AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Twin quakes that struck Venezuela’s northern coast have killed at least 920 people and left about 3,360 injured, with rescuers racing against aftershocks and reports of more than 50,000 missing. International Aid to La Guaira/Caracas: The Dominican Republic is among the countries sending specialized teams, as officials say hundreds of foreign responders are arriving to search collapsed buildings and deliver equipment. DR Seismic Warning: Santo Domingo’s Onesvie renewed calls for continuous earthquake preparedness, urging regular inspections of hospitals, schools and public buildings after the Venezuela disaster. Local Border Governance: A Dominican Republic–World Bank report flags major weaknesses in Dominican-Haitian border migration management, citing fragmented coordination, inconsistent enforcement, and poor conditions at deportation transit centers. DR Economy Watch: Mining led Dominican growth in the first five months of 2026, expanding 9.7% and boosting exports and tax revenue. Travel/Connectivity: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from Denver to Turks and Caicos, with Santo Domingo already among its Caribbean connections. Quick Note: A 4.9 quake was also reported south of Boca de Yuma, with no tsunami threat and no immediate damage reported.

Venezuela Quake Response: Rescue crews in Caracas and La Guaira are racing to pull survivors from rubble after twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, with officials putting deaths at about 235 and injuries above 4,300, while thousands are still missing and many families sleep outside amid power and communications problems. U.S. Sanctions Relief: The U.S. Treasury moved to waive some sanctions until Oct. 23 to keep earthquake-relief transactions flowing. Dominican Aid on the Ground: Venezuela’s acting leadership says the first Dominican rescuers are already heading to help, as other international teams and aid packages mobilize. Local Sports Upgrade: In Santo Domingo, Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz hailed the inauguration of the remodeled Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto Arena, ending costly emergency air-conditioning rentals with a new 1,200-ton system and modern event tech. Education Dialogue: Dominican education authorities opened a national consultation on the future of education, starting with journalists and communicators from the Cibao region.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Dominican President Abinader announced Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, sending a specialized search-and-rescue team to help after twin quakes devastated Caracas and La Guaira; interim President Delcy Rodríguez says the death toll has climbed to at least 188 with more than 1,520 injured, as rescuers search collapsed buildings and fears grow the numbers could rise. Local Security & Transport: Greater Santo Domingo is moving to organize motorcycle taxi stands under a new security and traffic strategy led by the Ministry of Interior and Police, with DIGESETT and municipal partners outlining regulated zones and identification vests. Business & Industry: The Dominican Republic’s Association of Industries (AIRD) criticized the Senate’s rushed amendment to the solid waste law, saying it lacked consultation and technical input. Tourism & Culture: Bávaro Adventure Park in Punta Cana launched a new nighttime experience, “Sacred River at Night,” adding immersive jungle and underground river attractions. Sports Spotlight: Dominican-born Rays third baseman Junior Caminero powered Tampa Bay to a 13-2 win with three home runs.

Venezuela Quake Fallout: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes devastated Venezuela, collapsing buildings in Caracas and leaving at least 32 dead and 700+ injured, with La Guaira—near the main airport—described as the hardest-hit “disaster zone” as rescue teams race to pull survivors from rubble. Regional Response: World leaders and governments moved quickly with offers of help; Acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked partners as the U.S. said it was “ready, willing, and able” and multiple countries prepared rescue and medical support. Dominican Republic Alert Update: The Dominican Republic’s tsunami warning for the southern coast—triggered by the quake—has been lifted after monitoring showed the threat had passed, though officials urged continued vigilance. Cruise Industry: Marella Cruises will permanently convert Marella Discovery 2 into an adults-only ship for winter 2027, replacing kids-only areas with new entertainment concepts.

Budget Transparency: DIGEPRES received the 2025 Open Budget Survey results showing the Dominican Republic scoring 82/100, ranking second worldwide and first in Latin America for budget transparency. Public-Private Push for MSMEs: The MICM and Uber Eats signed a collaboration to boost sales and visibility for micro, small and medium businesses through the app and MICM business roundtables. Gender Violence Reporting: The Ministry of Women urged media to include helpline numbers in coverage of gender-based violence, highlighting the 212, 9-1-1 and 211 lines. Agriculture Protest: Police dispersed an ANPA march toward the National Palace with tear gas, after rural workers demanded better pay and pensions. Human Development Report: CABEI and UNDP agreed to prepare the 2026 National Human Development Report, focusing on growth, inequality, gender and social-environment challenges. Identity for Newborns: Institutions renewed the on-time and late birth registration framework for 2026–2030, aiming to end under-registration and guarantee legal identity for every child. Sports Pride: President Abinader congratulated NBA draftee Yaxel Lendeborg, calling it an inspiration for Dominican youth.

