AGP Executive Report

Tropical Wave Watch: The COE raised alert levels as an active tropical wave linked to Dolly’s remnants boosts humidity and rain across the Dominican Republic, putting Santo Domingo, the National District, San Cristóbal and Monte Plata under yellow alert while 10 provinces stay on green; authorities urged people to avoid rivers, ravines and swimming areas and to prepare evacuation routes. Energy Policy: The Dominican Republic is exploring nuclear energy opportunities with U.S. cooperation, focusing on training and non-power uses like nuclear medicine, agriculture and water management, while stressing no decision has been made to build a plant. Crime & Justice: The Dominican Republic and Colombia signed a joint investigation team agreement to fight transnational organized crime, with human trafficking and migrant smuggling named as priorities. Sports & Culture: The DR will be the guest country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires, and Santo Domingo’s electronic music scene gets a boost with &ME performing Oct. 31 at Playa Montesinos. Economy: The Central Bank kept its monetary policy rate at 5.25% as inflation pressures persist amid global uncertainty.

Electricity Rights: A new law (186-07) lays out that users can demand compensation for “unserved electricity” when outages are due to company or system failures, with payouts set at no less than 150% of the relevant tariff. Weather Watch: Meteorologist Jean Suriel warns of rising rainfall, wind gusts and thunderstorms over the next hours, with flash-flood risk increasing this afternoon, especially in vulnerable urban areas across the Cibao and parts of the south and southeast. Peace Index: The Dominican Republic dropped 10 spots in the 2026 Global Peace Index, moving to 89th, as the “ongoing conflict” category worsened despite improvements in security and social protection. Telecom Competition: President Abinader says Viettel’s entry will bring competition to the DR telecom market after the company secured spectrum to challenge the current big operators. Identity Deadline: The JCE removed the birth-month renewal priority and set March 31, 2027 as the final deadline to replace the current cedula; old IDs won’t be valid from April 1, 2027. Regional Security: Honduras is exploring buying Dominican-made Dulus aircraft and Furia armored vehicles to boost patrol and response against organized crime. Humanitarian Aid: The DR sent about 50 tons of earthquake relief to Colombia via a Navy vessel, including food, medicines and hygiene supplies. Sports (Volleyball): Cuba beat Puerto Rico 3-0 to finish third in the NORCECA women’s pre-Olympic qualifier in Santo Domingo, while the DR still has two remaining paths to LA 2028. Culture & Society: A trans man and trans woman legally married before the JCE, described as the first publicly registered such marriage in the country.

Judicial Cooperation: The Dominican Republic and Colombia signed an agreement to create a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to strengthen cross-border action against organized crime, aligning with the UN Palermo Convention and both countries’ criminal frameworks. Immigration Pressure: The UN says nearly 200,000 people have been forcibly returned to Haiti in the first eight months of 2026, with deportations tied to the end of TPS for Haitians in the U.S., raising fears of violence and instability that also affects the DR region. Sports & Olympics: Canada booked a spot for the LA28 Olympics by beating host Dominican Republic 3-1 in the NORCECA women’s volleyball Olympic qualifier in Santo Domingo, after a week that also brought Canada its first continental title. Local Economy & Policy: A new gambling bill provision approved by the Chamber of Deputies would block new licenses for 10 years, potentially keeping the banking market in the hands of current operators while offering debt discounts and license extensions. Public Health: UNICEF highlights that 68.2% of births in the DR are via C-section, far above global and regional averages, urging a review of obstetric practices and maternal care quality. Weather Watch: INDOMET reports a tropical wave remnant of Dolly bringing scattered showers, possible thunderstorms, and gusts, with heavier rain expected in parts of the northeast and southeast. Electricity Rights: A new law sets rules for compensating users for “unserved electricity” during outages caused by company or system failures, with compensation not less than 150% of the tariff. Business & Trade: ProDominicana says new U.S. tariffs of 12.5% on the DR may not hit rates immediately, but could create uncertainty for industry if extended, while urging export diversification.

