AGP Executive Report

Climate Policy Update: The Dominican Republic unveiled its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0 RD-2025), aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions 28% by 2030 and 32% by 2035, while rolling out 41 adaptation measures across water, agriculture, health, tourism, coastal resources, biodiversity and forests, with an estimated investment need of over US$23.7 billion. Tourism & Infrastructure Push: Cap Cana is doubling down on sports tourism, citing more than US$4.7 billion invested over 24 years and plans to expand international events; meanwhile, the MOPC is advancing the Frank Rainieri Tourist Boulevard expansion in La Altagracia, widening the Macao–Uvero Alto stretch to four lanes to ease congestion. Connectivity & Tech: Indotel authorized Swordfish Infrastructure to operate private telecom carrier services, clearing the way for Google’s subsea cable project to boost regional connectivity. Humanitarian Response: After Venezuela’s earthquakes, the DR repatriated 65 people on a humanitarian flight and sent essential supplies to support quake victims. Travel Costs: Law 30-26 takes effect with a 50% jump in the national departure fee, raising it from US$20 to US$30 per person. Urban Growth Watch: Santo Domingo East approved up to 50-story buildings, but residents and planners worry infrastructure may not be keeping up.

Cruise Boom: Carnival has finished a pier extension at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, letting up to four ships dock at once and raising daily capacity to about 13,000 guests. Tourism & Environment: The Dominican Republic set aside US$9 million to tackle sargassum on its beaches, to be released only after a long-term offshore collection solution is identified. Regional Energy: The DR has six months to start oil and gas exploration in Guyana’s Berbice onshore block, with Refidomsa set to hold a 10% stake and gain preferential access if reserves are found. Finance & Development: The DR joined CABEI’s Series A shareholders, expanding the bank’s capital base to boost lending for infrastructure and public investment. Tourism Promotion: The Ministry of Tourism hosted “Discover Miches” in Miami, unveiling Miches as the next luxury destination to international travel and investment audiences. Migration Pressure: A Supreme Court ruling ending TPS for Haitians in the U.S. is expected to ripple into the Dominican Republic via remittances and migration flows. Disaster Solidarity: A shipment of essential supplies from the DR arrived in Venezuela to support earthquake victims.

Economy Watch: The Central Bank says the Dominican economy grew 4.7% year-on-year in May, with 4.2% cumulative growth for 2026 so far, led by construction, mining, and services. Energy & Utilities: CUED’s electricity regulator chief Marranzini says the system’s losses come from overloads, not planned blackouts, as heat and Sahara dust push demand above 4,000 megawatts. Maritime Policy: President Abinader ordered a National Maritime Strategy under Decree 353-26, with Anamar set to coordinate and monitor the plan. Disaster Response: The DR is sending new rescue specialists and a humanitarian flight to help Dominicans affected by Venezuela’s earthquakes, as international teams expand search-and-rescue. Regional Safety: A magnitude 5.0 quake was recorded east of the DR near Boca de Yuma, felt lightly in parts of the east. Tourism & Cruise Growth: The DR’s cruise push got a boost at the PAMAC Destination Summit in Puerto Plata, with officials citing a 155% rise in cruise arrivals since 2019 and aiming for 3 million passengers in 2026. Aviation Links: Sunrise Airways launched new direct flights from Cap-Haitien to Punta Cana and Santiago, strengthening DR–Haiti connectivity.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: More than 2,000 rescue workers from 27 countries are now deployed in Venezuela to search for survivors after the twin quakes, with the UN coordinating 44 urban search-and-rescue teams, including teams from the Dominican Republic; the death toll has reached 1,430 and 3,238 people are reported injured, while UN estimates put direct damage at $6.7 billion. Social Protection: Supérate began delivering an Emergency Bonus to 1,766 families in Greater Santo Domingo affected by last April’s rains and floods, providing RD$7,000 per household to support recovery. Public Health & Addictions: Hogar Crea Dominicano urged the government to treat people with addictions as patients, calling for more funding for treatment spaces while the DNCD reiterated its fight against trafficking networks. Tech & Industry: The Dominican Republic is finalizing a US university “intellectual partnership” to boost its semiconductor sector and STEM training. Tourism Science: A new INTEC study found 88% of sand on key Dominican beaches comes from marine organism remains, linking beach stability to coral reef health. Regional Trade: OECS leaders discussed lowering food costs by increasing imports from the Dominican Republic and adjusting tariffs on selected goods.

