AGP Executive Report

Central American Games Pay: Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced cash incentives for Santo Domingo 2026 medals: RD$300,000 for gold, RD$150,000 for silver, RD$100,000 for bronze, plus team rewards (gold RD$3.2M, silver RD$2.8M, bronze RD$1.6M). Anti-Corruption Push: President Luis Abinader said the Dominican Republic will host the International Anti-Corruption Conference from Dec. 1–4, 2026, with 2,000+ participants from about 140 countries. Earthquake Preparedness: INTEC and insurance leaders warned of a major risk tied to an 80-year seismic lull along the Septentrional Fault, urging stronger building safety and citizen preparedness. Local Infrastructure Fight: Santo Domingo residents are pushing back against MOPC’s expansion of Los Próceres Avenue, saying it could create a “bottleneck” and harm green spaces without fixing the real traffic cause. Cyber Scams: Police arrested two men in separate digital fraud cases totaling over RD$128,000, including a WhatsApp “investment” scam and phishing-linked unauthorized transfers. Economy Snapshot: Central Bank reference rates for July 16: dollar at RD$57.37 buy / RD$60.22 sell; euro at RD$65.73 buy / RD$69.63 sell.

Elder Fraud Crackdown: A Dominican-linked call-center scheme targeting more than 400 U.S. seniors has landed in court again, with four Dominican nationals pleading guilty and a fifth sentenced in the U.S. for identity theft and laundering tied to over US$5M in losses. Court Orders JCE to Pay: Dominican courts authorized enforcement of a U.S. ruling requiring the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to pay Latin Events more than US$906,000 for unpaid overseas logistical services. Hydrocarbons Push: University of Texas geologists, with Dominican energy officials, visited Azua to study sedimentary formations and old oil seep sites as part of a regional assessment of onshore and offshore hydrocarbon potential. Earthquake Safety Debate: INTEC hosted experts urging stronger building codes, structural risk checks, and better preparedness to cut damage and deaths from Dominican earthquakes. Agriculture Row: PLD’s Adriano Sánchez Roa accused the agriculture minister of overstating 2025 production, saying the real “record” was food imports. Sports & Tourism Momentum: Santo Domingo 2026 medal incentives were announced, and Asonahores set its 2026 tourism trade show for Sept. 2–4 in Punta Cana. Security Gear Boost: New York donated 849 bulletproof vests to Dominican penitentiary and anti-drug agencies.

Health Diplomacy: Vice President Raquel Peña met U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington to deepen cooperation on prevention, lab capacity, digital health services, chronic disease strategies, and medicine supply chains. Mental Health Expansion: The National Health Service (SNS) says it’s pushing mental health care nationwide, with crisis beds rising from 314 toward a goal of 500+ by year-end, plus new psychosocial centers under construction. Electoral ID Clarity: The JCE president, Román Jáquez Liranzo, defended the coat of arms on the new ID card, saying it was validated by patriotic institutions and approved by the relevant bodies before publication. Tourism & Travel Links: Cathay Pacific will add Latin America destinations via Iberia codeshares, including Santo Domingo, and the Dominican Republic is seeing strong visitor growth from Canada and Europe. Sports Spotlight: Junior Caminero was hit by a pitch at the MLB All-Star Game but scans were negative; meanwhile, talks continue on MLB players’ potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Commemorations: Santo Domingo marked the July 15 legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte, with events scheduled across the capital.

Tourism Surge: New data shows the Dominican Republic is drawing more Canadians and Europeans, with 465,868 Canadian visitors and 351,800 European arrivals in the first quarter—fueling a broader tourism boom beyond the U.S. Central American & Caribbean Games (Santo Domingo 2026): Cuba has registered 504 athletes across 42 sports for Santo Domingo 2026, and the Education Ministry received the “Flame of Values” torch, linking the Games to school values ahead of the July 24 opening. Local Security & Justice: Police say investigations into an armored truck robbery in Monte Plata are progressing, while a Santo Domingo court sentenced Ángel Luis Zarzuela Cabrera to six months for electricity fraud against Edeeste and ordered RD$2 million in damages. Politics & Law: Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco scheduled a Thursday plenary to review Penal Code reform changes, with possible continuation on Friday. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Santo Domingo’s sidewalk recovery program is expanding, reclaiming blocked public walkways and rolling out new beautification in multiple neighborhoods. Sports & Regional Spotlight: MLB’s 2028 Olympics baseball plans are still in early talks, including how Dominican and other qualified teams would handle player accommodations.

