AGP Executive Report

CAC Games Spotlight: Dominican Republic hosted the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, with standout moments including Andrea Pigozzi winning water skiing jump gold and the Pigozzi family sweeping most of the sport’s medals. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health is monitoring two mpox cases reported at a San Cristóbal police station, keeping active surveillance and reminding residents how the virus spreads. Local Infrastructure: President Luis Abinader delivered the renovated Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital, settling a more-than-20-year debt with an RD$103.8M investment. Immigration Modernization: The General Directorate of Migration upgraded its DOM-02 system with biometric and multispectral checks to speed traveler processing and reduce fraud. Trade Pressure: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff on Dominican exports, with analysts pointing to a Chinese-owned aluminum firm as a key target. Tourism & Business: Arajet surprised a Dominican father with a Miami Marlins trip, while Lopesan opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.

Central American Games Buzz: Chess player Vicmary Pérez topped the women’s fast board at Santo Domingo 2026, while DR athletes kept stacking medals as the host delegation pushed into another busy Tuesday schedule. Penal Code Rollout: The Ombudsman, with UNAPEC, discussed the new Penal Code’s implementation and urged a special bicameral commission to monitor practical application and future improvements. Energy Court Move: A judge authorized up to US$5M in precautionary asset seizures in the Azua Dynex/Karpowership power-project dispute, after claims of unpaid profit shares. Tourism Tech: A new tourism app and airport upgrades highlight a push to modernize the visitor experience, including automated border-control kiosks at Punta Cana. Agriculture Win: President Abinader said the DR has exited the FAO Hunger Map, crediting farmers and expanded support programs. US Tariff Pressure: Reports say Dominican exports to the US are now hit with a 12.5% tariff under Section 301, raising competitiveness concerns.

Penal Code Overhaul: President Luis Abinader promulgated Decree 507-26 reforming the Dominican Penal Code and set up a monitoring commission led by Milton Ray Guevara to socialize the changes and propose improvements. Public Assets Auction: The National Assets agency will hold its second 2026 public auction on July 31, offering 123 cases plus 61 lots of vehicles, parts, furniture and scrap, with inspections at Mella Highway and Merca Santo Domingo. Education Prep: Minerd says it’s readying the 2026-2027 school year with millions of textbooks/workbooks, supply kits, and plans for 1,500 new classrooms in August. Health Access: The Health Ministry says it has secured organized, sustainable coverage for children with spinal muscular atrophy via the High-Cost Medication Program. Santo Domingo 2026 Sports: DR’s medal push continues at the CAC Games, including Robert Florentino’s -90kg judo gold and more judo, bowling and rowing medals. Tourism Safety: A tourist boat fire near Saona Island injured 12 people, with investigations ongoing. Connectivity Boost: Telxius launched a new Santo Domingo PoP at NAP Caribe, strengthening Caribbean network capacity. Community Reading Drive: DGDC launched “Book Bank: A book, a hope” to collect and distribute books to vulnerable communities and youth in conflict with the law.

Central American & Caribbean Games Buzz: The Dominican Republic women’s softball team opened Santo Domingo 2026 with a 10-2 knockout win over Venezuela, powered by pitcher Anyela Gómez, while the host nation sits fifth after the opening days with 13 medals (3 gold, 2 silver, 8 bronze). Local Sports Highlights: Venezuela’s Anriquelis Barrios won judo gold in the -63kg division, and Dominican rowing duo André Mora and Jaime Machado took gold in the closing event. Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education says the DR has submitted its bid to host the 2028 World Schools Debate Championship, building on the V National Debate Championship’s push for critical thinking. Public Assets & Auctions: National Assets will hold its second 2026 public auction on July 31 with 184 lots, including vehicles and scrap metal. Tourism & Aviation: The DR promoted general aviation at Oshkosh 2026 and unveiled the first locally assembled Van’s RV-8 aircraft. Environment & Water Security: The Environment Ministry highlighted progress protecting the Yaque del Norte River basin through reforestation and watershed restoration.

