AGP Executive Report

Free Zone Exports: The Dominican Republic’s free trade zones shipped US$2.803 billion in goods in the first four months of 2026, up 4.3% year-on-year, adding US$115.2 million—with medical/pharmaceutical products leading at US$966 million. Aviation Expansion: Arajet received its 15th Boeing 737 MAX (“Isla Catalina”), expected to arrive in the country Monday and boost the airline’s role as a growing regional hub. Port Decarbonization: DP World says it has deployed 12 fully electric internal transfer vehicles at Port of Caucedo, cutting diesel use and cutting over 7,500 tons of CO₂ over the next decade. Health Leadership: The Dominican Republic was elected to preside over the 79th World Health Assembly, with Minister Víctor Atallah taking the helm. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities seized 123.13 kg of cocaine at Caucedo Port after X-ray flagged a container. Courts & Violence: A Judiciary study says fear, emotional dependence, depression, and pressure help explain why many victims drop gender-violence cases.

Drug Bust at Caucedo Port: DNCD and partners seized 123.13 kg of cocaine in 120 taped packages hidden in a container marked as medical equipment, with investigations ongoing to identify those behind the shipment. Aviation Expansion: Arajet took delivery of its 15th Boeing 737 MAX, “Isla Catalina,” and launched a Mendoza–Punta Cana route, adding more South America–Caribbean connectivity. Climate Governance: The Dominican Republic approved a National Climate Transparency System to track emissions, adaptation and climate financing—aimed at attracting international green investment. Public Safety & Health: The COE extended a green alert for 15 provinces and the National District due to a trough and tropical wave bringing intense rain risk. Local Justice & Rights: A Judiciary study says fear, emotional dependence, depression and pressure are key reasons victims drop gender-violence cases, while only a small share formally join proceedings. Sports/Entertainment: Arajet and other headlines also came alongside a major Dominican filming accident story tied to “Survivor Greece,” plus ongoing pop-culture chatter.

Crisis in Cuba: May Day protests in Havana put Cuba’s “besieged” message front and center as the U.S. rolled out fresh sanctions on the same day, with critics calling it an escalation aimed at suffocating the island. Local Weather Watch: The Dominican Emergency Operations Center extended a green alert for 15 provinces and the National District as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy rain risk from Sunday, with warnings about flooding and avoiding river crossings. Health System Shake-up: The National Health Service has removed or reshuffled multiple hospital directors in Greater Santo Domingo since January, including new leadership at key facilities. Road Safety Update: President Abinader issued a decree adjusting driver’s license validity—longer renewals for seniors over 65—with periodic evaluations kept in place. Tourism & Economy: Officials say rare earth studies in Pedernales should deliver estimates by year-end, while tourism remains strong even as competitors struggle. Sports & Culture: “Survivor Greece” filming was paused after a contestant was badly injured off Saona Island; in Santo Domingo, a new Kimpton in the Colonial Zone is drawing attention with fresh rates and buzz.

Weather Watch: The COE kept a green alert active for 15 provinces and the National District as a trough and tropical wave are expected to bring significant rainfall starting Sunday, with risks of river overflow, flash floods, and urban flooding. Public Health & Management: The NHS has removed more than five hospital directors in Greater Santo Domingo since January, as the National Health Service pushes changes through “surprise visits.” Mining & Industry: Rare earth exploration is moving fast, with Minister José Ignacio Paliza saying studies on quantity and quality should be ready by year-end—positioning the country for a potential new supply-chain industry. Economy & Daily Life: A new report highlights how rising costs in the U.S. are hitting Latino families hard, including Dominicans sending money home. Tourism & Culture: Luxury travel buzz continues, from new resort openings in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone to a Casa de Campo festival built around cigars, rum, and golf. Security & Justice: Police arrested two people in Colombia over an alleged baby-monkey smuggling attempt into the Dominican Republic, after animals were found hidden in underwear. Sports: “Survivor Greece” filming was halted after a contestant was seriously injured in the Dominican Republic.

Survivor Greece Shock: Filming has been halted after contestant Stavros Floros was seriously injured while spearfishing off Saona Island in the Dominican Republic—reports say a tourist boat struck him, leading to a partial amputation and major ankle trauma, with authorities investigating. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: Two people were arrested at Cartagena’s airport for allegedly trying to smuggle three baby monkeys into the DR hidden in underwear; one died, suspected suffocation. Tourism & Luxury: Casa de Campo in La Romana will host the “Cigars in Paradise” festival June 25–28, pairing premium cigars, rum and golf in a resort-wide event. Road Safety Update: President Abinader extended driver’s license validity for older drivers, with new renewal rules for people over 65. Weather Alert: Indomet warns of significant rainfall and possible thunderstorms/hail from Sunday afternoon into next Wednesday, with provinces on green alert.