Exports Surge: The Dominican Republic hit a record US$7.89 billion in exports in the first half of 2026, up 14.8% year-on-year, with the U.S. as the top trading partner. Archaeology & Heritage: Santo Domingo hosted the 31st International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, bringing 237 scientists from 23 countries to discuss Caribbean pre-Columbian and colonial history. Disaster Preparedness: Onesvie will add 281 new engineers and architects to the REED network, bringing certified building evaluators to 950 to strengthen seismic risk prevention. Violence Against Women: A new wave of femicide cases has left at least six women dead in one week, reigniting calls for stronger protection and prevention policies. Culture & Education: Merengue artist Pochy Familia hailed a new UASD master’s in collective management of artistic and cultural productions as a major step for professionalizing the sector. Sports Spotlight: Dominican-born pitcher Cristopher Sánchez is set to start for the NL in the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.

Health Services Standstill: The Superior Administrative Court (TSA) ordered Andeclip not to suspend elective care for Primera ARS and ARS Futuro affiliates while a collective legal case is heard, after DIDA argued affiliates’ right to health can’t be used as leverage in rate disputes. Police Accountability: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful said any National Police officer who acts outside the law must be investigated and sanctioned, as reforms aim to boost oversight and transparency. Education Union Pushback: The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) denied signing any deal with Minerd to limit teachers’ right to protest, saying it will keep mobilizing if rights are violated. Construction Permits Boost: MIVHED approved over RD$330B in private construction projects in the first half of 2026 and is moving toward a digital permitting platform to speed approvals. Humanitarian Response: Dominican EMT-RD reports 1,200+ consultations in Venezuela after the earthquake, with field hospital services expanding beyond general care. Regional Spotlight: Dominican mining continues to surge, with exports and investment up sharply in early 2026, reinforcing its growing role in foreign exchange. Tourism & Culture: The DR inaugurated the 31st International Congress of Caribbean Archaeology in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, drawing 237 researchers from 23 countries.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic logged a historic 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, with the Ministry of Tourism citing strong air connectivity and a cruise surge. Presidential Focus: President Luis Abinader defended the independence of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, backed police reform after deadly operations, and said earthquake-risk work is underway on dozens of bridges and other infrastructure. Penal Code Backlash: Citizens rallied at Plaza de la Bandera to protest controversial Penal Code provisions, while Abinader said amendments will be approved before the law takes effect on August 3. Cost of Living & Dialogue: Abinader acknowledged some protest demands are legitimate and said the government is actively following up on concerns tied to prices and daily life. Public Services: Fitram launched an integrated mass-transit fare system in Santo Domingo, and the government highlighted housing permitting gains worth over RD$330 billion in private investment. Economy & Tech: Remittances to the DR hit US$6.21 billion in the first half of 2026, and 92.7% of households now have at least one smartphone. Health Warning: A new report flags C-section rates climbing to 68.2% nationwide, far above WHO guidance. Security: Police seized 105 illegal slot machines in Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces. Women’s Sports: The DR women’s volleyball team stunned China 3-1 in Hong Kong, setting up a key match against Canada.

Public Safety Crackdown: Dominican authorities seized 105 illegal slot machines across Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces, with police saying the devices were operating without authorization. Drug Enforcement: DNCD and prosecutors, with police support, arrested 20 people in Santo Domingo Norte and seized 9,605.7 grams of suspected cocaine, marijuana and crack, plus radios, scales, cash and weapons. Education in Samaná: Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps inaugurated the Félix Sosa Basic School and roofed the Luis Emilio Vanderhorst High School in Las Terrenas, benefiting 1,032 students. Penal Code Debate: Lawyers back possible tweaks to the new Penal Code but disagree on timing; PLD leader Gonzalo Castillo wants a delay and a year-long national discussion, warning about defamation and freedom of expression. Health Urgency: The Ministry of Public Health will deliver the first dose of medication for child Dayron Almonte Socias after his family warned only two doses remained. Environment & Daily Life: A national survey says 48.9% of Dominican households report environmental nuisances, with noise from neighbors and stores the top complaint in the Ozama region. Tourism Planning: Bayahíbe is setting up a permanent working group to coordinate long-term tourism growth and sustainability. Weather Watch: Indomet forecasts mostly sunny, hot conditions with Saharan dust and isolated showers in parts of the country.