Antisemitism Policy Shift: President Luis Abinader announced the Dominican Republic will adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, joining other Latin American countries, as regional leaders met in Santo Domingo for CAM’s sixth forum against antisemitism. Public Health Warning: UNICEF says 68.2% of births in the DR happen via C-section, with private facilities at 89%, urging a review of obstetric practices because surgery without clear justification carries risks. Weather Watch: INDOMET reports a tropical wave linked to Dolly will bring scattered showers, possible thunderstorms, and gusts across multiple provinces, with heavier rain expected at night in the northeast and southeast. Local Governance & Traffic: The National District mayor says heavy-vehicle transit rules are headed to the Chapter House for approval, including restricted circulation areas and a permit system. Cost of Living Pressure: Market prices may be “stable” on paper, but shoppers say salaries lag and basic goods still feel unaffordable. Water Shortage Measures: CAASD chief Felipe Suberví urges rationing as drought cuts aqueduct production to 30–35% of normal capacity. Tourism Development: A permanent research program will track the economic and social impact of the Punta Bergantín tourism project in Puerto Plata’s northern communities. International Spotlight: Canada booked LA28 after beating the host Dominican Republic 3-1 in the NORCECA women’s volleyball qualifier final in Santo Domingo.

Olympic Volleyball: Canada booked its first women’s Olympic berth since 1996 by beating host Dominican Republic 3-1 in the NORCECA Continental Qualifier final in Santo Domingo (25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-14). Water Crisis: CAASD chief Felipe Suberví urged Greater Santo Domingo residents to rationalize water as aqueduct production is running at just 30–35% of normal due to El Niño-linked drought, with some basins down sharply. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has dissipated into an open tropical wave, but its remnants may still bring rain to the Dominican Republic and nearby islands over the next days; Indomet and meteorology advisories point to scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Power Disruptions: ETED scheduled maintenance this Saturday that will cause electricity interruptions in multiple Santo Domingo sectors and nearby areas. Tourism & Research: A Punta Bergantín trust deal with PUCMM and the Tourism Ministry will fund a permanent program to track the project’s economic and social impact in Puerto Plata’s northern communities. Sports Scandal: MLB suspended a Dominican prospect tied to an alleged age-and-identity fraud plot involving fake documents and a staged death.

Power & Utilities: ETED will replace deteriorated structures on the 69 kV Haina–Herrera Nueva–Metropolitano L3 line this Saturday (8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.), causing outages in areas including El Millón, Los Prados, Piantini, Ensanche Naco/Kennedy, La Fe, and several major institutions like Claro Dominicana, Banco Popular, Listín Diario, CEDIMAT, and Plaza de la Salud. Weather Watch: INDOMET says Saturday will be mostly cloudy with little rain early, then a tropical wave boosts humidity and brings scattered downpours and isolated thunderstorms, especially over Greater Santo Domingo and parts of the north and east; the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are being monitored. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, for possible financing and de-risking via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Sports (Baseball): MLB suspended a Dominican prospect tied to an age-fraud scheme involving falsified identity records and even a fake death certificate and gravesite; the Cleveland Guardians had agreed to a $2.8M pre-deal. Culture & Music: Sin Bandera returns to Santo Domingo on Aug. 29 with the “Escenas Tour,” celebrating 26 years since their hit romantic pop era began.

MLB Age-Fraud Shock: Major League Baseball suspended Dominican prospect David Severino after an investigation found an elaborate fake identity scheme, including falsified birth, medical and school records plus a fraudulent death certificate and staged gravesite, after the Cleveland Guardians had agreed to a $2.8 million pre-deal. NORCECA Volleyball Olympic Race: In Santo Domingo, top-ranked Canada swept Puerto Rico 3-0 in the women’s NORCECA qualifier, setting up a Saturday Olympic-berth match against either the Dominican Republic or Cuba. Maritime Safety at Mona Passage: The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 16 Dominicans after intercepting an overloaded small vessel near Puerto Rico; two minors were turned over to CONANI. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly weakened to an open tropical wave, but its remnants could bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk to parts of the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola over the weekend. Fuel Prices Held Steady: For Aug. 29–Sept. 4, the Dominican government kept gasoline, diesel, LPG and natural gas prices unchanged under its anti-crisis fuel subsidy plan. Local Transport Push: The G12 group presented proposals to modernize public transportation and cut traffic deaths, including staggered schedules and restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours.

National Data Push: The Dominican Republic’s National Statistics Office (ONE) unveiled the National Statistical Plan (PEN) 2025-2028, mapping 880 priority indicators and flagging major gaps in areas like culture, construction, infrastructure, and social security to help steer policy with better data. Healthcare Focus: The third International Health Quality and Safety Forum will be held Sept. 16, aiming to make patient safety a “system strategy” and strengthen trust in the healthcare sector. Tourism Strategy: FEDA is promoting agritourism to diversify tourism beyond beaches, with farm visits, trails, gastronomy, and projects like an Agroecological Avocado Park in Cambita Garabitos. Tourism Management: Puerto Plata’s “Tourism Close to You” program was launched to coordinate safety, sustainability, and destination organization with local stakeholders. Security & Justice: A Dominican-linked cocaine trafficking and money laundering leader, Erick Randhiel Mosquea Polanco, was extradited from Colombia to face federal charges in New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Sports (DR in action): The Dominican Republic beat Brazil 94-90 in FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, with Jean Montero scoring 30 and Andrés Feliz adding 24. Economy & Trade: Pineapple production doubled to 406.2 million units by 2025, but exports fell sharply, with costs and market shifts blamed.

