AGP Executive Report

UN Role: The Dominican Republic won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29, though rights groups criticized the election of 15 members without competitive races. President Luis Abinader also highlighted the country’s democratic progress in Prague. Clean Energy: The government signed an agreement with IRENA to speed renewable-energy development and support the regional goal of tripling capacity by 2030. Healthcare: Cancer patients can wait up to three months for diagnosis, specialists warn, delaying treatment and leaving more people to arrive at clinics with advanced disease. Weather and Safety: The COE placed eight provinces, including Santo Domingo, under green alert for rain and storms. Several earthquakes were also recorded, including a 3.9-magnitude tremor near La Romana. Tourism and Economy: The country is on track for a record 12.4 million visitors this year, while remittances reached $9.49 billion through September. Regional Security: A UN experts’ report says ammunition diverted from Dominican military and police stocks reached Haitian gangs.

Santo Domingo: The capital’s 27 de Febrero Boulevard is set for a major renovation, with new sidewalks, shade, lighting and safer tunnel routes. The project aims to create a continuous pedestrian link between Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln avenues by August 2027. Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 7.5% year over year, and is on track to top 12.4 million by year’s end. Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader traveled to Prague for the Forum 2000 democracy conference, with further meetings planned in Italy and at the Vatican. The country was also re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for a term beginning in January 2027. Trade and investment: DP World is expanding its Dominican port, air-cargo and logistics network to strengthen the country’s role as a regional trade and manufacturing hub. Economy: Remittances reached US$9.49 billion through September, a 6.5% increase from the same period last year. Security: A UN experts’ report links ammunition diverted from the Dominican Republic to Haitian gangs, intensifying scrutiny of weapons controls.

U.S. Shooting: Dominican Oscar Belgal, shot by an ICE agent in New York, remains in detention with a bullet lodged in his neck; his lawyers say he urgently needs surgery and has not received adequate food or medical care. Regional Ties: In Rome, President Luis Abinader and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez discussed energy, tourism and consular cooperation, including possible Dominican purchases of Venezuelan fuel. They also proposed a baseball series between the countries. Food Security: At the World Food Forum, Abinader called the Dominican Republic’s removal from the FAO Hunger Map his proudest achievement, citing undernourishment below 2.5% in 2025. Arms Diversion: A UN report says 908,001 rounds were diverted from Dominican police stocks in 2024, with some ammunition linked to gangs in Haiti; investigators could not determine how much crossed the border. Agriculture: The opposition PLD urged the government to present a plan for rice producers after it repealed a decree protecting domestic production from U.S. imports. Digital Government: A new decree requires coordination and technical review of major state technology investments to reduce duplication and strengthen data security.

Abinader in Rome: President Luis Abinader is attending the World Food Forum and is set to receive FAO’s Agricultural Medal for efforts to combat hunger. His planned meeting with Pope Leo XIV may be disrupted by the pontiff’s scheduled surgery. Haiti Security: A UN experts’ report says Dominican military and police ammunition reached Haitian gangs, including 400 Mawozo, raising questions about controls on state stockpiles and cross-border trafficking. Economy and Power: The IMF projects 3.7% growth for the Dominican economy in 2026, while state electricity distributors face mounting losses as energy purchases rise and distribution failures persist. Regional Cooperation: ECLAC’s 41st session in Santiago de los Caballeros ended with calls to turn regional agreements into practical development policies. Cycling: The Caribbean road championships in Santo Domingo brought regional medals, including under-23 gold for Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves and a women’s elite road-race victory for Dominican rider Raquel Restitullo.

UN Seat: The Dominican Republic is poised to win a three-year seat on the UN Human Rights Council, alongside Brazil and Uruguay, in an uncontested Latin American and Caribbean slate. Cycling: Santo Domingo’s Caribbean championships brought a Dominican victory: Raquel Restitullo won the women’s elite road race, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves took U-23 gold. Air Travel: Arajet carried 158,407 passengers to and from the country in September, ranking second behind JetBlue and ahead of American Airlines. Energy: Regional officials meeting in Santo Domingo called for long-term grid planning as electricity demand across Latin America and the Caribbean is projected to rise 156% by 2050. Health: A new high-cost medicines fund is set to provide full coverage for 13 treatments, with about 6,447 patients expected to benefit. Road Safety: Motorcyclists account for 70% to 80% of traffic deaths in the Dominican Republic, the country’s traffic-safety directorate says. Tourism: Bayahíbe and La Romana led hotel occupancy in September at 78%, ahead of Bávaro-Punta Cana’s 56%.