Anti-Fraud Push: President Luis Abinader visited the Comptroller General’s Office to strengthen the Anti-Fraud Unit, expanding its structure to better prevent, detect, and investigate irregularities in public spending. Public Health Alarm: The Ministry of Public Health reports infant deaths rose in the first half of 2026, with 762 deaths of children under five recorded between January and June. Justice & Security: Dominican authorities extradited two men to the U.S. on alleged large-scale drug trafficking and organized-crime charges, handing them over at Las Américas International Airport. Local Services & Oversight: COBA said it exceeded its 2025 supervision goal by 163%, regulating 56,487 establishments nationwide, and is rolling out digital tools for inspections. Northern Education Boost: Unisnorte held its first extraordinary graduation and inaugurated a new campus in Colina Centro, awarding degrees to 12 students. Sports Spotlight: The Dominican Republic upset China 3-1 in women’s Volleyball Nations League action in Hong Kong, marking a third win for the team. Weather Watch: Saharan dust is expected to push heat index up to 45°C this Friday, with authorities urging hydration and limiting sun exposure.

Protests in Greater Santo Domingo: Pot-banging demonstrations returned for a fifth straight day, with residents, students, and social groups denouncing economic and political problems and demanding answers from authorities. Public Safety & Regulation: COBA reported it exceeded its 2025 supervision goal by 163%, carrying out 266,937 checks and regulating 56,487 alcohol-selling establishments, while also rolling out digital tools for inspections. Transport & Cost of Living: CNTU said it will not raise passenger fares in Bonao for now and urged drivers to avoid phone use behind the wheel. Heat Alert: Saharan dust is expected to push temperatures to 37–38°C and a heat index up to 45°C this Friday, with hydration and sun-safety advice for outdoor workers. Crime & Justice: Two Dominicans were extradited to the U.S. to face drug-trafficking and related charges in New York courts. Drugs Seizure: U.S. CBP seized $1.5 million in cocaine from a shipment labeled “Music Equipment” sent from Santo Domingo to Delhi. Sports Spotlight: Dominican Republic upset China 3-1 in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Hong Kong, while UASD advanced in a government softball tournament. Environment: The government announced a 10 million-tree reforestation push along major highways and avenues over the next two years.

Reforestation Push: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial and Digecac kicked off a plan to plant 10 million trees on major highways and avenues over two years, targeting corridors like the Azua Bypass, Duarte and Juan Pablo II highways and the Ecológica Avenue. Colonial City Revamp: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum (over RD$100 million) and launched an RD$86 million public lighting upgrade with more than 2,000 colonial-style LED fixtures to boost safety and protect the historic look. Digital Government Win: The Dominican-led Inter-American Digital Government Network (GEALC) received the WSIS Prize 2026 for regional cooperation, highlighting progress in digital transformation and cross-border knowledge sharing. Migration Enforcement Spotlight: A viral incident showed 20 Haitian migrants, including four children, packed inside a small SUV after Dominican soldiers stopped the vehicle near Macheteros; authorities said the group lacked immigration status and the driver was detained. Public Safety Update: Joint Task Force crime stats reported the lowest cumulative homicide rate for this period in four years, at 6.92 per 100,000 residents as of July 3. Education Consultation: The government expanded its Great National Consultation for the Future of Education to Dominicans abroad via virtual forums in Europe, feeding proposals into a new education law.

Digital Transformation Win: The Dominican Republic’s GEALC network, chaired by OGTIC, won the WSIS Prize 2026 in Geneva for regional digital government cooperation and people-centered transformation. Cybersecurity Cooperation: Trinidad and Tobago joined the LAC4 cyber competence hub based in the DR, boosting regional training and cyber resilience. Colonial City Revitalization: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched an RD$86 million public lighting upgrade across Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Penal Code Update Fight: The Executive Branch sent a bill to amend 18 articles of the Penal Code, including Article 354 challenged by the Medical Association over sanctions tied to medical certificates. Public Safety: Joint Task Force data shows the DR’s homicide rate at 6.92 per 100,000—the lowest in four years—while 82.4% of territory stays under 10. Migration Crackdown: A viral video shows 20 Haitian migrants packed inside a Honda CR-V after a stop near Macheteros; authorities say the group lacked immigration status and the driver was detained. Human Trafficking Probe (Abroad): In Turks and Caicos, investigators removed about 14 foreign women from entertainment venues amid suspected trafficking and visa violations. Economy & Costs: ECLAC warns higher oil prices from Middle East tensions could worsen trade balances for energy-importing countries including the DR. Remittances: Central Bank figures show remittances hit US$6.219 billion in the first half of 2026, up 6.7%, with the U.S. providing 81.4% of formal flows. Protests: Demonstrators rallied at Plaza de la Bandera against the “Gag Law,” citing rising living costs and threats to freedom of expression.