Press Freedom & Government Transparency: DIECOM chief Félix Reyna said President Luis Abinader will keep holding weekly meetings with journalists, alongside the new “Weekly Agenda” format that lets the public see how government cabinets work. Water Crisis: El Niño and reduced rainfall have cut drinking water output across Caasd aqueduct systems by 33% to 68%, with the Haina-Manoguayabo system down 68%, triggering disruptions in parts of Greater Santo Domingo. Tourism & Public Spaces: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated a RD$10.8 million photo stop at Punta Rucia Beach in Puerto Plata, part of upgrades to coastal tourist areas. Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will host the 41st ECLAC session (Oct. 7–9) in Santiago de los Caballeros, focusing on regional integration, digital transformation and productive development. Security & Justice: U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the extradition of a Dominican cocaine kingpin to Puerto Rico to face justice. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to weaken before the Caribbean but could still bring rain to the Dominican Republic over the weekend into Monday.

Blue Economy Finance Push: The Dominican Republic is mobilizing US$100 million to back blue-economy projects, from watershed restoration and water/sanitation to marine conservation, via the Environment Ministry, SIMV and GGGI’s Bluecar, with a call for proposals for “blue bonds.” Emergency Response Coordination: 911 and COE leadership met to tighten operational coordination so emergencies and disasters get a faster, more effective response. Telecom Competition: President Luis Abinader said new telecom entrants are key to breaking oligopolies, citing high local prices and pushing for improved service and lower costs. Baseball Overhaul: Decree 601-26 sets new rules for professional and recreational baseball, academies and player development, creating a national registry and stronger safeguards for minors. Rights and the New Penal Code: LGBT+ groups asked the Constitutional Court to fix what they call a gap in the Penal Code’s anti-discrimination protections, arguing sexual orientation isn’t explicitly covered. Weather and Risk: Indomet warned of extreme heat with heat indexes up to 47°C, and a 4.0 earthquake was recorded near Bayahibe with no reported damage. Sports in Santo Domingo: Canada won the NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship in five sets over the USA, while Puerto Rico advanced in the standings after beating Trinidad & Tobago.

U.S.-Dominican Trade Talks: President Luis Abinader says a reciprocal tariff deal with the United States is a top priority, stressing the need to protect free-trade-zone incentives to keep investors confident. Aviation Jobs: Arajet is expanding in the Dominican Republic, hiring four new first officers and 18 cabin crew, with Boeing-backed cadet scholarships for local pilots. Local Politics & Gambling: Deputies defended a new gambling bill, saying the commission reviewing it was structured to avoid lawmakers tied to betting-shop interests. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó presented the Dutch Ambassador Fredrik Lammert Keurhorst with the Order of Merit, citing strong bilateral ties and trade growth. Culture & Literature: The 28th Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2026) runs Sept. 23–Oct. 4 with 70 international writers and 600-plus activities. Tourism Safety: RIU says a tourist death on Saona Island was outside its operations and is under investigation. Security & Crime: U.S. prosecutors say five defendants pleaded guilty to importing $31M in cocaine into South Florida using sport fishing vessels linked to the Dominican Republic. Art in Embassies: Reports say a “woke” Kehinde Wiley painting was removed from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and may be sold.

Foreign Policy Update: New Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó outlined three pillars for Dominican diplomacy—protecting and integrating Dominicans abroad, boosting exports and investment, and defending democracy and human rights—after receiving formal greetings following his appointment. Consular Access: The Dominican Republic opened its first official consular office in the Bronx (305 E. Fordham Road), offering passports, legalization, civil documentation, and consular protection to cut travel time and costs for local residents. Education Progress: UNESCO reports the DR hit 93% early childhood education coverage, up from 86% in 2015, and notes major gains in closing pre-primary inequality gaps. Colonial City Restoration: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the RD$102.3 million restoration of Casa Aybar in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, set to expand cultural and tourist services. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health intensified dengue prevention efforts. Sports—Norceca: The U.S. beat the Dominican Republic in the women’s NORCECA semifinal, while the U.S. also advanced to the finals in the men’s continental volleyball race. Congress Watch: PRM deputies and allies again led in absences and excuses in the National Congress, despite attendance rules.