Air Travel: Arajet carried 158,407 passengers to and from the Dominican Republic in September, ranking second behind JetBlue and ahead of American Airlines. Tourism: Bayahíbe and La Romana led the country in September hotel occupancy at 78%, well above Bávaro-Punta Cana’s 56%. Health: A proposed high-cost medicines fund would provide full coverage for 13 treatments, worth up to RD$16 million per patient annually, and could benefit about 6,447 people. Road Safety: Motorcyclists account for 70% to 80% of traffic deaths, Digesett’s spokesperson said, citing risky driving, poor vehicle maintenance and road conditions as key concerns. Energy: A new IRENA partnership launched in Santo Domingo aims to turn regional renewable-energy plans into projects and investment. Migration Oversight: Amnesty International is demanding an independent investigation into the death of a young man during an immigration operation in the Dominican Republic.

Migration and Rights: Amnesty International is demanding an independent investigation into the October 3 death of a young man of possible Haitian origin during a migration operation in Punta Cana. Separately, the Migration Directorate said it detained 2,336 foreign nationals and deported 1,846 in one day. Fuel and Health: Premium gasoline rises RD$5 to RD$358.10 per gallon and optimal diesel RD$12 to RD$318.10 for the week, while the government is making more than 400,000 free flu shots available at over 1,350 centers. Public Funds: President Luis Abinader says RD$2 billion recovered from corruption will fund 40 sports projects nationwide. Regional Energy: Santo Domingo hosted the region’s OLACDE energy forum, where leaders called for closer cooperation on energy security and sustainable planning; a new magazine also spotlights investment ties between Guyana and the Dominican Republic. Dominican Diaspora: A U.S. judge blocked the deportation of Oscar Bergal, a Dominican man shot by ICE agents in the Bronx, as officials and New York leaders dispute the circumstances of the shooting.

Migration and Rights: Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the death of a young man of possible Haitian origin, reportedly shot during a migration operation in Punta Cana on Oct. 3. The Migration Directorate, meanwhile, said it detained 2,336 foreign nationals and deported 1,846 in one day. Dominicans Abroad: A Dominican man was shot by ICE during an arrest in New York’s Bronx while a five-year-old was in his car. Federal officials said agents feared he was driving toward them; a judge has blocked his deportation as the incident draws protests and calls for an investigation. Government: President Luis Abinader said RD$2 billion in recovered corruption funds will finance 40 sports projects nationwide. Prices: Premium gasoline rises RD$5 and optimal diesel RD$12 per gallon for the week, while other listed fuel prices remain unchanged under government subsidies. Public Health: More than 400,000 free flu vaccine doses are available at over 1,350 centers, with priority for older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions. Trade: Shipping company Accordia is adding Caucedo to its Florida–Dominican Republic route, expanding cargo options on the country’s south coast.

Bronx Shooting: Newly released surveillance video shows plainclothes federal agents approaching Oscar Belgal’s car shortly before an ICE agent shot the Dominican national in the neck. A 5-year-old child was in the vehicle but was not hurt. DHS says Belgal rammed vehicles and drove toward officers; a federal judge has blocked his immediate deportation while his legal challenge proceeds. Haiti Arms Trail: A UN report says ammunition linked to Dominican military and police stocks was found with Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang. Dominican lawmakers are calling for an investigation into how it crossed the border and who may be responsible. Human Trafficking: The Dominican Republic advanced to Tier 2 in efforts to combat trafficking, according to a recent report. Tourism: The country has welcomed 9.2 million visitors this year, with September arrivals topping 533,000 as officials highlight Puerto Plata’s recovery.

Bronx Shooting: NYPD body-camera footage shows officers tending to Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican man shot by ICE in New York, after the encounter. Police say an agent fired seven rounds; Belgal’s five-year-old son was in the car but unharmed. DHS says agents did not know the child was there and alleges Belgal drove at officers. The shooting is under investigation. Human Trafficking: The Dominican Republic moved up to Tier 2 in the U.S. trafficking assessment, which cited more investigations, labor inspections and victim-protection efforts. Ammunition in Haiti: Dominican authorities are investigating how ammunition of Dominican origin cited in a UN report reached Haiti; its route and any responsibility remain unknown. Rice Industry: A USDA report says the Dominican Republic has narrowed its rice-production cost gap with the U.S., crediting improved yields, irrigation and farming practices. Consumer Alert: Pro Consumidor warned buyers to stop using recalled electric balloon pump model 406198 over overheating and fire risks.

Dominican Diaspora: A Dominican man was shot by a U.S. immigration agent during an arrest operation in New York. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; a 5-year-old in the car was unharmed. The shooting prompted protests, and officials have not explained what led the agent to fire. Regional Diplomacy: At the ECLAC session in Santiago de los Caballeros, Venezuelan and Dominican foreign ministers agreed to work toward gradually restoring bilateral ties. Trade: Dominican-Brazilian trade reached US$1 billion in 2025, but remains heavily tilted toward Brazilian exports, the countries’ chamber of commerce warned. Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed about 9.24 million visitors through September, while officials highlighted Puerto Plata’s recovery. Energy: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts of power generation and battery storage projects by 2028.

