AGP Executive Report

FIFA Power Struggle in Punta Cana: FIFA president Gianni Infantino showed up at a CFU Under-14 tournament in the Dominican Republic after Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani asked him to skip it, warning the FIFA governance crisis would drown out the youth event; Infantino posted photos meeting Dominican political and football officials on the sidelines. Health System Shake-Up: The National Health Service (SNS) swore in new hospital directors, including Dr. Gewil Elías Acosta at Padre Billini and Dr. Jenny Olivero at the Jaime Mota Hospital, as part of efforts to strengthen public care. Tourism Road Safety Boost: Tourism Minister David Collado said a national plan for tourist road signage and RD-Vial steps aim to cut accidents, especially in Bávaro-Punta Cana, with better organization of destinations. Roadside Help for Visitors: RD-Vial says tourists can call 511 for emergency roadside assistance in English. Weather & Safety Watch: Two earthquakes were recorded near Punta Cana (3.7 and 3.2) with no reported damage. Sports & Community: INEFI’s “A Day with the Neighborhood” program heads to Union City, New Jersey, bringing basketball, volleyball, chess, and vitillas to Dominican youth abroad.

FIFA Crisis in the Dominican Republic: Under mounting calls for his resignation, Gianni Infantino was confronted by Sky News reporter James Matthews and responded with the quip “I’ll see you at the hairdressers,” as UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF press for accountability after his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. Youth Football Clash: CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani asked Infantino to stay away from the CFU Under-14 tournament in Punta Cana, warning his presence would “undermine” the event—yet Infantino still appeared with local officials. Regional Economy Watch: ECLAC projects the Dominican economy will grow 4% in 2026 and 4.4% in 2027, while highlighting productivity gaps between formal and informal sectors. Weather Update: Indomet forecasts scattered downpours with thunderstorms across multiple provinces, including Greater Santo Domingo, with high temperatures and heat-safety advice. Diplomacy: Pakistan’s new ambassador presented credentials to President Luis Abinader, pledging deeper cooperation in trade, IT, tourism and people-to-people ties. Telecom Shake-up: Viettel won spectrum rights to build 4G/5G networks in the DR for 20 years, aiming to boost competition and lower consumer costs.

Telecom Shake-Up: Viettel has won INDOTEL approval to use three spectrum bands (700 MHz, 2,300 MHz and C-Band) for 4G/5G networks for 20 years, with procedures and a concession deal expected within 90 days—aimed at boosting competition and lowering costs for consumers. Fuel Costs: The Dominican government will subsidize RD$1.312 billion this week as regular gasoline and diesel rise RD$3 per gallon, citing higher oil prices tied to renewed U.S.-Iran tensions. Road Disruption: Las Américas Highway will face a partial overnight closure Friday night into Saturday morning for work dismantling a pedestrian bridge at km 12, with the Ecological Highway offered as an alternative. Weather Watch: Indomet forecasts little rain this weekend, with isolated showers possible and continued high temperatures; Saharan dust may arrive Saturday morning. Sports & Youth Football: Jamaica and Haiti booked CFU U-14 Tier I finals spots after semifinal wins in the Dominican Republic, setting up a Sunday showdown. Business/Trade: Crowley announced a new weekly container service linking Port Houston to Santo Tomás de Castilla (Guatemala) and Puerto Cortés (Honduras), with refrigerated and dry cargo for faster supply chains. Migration Spotlight: After the U.S. ended TPS for Haitians, the first deportation flight landed in Cap-Haïtien with more than 160 people, as Haiti’s migration authorities warn of dangerous travel routes.

Deportations and Haiti’s security: The U.S. sent more than 160 people back to Haiti on Thursday, the first major flight since TPS protections were ended. The plane landed in Cap-Haïtien because Port-au-Prince remains too dangerous under a U.S. flight ban, and many deportees covered their faces as gangs control much of the capital. Migration enforcement in the DR: The Dominican Republic’s Migration agency says it processed 250,429 irregular immigration cases in 2026, including 186,139 deportations, with major activity in Haina and Dajabón. Earthquake preparedness: COE chief Col. CB Erdwin R. Olivares met geologist Osiris de León to review national seismic risk and the earthquake contingency plan, urging families to prepare evacuation routes and supplies. Tech and inclusion: President Abinader met 53 deaf students who completed AI training, praising results above the national average and highlighting access to digital tools. Telecom competition: Viettel won spectrum rights in the DR for 4G/5G, signaling a new telecom entrant after INDOTEL’s resolution. Sports at Cap Cana: The CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for Friday at Cap Cana Sports City, with DR vs Haiti and Jamaica vs Bermuda. Economy watch: Central Bank reference rates show the dollar at RD$57.17 buy / RD$59.71 sell and the euro at RD$65.64 buy / RD$69.93 sell.