Humanitarian Response: Venezuela’s double earthquake toll has climbed to 1,430 dead and more than 3,200 injured, with over 51,000 still unaccounted for as international USAR teams and machinery race against the shrinking survival window. Regional Cooperation: Dominican authorities say a specialized collapsed-structures rescue team has been dispatched to support operations in La Guaira, after President Luis Abinader coordinated with Venezuelan leadership. Disaster Preparedness at Home: Dominican seismology experts are urging continued monitoring, citing the Septentrional fault and warning that large quakes can’t be predicted but the country must stay ready. Social Protection: Supérate began delivering an Emergency Bonus of RD$7,000 to 1,766 Greater Santo Domingo families affected by last April’s floods, totaling RD$12.36 million. Industry & Training: The Industry, Commerce and SMEs minister says “final touches” are underway on a US university academic partnership aimed at boosting the Dominican semiconductor workforce. Food Costs in the Caribbean: OECS leaders are studying cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic by targeting tariffs on selected goods to ease cost-of-living pressure. Public Health & Treatment: Hogar Crea is calling for more government support for addiction treatment, urging that people using substances be treated as patients, not criminals.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: The death toll from Venezuela’s twin quakes has surged to 1,430 with 3,238 injured and over 51,000 still unaccounted for as rescuers race against a shrinking survival window in La Guaira and Caracas. International Aid, Including DR: Venezuela says 1,600 foreign rescue workers have arrived, and UN reports list USAR teams from dozens of countries, including the Dominican Republic, joining the search. DR-US Travel Boost: United Airlines will add a seasonal winter route linking Houston and Santo Domingo with three weekly flights starting Dec. 18, 2026. Local Health Watch: The Dominican Republic has recorded 14 leptospirosis deaths this year, with cases rising alongside rainfall and flooding. Tourism & Jobs: A new tourism sector survey finds 42.2% of MSMEs in key destinations are informal, with Punta Cana-Macao and Puerto Plata leading. Regional Diplomacy: The World Governments Summit Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean is set for Nov. 20–21 in Cap Cana.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela says 1,600 foreign rescue workers have arrived and more flights are coming as the death toll climbs to 920, with 3,360 injured and tens of thousands still reported missing; La Guaira remains the hardest hit, with patrols and sanitary measures ramped up and officials warning that rescue access is being slowed by traffic. Dominican Republic in the Relief Effort: Dominican rescuers are among the international teams already on the ground in Venezuela, as multiple countries coordinate search-and-rescue and humanitarian support. DR Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Public Health reports 14 leptospirosis deaths so far this year, with 179 confirmed cases in 2026, driven by rainfall and flooding. Tourism & Informal Work: A new tourism sector snapshot finds 42.2% of tourism-linked MSMEs in key destinations operate informally, leaving many small food-and-beverage businesses exposed and less competitive. Local Travel Connectivity: Sunrise Airways launched direct flights from Cap-Haïtien to Punta Cana and Santiago, boosting regional access for travelers. Weather: Indomet forecasts scattered showers and possible thunderstorms across multiple provinces, with hot temperatures and Saharan dust. Business/Exports: Dominican tobacco exports topped US$1.3b in 2025, supporting over 122,000 direct jobs. DR Earthquake Alert: A magnitude 5 quake was recorded near Boca de Yuma, prompting evacuations and panic in parts of the country.

Venezuela Quake Response: The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela climbed to about 920 dead and 3,360 injured, with more than 50,000 missing reported on a public website as rescue teams race to reach people trapped in La Guaira and Caracas; Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said international rescuers are already arriving, including teams from the Dominican Republic and other countries, while officials warn that heavy equipment shortages are slowing recovery. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Dominican officials took part in the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council in Santo Domingo, reviewing how to better implement the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement and boost trade, investment, and services. DR Economy Watch: The mining sector led Dominican growth in the first five months of 2026, expanding 9.7%, with stronger gold, silver, and construction materials output. Tourism & Business: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, sending prepared unserved meals to local partners in Puerto Plata. Aviation Links: United Airlines announced new seasonal routes, including nonstop service between Houston and Santo Domingo and additional Caribbean connectivity.

Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s twin quakes have pushed the death toll to 589 and injuries to 2,980, as rescue teams race through rubble in La Guaira and Caracas and thousands remain missing; the U.S. is waiving some sanctions to speed relief, while international search-and-rescue teams keep arriving. DR Humanitarian Aid: The Dominican Republic is finalizing deployment of a WHO/PAHO-certified Type 1 Emergency Medical Team to Venezuela, including a mobile hospital and nearly 40 specialized health professionals. New Seismic Alert for DR: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona triggered no tsunami threat for Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, and authorities say there’s no significant damage reported. Tourism & Environment: Asonahores and industry groups warn the Senate’s Solid Waste Law amendments lack technical studies and could add fees without clear calculations, urging a waste-based contribution system. Aviation & Sports: Sky High Dominicana opened an Aeronautical Training Center, while President Abinader inaugurated the renovated Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto Arena, aiming for major international events.

Venezuela Quake Response: Venezuela’s death toll from back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes climbed to at least 235, with 4,300+ injured and thousands still missing as rescuers search collapsed buildings in Caracas and La Guaira. International Aid: The interim government says UN-certified teams are being deployed, while Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Red Cross, and even Pope Leo XIV have pledged support; the U.S. also moved to waive some sanctions for relief and is sending military assets. Dominican Role: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez thanked partners and said the first Dominican Republic rescuers are already on the way to assist. Local Governance & Sports: In Santo Domingo, President Luis Abinader inaugurated the remodeled Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto Arena, touting major upgrades including a new 1,200-ton air conditioning system. Tourism & Travel: JetBlue announced more summer flights from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten, and Santo Domingo.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Back-to-back quakes (7.2 and 7.5) struck Venezuela’s northern coast, killing at least 164 and injuring about 971 as rescuers search collapsed buildings—La Guaira state near Caracas is described as a “disaster zone,” with fears the toll could climb into the thousands. DR Sends Help: President Luis Abinader announced Dominican Armed Forces teams will depart for Venezuela to support search, rescue, and emergency response, after speaking with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Solid Waste Law Fight: In Santo Domingo, business groups including AIRD and CONEP criticized the Senate’s “rushed” approval of amendments to Solid Waste Law 225-20, arguing the process lacked consultation and technical input while adding restrictions on certain single-use plastics. Cuban Economic Reforms, DR Interview: Cuba’s Díaz-Canel told Dominican media that U.S. pressure didn’t drive the reforms, while admitting the “maximum pressure” climate is pushing faster changes; he also said franchise openings should treat foreign and domestic investors equally. Elder Care Training: Supérate and Conape graduated 216 licensed home-care providers in Greater Santo Domingo as the country expands care capacity for an aging population. Tobacco Exports: DR tobacco exports hit $1.359B in 2025, supporting 122,000+ direct jobs.

Disaster Response: President Luis Abinader voiced solidarity with Venezuela after back-to-back quakes hit Caracas, and said specialized Dominican search, rescue, and emergency teams will be dispatched to support Venezuelan authorities. Earthquake Impact: The twin blasts—reported around magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 near Morón—collapsed buildings, triggered evacuations, damaged Simon Bolívar International Airport, and led Venezuela to declare a state of emergency, with officials warning of high casualties. Regional Safety Alerts: Tsunami alerts were issued for parts of the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic’s area for the island of Virgin Islands, while Puerto Rico’s alert was later lifted. Tourism & Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s junior golf team is set to travel to Puerto Plata for the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship at Playa Dorada (June 28–July 3). Local Economy: Dominican tobacco exports rose to $1.359 billion in 2025, supporting about 122,000 direct jobs, with most firms based in the northern region.