Regional Leadership: President Luis Abinader opened the ECLAC summit in Santiago, calling for closer regional cooperation as the Dominican Republic takes the commission’s rotating presidency through 2028. Energy and Trade: The government plans tenders for more than 2,500 megawatts of power and battery-storage projects by 2028; meanwhile, Accordia Shipping is adding Port of Caucedo to its South Florida service. Public Safety: Authorities submitted files on 20 Dominicans reportedly recruited for Russia-linked military activities, while a migration inspector was ordered into pretrial custody over alleged bribes to let travelers under bans leave the country. A body believed to be that of a missing 13-year-old girl was also found in the Yaque del Norte River; investigators are working to establish her identity and cause of death. Weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast in parts of the country, but Hurricane Isaias poses no direct threat. Tourism: The country has welcomed more than 9.2 million visitors through September, with officials reporting continued growth.

Weather: The COE placed Greater Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal and Barahona under green alert as a tropical wave brings rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September, up 7.5% from a year earlier; officials project more than 12.4 million by year-end. Haiti Relations: The government narrowed its soccer ban on Haiti: the team may play in the country as a visitor but cannot host matches at Dominican facilities. The dispute follows a 4-1 Haitian win and a player’s controversial remark about Hispaniola. Migration Oversight: Amnesty International urged an independent investigation into the death of a young man during a migration operation in Verón, Punta Cana. Regional Cooperation: Santo Domingo is hosting regional energy talks, while Santiago hosts the ECLAC session on Latin American and Caribbean development.

Regional Leadership: The Dominican Republic began its two-year presidency of ECLAC as the commission’s three-day regional session opened in Santiago, bringing officials together to discuss integration, economic policy and digital development. Tourism: The country welcomed 9.24 million visitors from January through September, up 7.5% year over year; September cruise arrivals rose 54.7%. Rice Production: The government says it will support farmers despite repealing the rice tariff decree, citing a new mechanization program to cut costs and boost productivity. Air Connections: Arajet has restored direct flights between Guayaquil and Punta Cana, with twice-weekly service in each direction. Consular Concerns: A Dominican man who traveled to Russia for a mechanic’s job reportedly told his family he was frightened and wanted to leave; relatives are seeking help from the Foreign Ministry. Mining Debate: UASD’s environmental commission urged the government to clarify the status of GoldQuest’s proposed San Juan mining district. Sports: Sprinter Marileidy Paulino was nominated for World Athletics’ 2026 Female Athlete of the Year award.

Haiti–Dominican Republic Tensions: A diplomatic firestorm is still rippling after Haiti’s 4-1 CONCACAF Nations League win in Santo Domingo, sparked by Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor’s “Hispaniola is Haiti” remark, with the fallout now moving through FIFA/CONCACAF and local politics. Immigration & Public Safety: In the Bronx, two men identified by U.S. DHS as undocumented Dominican Republic nationals are wanted after stabbing an off-duty NYPD detective during a robbery; DHS says they were released by the Biden administration despite prior records. Rice Trade & Food Security: The Dominican Republic repealed key rice import tariff measures via Decree 635-26, as talks with the U.S. continue; agriculture officials say compensatory support may be used to protect local producers. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister David Collado reported 533,735 air arrivals in September, the best September on record, with Puerto Plata highlighting recovery and the arrival of a Disney cruise ship. Regional Cooperation: Eleven Western Hemisphere nations, including the Dominican Republic, issued a joint statement condemning Iranian “terrorist actions” and malign influence operations. Culture Abroad: The Dominican Republic was among 11 countries represented in a Latin American and Caribbean folk art exhibition in Cairo.

Gambling Regulation: President Luis Abinader enacted a new law regulating gambling and provisionally appointed Teófilo “Quico” Tabar Manzur to lead the newly created General Directorate of Gambling (DGJA). Anti-Drug Crackdown: Two DNCD agents were charged in a U.S. federal court after a DEA sting allegedly involved transporting what they believed was 35 kilograms of cocaine from Barahona to Santo Domingo. Trade Update: The Dominican Republic reversed course on U.S. rice tariffs, eliminating the previously imposed duties after a Trump request, ending a dispute tied to DR-CAFTA. Housing & Water: Abinader said the housing deficit fell from 806,778 homes (2019) to 696,598 (2025), while CAASD highlighted cleanup of ravines and relocation of vulnerable families. Tourism & Aviation: Disney Cruise Line made its Puerto Plata debut, and Claro Dominicana expanded cloud capabilities with Amazon Web Services; Abinader also backed an aviation fuel temperature adjustment to boost airline competitiveness. Regional Security: The U.S. and nine partners, including the Dominican Republic, issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s “terrorist actions” and proxy operations in the Western Hemisphere.