Protected Areas Titling: President Luis Abinader launched a state-led national process to title protected lands, delivering the first six titles for areas inside Loma Novillero and Montaña La Humeadora national parks, totaling 12.35 million square meters, to curb illegal occupation and better protect water sources. Heat Safety: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged Dominicans to prevent heat illness amid high temperatures, stressing regular hydration, avoiding direct sun, and extra care for children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Forced Labor Probe: A human-rights watchdog report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations, urging the U.S. to impose an import ban; the allegations include low/inaccurate wages and poor living conditions. Judicial Reform: The Senate approved in first reading a contentious administrative jurisdiction bill to strengthen citizens’ legal protection against government actions or omissions. Sports & Tourism: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected to visit the Dominican Republic this Friday tied to the CFU U-14 Challenge in Punta Cana; meanwhile, Prime Video announced a $2B-plus Latin America investment through 2030 that includes the Dominican Republic.

Forced Labor Probe: A U.S. watchdog says forced labor persists in Dominican sugarcane despite a prior import ban being lifted, prompting Sen. Ron Wyden to demand answers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Telecom Shake-Up: Indotel awarded radio spectrum to Viettel and Claro Dominicana, aiming to boost competition and improve prices and service quality. Central Bank Update: The Central Bank set Thursday’s dollar reference rates at RD$57.25 (buy) and RD$59.70 (sell), with similar small moves for remittance and the euro. Public Safety Pressure: Relatives of Jet Set tragedy victims held a vigil in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, calling Jalao “Antonio Espaillat’s second Jet Set” and demanding full transparency on permits and safety controls. Regional Security Drill: Dominican forces will join Fuerzas Comando 2026 in Paraguay, a U.S.-organized special operations exercise with 21 countries. Sports Spotlight: NORCECA’s women’s continental championship is set to start in Santo Domingo on Aug. 21, while CFU U-14 action continues across the country.

Cycling & Youth Sports: Elite cyclist Thomas heads to Belize to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 2026 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships (Aug. 20–24), racing the individual time trial on Aug. 22 and the road race on Aug. 23. CFU U-14 Football: Antigua and Barbuda booked CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semifinals with a 3-1 comeback win over Turks & Caicos in Santo Domingo; Jamaica also advanced after a 2-0 win over Curacao, while Bermuda qualified after a goalless draw with the Dominican Republic. Tourism Policy: Dominican senators pushed again for incentives for nautical maritime tourism, arguing the DR is losing billions without legislation to help private vessels arrive and operate. Forced Labor Law: A bill was presented to ban goods produced through forced labor, including practices tied to migrant workers’ documents and coercion. Local Alerts & Education: COE placed Santo Domingo province and the National District under green alert for possible flooding; MINERD is nearing completion of a Santo Domingo Este school adding 25 classrooms for the 2026–2027 year. Tech & Connectivity: ITLA is exploring partnerships with SpaceX/Starlink and xAI to expand internet access and AI training across the Dominican Republic. Diplomacy & Security: Cuba welcomed expelled diplomats from the Dominican Republic, while reports also allege Cuban intelligence agents infiltrated sports events in Santo Domingo.

Health & Training: The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health and the National Health Service launched a KOICA- and PAHO/WHO-supported prenatal care facilitator training in Dajabón and Elías Piña, aiming to strengthen checkups, early risk detection, referrals, and warning-sign monitoring across 31 prenatal centers in Dajabón and 19 in Elías Piña. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos in Santo Domingo to review shared priorities and expand cooperation across key sectors. Public Finance & Trade: The DGCP rolled out EfiCompras, the country’s first virtual e-commerce store for low-value government purchases, designed to speed up everyday procurement. Economy Watch: The Central Bank set the dollar at RD$57.14 (buy) and RD$59.70 (sell), while the euro was RD$65.50 (buy) and RD$69.82 (sell). Safety & Justice: A suspect in the Santiago garbage truck driver murder was arrested in Jamaica and is expected to be transferred to face charges in the Dominican Republic. Infrastructure & Investment: Puerto Plata’s Terminal del Norte project could bring over US$520 million in its first phase, targeting logistics expansion and new marine energy and cruise support. Human Rights: A new report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations tied to U.S. market access, renewing calls for a U.S. import ban. Child Safety: Official figures show 41 child femicides in the Dominican Republic from 2021-2025, with family settings repeatedly linked to the killings.