Aviation & Tourism: The Civil Aviation Board says Spirit Airlines’ exit from the Dominican Republic will have only a “moderate” impact, with Frontier, Southwest, Arajet and JetBlue expected to absorb the routes. Travel Demand: Tourism is still holding up while some Caribbean rivals struggle, with economists pointing to problems in Cuba, Jamaica and Cancun as spillover opportunities. Road Safety: President Luis Abinader extended driver’s license validity for seniors—licenses for people over 65 can now be renewed for longer periods, with new age-based timelines. Weather Watch: Indomet warns of significant rainfall from Sunday May 17 through Wednesday, with thunderstorms and hail; COE has issued a green alert for flooding-prone provinces. Sports & Culture: Arajet resumes nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador flights in October 2026, and Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone is drawing fresh buzz with the new Kimpton Las Mercedes, with rates reported from $165 a night. Public Safety Tech: Indotel and the Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to boost cyber defense and telecom monitoring.

Fuel Shock in the Dominican Republic: The government has raised fuel prices by up to RD$8.00 as global oil surges, while MICM says subsidies will keep LPG prices frozen and partially cushion gasoline and diesel for May 16–22. Citizenship Milestone: 149 foreign nationals from 30+ countries were sworn in as Dominican citizens in Santo Domingo, with Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful urging respect for the Constitution and democratic values. Public Safety & Rights: A new legal push is gaining attention for penalizing officers who prevent people from recording them during public duties—aimed at boosting transparency. Tech Security Boost: Indotel and the Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to strengthen telecom infrastructure, cyber defense, and border monitoring, including drone and signal interference detection. Sports Tourism: Arajet is resuming nonstop Punta Cana–Ecuador flights from October 2026, adding two weekly routes.

Aviation & Trade: Arajet is resuming nonstop flights between Punta Cana and Ecuador, with two weekly routes starting in October 2026—boosting tourism links and making Punta Cana a bigger South America hub. Public Safety: Dominican prosecutors have ordered an investigation into the killing of Esmeralda Moronta de los Santos, shot by her ex-partner after she sought protection for harassment and stalking. Energy Diplomacy: President Abinader returned from Panama and Guyana, where he pushed investment and signed an oil-exploration cooperation deal, while talks continue on possible Berbice Block interest. Governance & Services: Infotep received the former Legislators’ Club to turn it into a hospitality and tourism training center. Health Leadership: The Dominican Republic will preside over the World Health Assembly for the first time, with Health Minister Víctor Atallah set to lead global discussions in Geneva. Culture & Sports: Long Night of Museums 2026 opens with free activities nationwide, and Dominican baseball standout Jorsixt Jimenez was named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy.

Immigration Tension: The Dominican Republic’s government has approved a new Integration Programme for Dominican nationals abroad (DRIP) while opposition leaders sharply attack a U.S. deal to temporarily receive “third-country” deportees, calling it a sovereignty risk and demanding full disclosure. Energy Deal: Santo Domingo and Georgetown signed an agreement to jointly explore and potentially develop oil and gas in Guyana’s onshore Berbice block, with Refidomsa representing the DR and a 10% stake. Aviation & Connectivity: The Senate approved an air services pact with Greece, aiming to expand passenger and cargo links. Local Life: A new RD$222.2 million public plaza opened in Ciudad Juan Bosch, alongside road upgrades. Culture & IP: ONDA says copyright registrations have surged to nearly 34,000 in 2025, with more than 19,000 in April 2026. Sports/Entertainment: “Survivor Greece” was pulled after a contestant was seriously injured in the Dominican Republic.

MLB Labor Talks Kick Off: Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association opened negotiations Tuesday with an exchange of opening presentations—no proposals yet—but the clock is ticking toward the Dec. 1 CBA deadline and a possible salary-cap showdown. Energy Deal: The Dominican Republic and Guyana signed an oil exploration agreement to jointly study the Berbice block, with the DR’s refinery company set to hold a 10% stake. Migration Sovereignty Clash: The Duartian Institute criticized the Dominican-U.S. memorandum that would temporarily receive some third-country deportees, warning it could clash with Dominican immigration rules and sovereignty. Copyright Boom: ONDA says Dominican creators’ registrations surged from about 1,400 a year to nearly 34,000 protected works by end-2025, with more than 19,000 filed in April. Sports Tourism Spotlight: CDN Deportes was named an official 24/7 broadcaster for Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

MLB Labor Talks Kick Off: MLB and the MLBPA met Tuesday for the first time in a looming CBA fight, swapping opening presentations with no proposals yet—leaving questions about a possible salary cap and a potential lockout hanging into 2027. DR-US Immigration Tension: Dominican opposition leaders are blasting a new U.S. deal that would temporarily bring in third-country deportees, calling it opaque and a threat to national sovereignty. Court Clash Over Detention: In Rhode Island, a judge voided a DOJ subpoena seeking medical records of transgender youth, while the Trump administration escalated its dispute with the court over an immigration case involving a man released despite a homicide warrant. Logistics Upgrade for the Region: DP World says it has won IATA certification for Panama air-freight operations, aiming to tighten secure, compliant cargo handling across air, sea, and inland routes. Local Civic Update: The JCE says Dominicans abroad can now book online appointments to renew identity and voter cards.

