AGP Executive Report

Court Watch: A judge will decide this Monday whether the Espaillat brothers go to full trial in the Jet Set Club case, after a process that weighed prosecutors’ and defense arguments in a tragedy that left 236 dead and about 180 injured. Public Safety: Police and the Public Ministry arrested two men accused in the death of Dominican Army Captain Oliver Octavio Ogando Suero in Villa Altagracia, seizing firearms and saying the investigation is ongoing. Social Security & Economy: DIDA director Elías Báez de los Santos told Santiago residents to claim pending AFP funds, while pointing to government investment in infrastructure and services. Aviation & Costs: The Dominican Airlines Association warned that a proposed extra US$10 charge on airline tickets could hurt tourism, connectivity, and competitiveness. Energy & Environment: Solar power continues to surge in the Dominican Republic, with installed capacity rising sharply and the government pushing renewables to reduce exposure to oil-price shocks. Tourism Spotlight: La Romana’s hotel occupancy is reported near 92%, boosted by strong international demand and cleaner beaches. Sports & Culture: Pope Leo XIV is said to be considering a possible DR visit in 2027, while local audiences celebrated Guinness-certified Planeta Alofoke records and a major salsa concert by Servando and Florentino in Santo Domingo.

Weather Watch: The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) raised alerts to 16 provinces and the National District as a trough and tropical wave bring moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and possible isolated hail; residents near rivers and ravines are urged to follow official bulletins. Tourism Policy: Officials and private-sector leaders say the next decade’s biggest tourism challenge is land-use planning, arguing that the “destination experience” matters more than hotel infrastructure and that rules must match each territory’s reality. Transport Disruption: Santo Domingo’s cable car Line 1 (section 2) between Charles de Gaulle and Sabana Perdida is temporarily suspended for inspection work, with other sections operating normally. Legal & Civic Updates: The PLD says it has added hundreds of new members nationwide to strengthen its territorial presence; meanwhile, lawyer Diego Babado Torres accepted his candidacy for president of the Dominican Bar Association (CARD), promising closer support for legal professionals. Community Demands Answers: Residents in La Ceiba and nearby sectors protest over the unresolved death of 15-year-old Anser Daniel Rincón, calling for clear results from investigations. Aviation Tragedy: Former MLB catcher Yadier Molina’s private plane crashed in the Dominican Republic near La Romana, killing both U.S. pilots; investigators are still reviewing the cause. Science & Environment: Intec researchers extracted alginate from sargassum found on Dominican shores, pointing to new uses for a seaweed that has long plagued the Caribbean.

Weather & Safety: The COE raised alerts to 16 provinces due to a trough and tropical wave, keeping Santiago, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, and the National District among those on green, while Hato Mayor and El Seibo sit on yellow; officials warn of moderate-to-heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and possible hail, urging people near rivers and ravines to stay alert. Fuel Costs: Fuel prices for June 13–19 climb again: premium gasoline up RD$6 to RD$341.10, regular up RD$3 to RD$313.50, and diesel increases too, while LPG and natural gas remain unchanged. Social Spending Watch: The Finance Ministry says it has started vetting social protection beneficiaries to save about RD$10 billion by removing those no longer meeting vulnerability conditions. Tourism Policy: Tourism leaders say the next decade’s biggest regulatory hurdle is land-use planning, arguing the “destination” matters more than hotel infrastructure. Local Transport: Merchants back restricting daytime routes for heavy vehicles in Greater Santo Domingo and Santiago to cut congestion and accidents. Crime & Justice: A Santo Domingo East court sentenced two men to 20 and 7 years for a 2024 stabbing murder in Sabana Perdida. Public Transit Update: The Santo Domingo Cable Car temporarily suspends Line 1 section 2 for inspection work between Charles de Gaulle and Sabana Perdida.

Fuel Watch: The MICM announced fuel hikes for June 13–19: premium gasoline up RD$6 to RD$341.10, regular up RD$3 to RD$313.50, premium diesel up RD$6 to RD$293.10, and regular diesel up RD$3 to RD$262.80; LPG and natural gas stay unchanged. Social Protection Overhaul: The Finance Ministry says it’s vetting social programs to improve targeting and cut waste, aiming for about RD$10 billion in savings by reviewing beneficiaries who may no longer meet vulnerability conditions. Public Safety & Weather: COE expanded a green alert to 14 provinces plus the National District due to moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and possible hail; officials urged people to avoid rivers and ravines. Justice Update: A Santo Domingo court sentenced two men to 20 and 7 years for the 2024 murder of Yobani Sánchez Mejía in Sabana Perdida. Tourism & Tech: DR launched the Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic to boost cybersecurity talent and digital resilience, and veteran tourism journalist Cristina Rosario was inducted into OMPT’s Hall of Honor. Regional Diplomacy: The DR assumed and then transferred GRULAC coordination before the ILO, marking a first for the country.