Eficompras Launch: President Luis Abinader unveiled Eficompras, the Dominican State’s first virtual store, built by the General Directorate of Public Procurement to speed up government buying and boost transparency for smaller suppliers, with mandatory use for eligible institutions under a 90-business-day rollout. Gambling Crackdown: A new gambling bill sets tough criminal penalties for tampering with lottery and betting results, including 5 to 10 years in prison and fines, aiming to protect randomness and public trust. Health Update: The DR will keep its current childhood vaccination schedule despite U.S. changes, while officials also flagged 19 leptospirosis deaths this year and urged prevention and early diagnosis. Forced Labor Watch: A human rights report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations tied to Central Romana, urging the U.S. to reinstate an import ban. Sargassum Pressure: Asonahores says sargassum solutions should help both tourism and local communities as more seaweed is expected to reach Dominican coasts in 2026. Local Justice: Authorities in the U.S. are investigating a shipping scam after dozens of complaints from customers trying to send goods to the Dominican Republic.

Armed Forces Shakeup: President Luis Abinader swore in new top commanders after Decree 557-26, naming Major General Jimmy Arias Grullón as Army commander, Major General Enmanuel Marcelino Souffront Tamayo as Air Force commander, and General Rafael Ernesto Rodríguez García as National Police director general. Aviation Leadership Changes: Decree 552-26 also reshuffled airport and aviation management, appointing Julio de Jesús Peña Guzmán as president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC). Tourism & Housing Pressure: Asonahores head Juan Bancalari says Airbnb listings in Santo Domingo now outnumber hotel rooms, urging regulation for safety, quality, and tax compliance. Energy Safety Tragedy: A diesel tanker explosion on George Washington Avenue near the Sheraton killed at least two people and sparked calls to enforce rules limiting heavy truck traffic on the Malecon. Mining Contract Ends: The Superior Administrative Court canceled Falcondo’s Quisqueya I concession, ending a nearly seven-decade deal after alleged breaches and long suspension. Sports (Local Spotlight): Harlem Globetrotters return to the DR with a Sept. 5 show at Gran Arena del Cibao in Santiago.

Police Leadership Shake-Up: President Luis Abinader appointed Gen. Ernesto Rodríguez García as the new director general of the National Police, promoting him to major general—an overhaul that residents say may not be enough to curb crime without deeper institutional changes. Cuban Diplomats Exit: Cuba’s ambassador and other mission staff left the Dominican Republic ahead of the Aug. 13 deadline after the government ordered nine Cuban diplomats and their families to depart, triggering fresh political debate. Identity Services Boost: The JCE delivered civil registry and ID issuance services to 1,762 people in Haina and nearby communities, including late birth registrations and new identity cards. Youth Recognition Call: The Eduardo Brito National Theater will host the launch of the 31st National Youth Award on Aug. 19, opening a new call for young Dominicans. Sports—Local Spotlight: Dominican Republic’s Rayni Merab Mondesi Arias led key categories at the U17 volleyball worlds, while Ketel Marte’s no-show in Boston made headlines for the Dominican star abroad. Culture & Trade: Cocoa exports hit US$669M in 2025, up 55%, with the Dominican Chocolate Festival set for Sept. 11–13 in Santo Domingo.

Foreign Affairs Shake-Up: President Luis Abinader named Víctor “Ito” Bisonó as the new Foreign Minister, replacing Roberto Álvarez, who wrapped up a six-year term and credited reforms and stronger support for Dominicans abroad. Cabinet Changes: Decrees also reshuffled Housing and Ports leadership, with Jean Luis Rodríguez taking MIVHED and new appointments at Apordom. Transport & Emergencies: Abinader appointed retired Major General Juan Manuel Méndez García to lead INTRANT and named Erdwin Robert Olivares Luciano as COE director, signaling a push to tighten disaster response and land-transport oversight. Cuban Diplomats Exit: The Dominican Republic confirmed it ordered nine Cuban mission members and families to leave within seven days, with local debate growing over whether U.S. pressure played a role. Public Sector Costs: A new report says the DR has the fifth-highest share of public-sector workers in Latin America and the Caribbean, raising questions about the state payroll’s fiscal weight. Fuel Truck Tragedy: A tanker fire on George Washington Avenue near the Sheraton left two dead, while authorities coordinated traffic control and emergency response. Fraud Case in Higüey: A physician was ordered into pre-trial detention for allegedly forging hospital documents to register foreign children. Sports Spotlight: Dominican volleyball and youth teams keep making headlines, including medal runs tied to FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support.