Dominican Politics in the U.S. Spotlight: New York’s 13th Congressional District primary has turned into a flashpoint over anti-Haitian and anti-Black rhetoric tied to Dominican-origin Rep. Adriano Espaillat, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemning the use of “Haitian” as a slur against challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier. NBA Draft Pride: Dominican forward Yaxel Lendeborg was selected No. 11 by the Golden State Warriors, a major win for Dominican representation in the league. Tourism Shock: A massive fire at the Viva Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe left at least one tourist dead and nearly 1,700 evacuated, with authorities and hotel operators working on next steps for stranded visitors. Food Security Push: The Dominican government expanded fertilizer subsidies with new agreements, adding over RD$1.09 billion to protect farm input costs and basic food prices through August 31. Regional Integration Funding: CAF announced a US$10B plan through 2031 to back Latin America and the Caribbean projects, including infrastructure, trade, food security, energy, and tourism. Health & Safety Oversight: The TSE declared an amparo action against the JCE inadmissible, while public health surveillance continues to target hygiene violations in food establishments.

Mass Casualty Fire: A Massachusetts family from Lawrence lost four members in a fire while traveling in Barahona, Dominican Republic, with other relatives still receiving treatment, and local officials say they’re working to investigate the blaze. Tourism Safety & Recovery: The government and authorities continue responding to the earlier Viva Dominicus Beach inferno in Bayahibe that killed at least one tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests, while help efforts and logistics for affected visitors continue. Food Security: The Dominican government extended fertilizer subsidies with an additional RD$1.09 billion, bringing total support to RD$2.151 billion through August 31 to protect farm costs and basic food prices. Public Health Oversight: The Ministry of Public Health says it is intensifying sanitary surveillance and inspections after hygiene-related videos circulated online, stressing compliance checks and ongoing monitoring. Crime & Justice: Police say an ERD sergeant major accused in the shooting death of his romantic partner is now in custody, with the case headed to prosecutors. Migration & Rights: Human rights groups delivered signatures urging repeal of immigration verification practices in Dominican public hospitals, warning it discourages undocumented patients from seeking care. Local Governance & Services: The JCE removed birth-month limits for weekend and holiday ID renewals, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays for cédula and electoral card renewals. Aviation & Economy: FL Technics received FAA certification to launch aircraft maintenance services in Punta Cana, targeting regional airline demand. Regional Integration: The Dominican Republic will chair an ACS trade development committee for 2026–2027, reinforcing its role in Caribbean economic coordination.

Resort Fire in Bayahibe: A massive blaze at Viva Dominicus Beach Resort forced nearly 1,700 tourists to evacuate; at least one woman died and many travelers were left stranded after passports and travel documents were destroyed. Power Outage in Santo Domingo Norte: Residents of Vista Bella III in Villa Mella reported more than 10 hours without electricity and say EDEESTE has not sent an effective response. Public Ministry Internship Push: The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) launched a National Internship Program for law, psychology, and technology students to connect classroom learning with practical experience at the Public Ministry. Health Research Loss: HIV/AIDS researcher Ellen Levy Koenig died, leaving a legacy of early studies and support initiatives for vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic. Sports—Basketball & Volleyball: The DR men’s national basketball team begins training for the 2027 World Cup qualifying window, with games vs the U.S. (July 3) and Nicaragua (July 6); meanwhile, NORCECA beach volleyball wrapped in Juan Dolio. Tourism Spotlight: The Ministry of Tourism announced an invitation-only black-tie gala in Miami to “Discover Miches,” positioning the emerging destination on the global luxury map.