Tourism & Ports: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Dominican Republic will welcome 15 more cruise ships in June and July, adding about 48,000 passengers after some Caribbean routes were reshuffled by a new Bahamas terminal, with more calls expected at Cabo Rojo in Pedernales. Cybersecurity Push: The DR launched the Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic, a public-private effort to boost digital resilience, train specialized talent, and connect major tech and security firms with the National Cybersecurity Center. Regional Data Leadership: The National Statistics Office (ONE) transferred the pro tempore presidency of Centroestad’s statistical commission to Belize during a meeting in Santo Domingo. Weather Watch: The COE expanded a green alert to 14 provinces plus the National District due to moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and possible hail. Business & Taxes: ASECENSA warned that new “fiscal patches” and tax hikes could hurt companies, worsen unemployment, and urged tackling informality and cutting public spending. Defamation Case: Communicator Claudia Pérez (“La Tora”) was sentenced to one year in prison and ordered to pay RD$5 million after an electronic defamation ruling. Urban Development: Larimar City & Resort signed with TK Elevator and a local installer to bring vertical mobility solutions to its residential, hotel, and commercial projects.

Tax Reform Push: The Dominican government’s pro-growth, anti-crisis plan would raise revenue to offset higher oil costs, including a 30% corporate income tax for large firms for three years, higher taxes on checks/e-transfers, and a US$10 airline ticket increase, while keeping exemptions for micro-enterprises and low earners. Local Weather Alerts: The COE upgraded 13 provinces plus the National District to green alert due to moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, gusts, and possible isolated hail, urging people to avoid rivers and ravines. Fuel Stability Plan: Officials say fuel prices could be frozen for three months if oil stays under US$95 a barrel, with the subsidy burden cited as already reduced. Business vs. Informality: CODESSD backed the fiscal reform direction but warned the bigger challenge is high informality, which weakens tax collection and leaves compliant businesses carrying more. Public Health Reminder: The Dominican Society of Medical Oncology urged men to get regular prostate cancer screenings, stressing early detection can mean survival rates above 99% over five years. Santo Domingo Incident: Two people were found dead at a Piantini residential tower; a 22-year-old American woman was hospitalized and authorities are investigating the circumstances.

Anti-Crisis Fiscal Plan: The Dominican government unveiled an economic growth and crisis-mitigation package headed for Congress, including a new revenue strategy that would raise the tax on checks and electronic transfers (0.15% to 0.20%), add a temporary 30% corporate income tax for firms with RD$1B+ in annual revenue, create a 27% income bracket for people earning over RD$400,000 monthly, and add a US$10 surcharge on airline tickets—raising concerns for tourism costs. Small-Business Tax Relief: The same plan repeals the advance income tax payment for micro-enterprises and shifts small firms to three annual payments instead of 12, aiming to simplify compliance and protect businesses. Public Health—Prostate Cancer: On World Prostate Cancer Day, the Dominican Society of Medical Oncology urged men to get regular screenings, noting early detection can push survival above 99% over five years. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The Agriculture Ministry met U.S. officials to strengthen African Swine Fever prevention, citing biosecurity certification and hundreds of enrolled farms. Cross-Border Crime: Authorities, with Haitian support and INTERPOL, captured two homicide suspects in Haiti and transferred them to the DR for prosecution. Business & Environment: AIRD said sustainability must go hand in hand with competitiveness, calling for tighter dialogue between industry and environmental authorities. Tech & Telecom: Viettel approved entry into the Dominican market as the fourth mobile operator, with a reported US$560M investment. Health Education: A new study found 37.11% of Dominican primary students are overweight or obese, flagging a growing childhood health risk.