Dominican Economy: The Central Bank reports the Dominican Republic’s Monthly Economic Activity Indicator rose 6.4% year-on-year in June 2026, the fastest monthly growth of the year, with the April–June quarter up 5.0% and a recovery trend strengthening since late 2025. Santo Domingo 2026 Sports: The Games’ opening dazzled with drones and lasers, while Dominican judo kept delivering—Ana Rosa García won host-country gold in -57kg, Esmeralda Damiano took -70kg gold, and Maikor Louis added a -73kg bronze; Francesca Pigozzi also grabbed bronze in women’s water skiing. Tourism & Business: Tourism Minister David Collado said recovering the Russian market is a priority, citing connectivity hurdles but noting interest from Russian tour operators and progress with Venezuela flights. Trade & Costs: The U.S. rolled out broad new tariffs tied to forced-labor claims, including a 12.5% hit on Dominican exports to the U.S., raising pressure on competitiveness. Public Safety & Community: Civil Defense continues searching after a man fell into the Caribbean Sea near España Avenue; meanwhile, the army and community development ran a medical and social assistance day in Barahona.

US Tariff Shock for DR Exports: The U.S. rolled out new forced-labor Section 301 tariffs covering 60 economies, including the Dominican Republic, raising duties to 12.5% and potentially hitting nearly all U.S. imports from affected countries—exporters warn this could reduce DR competitiveness and force renegotiations. Food Prices Under Fire: Former President Danilo Medina says Dominicans are “stopping eating” as the cost of the basic food basket rises, arguing the government lacks a real plan to end hunger. Santo Domingo 2026 Spotlight: The Games opened with a packed stadium and a major tech show of drones and LEDs; meanwhile, Venezuela won early gold in rowing, and Paola Pérez took open-water gold. Tourism Update: A fire at a Puerto Plata hotel complex is now under control, with no guests harmed and other nearby hotels operating normally. Cuban Defection Fallout: A Cuban goalkeeper who left the delegation in Santo Domingo says he has no passport and no one to help him, while a Cuban delegation official tried to downplay any political angle. Father’s Day Sales Slowdown: Retailers report weaker foot traffic and slower sales than in past years as higher living costs shape shopping choices.

Central American & Caribbean Games Kickoff: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, marking the centennial edition with a packed Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium and a high-tech opening show featuring drones and lasers. Local Governance & Health: Abinader also inaugurated the renovated Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital in Santo Domingo Norte, and delivered 1,000 property title certificates in Los Frailes to expand legal security for residents. Sports Highlights: Trinidad and Tobago’s Teniel Campbell won the first CAC medal for her country with bronze in women’s cycling time trial, while Guyana’s Devin Permaul and Roshini Boodhoo advanced in archery qualification and will face tough elimination-round opponents. Public Debate on Rights: Lawyer Eduardo Saint-Hilaire warned that parts of the new Penal Code could chill freedom of expression, especially around defamation and reporting. Trade & Tariffs: Dominican exporters face higher U.S. tariff pressure after Washington’s forced-labor-related investigation and updated rates could raise costs for Dominican goods. Road Safety Push: The Movido Foundation urged stronger enforcement of road safety rules, calling current traffic conditions a preventable public health crisis.

Central American & Caribbean Games Kickoff: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the XXV CAC Games in Santo Domingo, with the Parade of Nations and a major cultural program featuring Dominican arts, music, and dance. Haiti at the Games: Haiti officially opened its participation on July 24, marching behind flag-bearers Welington Ceneus and Ava Soon Lee as athletes prepare across multiple sports. Taekwondo Spotlight: Dominican medalist Gabriel Mercedes said taekwondo and judo began the medal chase on the same day at the Combat Pavilion and Olympic Center. Cycling Medal Moment: Cuba’s Marlies Mejías won the women’s individual time trial (30km) to open the Cuban gold tally. Trade & Tariffs Pressure: Dominican exporters warned U.S. tariff changes could raise costs and hurt competitiveness, with the new forced-labor tariff scheme affecting 60 economies including the Dominican Republic. Egg Exports to Cuba: The DR resumed egg shipments to Cuba, sending about 3.9 million eggs in the first batch, supported by a new maritime transport subsidy. Seismic Preparedness: A Dominican foundation urged stronger earthquake education, noting major fault lines including the Septentrional and Enriquillo faults.