Resort Fire in Bayahibe: A luxury beachfront hotel in the Dominican Republic (Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach) was engulfed in flames, killing one Italian woman and forcing nearly 1,700 tourists to evacuate; many were left stranded after losing passports and travel documents as authorities investigate how the fire spread so fast. Public Safety & Justice: Dominican Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful said 59% of homicides stem from social conflicts, urging stronger coexistence and conflict-resolution efforts. Health Prep for Santo Domingo 2026: The Health Ministry says it has boosted prevention, surveillance, and emergency response ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games, including lab capacity and vaccination checks. Local Culture & Tourism: “Turizoneando 2026” kicks off in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City with 100+ events through Aug. 30, plus free guided routes and museum late hours. DR–U.S. Nuclear Cooperation: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos highlighted a new DR–U.S. nuclear technology MoU focused on nuclear medicine, training, and research (not immediate power-plant plans). Sports & Transit: Abinader and Carolina Mejía inaugurated the Paseo 30 de Mayo Sports Park, while Santiago’s monorail project hit a major manufacturing milestone in France.

Resort Fire Aftermath: A massive blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe killed an Italian tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests; reports say many travelers’ passports and identity documents were burned, and hotel staff are coordinating with embassies and authorities to speed replacements. Tourism & Safety: Dominican officials say the fire was contained to the hotel and investigations are ongoing, while visitors describe panic and hours of smoke and destruction. Politics: PLD leader Danilo Medina criticized the government’s tax reform, warning it will hit the middle class and the poorest hardest. Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader congratulated Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, signaling continued cooperation and stronger ties. Local Development: Tourism Minister David Collado launched the “Dive Into Happiness” campaign to boost Cabarete’s surf and wind sports appeal and strengthen Puerto Plata’s destination identity. Economy Watch: The basic family food basket rose to 49,268.36 pesos by May, up 1.1% so far in 2026, according to central bank data. Weather: Indomet says summer conditions bring Saharan dust in the morning and thunderstorms with gusts in the afternoon, urging hydration and sun protection.

Resort Fire Tragedy in Bayahibe: A massive blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe killed an Italian tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests, with authorities saying the fire spread rapidly due to wind and thatched roof materials; tourists also lost identity documents like passports, and officials say hotels and embassies are helping people return home. Tourism Response: The Dominican Republic’s tourism and emergency authorities said the hotel will remain closed while the cause is investigated, while nearby areas and the Dominicus Palace resort were not affected. Heat and Weather Watch: Summer officially begins with dangerous heat and Saharan dust; Indomet warns of downpours and thunderstorms in parts of the country, but also urges hydration and sun avoidance during peak hours. Public Safety at Sea: The Dominican Navy assisted four people of different nationalities after navigation trouble near Puerto Plata, transferring them for medical attention. Sports Spotlight (DR in VNL): In the Volleyball Nations League, the Dominican Republic fell to Czechia in a five-set thriller, while the U.S. swept Serbia in the same Pasig leg. Cabarete Promotion Push: Tourism Minister David Collado launched “Dive Into Happiness” to boost Cabarete’s surf and wind sports brand for international visitors.

Resort Fire Disaster in Bayahibe: A massive blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe left one Italian tourist dead and nearly 1,700 guests evacuated to nearby hotels, with authorities saying the fire spread rapidly due to wind and thatched roof sections; the Emergency Operations Center says the cause is under investigation and tourism in the area continues normally. Tourists’ Aftermath: Officials say displaced visitors are being helped with lost identity documents, coordinating with embassies and governments, while hotel staff described chaos as some guests tried to return for belongings. Tourism Push Despite Crisis: Tourism Minister David Collado said his team is moving fast to protect the sector, meeting major cruise lines and warning of a potential slowdown, including a reported drop in some operations tied to new port infrastructure elsewhere. Sports Spotlight (VNL): The Dominican Republic women’s team snapped a rough start by stunning Japan in the Volleyball Nations League in Pasig, a morale boost as the tournament heads toward the finals.