Terror Designations: The Dominican Republic has officially labeled Iran’s IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, citing UN and regional anti-terror commitments and signaling tighter security cooperation. Migration Deal: The U.S. Embassy says a new third-country migration agreement will temporarily transfer screened non-Haitian nationals to the Dominican Republic under strict conditions, excluding unaccompanied minors. ICE Case Fallout: A man remains at large after a Rhode Island judge ordered ICE could re-detain him—yet authorities still can’t locate him. Economy Debate: Leonel Fernández blames the Dominican economic crisis on government spending, debt growth, and “improvisation,” not Middle East shocks alone. Sports & Culture: MLB labor talks kicked off with opening presentations; locally, Santo Domingo prepares for FESTAE 2026 starting May 15. Travel & Weather: Authorities warn of hot, humid conditions tied to the “Zenith Sun,” while TUI flags possible summer price pressure.

Mining Protest Escalates: Dominican communities and the Coalition Against Mining say Canadian GoldQuest, Unigold and Belfond still hold permits tied to the Romero gold-and-copper project in the Cordillera Central—despite protests forcing a pause—demanding a presidential decree to permanently block it, arguing the area is the country’s “Granary of the South” and a key water source. US-DR Security Deal: The Dominican Republic renewed U.S. access to Las Américas and San Isidro for Shield of the Americas security cooperation, and agreed to temporarily accept limited third-country deportees (excluding Haiti and unaccompanied minors), with biometric upgrades at borders. Tourism & Environment: Punta Cana’s Puntacana Foundation warns coral reef loss could hurt tourism more than infrastructure gaps, urging stronger private action to protect reefs. Global Watch: The U.S. imposed visa bans on 13 people linked to an India-based firm accused of fentanyl trafficking.

Tourism & Regulation: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) rolled out a Comprehensive Short-Term Rental Framework, aiming to help destinations capture booming STR demand while tightening oversight, visitor safety, and community protections. Cruise Diversification: The Dominican Republic is pushing a regional plan to diversify cruise tourism as fuel costs squeeze operators, with more flexible routes and stronger port and onshore experiences. Migration Deal: The Dominican Republic signed a non-binding U.S. MOU under “Shield of the Americas” to temporarily receive a limited number of third-country nationals in transit—case-by-case, with exclusions including Haitian nationals and unaccompanied minors. Local Infrastructure: A temporary Camú River detour reopened to reconnect Santiago and Puerto Plata while a new bridge is built after the earlier collapse. Safety & Economy: Authorities created the first official larimar mine safety inspection team; meanwhile, the Central Bank reported Q1 FDI around US$1.54B and remittances of US$4.08B in the first four months. Security Snapshot: The country logged 394 violent deaths in the first four months of 2026, including 117 tied to organized and common crime.

Survivor Shock in the DR: Greek broadcaster SKAI suspended Survivor after a contestant was seriously injured during filming in the Dominican Republic when a tourist boat heading to Saona Island reportedly hit him while he was diving with a speargun; the man is in serious but stable condition and the local Navy is investigating. Health & Travel Watch: Dominican authorities say they’re following protocols after a Norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess, with only 37 passengers still isolated on arrival in Puerto Plata. Aviation Update: Flights between the Dominican Republic and Haiti stay suspended as the government finalizes new security protocols before resuming service. Tourism Planning: The Verón-Punta Cana district will present its Territorial Planning Plan on May 11 to guide land use and infrastructure as growth accelerates. Local Economy: President Abinader inaugurated a new PriceSmart club in La Romana, a US$21.1M project creating about 125 jobs and boosting local suppliers.

Maritime Tragedy: A Carnival passenger died after falling off the pier at Celebration Key in the Bahamas, with the cruise line confirming she drove off in a mobility scooter and was later pronounced dead. Public Health: The Caribbean Princess norovirus outbreak continues to ripple through cruise travel, with the CDC reporting 102 passengers and 13 crew sick during a voyage that’s now heading toward the Dominican Republic. Youth & Health in Dajabón: UNFPA and the EU-backed “Fabricando Sueños” program graduated over 100 teens and adolescents in Dajabón, targeting high rates of teenage pregnancy and early unions. Energy & Industry: DP World commissioned a large solar installation at its Dominican logistics hub, aiming to cut more than 3,500 tons of CO₂ annually. Education Push: The government’s “Open and Active School” program is now running across 208 centers in Greater Santo Domingo and eight provinces, opening Saturdays for sports and cultural activities. Local Governance: Housing permitting is being streamlined through the VUC “single window,” with officials citing faster, clearer approvals for builders in Punta Cana and beyond.