U.S.-Haiti Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard says boats arriving from Haiti will face tighter entry rules starting June 22, with vessels required to boost port security and be ready to show documentation—or risk being denied entry into U.S. waters. OAS Port Leadership: For the first time, the Dominican Republic has taken the First Vice-Presidency of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, aiming to push port sustainability, tech innovation, and logistics integration. Energy Push: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos says the DR is on track for the largest energy expansion in decades, with renewable capacity and new generation expected to lift firm capacity by more than 50% by 2028. Sports Facilities Upgrade: MIVHED reports nine sports venues already delivered as it modernizes key sites for Santo Domingo 2026, including aquatics, fencing, and weightlifting pavilions. Marine Conservation: World Oceans Day events included a coastal cleanup at Fort San Gil and a panel on marine conservation progress, from protected areas to species recovery. Law & Expression: Senator Antonio Taveras proposes changes to the new Penal Code to limit prison use in defamation/slander cases and reduce “excesses” in enforcement.

Border Security: President Luis Abinader unveiled a “Strong Border” strategy, adding 1,500 soldiers to the 9,500 already deployed along the 391-kilometer Haiti border and expanding the smart perimeter fence, with drones, cameras and real-time monitoring to deter armed gangs. Sports Infrastructure: The Ministry of Housing (MIVHED) says nine sports facilities have already been delivered ahead of Santo Domingo 2026, including the Aquatic Center and multiple pavilions at Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Environment & Oceans: The Environment Ministry marked World Oceans Day with a coastal cleanup at Fort San Gil and a panel highlighting marine protected areas, turtle programs and the reintroduction of manatee “Juan Pedro.” Public Health Alert: A local veterinarian urged vigilance against screwworm after Texas reported new cases, noting the threat to livestock and pets. Identity & Democracy: The Dominican national ID and voter registration card was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America by a high-security printing forum tied to the JCE. Regional Diplomacy: The DR chaired an extraordinary SICA foreign ministers meeting and will transfer the pro tempore presidency to Belize at month’s end. Economy Watch: The Central Bank confirmed annualized inflation hit 5.35%, with May CPI up 0.31%. Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 32 migrants to the Dominican Republic after intercepting an overloaded vessel near Puerto Rico.

Border Security & Development: President Luis Abinader unveiled a stronger Haiti-Dominican border plan, expanding the perimeter fence and building a binational market in Restauración, as part of a strategy covering security, connectivity, and economic development along the 391-kilometer frontier. Social Investment: APAP will put RD$131 million in 2026 into education, health, employability, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability, including RD$92 million for community projects via 71 nonprofits. Weather Risk Protection: The government and UNDP presented “Parametric Insurance” for Supérate households, starting with 3,030 vulnerable families in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to help them respond faster to heavy rains and hurricanes. Public Integrity & Symbols: The Duarte Institute warned it will pursue legal action over incorrect versions of the National Shield still used by public institutions, saying the correction period under Law 210-19 has expired. Sports & Youth Basketball: Rosters were confirmed for the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup 2026, with the Dominican Republic in Group A and a key Window 3 qualifier game set in Santo Domingo. Aviation Tragedy: Two U.S. pilots died after a Gulfstream G200 crash during an emergency landing at La Romana Airport, with the jet reportedly headed to pick up MLB star Yadier Molina.

Child Safety Push: UNICEF says more than 2,200 Dominican families have cut back on physical punishment, as positive parenting programs expand nationwide. Social Investment: APAP will put RD$131 million into education, health, employability, entrepreneurship, and environmental projects this year. Tourism Growth Plan: Tourism Minister David Collado says new air seats and hotel capacity are key, citing 100,000+ extra airline seats from Canada and the need for about 30,000 new rooms. Ebola Readiness: The Civil Aviation Board approved new airport health surveillance rules to prevent Ebola entry, including denying boarding to suspected cases while allowing Dominican returns under health protocols. International Diplomacy: The DR wrapped up its first Dominican Week in Belgium and the Netherlands, boosting ties on trade, ports, water education, and climate cooperation. Governance Spotlight: UNDP praised the DR for democratic and human-development gains, while urging continued institutional strength. Aviation Tragedy: Two U.S. pilots died after a Gulfstream G200 crash during an emergency landing at La Romana while en route to pick up Yadier Molina and family. Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister visited the DR to study the Joint Task Force coordination model.