Central American & Caribbean Games Build-Up: Santo Domingo 2026 is ramping up fast: the opening ceremony is set for Félix Sánchez Stadium with 1,100 drones and 500+ lasers, while organizers say free Metro/cable car and OMSA service will be available during the Games and OMSA will run a free bus route to Parque del Este. Sports Results: Colombia booked the men’s water polo final after beating Mexico 16-11, and Dominican tennis player Ana Zamburek advanced to the round of 16 at home. Local Politics & Economy: The People’s Force warns of inflation, tighter cash liquidity, and rising quasi-fiscal Central Bank debt. Law & Trade: The U.S. finalized Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies, with the Dominican Republic facing 12.5% duties, and the DR responded with a decree restricting imports tied to forced labor. Agriculture & Trade With Cuba: The DR resumed egg exports to Cuba, shipping about 3.9 million eggs in the first batch, supported by a new maritime transport subsidy. Infrastructure & Services: The DR will let travelers renew passports at five airports under a new agreement, supporting the rollout of biometric passports.

Tariff Shock & Forced-Labor Response: The U.S. rolled out sweeping tariffs tied to forced-labor claims, hitting the Dominican Republic with a 12.5% rate; in response, President Luis Abinader signed Decree 502-26 to let Customs block, investigate, and restrict imports linked to forced labor, including goods already in transit or under customs procedures. Trade Pressure Across the Region: The same forced-labor tariff framework covers 60 economies, with some countries facing 10% and others 12.5%, reshaping competitive conditions for exporters across Latin America and the Caribbean. Santo Domingo 2026 Gets Underway: Tickets for the Central American and Caribbean Games opening ceremony sold out, while organizers raised the flags of 37 delegations and set the stage for a July 24–Aug. 8 event featuring thousands of athletes. Tourism & Connectivity: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks to improve maritime safety, and Cathay Pacific announced a new Hong Kong–Santo Domingo connection via Madrid with Iberia. Local Economy & Oversight: The Chamber of Deputies approved two international loans totaling over US$465M for road safety and the Yuna River basin plan, despite opposition questioning results and accountability.

US Tariff Shock for DR: The U.S. will apply an additional 12.5% tariff on certain Dominican Republic imports starting Friday (July 24), replacing the expiring 10% temporary levy tied to forced-labor concerns; the measure includes an in-transit exception for goods already loaded before the cutoff. Games in Santo Domingo: Organizers say the Venezuela delegation will wear black crepe and Guyana’s flag will fly at half mast at the CAC Games in mourning for recent tragedies, as competitions ramp up ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony. DR Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports 6.4% year-on-year growth in June 2026, with momentum led by mining, construction, free-zone manufacturing, and services. Road Safety Push: At the UN, Intrant head Milton Morrison highlighted efforts to cut fatalities, including helmet standards and the “One Motorcycle, One Helmet” initiative. Local Sports & Culture: The Dominican Olympic Committee says the DR delegation for Santo Domingo 2026 totals 1,022 people (710 athletes) across 40 sports; meanwhile, Miss Universe Dominican Republic held its preliminary round ahead of the grand finale. Aviation & Tourism: CLAC’s executive meeting opened in Santo Domingo, with Dominican officials stressing air connectivity as a driver for tourism growth.

Central American & Caribbean Games Countdown: President Luis Abinader will attend the Santo Domingo 2026 opening on July 24 at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, with venues reported ready and general admission set at RD$1,500. Public Transport for the Games: The Metro has launched a commemorative rechargeable card for Santo Domingo 2026, and the government is also moving to provide free mass transit during the event. Aviation & Tourism: Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport won the ASQ Award for passenger service for a fourth time, while Sky High Dominicana says it will move 1,435+ athletes and delegations to Santo Domingo 2026. Trade & Agriculture: DR resumed egg exports to Cuba with 3.9 million eggs after U.S. logistical hurdles, and former President Hipólito Mejía urged a review of phytosanitary controls after the U.S. mango suspension. Governance & Courts: The TSE referred a challenge to JCE pollster regulations to the Constitutional Court. Environment & Energy: Adozona and CNZFE pushed “Free Zones 4.0” training and innovation, and ADIE warned climate risks could cost the country up to 17% of potential GDP without stronger electricity resilience.