Tourism Disaster: A deadly fire at the Viva Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe left at least one tourist dead and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests, with authorities investigating how the blaze spread rapidly. Regional Trade & Prices: The OECS is pushing for deeper trade with the Dominican Republic and Panama, including a request to temporarily suspend the Common External Tariff to help lower consumer costs in the Eastern Caribbean. Environment & Borders: Environment Minister Paino Henríquez warned that illegal sand extraction in Haiti’s Massacre River is damaging the river system and affecting Dominican border communities, with Dominican teams set to assess hydrological damage under international law. Health & Identity: The government renewed a national framework to guarantee on-time and late birth registration, aiming to eliminate civil under-registration, while the Health Ministry reaffirmed plans to strengthen HIV/AIDS response and reduce patient dropout. Demographics: ONE projects longer life expectancy and fertility below replacement level, saying the DR will have more seniors than children by 2050. Culture & Film: Roberto Ángel Salcedo opened CAACI audiovisual meetings in Juan Dolio, bringing 22 countries together to boost regional film and audiovisual cooperation. Business & Tech: Medytox won Dominican approval to launch its Atiere hyaluronic acid filler in Latin America, using the DR as a springboard for expansion. Sports: The Arena Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto reopens June 25 ahead of major international events, including the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Hotel Fire Aftermath: A deadly fire in Barahona killed four members of a Massachusetts family, while authorities say it’s separate from the Viva Dominicus Beach blaze that evacuated nearly 1,700 tourists. Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Public Health says it keeps permanent sanitary surveillance and, after viral hygiene videos, found no critical issues during inspections. Food Security Push: The government extended fertilizer subsidies with new agreements, adding over RD$1.09 billion to reach RD$2.151 billion through Aug. 31. Crime and Safety: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful said 59% of homicides are driven by social conflicts, urging stronger community coexistence. Migration Rights Debate: Human rights groups delivered 1,000+ signatures to repeal hospital migration checks, warning they deter undocumented patients from seeking care. Travel and Paperwork: The U.S. Embassy says Americans can request emergency passports for urgent travel, and the Dominican JCE allows ID/electoral card renewals on weekends and holidays regardless of birth month. Aviation and Tourism: FAA certified FL Technics’ Punta Cana maintenance facility, and air chiefs at CONJEFAMER backed tighter airspace control and action against illicit air activity.

Resort Fire & Tourism Fallout: A massive blaze at Viva Dominicus Beach in Bayahibe killed at least one tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests, with reports of stranded travelers after passports and travel IDs were destroyed. Public Safety & Crime: Interior Minister Faride Raful said 59% of Dominican Republic homicides are driven by social conflicts, urging stronger community coexistence and peaceful dispute resolution. Infrastructure Updates: Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella said safety works for Santo Domingo tunnels and overpasses are advancing, with the Plaza de la Bandera road flow solution due “in weeks.” Identity Services: The JCE removed birth-month limits so cédula and electoral card renewals can be done on weekends and holidays. Tourism Push Abroad: MITUR and Arajet promoted the Dominican Republic at a Miami Marlins MLB game, while Arajet launched a new direct route linking Punta Cana with Rosario, Argentina. Regional Leadership: The DR will chair the Caribbean Trade Development Committee for 2026–2027 and was elected to lead an A.C.S. trade development special committee. Health & Rights: Human rights groups delivered 1,000+ signatures urging an end to immigration status checks in public hospitals, warning it deters vulnerable patients.

Resort Fire Crisis in Bayahibe: A massive blaze at Viva Dominicus Beach in Bayahibe forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists; at least one person died and several others were treated for injuries, with authorities investigating how the fire spread so quickly. Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism announced an invitation-only black-tie gala in Miami to spotlight Miches, positioning the emerging “Emerald Coast” destination for global luxury travelers. Public Safety & Violence Trends: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful said 59% of homicides stem from social conflicts, while the overall homicide rate remains at the lowest level for this date in four years. Santo Domingo Culture Calendar: “Turizoneando 2026” kicks off in the Colonial City with 100+ events running through August 30, including concerts, theater, comedy, and free guided museum tours. Energy & Health Tech: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos highlighted a DR–U.S. nuclear cooperation MoU focused on nuclear medicine, training, and research—without plans for immediate nuclear power plants. Sports Spotlight: Dominican athletes and teams continue to make headlines, including volleyball results featuring the DR’s upset over Japan in the VNL.