Bayahibe Resort Fire: A massive blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe killed an Italian tourist, identified as 46-year-old Francesca Valentino, and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests; authorities say the fire spread fast due to flammable thatched/palm roofing and strong winds, while the cause is still under investigation and displaced tourists were moved to nearby hotels. Tourism Watch: Tourism Minister David Collado said his team is pushing concrete actions to protect the cruise boom, meeting major cruise executives and responding to warning signs after some operators reduced activity. Anti-Drug Crackdown (Santo Domingo Este): DNCD and the Public Ministry reported raids on micro-trafficking networks in multiple sectors of Santo Domingo Este, arresting 42 people and seizing drugs and cash. Migration Enforcement: The General Directorate of Migration arrested two DGM collaborators caught transporting 22 Haitian nationals in irregular status using official vehicles, pointing to an alleged smuggling network inside the agency. Sports (VNL): In the Volleyball Nations League in the Philippines, the Dominican Republic snapped back with a win over Japan, while beach volleyball action continued in Juan Dolio.

Resort Fire Tragedy in Bayahibe: A fast-moving blaze at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe killed an Italian tourist, 46-year-old Francesca Valentino, and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests; authorities say the fire spread rapidly due to wind and flammable palm-thatched roof sections, while the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and tourism in the area continued. Customs Drug Bust: At Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, customs arrested a 23-year-old Dominican student trying to smuggle 37 kg of hashish worth about 377 million rupees, seized from 146 packets in his suitcases. Local Crime Probe: DICRIM says it is searching for three men accused of an armed robbery in Ensanche Isabelita, including suspects identified as “Cartoer W” and “La Volanta,” after victims were robbed of phones, cash and valuables. Sports Spotlight (VNL): Serbia beat the Dominican Republic 3-0 in women’s Volleyball Nations League, with Nina Cajic leading the turnaround for Serbia after a skid.

Volleyball Nations League: Serbia bounced back in style, routing the Dominican Republic 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 at Philsports Arena in Pasig to end a five-match skid, with Anja Zubic and Nina Cajic leading the charge as the DR fell to 0-7. Tourism & Safety: A major fire broke out at the Viva Dominicus Bayahíbe resort in La Altagracia, sending thick smoke over the area; officials have not yet confirmed the cause or any injuries. High-Profile Criminal Case: ESPN reports new witness claims in the Dominican Republic homicide investigation involving former NFL star Mike Pennel Jr., after the body of Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche was found on property Pennel once owned. Local Governance: The Chamber of Accounts trained Eastern-region municipal officials on the SICEEP transparency system, aiming to strengthen accountability in budgets and executions. Trade Watch: Dominican exports to Haiti topped US$563.14 million in the first five months of 2026, up 24.64%, while imports from Haiti plunged to just US$0.35 million. Sports Spotlight: Marileidy Paulino opened the Doha Diamond League with a record 400m win in 48.91 seconds. Education & Media: SODOMEDI backed the national consultation on education transformation, urging media participation in shaping the future school model. Regional Integration: President Abinader pushed for stronger CARIFORUM–EU implementation during the joint council meeting in the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo 2026 Baseball: The national baseball team for the Central American and Caribbean Games called players to practice ahead of the July 31–Aug 7 competition window. Culture: Dominican music icon Alex Bueno died in New York at 62 after battling brain cancer, leaving a lasting mark on merengue and bachata.

Mombasa Declaration on Illegal Fishing: Fourteen governments backed the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, pledging stronger fisheries transparency and tougher action against IUU fishing, with the Dominican Republic among the signatories. Tourism Watch: Dominican hotels hit 82% average occupancy in the first five months of 2026, led by La Romana (91%) and Bayahíbe (89%), while visitor satisfaction climbed to 4.5/5. Energy Demand Record: The Dominican power grid set a new peak maximum instantaneous demand of 4,077.97 MW, underscoring pressure to expand generation and distribution. Medical Tourism Deal: Sky High Dominicana teamed up with Plaza de la Salud to offer preferential healthcare rates for international patients arriving via the airline. Abortion Ban Challenge: Pro-life groups rallied outside the Constitutional Court as a case seeks to loosen the Dominican Republic’s strict abortion ban, arguing for exceptions tied to health and pregnancy circumstances. Sports Infrastructure for Santo Domingo 2026: MIVHED delivered the renovated Chess Pavilion and Softball Stadium B at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games. MLB Draft Shake-Up: MLB floated a major amateur overhaul, including an international draft and fewer rounds, as talks with the players’ union continue. Court/Justice Cooperation: Spain’s AECID and Dominican justice officials expanded cooperation focused on victims’ rights and access to legal representation.