Sports Tourism Push: With the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games opening July 24 in Santo Domingo, organizers say venues are ready and Abinader will attend the inauguration at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium; the capital’s transit is getting game-day upgrades, including a commemorative rechargeable Metro card for RD$100 loaded with 14 trips. Accountability & Governance: Abinader created a Citizen Oversight Commission for the DO Sostenible solid-waste trust, tasked with monitoring execution and publishing advisory oversight reports. Public Finance Scrutiny: An audit tied to the Ministry of Energy and Mines found widespread attendance and payroll irregularities, including double payroll and off-scale payments. Environment & Health: A new investigation warns Dominican forests face mounting threats to water security and climate resilience, while meteorologists warn air quality may worsen from Canadian wildfire smoke plus Saharan dust. Education Update: Minerd confirmed the 2026-2027 school year starts August 24 nationwide. Migration & Security: U.S. CBP and Border Patrol, with local partners, intercepted two maritime smuggling attempts in Puerto Rico, apprehending 37 migrants and one U.S. citizen.

Economic Transformation: The Dominican Government announced the first Meta RD 2036 Forum on Aug. 5 to speed up reforms aimed at doubling the economy by 2036, targeting higher incomes, more jobs, and stronger productivity and institutions. Education Policy: President Luis Abinader says education reform will become a State policy to prepare students for AI, automation, and new technologies, while Minerd confirms the 2026-2027 school year starts Aug. 24. Games Logistics & Health: DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances for medical coverage during Santo Domingo 2026, and the Transportation Cabinet rolled out a mobility plan with free Metro and bus service for accredited people. Anti-Corruption Spotlight: Transparency International praised the DR’s anti-graft push as the country prepares to host the International Anti-Corruption Conference in December. Justice Cooperation: The DR and Chile signed an agreement to create a joint investigation team to fight human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and money laundering. Public Safety: Metro operations faced disruption after a person entered the tracks at Juan Pablo Duarte station; EMT says the man fell due to a neurological condition and is stable. Humanitarian & Regional Security: Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez met Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force representative on deployment and capacity-building.

Central American Games Boost: Asonahores says the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24-Aug. 8) will drive sports tourism and a broad “multiplier effect” across hotels, transport, commerce and entertainment. Public Safety & Transit: The Metro reported a person entered the tracks at Juan Pablo Duarte station Tuesday night, triggering emergency protocols and evacuation; authorities are investigating. Budget & Social Protection: Economist José Manuel Luna Valiente backed President Luis Abinader’s decision to keep subsidies and social programs for vulnerable groups, saying it must pair with infrastructure and a stronger business climate. Anti-Trafficking Cooperation: The Attorney General’s Office and Chile’s prosecutor signed an agreement to form a joint team targeting human trafficking, migrant smuggling and money laundering. Food Security Milestone: The FAO removed the Dominican Republic from the global hunger map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, praising long-term policy efforts. Tourism Connectivity: Airlines expanded routes to the DR, including Air Canada adding Santo Domingo service via Madrid and WestJet launching a Winnipeg–Punta Cana nonstop for winter 2026-27.

Budget Update: The Dominican government has sent the Senate an amended 2026 General State Budget, projecting RD$1.383 trillion in revenue and RD$1.785 trillion in spending, with a RD$280.6 billion deficit, while boosting public investment and protecting vulnerable sectors. Police Reform: The Chamber of Deputies’ Interior and Police commission is seeking more time to study a major National Police overhaul bill, citing its 516 pages and hundreds of articles. Public Safety: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful says police abuses won’t go unpunished as reform advances, including new training, oversight steps, and body cameras. Hunger Milestone: The FAO has removed the Dominican Republic from its hunger map and issued a “Zero Hunger” declaration after undernourishment fell to 3.6% in 2025. Santo Domingo 2026 Games: Metro, Teleférico, and OMSA buses will be free for the Games, with pedestrian-only zones at key venues and thousands of athletes arriving. Road Safety Visit: UN road safety envoy Jean Todt will visit July 22-25 to push safer driving, including a “Voices for Road Safety” campaign. Tourism & Business: Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is expanding his Dominican sports and hospitality footprint, including the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Bávaro.