Aviation Tragedy: A Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana International Airport killed two U.S. pilots during an emergency landing attempt; former MLB star Yadier Molina said the jet was en route to pick him up in Texas for a flight back to Puerto Rico, with footage showing the aircraft skidding and bursting into flames. Energy & Environment: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said the DR’s non-conventional renewables could reach about 2,600 MW by 2028, with nearly 2,000 MW already in production and new storage capacity planned (200 MW by end of 2026). Local Safety: Onesvie, with Bahoruco and Neiba officials, launched a province-wide push to reduce seismic risk, including public education and coordination among civil society and public agencies. Regional Security: Costa Rica’s security minister visited the DR to study its Joint Task Force coordination model, praised for helping drive homicide rates to the lowest levels since records began. Politics & Democracy: President Luis Abinader told the UNDP that consensus-building across parties, plus dialogue with business and civil society, has helped strengthen Dominican democracy and social cohesion. International Climate Diplomacy: The DR will chair UNFCCC SBSTA 64, with Environment Ministry advisor Dr. Carol Franco leading technical negotiations in Bonn.

Aviation Tragedy in La Romana: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed at La Romana International Airport during an emergency landing attempt, killing both pilots (Erick Javier Diago and Ruddy Ghazal). MLB Connection: Former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina said the jet was headed to Austin, Texas, to pick him up and take his family and friends to Puerto Rico. Investigation Demand: The Council of Captains urged the U.S. NTSB to lead the probe, citing concerns about credibility and past unresolved aviation investigations. Judicial Reform: The Dominican Judiciary opened a public consultation on the new “Open Justice” policy, running until June 25. Education Oversight: The final stage of the Teacher Performance Evaluation begins June 9, bringing in more than 115,000 teachers across 122 centers. Banking Scam Alert: The Superintendency of Banks warned the public about a fake “Pro Renta” investment platform using its branding. Air Connectivity: Iberojet announced direct flights between Barcelona and Punta Cana starting June 21, weekly through September.

Aviation Tragedy in La Romana: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 jet crashed during an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport, killing both pilots. Dominican aviation authorities say the aircraft declared an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana, returned to attempt runway 29, then veered onto rough ground; video circulating online shows the jet skidding and erupting into a fireball as emergency crews responded. Sports Spotlight: In Mexico, Canada won the FIBA U18 AmeriCup title, beating the United States 67–65; Brazil took bronze over Puerto Rico. Local Basketball: The Gigantes del Cibao and Metros de Santiago posted big wins in the LNB elimination phase, tightening their push toward the final stretch. Tourism & Environment: Sargassum seaweed continues to blanket major Dominican beaches, with businesses in Boca Chica and Guayacanes warning the buildup drives visitors away. International Ties: Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado visited the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, underscoring cooperation with the United States.

Missing Persons Law: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful backed the new Alerta RD system, approved by Congress and enacted by President Luis Abinader, which requires police and the Public Ministry to activate alerts within 24 hours of a complaint. Public Safety & Weather: Indomet warned that a trough plus a tropical wave will bring downpours, thunderstorms, and gusts across much of the country, with 12 provinces on alert and six on warning due to flooding and landslide risk. Juvenile Justice Debate: A case involving three teenagers accused in the death of a 17-year-old in a CONANI shelter has reignited debate over how Law 136-03 and the juvenile protection code apply criminal responsibility and detention measures for minors. Gender-Based Violence Support: The Ministry of Women highlighted the 212 emergency hotline and related services, including police response, legal guidance, and shelter access for victims. Tourism Pulse: Dominican tourism continues to gain traction with Canadian visitors, with the Tourism Ministry reporting over 1.1 million Canadians in 2025 and a strong Quebec and Ontario contribution. Tech & Education: PUCMM students won a Grand Prize in the Computing category at the Huawei ICT Global Competition 2025-2026, marking a first for Latin America and the Caribbean in that track.

Road Safety Push: The Chamber of Deputies will study a bill to promote “Safe Helmet RD,” aiming to reduce motorcycle crashes by incentivizing use of homologated helmets, cutting ITBIS/import duties for them, and allowing subsidies for lower-income riders and delivery workers. Weather Alerts: Heavy rains linked to a trough and tropical wave keep alerts active, with downpours and gusts expected in Greater Santo Domingo and the National District, while flooding risk persists in multiple provinces. Public Health Update: The Ministry of Public Health confirmed 10 new dengue cases this week (111 total so far), alongside 4 malaria cases and continued monitoring of respiratory viruses. Electricity Maintenance: ETED scheduled preventive work at the 69 kV Los Mina substation, with planned power interruptions in several Santo Domingo Este communities from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Identity & Travel: The Dominican Republic’s new electronic passport won a High Security Printing Latin America award for its security and anti-fraud features. Education & AI on TV: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA launched an AI-in-education webinar series adapted for Dominican broadcast on CDN Channel 37, targeting teachers, school leaders, and families.