Diplomacy Shock: Cuba’s embassy staff in Santo Domingo spent Saturday packing after the Dominican government ordered nine Cuban diplomats and their families to leave by Sunday night, a move Havana calls a response to U.S. pressure and which has sparked protests and sharp criticism. Congress Watch: The National Congress opens the Second Ordinary Legislature of 2026 today, with lawmakers set to tackle pending reforms across police, health, education, justice, cybersecurity, labor, social security, and even rules for the coastal-marine zone. Disaster Preparedness: President Luis Abinader named Erdwin Robert Olivares Luciano as the new director of the COE, tasked with coordinating emergency response and recovery for floods, landslides, earthquakes, fires, and other threats. Weather & Risk: Indomet says a tropical wave will bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusts up to 45 km/h, with alerts for Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces and warnings about tree/structure hazards. Public Health: SINAVE reports malaria and mortality down, but leptospirosis is surging (253 cases in 2026 vs 85 in 2025), with Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo among the hardest hit. Local Governance: Deputy Alfredo Pacheco was sworn in for a tenth term as Chamber of Deputies president, reinforcing continuity at the Lower House helm. Workplace Safety: IDOPPRIL says workplace accidents rose to 35,670 in 2025, and more than 80% of commuting accidents involved motorcycles.

International Diplomacy: The Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met Dominican Ambassador Georges Bahsa Hazim to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and shared priorities. Disaster Preparedness: A seismic vulnerability study says the Dominican Republic must keep evaluating and reinforcing buildings and essential infrastructure; so far, thousands of assessments have been carried out across buildings and road infrastructure. Weather Watch: Indomet warns a tropical wave will bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusts up to 25–45 km/h, with higher risks of tree and sign damage and possible flooding in Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces. Public Health: Malaria and deaths are down, but leptospirosis is surging—19 deaths reported so far this year, with cases concentrated in areas including Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo. Law & Order: Congress opens the Second Ordinary Legislature of 2026, with pending reforms spanning police and health laws, education, cybersecurity, labor and social security updates, plus measures on coastal protection and violence prevention. Sports & Youth: Bermuda’s Under-14 boys squad begins CFU Challenge Series qualifying in Punta Cana, while the Dominican Republic’s youth sports pipeline continues to draw regional attention. Cuban Diplomatic Tension: Dominican authorities ordered the departure of Cuban diplomats, and protests are planned in response.

Cuban Diplomats Expelled: Santo Domingo began the process of packing up after the Dominican government ordered the departure of nine Cuban diplomats and their families, with MIREX giving a seven-day deadline; Cuba’s ambassador downplayed the move as a test of resilience while critics say it’s tied to wider U.S.-Cuba tensions. Protest Over Expulsions: Political and grassroots groups called for a demonstration Tuesday at the Dominican Foreign Affairs ministry to reject the decision. Diplomatic Tension Details: Dominican sources claim the expulsions followed alleged intelligence-linked activities by Cuban officials using diplomatic cover, though authorities did not label them persona non grata. Public Health Update: Leptospirosis has killed 19 people so far this year in the Dominican Republic, out of about 260 registered cases. Weather Watch: Indomet says Saharan dust will limit rain today, but a tropical wave may bring showers early, with more instability expected Sunday including downpours and gusty winds in Greater Santo Domingo. Sports Spotlight: Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez—born in the Dominican Republic—made MLB history with three home runs in his debut.

Weather Watch: Indomet is monitoring two tropical-wave areas for possible cyclonic development, with probabilities of 30% (east of the Lesser Antilles) and up to 50% (southwest of the Cape Verde Islands), while local conditions stay hot and mostly dry under Saharan dust and a shifting trough. Restoration Day Forecast: Ahead of Sunday, a tropical wave is expected to boost humidity and bring cloudy skies, local downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds—especially along the southern coast and Greater Santo Domingo, with heavier rain later toward Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, La Vega and nearby provinces. Diplomacy Tension: The Dominican Republic ordered nine Cuban diplomats and their families to leave within seven days; the Foreign Ministry cited international-law powers but gave no reasons, drawing criticism and questions about whether geopolitics is driving the move. Education Pressure: ADP called nationwide rallies for Thursday, Aug. 20, demanding payment of teacher incentives and retroactives tied to the Teacher Performance Evaluation, with actions limited to demonstrations. Infrastructure Update: MOPC will close the floating bridge over the Ozama River for two hours Saturday (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) for vessel passage, urging drivers to use alternate routes. Public Health Research: INTEC and AI Robotix presented an Alzheimer’s AI research project to President Abinader, aiming at earlier diagnosis and new prevention and treatment approaches. Sports & Culture: Presidente Festival 2026 ticket prices were set from RD$3,900, with sales phases starting Aug. 14 via tuboleta.com.do.