Penal Code Pushback: In Santo Domingo, communicator Santiago Matías (Alofoke) says Congress will introduce changes to 16 articles of the new Penal Code this Friday, after a commission of alternative media representatives met President Luis Abinader at the National Palace—aiming to address concerns over freedom of expression and other rights. Protest at the Court: Dozens gathered outside the Constitutional Court rejecting the so-called “Gag Law,” chanting “They will not silence us” and asking judges to strike down provisions they say could curb journalism and public criticism. Drug Bust Linked to DR: U.S. Customs seized 22 kg of cocaine hydrochloride worth about $1.5 million in Miami, hidden in speakers and amplifiers in cargo declared “music equipment,” originating in Santo Domingo and bound for India. Energy Plan: Energy Minister Joel Santos outlined a long-term strategy to strengthen the Dominican power sector through the 2030s, warning that delays beyond 2028 could hurt the country’s ability to meet rising electricity demand. Agriculture & Borders: ITESIL and the Agrarian Institute launched an agro-industrial project in Montecristi to turn 900 tareas of state land into a research and training hub for the border region. Tourism Growth: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, adding 1,000+ rooms and a $350M investment. Sugar Modernization: Dominican sugar mills say mechanized harvesting jumped from 1% to 70% in five years, cutting reliance on foreign labor and boosting productivity. Sports (DR in focus): The DR U-21 women’s volleyball team beat Costa Rica 3-1 to reach the Pan American Cup semifinals undefeated; Junior Caminero hit his 27th MLB homer.

Energy Strategy: Energy Minister Joel Santos told industry leaders in Santo Domingo that the Dominican Republic is laying out a long-term power plan to handle rising electricity demand through the 2030s, warning that delays past 2028 could leave future governments unable to meet needs. Weather Watch: The COE raised alerts as a trough and tropical wave keep conditions unstable, putting seven provinces plus the National District on yellow alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, gusts and possible hail. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister David Collado said Puerto Rico is becoming a bigger source market for the DR, with 7.7% growth so far this year and projections of more than 290,000 visitors by year-end, helped by better air links and Arajet. Punta Cana Expansion: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusives in Punta Cana—adding 1,000+ rooms and a $350M+ investment—betting on a connected resort experience. Local Economy: Sugar mills say mechanized harvesting has surged from 1% to 70%, cutting reliance on foreign labor and boosting productivity. Public Health: DIDA warned it will sue if private clinics suspend services to ARS affiliates, saying care must continue during insurer-provider disputes. Environment & Tourism: Record sargassum levels are hitting Punta Cana, with cleanup costs rising and beaches affected for visitors and local businesses. Culture: Banco Popular’s Casa del Cordón opened a new exhibition of Dominican artists exploring the country’s natural and cultural landscapes. Sports: Junior Caminero kept his hot pace with his 27th MLB home run as the Rays faced the Yankees.

Police Reform Push: The Dominican Senate finally moved on the Police Reform bill, approving it in first reading after the July 3 killing of 19-year-old Darlin Mercado in Herrera, while a judge ordered Police Corporal José Francisco Moreta Heredia to one year of pretrial detention as the case is declared complex. Justice in the Capital: A Santo Domingo court sentenced businessman Javier Francisco Álvarez Valencia to two years (suspended under conditions) and ordered him to pay over RD$47 million for electricity fraud tied to illegal connections. Public Health & Rights: DIDA warned it will go to court if private clinics suspend care for ARS affiliates, stressing patients’ constitutional right to uninterrupted medical services. Environment & Transit: Environmentalists are urging changes to a proposed Santo Domingo East monorail route, warning it could damage the protected bluff system along Ecológica Avenue. Weather Watch: Indomet says rains, thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hail will continue across much of the country, including Greater Santo Domingo and key provinces like La Altagracia and La Romana. Regional Spotlight: The U.S. ambassador said Washington is prioritizing the Americas and flagged concern over China’s growing presence, while also highlighting cooperation with the DR on trade, investment, and migration management.

Police Reform Watch: The Senate will review the National Police reform bill this Wednesday, aiming to modernize operations and tighten rules on use of force after months of commission work. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health added two GeneXpert systems to expand rapid tuberculosis testing nationwide, bringing the network to 36 devices to speed diagnosis and drug-resistant detection. Healthcare Access: Private clinics under ANDECLIP say they will indefinitely suspend non-emergency services for Primera ARS and ARS Futuro starting July 14 over inadequate reimbursement, while emergency and ICU care will continue. Mobility in Santo Domingo: OMSA is launching a 100% electric bus corridor in the Colonial City, with five buses on a 12.5-kilometer route and accessible stops. Environment: The government plans to plant 10 million trees over two years, prioritizing major highways and ring roads. Civic Pressure: Pot-banging protests continue across Greater Santo Domingo as critics demand changes to the Penal Code and justice in the Darlin Mercado case. Immigration Data: The DR granted 60,306 residency permits to Haitians from 2018 to 2026, even as deportations have intensified.