Health & Safety: SNS director Dr. Julio Landrón launched a tour of maternity hospitals, stressing “zero tolerance” for preventable maternal and infant deaths and urging strict use of obstetric and newborn protocols. Labor: The National Wage Committee approved a 20% minimum wage hike for construction workers, with phased increases starting now and later in 2027. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health is intensifying dengue prevention nationwide under “Let’s Beat Dengue,” pushing “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” to stop Aedes aegypti breeding. Law & Justice: The Dominican Republic adopted a new Penal Code after 142 years under the 1884 code, expanding crimes like femicide, forced disappearance and cyber harassment, and setting criminal liability for legal entities. Culture & Tourism: Miches will host the Este Festival (Aug. 28-30) celebrating Eastern Dominican arts, crafts and gastronomy. International Spotlight: The U.S. State Department removed Kehinde Wiley’s “Young Artists After Siamesas 1960” from its Santo Domingo embassy and is exploring whether it can be sold. Sports: Japan beat Mexico 3-1 in the Little League World Series lower bracket, with the Dominican Republic among recent opponents in the same run.

IHRA Antisemitism Move: President Luis Abinader announced the Dominican Republic will formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, calling it a defense of democratic coexistence and human rights, and said the Foreign Ministry will formalize the decision. Education Plan for 2026-2027: The government laid out how the new school year will run, including RD$1.251 billion in school vouchers, 8 million textbooks/workbooks for 2.08 million students, 1,509 classrooms targeted by end of August, and expanded student transportation. Tourism With Ongoing Research: Punta Bergantín’s development will be tracked through a permanent economic and social study led by PUCMM, measuring jobs, income, entrepreneurship, investment and quality of life in northern communities. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Indotel and city authorities launched a project to remove and reorganize about 300 km of unused overhead cables across Santo Domingo neighborhoods. Security Tech at Punta Cana: Punta Cana Airport deployed SeeTrue AI with Leidos checkpoint systems to help detect drugs and undeclared currency. Sports—NORCECA Volleyball: The Dominican Republic advanced undefeated to the Women’s NORCECA semifinals after beating Puerto Rico 3-1, securing a World Cup ticket alongside Cuba. Environment: Firefighters and park staff controlled a forest fire in Valle Nuevo after 36 hours, with the park temporarily closed while investigations continue.

Education Update: The Ministry of Education says the “Bono a Mil” (RD$1,000 bonus) is already in the accounts of 483,862 families, with 58% of the RD$1.251 billion allocation deposited as the 2026-2027 school year begins. First Day of School: In Greater Santo Domingo, public school principals report attendance higher than last year, though many students are still not in classrooms yet. Health Policy Abroad: Health Minister Víctor Atallah is in Washington presenting Dominican health system reforms at PAHO and the OAS, focusing on access, innovation, and digital transformation. Public Safety & Rights: The 19th Pride Caravan marched through Santo Domingo with police security, while the capital’s public life also saw a push for smoother school-year operations. Tourism & Connectivity: Air France will extend its Paris–Punta Cana direct flights through May 1, 2027, boosting spring travel options. Sports Spotlight: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s Caribbean presence continues to spark backlash, as Concacaf leaders and players demand leadership change.

School Return & Traffic Safety: Intrant and Digesett are rolling out a school-zone traffic plan for the 2026-2027 year, including organized lanes with cones, suggested drop-off routes, staggered departures, extra officers near congested schools, and strict 20 kph limits. Government Transparency Push: President Luis Abinader will launch “Weekly Agenda” on Monday at 5:00 p.m., with a live, minister-led executive review of national priorities—starting with Education—broadcast to the public. Migration & Airport Security: Dominican Migration flagged 22 passenger alerts (Aug. 14-20) and found 10 cases of suspected document fraud at airports and the Dajabón border, while also denying entry to 37 foreign travelers. Public Order Crackdown: Authorities seized 119,708 units of illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes, sexual stimulants and medicines in Villa Consuelo, detaining five Haitian nationals with irregular status. Economy Outlook: Central Bank governor Héctor Valdez Albizu expects FDI to reach US$5.3 billion in 2026, citing stronger tourism, remittances, exports and investment momentum. Education Progress & Tensions: UNESCO data shows gains in completion rates, while teachers’ group ADP is again pressing for promised incentives and fixes ahead of the new school year. US-Dominican Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó held his first call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing trade, investment and joint initiatives. FIFA Power Struggle (Global, but DR-linked): UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin ruled out replacing Gianni Infantino but warned he may face a leadership challenge in March; Infantino meanwhile is campaigning and has been active in the Caribbean.