support nationals living in Antigua and Barbuda. Aviation & Tourism Signals: Spirit’s exit from the DR is expected to be absorbed by other airlines, with the Civil Aviation Board saying connectivity and fares should stay stable. Culture, Rights, and Growth: ONDA reports a surge in copyright registrations, while a new Plaza Constitución opens in Ciudad Juan Bosch with RD$222M investment. Energy Partnership: The DR and Guyana signed an oil exploration agreement for the Berbice block. Sports & Media: CDN Deportes will broadcast Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games 24/7.